Garmin GMR 1234/1236 xHD3 radar pedestal

This pedestal is the essential structural support specifically designed for Garmin GMR 1234 xHD3 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. It ensures the stability and precise orientation of the antenna, which is critical for optimal radar system performance in all marine conditions.

This pedestal is exclusively designed to be compatible with Garmin GMR 1234 xHD3 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. Its design is optimized for perfect integration with these specific models.

For optimal installation, the radar pedestal must be mounted with several considerations in mind:

It must be installed out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height.The radar should be placed high above the vessel’s keel line, with minimal obstruction to the radar beam.The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the vessel’s waterline, and sufficiently robust to support the radar’s weight.Avoid mounting the radar near heat sources (exhausts, lights), other electronic equipment, cables carrying radio signals (VHF), or a magnetic compass (respect the specified safety distance).GPS antennas must be positioned above or below the radar beam path.

Whether a voltage converter is required depends on the radar model. If a converter is included with your model, it must be installed for the radar to function correctly. This converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 Vdc and should be installed as close as possible to the power source.

If your model does not come with a voltage converter, you can connect the power cable directly to the boat’s battery (11 to 32 Vdc). However, using a voltage converter—even if not included originally—can help the radar withstand stronger winds better.

During installation and use of the radar, it is crucial to follow these safety instructions:

Never look directly at the antenna at short range while the radar is transmitting, as the eyes are the most sensitive part of the body to electromagnetic energy. The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. When connecting the power cable, do not remove the inline fuse holder and ensure the correct fuse is installed to prevent fire or overheating. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding. It is recommended to have the installation performed by a qualified marine installer to avoid potential injury or damage to the vessel or equipment.

It is strongly recommended to use the mounting template provided in the product box. If you choose to print a template yourself, you must follow precise instructions: ensure the scaling is set to 100% and the paper size is large enough. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in an incorrectly sized template and thus imprecise cutting on your boat's mounting surface.

For radar pedestal wiring, it is usually necessary to drill a hole up to 32 mm (1 1/4 in) in diameter to route power and network cables. After cable installation, apply marine sealant to ensure a watertight seal.

The ground cable is not included and must be connected to a water ground, not the battery's negative terminal. Cables must not be routed near moving objects, high heat sources, or parallel to other cables (radio antenna lines, power cables) to avoid interference. It is recommended to install the power cable as close as possible to the battery source. If an extension is required, use the appropriate wire gauge based on length to ensure sufficient power transmission.

This pedestal is the essential structural support specifically designed for Garmin GMR 1234 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. It ensures the stability and precise orientation of the antenna in all marine conditions, which is critical for radar system performance. Correct installation preserves the physical integrity of the radar, minimizes interference, and maximizes detection range, thereby enhancing navigation safety and efficiency.

This pedestal is specifically designed to be compatible with Garmin GMR 1234 xHD3 and GMR 1236 xHD3 radar antennas. It ensures optimal integration and performance with these models.

The mounting template supplied with the product indicates a dimension of 7 7/8 inches (200 mm). It is strongly recommended to use the template provided in the product box to ensure accurate cutting and installation. If you print a template, ensure the scaling is set to 100% and the paper size is adequate.

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

A #2 Phillips screwdriver
A 5 mm hex key
A drill and a 15.0 mm (19/32 in) 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 (and the voltage converter, if applicable)
Marine sealant

When choosing the mounting location, consider the following points:

The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. It must be installed high above the vessel's keel line, with minimal obstruction of the radar beam. The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the waterline, and sufficiently robust. The location must allow connection to power, ground, and the network. The radar must be kept away from heat sources (exhausts, lights) and transmission equipment (at least 1 m), as well as radio cables (at least 1 m) and SSB radios (at least 2 m). GPS antennas must be positioned above or below the radar beam path.

To prepare the mounting surface:

Attach the included mounting template to the surface at the chosen location, aligning it along the bow-stern axis.Drill the mounting holes using a 15 mm (19/32 in) drill bit.If you need to route the power and network cables through the surface, drill a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) pass-through hole along the central channel indicated on the template.Remove the mounting template from the surface.

Once the pedestal is positioned and the threaded rods are inserted and tightened (until they no longer turn easily), you must tighten the hex nuts to a torque of 14.7 N·m (11 lbf·ft). This ensures secure mounting of the radar to the surface without damaging the device or the mounting hardware.

To install the antenna on the pedestal:

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

For wiring, a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) diameter hole may be required to route power, network, or ground cables. It is essential to apply marine sealant around this hole after cable installation to ensure perfect watertightness. The ground cable is not included and must be connected to a ground plate in the water, not to the battery’s negative terminal. Power and network cables must not run parallel to other cables (radio, power) to avoid interference; if unavoidable, EMI shielding is recommended. The power cable should be installed as close as possible to the battery source.

Power specifications depend on the use of a voltage converter:

With a voltage converter (if provided): The converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 V DC. The radar’s power cable includes a 15 A fuse, and the converter must be connected to the battery via a 30 A fuse (included). Both fuses must be installed.Direct connection to the battery (if the model is not provided with a converter): The radar requires an input voltage of 11 to 32 V DC. The power cable includes a 15 A fuse that must not be removed.Using a voltage converter, even if not provided, can help the radar better withstand strong winds.

No, it is strongly discouraged to reuse power converters from older Garmin radar models or third-party converters. Using a converter other than the one supplied with the radar, or a correct converter purchased from Garmin or an authorized dealer, may damage the radar or prevent it from powering on correctly.