Garmin 18 User Manual

You can operate this device only with radar-compatible Garmin

® 

devices or through a Garmin Marine Network. See your Garmin 

 for more details.

See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the 

product box for product warnings and other important 

information.
The radar transmits electromagnetic energy. Ensure that the 

radar is installed according to the recommendations in these 

instructions and that all personnel are clear of the path of the 

radar beam before transmitting. When properly installed and 

operated, the use of this radar conforms to the requirements of 

ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 Standard for Safety Levels with 

Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency 

Electromagnetic Fields.
When the radar is transmitting, do not look directly at the 

antenna at close range; eyes are the most sensitive part of the 

body to electromagnetic energy.
When connecting the power cable, do not remove the in-line 

fuse holder. To prevent the possibility of injury or product 

damage caused by fire or overheating, the appropriate fuse 

must be in place as indicated in the product specifications. In 

addition, connecting the power cable without the appropriate 

fuse in place will void the product warranty.

This device should be used only as a navigational aid. Do not 

attempt to use the device for any purpose requiring precise 

measurement of direction, distance, location, or topography.
Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask 

when drilling, cutting, or sanding.

When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite 

side of the surface.

Help us better support you by completing our online registration 

today.
• Go to 

.

• Keep the original sales receipt, or a photocopy, in a safe 

place.

• Go to 

 and click Contact Support 

for in-country support information.

• In the USA, call (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020.
• In the UK, call 0808 2380000.
• In Europe, call +44 (0) 870.8501241.

The device may contain a software-update memory card. If so, 

follow the instructions provided with the card. If a software 

update memory card is not included, you must copy the 

software update to a memory card.

Insert a memory card into the card slot on the computer.

Go to 

Select Download next to “Garmin Marine Network with SD 

card.”

Read and agree to the terms.

Select Download.

Select Run.

Select the drive associated with the memory card, and select 

Next > Finish.

Before you can update the software, you must obtain a 

software-update memory card or load the latest software onto a 

memory card.

Turn on the chartplotter.

Insert the memory card into the card slot.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Wait several minutes while the software update process 

completes.
The device returns to normal operation after the software 

update process is complete.

Remove the memory card.

To complete the installation, you need the appropriate 

fasteners, tools, and mounts. These items are available at most 

marine dealers.

• It is highly recommended that the device is mounted out of 

range of personnel, with the horizontal beam width above 

head height.
IEC 60936-1, clause 3-27.1, states maximum distances from 

the antenna at which radio frequency (RF) levels can be 

expected:
◦ 18 xHD

◦ 100 W/m squared = 91 cm (36 in.)
◦ 10 W/m squared = 289 cm (114 in.)

◦ 24 xHD

◦ 100 W/m squared = 108 cm (43 in.)
◦ 10 W/m squared = 343 cm (135 in.)

• The device should be mounted high above the ship’s keel 

line with minimal blockage between the vessel and the radar 

beam. Obstructions may cause blind and shadow sectors, or 

generate false echoes. The higher the installation position, 

the farther the radome can detect targets.

• The device should be mounted on a flat surface or a platform 

that is parallel to the vessel's water line and is sturdy enough 

to support the device's weight. The weight for each model is 

listed in the product specifications.

• Most radar beams spread vertically 12.5° above 

À

 and 12.5° 

below 

Á

 the radome's radiating element. On vessels with 

higher bow angles at cruise speed, the installation angle can 

be lowered to point the beam slightly downward to the 

waterline while at rest. Use shims if necessary.

November 2013

190-01656-02_0B

Printed in Taiwan