Garmin, the world's most innovative and recognized marine electronics manufacturer, has recently launched the GMR xHD3 series open-array radars, which combine high-definition imaging with the latest platform technology to deliver new levels of confidence, clarity and performance to cruisers and anglers alike. These are Garmin's first magnetron models to offer scan averaging, along with enhanced target-size processing and improved true echo trails, making them ideal for navigating in any weather condition and detecting potential threats on the water.
What are the features and benefits of the GMR xHD3 radar series?
The GMR xHD3 radar series are robust 4' and 6' open-array magnetron radars with 4, 12 or 25kW of power and superior object/traffic detection for cruising and fishing offshore. They have a 100-knot wind rating, bringing commercial-grade weather performance to recreational boaters. The high-performance antennas offer new confidence, clarity, and performance levels for mariners cruising or fishing offshore.
The xHD3 series radars have rotation speeds of 24 and 48 rpm for fast redraw rates, with a detection range that extends from 20 meters up to 72 nautical miles (4kW models) or 96 nautical miles (12 and 25kW models). They also feature dual-range with overlay, which allows for a single antenna to provide split screen side-by-side images on a compatible chartplotter, with independent settings for both close and long range. A radar overlay can also be added on top of a chart view to clearly see any differences between the chart and what the radar is seeing.
For fishing enthusiasts, the xHD3 open arrays boast auto bird gain and a bird mode preset feature to help locate flocks of birds at the water's surface, often an indication of where the fish might be. With their low-noise and reliable operation, anglers can troll the water's surface without disturbing their targets.
A first for Garmin magnetron radar, the xHD3 series incorporates scan averaging that helps filter out sea clutter and interference on the display to provide mariners with enhanced consistent targets. Target size processing utilizes pulse expansion to help optimize on-screen object shapes for better interpretation at all range scales, and true echo trails display a historical "trail" of boats on the water, removing relative motion influence to help quickly identify moving targets and potential collision threats.