Owner’s Manual GXM 30A
© Copyright 2006 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A. Tel. 913/397.8200 or 800/800.1020 Fax 913/397.8282 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K. Tel. 44/0870.8501241 Fax 44/0870.8501251 Garmin Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Tel. 886/2.2642.9199 Fax 886/2.2642.9099 All rights reserved.
Introduction > Warnings Warning Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could result in an accident or collision resulting in death or serious injury. When installing the GXM 30A in a vehicle, place the unit securely so that it does not interfere with vehicle operating controls or obstruct the driver’s view of the road (see diagram). When navigating in an aircraft, use the GXM 30A only as an aid for VFR navigation. Use weather data only as an aid to situational awareness.
Introduction > Caution Caution Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations may result in injury or property damage. Use the GXM 30A only as a navigational aid. Do not attempt to use the GXM 30A for any purpose requiring precise measurement of direction, distance, location, or topography. This product should not be used to determine ground proximity for aircraft navigation.
Introduction > Preface Introduction Preface Congratulations on choosing one of the most advanced weather systems available! The GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna provides graphical and textual marine, aviation, and automotive XM WX weather information that can be viewed on your Garmin unit. Operation of the GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna requires a subscription to the XM WX Satellite Weather service.
Introduction > Product Registration Product Registration Help us better support your equipment purchase by completing our online registration today! Have the serial number of your GXM 30A ready, connect to our Web site (www.garmin.com) and click the Product Registration link on the Home page. Record your serial number below for a quick reference.
Table of Contents Introduction.................................................................iii Preface.................................................................................. iii Getting Started.............................................................1 Unit Overview........................................................................ 1 Connecting the GXM 30A to a Garmin Unit........................ 2 Subscribing to XM WX Weather and Radio........................
Getting Started > Unit Overview Unit Overview Getting Started UNIT CARE GXM 30A Radio Smart Antenna USB Connector Cleaning - The unit’s case is constructed of high quality material and does not require user maintenance other than cleaning. Clean the unit housing using a lightlydampened cloth with a mild detergent solution and then wipe dry. Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents that may damage plastic components. Do not apply cleaner to the electrical contacts on the front of the unit.
Getting Started > Connecting the GXM 30A to a Garmin unit Connecting the GXM 30A to a Garmin Unit Position the GXM 30A where is has a clear view of the sky. This can be on the outside of the vehicle or behind the windscreen of the vehicle. Connect the GXM 30A to the USB port on the Garmin unit.
Getting Started > Subscribing to XM WX Weather and Radio Subscribing to XM WX Weather and Radio With the GXM 30A connected, contact XM Satellite Radio to activate your XM WX weather and audio subscription service. Follow the instructions below. Complete Steps 1-3 BEFORE calling XM Satellite Radio: Step 1: Check the System Setup Make certain the GXM 30A is connected to the Garmin unit. Step 2: Turn on your System Place the GXM 30A where is has a clear view of the sky and turn on the Garmin unit.
Getting Started > Subscribing to XM Service Step 5: Confirm all Components of your Service Package XM WX Weather: Keep your Garmin unit turned on to ensure you receive the XM signal. The XM signal is being received when the components of the selected service package are displayed in the Weather Products list on the Information sub tab. Do not turn off the Garmin unit until the name of the selected service package is displayed in the Service Level field (see Step 6).
XM Weather Features > Displaying Weather Information XM WX Weather Features Displaying Weather Information The GXM 30A receives XM WX Weather data and shows it on the Garmin unit’s Map Page and other screens throughout the unit. The weather data for each feature comes from reputable weather data centers such as the National Weather Service and the Hydrometerological Prediction Center. (See the XM WX Satellite Weather Web site at http://weather.xmradio.com /weather for more information.
XM Weather Features > NEXRAD Radar NEXRAD Radar NEXRAD or NEXt Generation Weather RADar displays precipitation from very light rain and snow up to strong thunderstorms in varying shades and colors. In the lower left corner of the screen is a Time Stamp. The Time Stamp displays the elapsed time since the National Weather Service provided the displayed information. To display a legend showing the colors for Rain, Mix, and Snow, press MENU, highlight Weather Legend, and press ENTER.
XM Weather Features > Satellite Mosaic Satellite Mosaic Satellite Mosaic displays infrared composite images of cloud cover taken by geostationary weather satellites. The Satellite Mosaic provides up to seven levels of cloud cover.
XM Weather Features > Lightning Lightning Lightning strikes are represented by lightning bolt icons, as shown in the images below. Lightning appears on the map if strikes were detected within the last seven minutes. The ground-based lightning detection network only detects cloud-to-ground lightning. Lightning bolts indicate a cloud-to-ground lightning strike.
