Following on from the success of the GMR 18, Garmin has added a new bigger radar, the GMR 24, to its marine electronics range. It was launched at the Southampton Boat Show.
The new 24” unit features 4kW of transmit power, dual rotation speed for faster near-target updates, plug-and-play reliability on the Garmin Marine Network, and a size suitable for larger boats.
The GMR 24 features a 3.6-degree horizontal and 25-degree vertical beamwidth, which allow for accurate target acquisition and separation, with a maximum effective range of 48 nautical miles, and a minimum range of 20 metres.
For navigating in tight situations, skippers can switch the rotation speed from 24 RPM to 30 RPM for rapid target updates.
Like other Garmin radar (and unlike most competitors), the GMR 24 processes signals within the radome via a digital signal processor to reduce noise and improve sensitivity.
The information is dynamically presented on a Garmin Marine Network compatible chartplotter/multifunction display (MFD). Digital processing allows for more precise recognition, enhancement, and filtering of radar echoes, making the finished display easier to read and interpret.
When paired with the appropriate Garmin MFD the unit supports:
- MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) collision avoidance capability, which allows boaters to track the course, speed and predicted closest approach (by both time and distance) of multiple targets. This requires an optional heading sensor
- Chart overlay capability, allowing users to reconcile radar signatures with known objects on the chartplotter
- Split screen between standard radar presentations and radar overlay
Designed for boats of 32ft upwards, the GMR 24 features sensitivity and tuning controls, including gain, sea clutter, and rain clutter, as well as selectable interference rejection, which mitigates the effect of nearby radar transmissions.
The GMR 24 communicates with the Garmin Marine Network through a waterproof 100-megabit per second plug-and-play proprietary network, which allows users to expand their boat's system as needed. A Marine Network cable connector kit is included for customizing installation.
The recommended retail price for the GMR 24 is £1,500 including VAT and two-year warranty.
Also new from Garmin at Southampton were a new “user-friendly” RF Wireless Remote Control and a RF Wireless Mouse to compliment their GPSmap 4000 and GPSmap 5000 series of network plotters
By using radio frequency rather than infra red, the devices do not have to be in direct sight of the plotters making them easier to use and improving their functionality, says the company.
The GPSmap 4000 and 5000 series network plotters were introduced at the 2007 London International Boat Show. Based on state-of-the-art plotting technology, the units can combine a broad range of marine electronic data including radar, echosounder, video, GPS, AIS, sonar and engine sensors - all the information you might need in one display.
Both the 4000 and 5000 series use Garmin BlueChart cartography including the new Bluechart g2 Vision software that incorporates highly-detailed charts with high-resolution satellite imagery, port reference photography and Auto Guidance Technology that works out the best course for navigation.
The RF Wireless Remote Mouse is designed to remotely control, using an optical sensor, the GPSmap 5000 series touch screen plotters, and is particularly useful when the plotter is mounted in the wheelhouse coachroof or behind other instrumentation at the helm. The RF Wireless Remote Control can be used with both the GPSmap 4000 and 5000 series plotters and is said to provide full functionality in the palm of your hand.
Garmin RF Wireless Remote Mouse and
Garmin RF Wireless Remote Control cost £60 each including VAT. The Garmin GPSmap 4000 series start from £2,120 including VAT and the Garmin GPSmap 5000 series start from £3,000.
