Garmin GMR Fantom 126 Radar – Black

Description

The Garmin GMR Fantom 126 Radar in Black is a 120W solid-state pulse-compression open-array radar with a six-foot black antenna and pedestal. It is designed for compatible Garmin chartplotters using Garmin Marine Network or Garmin BlueNet connectivity, combining MotionScope Doppler target highlighting, Auto Bird Gain, true echo trails, dual-range operation, and narrow-beam target separation for offshore and coastal radar applications.

The six-foot array provides a 1.25-degree horizontal beamwidth and supports a manufacturer-rated maximum instrumented range of up to 96 NM. It operates from 10V to 32V DC, supports 24 RPM and 48 RPM rotation speeds, and requires a compatible Garmin MFD, high-speed network connection, GPS source, and heading sensor for functions such as radar overlay and MARPA. Practical detection distance depends on mounting height, target characteristics, weather, sea state, radar settings, and interference.

Key Specifications

• One-hundred-twenty-watt solid-state pulse-compression open-array radar with six-foot black antenna and pedestal.
• Uses MotionScope Doppler technology to help highlight moving targets.
• Provides a maximum instrumented range of up to 96 NM and a minimum range of approximately 6 m.
• Uses a six-foot array with 1.25-degree horizontal and 22-degree vertical beamwidth.
• Supports 24 RPM and 48 RPM antenna rotation speeds.
• Includes dual-range operation, Auto Bird Gain, true echo trails, guard zones, programmable antenna parking, and compatible MARPA functions.
• Operates from 10V to 32V DC, with 80W typical transmit power use and 185W maximum power consumption.
• Has IPX6 water protection, supports wind speeds up to 80 knots, and weighs approximately 23.1 kg as a complete scanner assembly.

Radar Integration

The GMR Fantom 126 requires a compatible Garmin chartplotter or multifunction display and Garmin Marine Network or Garmin BlueNet connection for radar-video display and scanner control. NMEA 2000 can provide compatible GPS, heading, AIS, autopilot, and sensor data, but it is not the radar-video link.

MotionScope Doppler can help highlight moving targets, while Auto Bird Gain can assist with bird-return visibility, subject to scanner configuration, target movement, sea conditions, and radar settings. MARPA and radar overlay require compatible heading and position sources. Radar is a navigation aid and does not replace a proper lookout, safe speed, official charts, local notices, or collision-regulation compliance.

Installation Considerations

Mount the pedestal and six-foot rotating array on a rigid level platform with adequate structural capacity and full antenna rotation clearance. Install at a practical height above the waterline, aligned parallel to the waterline and clear of people, masts, rigging, antennas, lights, exhaust, and other obstructions. Maintain manufacturer-specified personnel safe distance and compass-safe distance. Route power and Garmin network cables away from heat, chafe, bilge water, high-current wiring, and moving equipment. Radar installation and commissioning should be completed by a qualified marine-electronics technician.

Warranty and Saltwater Care

Garmin marine warranty coverage varies by region, distributor, proof of purchase, product registration, installation method, and intended use. Confirm applicable local warranty terms, exclusions, registration requirements, and service process before purchase.

The radar is designed for marine exposure and has IPX6 ingress protection, but this does not guarantee immunity from saltwater corrosion. Rinse salt deposits with fresh water where appropriate, avoid high-pressure spray at cable glands and connectors, inspect the pedestal, antenna array, fasteners, cable seals, and mounting platform regularly, and use compatible marine-grade hardware plus manufacturer-approved isolation methods to reduce galvanic-corrosion risk.

Before Ordering

Confirm compatible Garmin chartplotter support, Garmin Marine Network or BlueNet connection, 10V to 32V supply, maximum 185W electrical capacity, six-foot array rotation clearance, mounting-platform strength, wind-load suitability, mounting height, personnel and compass-safe-distance requirements, heading and GPS source for MARPA or radar overlay, optional AIS integration, cable requirements, and qualified installation requirements before purchase.