XM Weather Features > Storm Cells Storm Cells The Storm Cells feature displays storms as well as the storm’s projected path in the immediate future. Marine and Automotive units also show the size of the storm cell. The direction of the red cone indicates the projected path of the storm cell. The red bars that appear in the cone indicate where the storm will be in the future. Each bar represents 15 minutes. Aviation units show the direction of the storm with an arrow.
XM Weather Features > Hurricanes Hurricanes The Hurricanes feature shows the current position of a hurricane, tropical storm, or tropical depression, as well as its projected path (indicated by a red line). The darkened squares that appear along the red line display the projected locations received from the National Hurricane Center. The Center provides four forecasts at 12-hour intervals as well as a fifth forecast at a 24-hour interval.
XM Weather Features > Surface Winds Surface Winds Marine and Automotive units shows Surface Winds with a wind barb. The wind barb is a circle with a tail. The circle points into the wind. Wind speed is indicated by the different combination of flags that are attached to the tail.
XM Weather Features > Winds Aloft Winds Aloft Aviation units display winds aloft using wind barbs or a wind streamline depending on the zoom range of the map. Similar to Marine and Automotive units, the wind barbs indicate wind speed and direction. The wind streamline indicates wind direction with arrows.
XM Weather Features > Surface Pressure Surface Pressure This feature displays pressure isobars and pressure centers. The isobars connect points of equal pressure. Pressure readings can help determine weather and wind conditions in an area. High pressure areas are generally associated with fair weather. Low pressure areas are generally associated with clouds and the chance of precipitation. Isobars that are packed closely together show a strong pressure gradient.
XM Weather Features > Fronts Fronts The Fronts feature displays lines indicating the leading edge of an air mass. This feature also displays pressure centers. Pressure centers are represented by a large Red “L” for low pressure centers or a large Blue “H” for high pressure centers. Pressure centers represent an area where pressure is measured to be either the highest or lowest relative to the surrounding area. Indicates a Low Pressure Center.
XM Weather Features > Visibility Visibility Visibility is the forecast maximum horizontal distance that can be seen at the surface. Contour lines on the Visibility feature show the forecasted change in surface visibility. In the example below, visibility ranges from 1 mile to 4.5 miles. Visibility Contour Lines 15 This image displays NEXRAD Radar, Satellite Mosaic, and Visibility. Displaying multiple features may help to provide a clearer picture of the weather conditions in the area.
XM Weather Features > County Warnings County Warnings When the National Weather Service issues a weather warning for a county, the county is highlighted with the color corresponding to the warning. To view information about the warning, select the county with the map pointer. For more detail, press ENTER.
XM Weather Features > Water Temperature and Wave Period Water Temperature The Water Temperature feature displays the water’s surface temperature. The temperature breaks are indicated by isotherm lines. Water Temperature 17 Wave Period The Wave Period feature provides the time (in seconds) between successive waves.
XM Weather Features > Wave Direction and Wave Height Wave Direction The Wave Direction feature shows the direction in which a wave is moving, as indicated by the direction of the red arrow. Wave Direction Wave Height The Wave Height feature displays wave heights. The wave heights for an area are separated by contour lines.
XM Weather Features > Marine Warnings Marine Warnings When a Marine Warning is issued, the area for the warning is highlighted in red. To view information about the warning, select the warning area with the map pointer. To view more detailed information, press ENTER.
XM Weather Features > Buoy Reports Buoy Reports Report readings are taken from buoys and coastal observation stations. These readings are used to determine Air Temperature, Dewpoint, Water Temperature, Tide, Wave Height and Period, Wind Direction and Speed, Visibility, and Barometric Pressure.
XM Weather Features > METAR METAR Meteorological Aeronautical Reports (METARs) are an international code used for reporting weather observations. If METAR data is available for an airport, a color coded flag is shown next to the airport. To view the METAR data, select the flag with the map pointer. To view more detailed information, press ENTER.
XM Weather Features > AIRMET AIRMET An AIRMET (AIRman’s METeorological Information) can potentially affect all aircraft. This data can be especially helpful for pilots of light aircraft that have limited flight capability or instrumentation. An AIRMET must affect or be forecast to affect an area of at least 3,000 square miles at any one time. AIRMETs are routinely issued for 6 hour periods and are amended as necessary due to changing weather conditions or issuance/cancellation of a SIGMET.
XM Weather Features > SIGMET SIGMET A SIGMET (SIGnificant METeorlogical Forecast) advises of weather that is potentially hazardous to all aircraft. In the contiguous United States, items covered are: severe icing, severe or extreme turbulence, volcanic ash, dust storms, and sandstorms that lower visibility to less than three statute miles.
