GMR Fantom™ 256, open-array and pedestal radar, white

The Garmin GMR Fantom 256 radar is a solid-state open-array system with a 6-foot array and 250 W power output. It provides detection range from 6 meters (20 feet) up to 96 nautical miles. Its 1.25-degree horizontal beam width ensures improved target separation.

This radar integrates MotionScope™ technology to detect and highlight moving targets with distinct colors. It also uses pulse compression technology for high-resolution imaging and features automatic MARPA tracking to acquire and track up to 30 moving targets. The Auto Bird Gain function and dynamic sea clutter filtering (Dynamic Sea Filter) are also included.

The GMR Fantom 256 radar has a minimum detection range of 20 feet (about 6 meters) and a maximum range of 96 nautical miles.

Yes, the GMR Fantom 256 radar is equipped with the Auto Bird Gain function, which helps identify bird aggregations, often indicators of fishing zones.

The GMR Fantom 256 radar has a horizontal beam width of 1.25 degrees, which contributes to better target separation.

For radar installation, you will need a Phillips #2 screwdriver, a 6 mm hex key, a drill with 15 mm (19/32 in) and possibly 32 mm (1 1/4 in) drill bits, a 17 mm (21/32 in) torque wrench, 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding, and marine sealant.

The radar must be mounted high above the vessel's keel line, with minimal obstruction to the beam. The mounting surface must be flat, sturdy, and parallel to the vessel's waterline. It must also be out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height.

It is important to mount the radar away from heat sources (exhausts, lights), at a different level from spreaders and mast cross-trees. It must also be kept away from other electronic equipment and cables (more than 2 m from the radar beam path, more than 1 m from VHF radio equipment and cables, more than 2 m from SSB radios).

After selecting a suitable location, attach the provided mounting template to the surface along the bow-stern axis. Drill the mounting holes with a 15 mm bit. If needed, drill a 32 mm cable pass-through hole for power and network cables, then remove the template.

Hex bolts must be tightened to 14.7 N·m (11 lbf·ft) to securely mount the radar to the surface without damaging it or the mounting hardware.

Hex head captive bolts under the antenna arm must be tightened to 7.9 N·m (6 lbf·ft) to secure the antenna to the pedestal.

If your model is supplied with a voltage converter, it must be installed for the radar to function correctly. Some models do not require it, but using it can allow the radar to withstand stronger winds. The converter requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 V DC.

The radar (and the voltage converter, if applicable) must be connected to a water ground via a 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire (not included). The wire must be connected to the ground connector on the pedestal, and both the ground screw and the crimp connector must be coated with marine sealant.

It is recommended to connect the power cable directly to the boat's battery. A 15 A inline fuse holder is integrated into the radar's power cable and must not be removed. If a voltage converter is used, an additional 30 A fuse is required between the converter and the battery.

Yes, it is possible to extend the power cable if necessary, but it is crucial to use the appropriate wire gauge based on the extension length. Waterproof connections with crimp connectors and heat-shrink tubing must be used.

Do not print your own mounting template. Always use the template supplied in the product box. Printing a custom template may result in size errors and incorrect cuts on your boat’s mounting surface, and Garmin will not be liable for any resulting damage or expenses.

Yes, the GMR Fantom 256 radar is designed to connect to the Garmin BlueNet™ network or the Garmin Marine Network.

The GMR Fantom 256 radar (and its voltage converter, if applicable) requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 VDC to operate correctly.

Connecting the power cable without the appropriate fuse in place voids the product warranty. Additionally, opening the housing by anyone other than a Garmin-authorized service technician may result in damage not covered by the Garmin warranty.

Yes, the MotionScope™ technology integrated in the GMR Fantom 256 radar can be used for weather tracking by detecting and highlighting moving targets with distinct colors.