Garmin GMR xHD2 6' radarsending

A 6-foot antenna provides a narrower horizontal beam width compared to shorter antennas. This results in higher angular resolution and better separation between close targets, which is a major asset in congested areas or for identifying small floating objects. It also enables better long-range detection.

When choosing the mounting location, the following points should be considered:

The unit must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. It must be mounted high above the vessel's keel line, with minimal obstruction of the radar beam.The mounting surface must be flat or a platform parallel to the vessel's waterline and sufficiently robust to support the weight of the unit.The location must allow connection to power, ground, and the Garmin Marine Network.The antenna should be kept away from heat sources (exhausts, lights), horizontal spreaders, and mast bars.Respect the safety distance from a magnetic compass.Other electronic equipment and cables must be more than 2 m (6.5 ft) from the radar beam path.GPS antennas must be either above or below the radar beam path.The unit must be mounted at least 1 m (40 in) from any transmitting equipment and cables carrying radio signals (VHF radios, cables, antennas).It must be at least 2 m (6.5 ft) from SSB radios.

Yes, it is mandatory to update the software of your Garmin chartplotter when installing this radar antenna. For update instructions, refer to your chartplotter’s user manual.

The following tools are typically required for installing the radar antenna:

A Phillips screwdriver size #2A 5 mm Allen keyA drill and a 15.0 mm (19/32 in) bitA 17 mm (21/32 in) wrench and a torque wrench3.31 mm² (12 AWG) copper wire for grounding the radar housing (and the voltage converter, if applicable)Marine sealant

The Garmin GMR xHD2 6' radar antenna uses magnetron technology. This technology is known for its ability to generate high transmission power, essential for penetrating adverse weather and detecting weak echoes at a distance.

Several safety precautions must be observed:

Avoid exposure to harmful radiofrequency (RF) levels by mounting the unit out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height.Do not 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.Do not attempt to open the unit; it contains no user-serviceable parts. Any unauthorized opening voids the warranty.Always power off the radar before approaching the scanner for any service or maintenance operation.Be aware of high voltages if maintenance operations are required (only to be performed by a certified technician).

This radar antenna is designed to be used with Garmin GMR xHD2 open array radar systems. For optimal compatibility, it must be paired with a compatible GMR xHD2 pedestal, and your Garmin chartplotter must be up to date.

The Garmin GMR xHD2 radar antenna has a length of 6 feet (approximately 1.83 meters).

This radar antenna uses magnetron technology. This technology is known for its ability to generate high transmit power, essential for effective detection, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

A 6-foot antenna provides a narrower horizontal beamwidth compared to shorter antennas. This results in:

Higher angular resolution.Better separation of close targets, a major asset in congested areas.Improved identification of small floating objects.Increased ability to penetrate weather and detect weak echoes at long range.

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

A Phillips screwdriver #2. 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. Marine sealant.

When choosing the mounting location, consider the following points:

The device must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam width above head height. It must be mounted high above the keel line of the vessel, with minimal obstruction to the radar beam. The mounting surface or platform must be flat, parallel to the vessel's waterline, and sufficiently robust to support the device's weight. Avoid mounting the unit near heat sources (exhausts, lights) or at the same level as spreaders and mast bars.

After routing the cables through the mounting hole, apply marine sealant around the hole to ensure a watertight seal and protect your vessel from water ingress.

The radar beam of this antenna extends vertically 11.5° above and 11.5° below the radar’s radiating element.

To mount the antenna on the pedestal:

Remove the protective cover from the waveguide on top of the pedestal.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 provided hex bolts and lock washers.Tighten the hex bolts to a torque of 0.81 kgf-m (70 lbf-in. [6 lbf-ft.]) to firmly secure the antenna without damaging the hardware.

The radar pedestal mounting procedure involves the following steps:

Secure the provided mounting template to the mounting surface, aligning it along the fore-aft axis.Drill mounting holes using a 15 mm (19/32 in) drill bit. If necessary, drill a 32 mm (1 1/4 in) cable pass-through hole for power and network cables.Apply the supplied petroleum jelly primer to half of the threads on all four threaded rods.Insert the coated ends of the threaded rods into the pedestal and tighten them using a 5 mm hex key.Lift the radar into position and carefully lower it onto the mounting surface, guiding the threaded rods through the holes.From beneath the mounting surface, install the shoulder washers, flat washers, locking washers, and hex nuts onto the threaded rods.Tighten the hex nuts to a torque of 1.5 kgf-m (130 lbf-in. [11 lbf-ft.]) to securely fasten the radar.

Yes, it is imperative to update the Garmin chartplotter's software when installing this radar antenna. This ensures optimal compatibility and proper operation of the entire system.

When installing cables, note the following:

If routing multiple cables through the same hole, the network cable must be run before power and ground cables due to the size of its connector.The ground cable is not included and must be connected to a ground plate, not directly to the battery’s negative terminal.Do not use voltage converters from older Garmin radar models or third-party converters. If your radar model requires a voltage converter, it must be the one supplied with the radar.The voltage converter (if applicable) requires an input voltage of 10 to 32 VDC and should be installed as close as possible to the power source.A 10 A fuse holder is required on the power cable.

To avoid interference and ensure safety, maintain the following minimum distances:

Other electronic devices and cables must be mounted more than 2 m (6.5 ft) away from the radar beam path.Antennae GPS must be positioned either above or below the radar beam path.The device must be mounted at least 1 m (40 in) from any transmitting equipment.The device must be mounted at least 1 m (40 in) from cables carrying radio signals, such as VHF radios, their cables, and their antennae.The device must be mounted at least 2 m (6.5 ft) from Single Side Band (SSB) radios.

The Garmin GMR xHD2 6' radar antenna is a key component for optimizing radar detection in your system. It is designed to provide long-range detection and superior target separation, which is critical for safe navigation. With its magnetron technology and 6-foot length, it enables better weather penetration and fine distinction of objects, even the smallest ones, thereby improving the navigator's situational awareness.