GMR™ 18 HD3 Radomas

The Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome is a next-generation HD3 high-definition marine radar. It provides precise target detection and features advanced BlueNet™ connectivity, enabling seamless integration with modern Garmin systems. This radar is designed to ensure reliable monitoring of the maritime environment, even in challenging conditions.

The following tools are required for installing the Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome:

A drillA 9.5 mm (3/8 in) drill bitA 32 mm (1 1/4 in) drill bit (optional, for cable routing)A 4 mm (5/32 in) hex keyA 13 mm (1/2 in) wrench and a torque wrenchMarine sealant

When choosing the mounting location, several points must be considered:

The radar must be mounted out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. It must be installed high above the boat's keel line, with minimal obstructions between the boat and the radar beam. The mounting surface must be flat, parallel to the waterline, and sufficiently robust to support the radar's weight. The radar must be kept away from heat sources such as exhausts and lights. It must not be mounted closer to a compass than the specified safety distance to avoid magnetic interference. Other electronic equipment and cables must be more than 2 m (6 ½ ft) from the radar beam path. GPS antennas must be either above or below the radar beam path. The radar must be at least 1 m (40 in) from any transmission equipment and cables carrying radio signals (VHF, antennas). It must be at least 2 m (6.5 ft) from SSB radios (single sideband).

If you mount the radar on a roof or hardtop, you must elevate it sufficiently to avoid interference with the surface. To determine the mounting height, follow these steps:

Measure the distance between the planned mounting location and the farthest forward corner of a rectangular roof, or the forward apex of a curved roof.Use the following equation to calculate the mounting height:For measurements in millimeters: (Distance (mm) × 0.222) - 150 = height (mm)For measurements in inches: (Distance (in) × 0.222) - 6 = height (in)For example, if the distance is 2 m (2000 mm) from the roof corner, the mounting height would be (2000 mm × 0.222) - 150 = 294 mm.

Then install a riser or another support so that the base of the radar is equal to or greater than the calculated height.

Yes, it is mandatory to update the software of your Garmin chartplotter when installing the GMR 18 HD3 radome. For detailed instructions on how to update the software, refer to the user manual of your Garmin chartplotter.

The Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome uses Garmin BlueNet™ network technology and is compatible with Garmin BlueNet devices as well as Garmin Marine Network devices.

Yes, if your boat is equipped only with Garmin Marine Network devices, you must use a Garmin Marine Network adapter cable to connect the GMR 18 HD3 to your network. If this cable is not included with the product, you can purchase it separately (Garmin part number 010-12531-01).

The Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome is a next-generation HD3 high-definition marine radar. It provides precise detection and features advanced BlueNet™ connectivity for seamless integration with modern Garmin systems. It is designed to ensure reliable environmental monitoring, even in challenging conditions.

The Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome box includes the radome itself, a Garmin BlueNet cable, a mounting template, an anti-seize compound, and four M8 x 1.25 x 60 threaded rods with flat washers, spring washers, and hex nuts for installation.

The GMR 18 HD3 radar beam extends vertically 12.5 degrees above and 12.5 degrees below the radome’s radiating element. On vessels with higher bow angles at cruising speed, the installation angle can be adjusted slightly downward using shims if necessary to direct the beam toward the static waterline.

To install the Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome, you will need the following tools:

A drill with 9.5 mm (3/8 in) bits and, if needed, 32 mm (1 1/4 in) bits for cable routing.A 4 mm (5/32 in) Allen key.A 13 mm (1/2 in) wrench and a torque wrench.Marine sealant for waterproofing.

When choosing the mounting location for the GMR 18 HD3 radome, several considerations are important:

The radar must be mounted high above the keel line of the vessel, with minimal obstructions between the vessel and the radar beam. It should be installed out of reach of people, with the vertical beam above head height. 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, spreaders, or booms. Ensure a minimum safe distance from other electronic equipment and cables to prevent interference.

If you install the radome on a roof or hard-top, it is recommended to use a raised mount (pedestal or similar structure) to prevent the surface from interfering with the radar signal. The beam extends 12.5 degrees from the horizontal centerline, so the radome base must be high enough for the beam to clear the roof edge. A calculation formula is provided in the installation manual to help determine the required height.

The wiring requirements for powering the GMR 18 HD3 are as follows:

It is recommended to connect the power cable directly to the battery. Route the cable away from moving objects, high-heat sources, doors, and bilges.Do not run power and network cables parallel to other cables (radio antenna lines, other power cables) to avoid interference. If this is unavoidable, cables must be shielded.If an extension of the power cable is required, use a wire gauge appropriate for the length:2 m (6.5 ft): 16 AWG (1.31 mm²)4 m (13 ft): 14 AWG (2.08 mm²)6 m (19.5 ft): 12 AWG (3.31 mm²)

Yes, it is mandatory to update the Garmin chartplotter software when installing the GMR 18 HD3 radome to ensure system compatibility and optimal operation.

The Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome uses Garmin BlueNet™ network technology and is compatible with Garmin BlueNet devices as well as Garmin Marine Network devices.

If your boat is equipped only with Garmin Marine Network devices, you must use a Garmin Marine Network adapter cable to connect the GMR 18 HD3 to your network. This adapter cable (part number 010-12531-01) is usually not included in the product box and must be purchased separately.

Yes, if your boat is equipped with a Garmin BlueNet chartplotter, you must connect the GMR 18 HD3 to an available network port on this chartplotter or on a Garmin BlueNet 20 switch, using the included Garmin BlueNet cable.

The warranty of the Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome is void in the following cases:

If the unit is opened by anyone other than a technician authorized by Garmin. The device contains no user-serviceable parts. If the power cable is connected without the inline fuse holder and the correct fuse installed, as specified in the product documentation.

No, the Garmin GMR 18 HD3 radome contains no user-repairable parts. To avoid voiding the warranty, the unit must only be opened by a Garmin-authorized service technician.