Garmin GMR Fantom™ 54, 50W beam radar with pedestal, black

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 54 radar is designed for high-resolution target detection over ranges from 6 metres to 72 nautical miles, which is approximately 133 kilometres.

The MotionScope™ technology integrated into the GMR Fantom™ 54 radar uses the Doppler effect to identify and highlight moving targets. It distinguishes them by different color codes depending on whether they are approaching or moving away. This feature is useful for collision avoidance, locating seabirds, and tracking weather fronts.

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 54 is a 50-watt solid-state radar system.

The GMR Fantom™ 54 radar offers a horizontal beam width of 1.8 degrees, ensuring a detailed radar image.

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 54 supports antenna rotation speeds of 24 and 48 revolutions per minute. The higher speed of 48 rpm is available for ranges under 12 nautical miles and when the MotionScope™ function is disabled.

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 54 is a solid-state radar system.

The Garmin GMR Fantom™ 54 radar is equipped with a 4-foot open-array antenna.

For installation of the GMR Fantom™ 54 radar, you will need the following tools:

A #2 Phillips screwdriver A 6 mm hex wrench A drill A 15 mm (19/32 in) drill bit A 32 mm (1 1/4 in) drill bit (optional, for cable routing) A 17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and a torque wrench 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding (not included) 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 to the radar beam. The mounting surface must be flat, sturdy, and parallel to the vessel’s waterline. The location must allow for a connection to the power supply, marine ground, and network. The radar must be kept away from heat sources (exhausts, lights). It must be installed at a different level from horizontal spreaders and mast bars. Avoid mounting it too close to a magnetic compass, other electronic devices and cables (keep at least 2 m from the beam), GPS antennas (must be above or below the beam), transmission equipment (at least 1 m away), and SSB radios (at least 2 m away).

To mount the antenna on the pedestal:

Remove the protective cover from the waveguide located on top of the pedestal. Align the pedestal’s waveguide with the socket under the antenna. Slide the antenna onto the pedestal. Secure the antenna to the pedestal by tightening the captive hex bolts under the antenna arm. Tighten the hex bolts to 7.9 N·m (6 lbf·ft) torque to firmly secure the antenna without damaging it.

Yes, the GMR Fantom™ 54 radar (and the voltage converter, if applicable) must be connected to a proper marine ground. To do so:

Use a 3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire (not included) and route it to a marine ground point and to the radar pedestal. Connect the wire to the ground connector on the pedestal using the preinstalled crimp connector. Seal the ground screw and crimp connector with marine sealant. Connect the other end of the wire to the marine ground point.

The GMR Fantom™ 54 radar can be powered in two main ways:

Via a voltage converter: If your model is supplied with a voltage converter, it must be installed. It requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 VDC and must be connected to the boat’s battery via a 30 A fuse (included), in addition to the 15 A fuse integrated into the radar’s power cable. Directly to the battery: If your model is not supplied with a voltage converter, you can connect the power cable directly to the boat’s battery (10 to 32 VDC). The inline 15 A fuse in the power cable must remain in place. In both cases, it is recommended to connect the power cable as close as possible to the battery source.

Several safety precautions are essential during installation:

The radar transmits electromagnetic energy; ensure no one is in the path of the beam before transmitting.
Do not look directly at the antenna up close while the radar is transmitting, as eyes are highly sensitive to electromagnetic energy.
Do not remove the inline fuse holder from the power cable.
It is recommended to have the installation carried out by a qualified marine installer.
Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.
Always check what is on the other side of the surface when drilling or cutting to avoid damaging the vessel.

Yes, if you need to run power and network cables through the mounting surface, you will need to drill a pass-through hole. A 32 mm (1 1/4 in) drill bit is recommended. After routing the cables, apply marine sealant to the hole to ensure watertight integrity.

Recommended torque values are:

To secure the pedestal to the mounting surface: tighten the hex nuts to 14.7 N·m (11 lbf·ft). To secure the antenna to the pedestal: tighten the captive hex bolts under the antenna arm to 7.9 N·m (6 lbf·ft).

Do not print your own mounting template. Use the template provided in the product box. If you choose to print the template, follow Garmin’s printing instructions precisely, ensuring you use paper and a printer of the correct size. Garmin is not liable for damage or expenses resulting from an improperly cut mounting surface due to failure to follow these instructions.

The GMR Fantom™ 54 radar can be connected to the Garmin BlueNet™ network or to the Garmin marine network.

No, it is imperative not to reuse voltage converters from older Garmin radar models or third-party voltage converters. Using any converter other than the one supplied with the radar, or a correct converter purchased from Garmin or an authorized Garmin dealer, could damage the radar or prevent it from powering on correctly.

The warranty for the GMR Fantom™ 54 radar may be voided in the following cases:

If the device is opened by anyone other than a technician authorized by Garmin. If the power cable is connected without the appropriate fuse installed (the inline fuse holder must not be removed).

No, the GMR Fantom™ 54 radar housing must not be opened. The unit contains no user-serviceable parts and should only be opened by a Garmin-authorized service technician. Any damage resulting from unauthorized opening of the unit is not covered by the Garmin warranty.