Garmin GMR 2534/2536 xHD3 radar pedestal

Installing the radar pedestal involves several essential steps to ensure secure mounting and optimal performance:

Surface preparation: Secure the included mounting template to the installation surface, aligning it with the bow-stern axis. Drill the mounting holes (15 mm) and, if needed, a cable pass-through hole (32 mm).Pedestal assembly: Position the pedestal on the surface, aligning the holes. Apply primer (Petrolatum Primer) to half the length of each included threaded rod. Insert the rods into the radar base and tighten them with a 6 mm hex key until they no longer turn easily.Under-surface mounting: From beneath the mounting surface, attach plastic shoulder washers, flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts to the threaded rods. Tighten the hex nuts to 14.7 N·m (11 lbf·ft) to securely fasten the radar.Installing the antenna: Remove the protective cover from the waveguide on top of the pedestal. Align the pedestal’s waveguide with the socket under the antenna and slide the antenna onto the pedestal. Secure the antenna using the provided hex screws, spring washers, and flat washers, tightening to 0.81 kgf·m (70 lbf·in or 5.83 lbf·ft).It is recommended to use a qualified marine installer for this procedure.

For the radar pedestal installation, you will need the following tools:

A Phillips screwdriver size #2
A 5 mm hex key
A drill and a 15.0 mm (19/32 in) drill bit
A 17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and a torque wrench
A 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding the radar housing
Marine sealant

Choosing the mounting location is crucial for safety and performance. Key considerations include:

The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam width above head height. Respect the minimum safety distance specified to avoid exposure to radiofrequency (RF) emissions.
Mount the radar high above the keel line of the vessel, ensuring minimal obstruction of the radar beam to prevent blind sectors or false echoes.
The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the vessel's waterline, and sufficiently robust to support the radar's weight.
The location must allow for power, grounding, and network connections.
Avoid mounting the radar near heat sources (exhausts, lights) or at the same height as horizontal spreaders or mast bars.
Maintain a safe distance from magnetic compasses, other electronic devices (more than 2 m from the beam), GPS antennas (above or below the beam), transmitting equipment (at least 1 m), and radio cables (at least 1 m for VHF, at least 2 m for SSB).

The Garmin GMR 2534/2536 xHD3 radar pedestal is the essential mounting and connection base for the Garmin GMR 2534 xHD3 and GMR 2536 xHD3 open-array radar antennas. It provides a secure attachment for the antenna on the boat and houses the electronic components required for power supply and network connection of the radar system, enabling transmission and reception of radar signals.

This pedestal is specifically designed to be compatible with Garmin GMR 2534 xHD3 and Garmin GMR 2536 xHD3 open-array radar antenna models. It ensures perfect integration and the necessary connections for the operation of these radar systems.

The warranty for your Garmin radar pedestal may be voided in the following cases:

Opening the device by anyone other than a Garmin authorized service technician.Connecting the power cable without the appropriate fuse in place, or removing the inline fuse holder.Damage caused by an accident, abuse, misuse, water, flooding, fire, or other natural disasters or external causes.Damage resulting from service performed by a person not authorized by Garmin.Modification or alteration of the product without Garmin's written permission.Connecting the product to power and/or data cables not provided by Garmin.

Radars emit electromagnetic energy. To avoid any potential bodily injury, the following precautions must be strictly observed:

Ensure the radar is installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, with the vertical beam width positioned above head height and clear of people.Maintain the minimum safety distance specified in the product documentation before transmitting.Never look directly at the antenna at close range while the radar is transmitting, as the eyes are the most sensitive part of the body to electromagnetic energy.Radars are navigation aids only and must not be used for precise direction, distance, position, or topographic measurements.

This radar pedestal is specifically designed to be compatible with Garmin GMR 2534 xHD3 and GMR 2536 xHD3 radar antennas.

For installing the radar pedestal, you will need the following tools:

A #2 Phillips screwdriverA 5 mm hex keyA drill with a 15.0 mm (19/32 in) bitA 17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and a torque wrenchA 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding the radar unitMarine sealant

Before installing the radar pedestal, prepare the mounting surface by following these steps:

Secure the included mounting template to the surface along the fore-aft axis as shown on the template.Drill mounting holes using a 15 mm (19/32 in) bit.If needed, drill a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) cable pass-through hole for power and network cables along the central channel marked on the template.Remove the mounting template from the surface.

To mount the radar pedestal, follow these instructions:

Place the pedestal on the mounting surface, aligning the holes in its base with those you drilled.Apply the included primer (Petrolatum Primer) to half the length of each threaded rod.Insert the primed end of each threaded rod through the mounting surface and into the radar base, then tighten them with a 6 mm hex key until they no longer turn easily.From beneath the mounting surface, place the included plastic shoulder washers on the threaded rods and into the holes.Place the flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts onto the threaded rods.Tighten the hex nuts to a torque of 14.7 N·m (11 lbf·ft) to securely mount the radar.

After installing the pedestal, mount the antenna as follows:

Remove the protective cover from the waveguide on top of the pedestal. Remove the mounting hardware from under the antenna (these screws and washers will be used to secure it). Align the pedestal’s waveguide with the socket under the antenna, then slide the antenna onto the pedestal. Secure the antenna to the pedestal using the hex screws, lock washers, and flat washers you removed from the antenna. Using a torque wrench, tighten the hex screws to 0.81 kgf·m (70 lbf·in or 5.83 lbf·ft) to secure the antenna without damaging it.

The radar pedestal requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 VDC if a voltage converter is used. If the radar is connected directly to the battery (for compatible models), the required voltage is 11 to 32 VDC. It is essential to ensure the appropriate fuse (15 A on the radar power cable, and 30 A if a voltage converter is used) is in place to prevent damage or warranty voidance.

Garmin’s limited warranty does not cover damage resulting from incorrect installation or misuse of the product. This includes, but is not limited to, damage caused by unauthorized personnel opening the device, lack of appropriate fuses when powering the unit, or improperly cut mounting surfaces due to failure to follow instructions. Installation by a qualified marine technician is recommended.

No, the radar pedestal contains no user-serviceable parts. The unit must only be opened by a technician authorized by Garmin. Any attempt to open the unit by an unauthorized person will void the product warranty.

Radar transmits electromagnetic energy. To avoid exposure to harmful levels of radiofrequency (RF) energy, the radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam width above head height. Never look directly at the antenna at close range when the radar is transmitting, as the eyes are the most sensitive part of the body to electromagnetic energy. Ensure the radar is installed at a safe minimum separation distance from people, as specified in the product documentation.