Garmin GMR Fantom 256 Radar – Black

Description

Expand long-range target awareness on an offshore-capable Garmin navigation system with the GMR Fantom 256 Radar in Black. Its 250W solid-state pulse-compression design, 6-foot open array, and 1.25° horizontal beam give captains a detailed radar platform for crossing open water, running before sunrise, or watching changing traffic around the boat. Looking for a powerful open-array radar without magnetron warm-up time? The Fantom 256 combines MotionScope Doppler, Auto Bird Gain, echo trails, and up to 96 nautical miles of instrumented range in a complete black radar assembly.

Key Specifications

• Garmin GMR Fantom 256, Black Edition, part number 010-02263-11-BK.
• Complete 250W high-power solid-state pulse-compression radar with a 6-foot open-array antenna and pedestal.
• 1.25° horizontal beamwidth for detailed bearing separation and 22° vertical beamwidth.
• Instrumented range from approximately 20 feet (6 m) to 96 nautical miles.
• Supports MotionScope Doppler, MARPA, Bird Mode, true echo trails, and compatible radar-overlay functions.
• Operates at 24 RPM or 48 RPM, depending on operating mode and system configuration.
• 10V to 32V DC power input; listed power draw is 100W transmitting and 15W standby.
• IPX6 water rating, 80-knot wind rating, 34.8 lb (15.8 kg) pedestal weight, and 13.5 lb (6.1 kg) array weight.

Radar Integration

The Fantom 256 requires a compatible Garmin chartplotter or MFD and Garmin Marine Network or compatible Garmin BlueNet connection for radar control and video. NMEA 2000 can provide heading, GPS, AIS, autopilot, and sensor data, but radar video is carried through Garmin’s high-speed network.

MotionScope Doppler helps identify moving returns, while Bird Mode can assist with observing bird activity under suitable conditions. MARPA and radar overlay require compatible heading and position data. The 96-nautical-mile rating is an instrumented range; real-world detection varies with target characteristics, scanner height, weather, sea state, rain, clutter, radar settings, and installation quality.

Installation Notes

Mount the 6-foot rotating array on a rigid, level platform with sufficient structural strength, unrestricted 360° sweep clearance, and proper height above the waterline. Keep the scanner clear of crew areas, antennas, masts, rigging, lights, exhaust, and structures that could create shadow sectors or unsafe clearance conditions.

Provide a protected 10V–32V DC power circuit sized for the complete radar system, along with properly routed Garmin network cables. Follow Garmin requirements for circuit protection, cable size, mounting hardware, torque, grounding, compass-safe distance, personnel safe distance, and radar alignment. A qualified marine-electronics technician should complete installation and commissioning.

Before Ordering

Confirm compatible Garmin MFD support, Garmin Marine Network or BlueNet configuration, available 10V–32V DC capacity, cable routing, six-foot rotation clearance, mount strength, wind-load suitability, and the heading/GPS inputs needed for MARPA and radar overlay.