Garmin GMR Fantom 18x/24x Dome Marine Radar

The Garmin GMR Fantom 18x/24x Dome Radar is a compact marine radar system built around Garmin’s Fantom radar platform. The product specifications include 50 W transmit power, 10–32 V DC power input, dual-range operation, MotionScope, MARPA target tracking, echo trails, and dynamic Auto Gain. Its dome configuration provides a contained radar solution for vessels that need advanced target-detection features without the physical format of a large open-array antenna.

Key Features

• 18x/24x dome radar: Compact enclosed radar configuration for marine navigation and situational awareness.
• 50 W transmit power: Provides the radar with a high-power transmission specification for target detection.
• Dual-range operation: Allows two radar ranges to be monitored simultaneously.
• Dynamic Auto Gain: Automatically adjusts gain according to operating conditions.
• MARPA target tracking: Supported when a compatible heading sensor is installed; the heading sensor is sold separately.
• MotionScope: Helps identify moving radar targets by using motion-related target information.
• Echo trails: Provides a visual indication of target movement over time.
• Target-size scan averaging: Included as a radar feature for target presentation.

Garmin GMR Fantom 18x/24x Specifications

Radar Performance and Target Detection

The GMR Fantom 18x/24x combines a 50 W transmit-power specification with radar features intended to help operators interpret targets and vessel movement. Dual-range operation allows different range settings to be viewed at the same time, while dynamic Auto Gain is designed to adjust radar gain automatically. Auto Bird Gain is also listed among the supported radar features.

MotionScope is included to help distinguish moving targets based on their motion information. Echo trails can provide a visual history of target movement, while target-size scan averaging is available as part of the radar feature set. These functions can be useful when interpreting multiple contacts in changing marine environments.

MARPA Target Tracking

The Garmin GMR Fantom 18x/24x supports MARPA target tracking. The supplied product specification states that MARPA requires a heading sensor, which is sold separately. Vessel owners should therefore confirm that the required heading information and compatible marine electronics are available before relying on MARPA functionality.

Power Requirements

The radar accepts a 10–32 V DC power input. Standby power consumption is specified at 4 W. Maximum transmitting consumption is listed as 24 W in power-save mode and 33 W in normal mode, while transmit power is specified at 50 W. These figures should be considered when planning the vessel’s electrical system and radar installation.

Dome Radar Installation

The enclosed dome format can be appropriate where a vessel owner prefers a contained radar scanner rather than an exposed open-array antenna. Installation should provide an appropriate mounting surface, clear radar field of view, suitable power wiring, and compatible marine electronics. Before installation, confirm the required mounting hardware, cable routing, network connections, and heading-sensor requirements for the intended system configuration.

Marine Applications

The Garmin GMR Fantom 18x/24x can be considered for recreational boating, offshore navigation, fishing, and other marine applications where radar-based situational awareness and target tracking features are required. The combination of dual range, radar overlay, MotionScope, MARPA, echo trails, and automatic gain features provides multiple tools for interpreting radar contacts.

Choosing a Garmin Fantom Dome Radar

When evaluating the GMR Fantom 18x/24x, consider the vessel’s power system, available mounting location, compatible display and network equipment, and whether MARPA functionality will be used. A compatible heading sensor is required for MARPA according to the supplied specifications. Also consider whether a dome configuration fits the vessel’s radar coverage and installation requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the transmit power of the Garmin GMR Fantom 18x/24x?

The supplied specification lists 50 W of transmit power.

What voltage does the GMR Fantom 18x/24x require?

The radar accepts a 10–32 V DC power input.

Does the Garmin GMR Fantom 18x/24x support MARPA?

Yes. MARPA target tracking is supported, but the supplied specification states that a heading sensor is required and sold separately.

Does this Garmin radar support MotionScope?

Yes. MotionScope is listed as a supported radar feature on the GMR Fantom 18x/24x.

Does the GMR Fantom 18x/24x support dual-range radar?

Yes. Dual-range operation is listed among the radar features.

How much power does the radar use in standby?

Standby power consumption is specified at 4 W. Maximum transmitting consumption is listed as 24 W in power-save mode and 33 W in normal mode.