XM Weather Features > TFR TFR Temporary Flight Restrictions or TFRs temporarily restrict all aircraft from entering the selected airspace unless a waiver has been issued. TFRs are routinely issued for occurrences such as sporting events, dignitary visits, military depots and forest fires. TFRs are represented as an area highlighted by Red (active) or Yellow (not yet active). To view information about the TFR, select it with the map pointer. To view more detailed information, press ENTER.
XM Weather Features > Echo Tops Echo Tops Echo Tops are derived from NEXRAD radar and indicate the highest altitude at which precipitation is falling. Echo Tops at or above the altitude you select are displayed, in 5,000 foot increments up to 70,000 ft. Echo Tops can be helpful in determining the severity of thunderstorms.
XM Weather Features > Freezing Level and Forecast Freezing Level Shows contours for the lowest forecast altitude where icing conditions are likely to occur. Forecast Forecast displays Fronts, High and Low Pressure Centers, and City Conditions. The forecast can be viewed in 12- hour increments for the next 48 hours.
XM Weather Features > TAF and XM Radio TAF Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts are issued by the National Weather Service for pilots. They include 24-hour forecasts on wind, visibility, expected weather conditions, and wind shear. XM Radio The XM Audio feature requires a subscription to XM Radio. Channels can be scanned by category and saved to a Favorites list. The XM audio output can be turned on and off.
Appendix > Specifications Appendix GXM 30A Specifications Physical Specifications Size: 83 mm diameter x 27.5 mm height Weight: 225 g (7.9 oz) Temp. Range: -40F to +185F (-40C to +85C) Case: Fully sealed high-impact plastic with die-cast zinc base Waterproof: -1 meter submersion for 30 minutes IEC 60529 IPX7 Mount Thread Size: M3 x 0.5 Cable: Braided shield, 5 conductor 28 AWG, Right Angle Male Mini-B connector Power Source: 4.5-5.5 Vdc Usage: 2.
Appendix > Feature Broadcast Rates Feature Broadcast Rates Data Broadcast Frequency Feature Data Broadcast Frequency NEXRAD Radar 5 mins Buoy Reports 12 mins Satellite Mosaic 15 mins City Forecast 12 mins Storm Cells 1.25 mins County Warnings 5 mins Lightning 5 mins Marine Warnings 20 mins Feature 29 Surface Winds 12 mins METAR 12 mins Surface Pressure 12 mins AIRMET 12 mins Hurricane Track 12 mins SIGMET 12 mins Visibility Forecast 12 mins Echo Tops 7.
Appendix > NEXRAD Overview NEXRAD Overview NEXRAD Description NEXRAD Radar is a Doppler radar system that has greatly improved the detection of meteorological events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. An extensive network of NEXRAD stations provides almost complete radar coverage of the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. The range of each NEXRAD is 124 nautical miles. NEXRAD Abnormalities There are possible abnormalities regarding displayed NEXRAD images.
Appendix > NEXRAD Overview NEXRAD Intensity Colors are used to identify the different NEXRAD echo intensities (reflectivity) measured in dBZ. (decibels of Z). “Reflectivity” (designated by the letter Z) is the amount of transmitted power returned to the radar receiver. The dBZ values increase as returned signal strength increases. Precipitation intensity is displayed using colors represented by the dBZ values listed in the table to the right.
Appendix > FCC Compliance FCC Compliance The GXM 30A complies with Part 15 of the FCC interference limits for Class B digital devices FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE. These limits are designed to provide more reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation, and are more stringent than “outdoor” requirements.
Appendix > Limited Warranty Limited Warranty This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin will at its sole option repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
Appendix > Limited Warranty Garmin International, Inc. 1200 E 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 U.S.A. Tel. 913/397.8200 Fax. 913/397.8282 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL U.K. Tel. 44/0870.8501241 Fax 44/0870.8501251 Online Auction Purchases: Products sold through online auctions are not eligible for rebates or other special offers from Garmin. Online auction confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification.
Appendix > Software License Agreement and XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement Software License Agreement BY USING THE GXM 30A, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY. Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this device (the “Software”) in binary executable form in the normal operation of the product.
Appendix > Weather Data Warranty Weather Data Warranty THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED “AS IS.” ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF NON-INFRINGEMENT ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. USER SAFETY If you use XM Services it is your responsibility to exercise prudent discretion and observe all safety measures required by law and your own common sense. You assume the entire risk related to your use of the Services.
Appendix > Weather Data Warranty and TFR Data b) LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES RELATING TO THE USE OF THE RADIO SERVICE, WHETHER BASED ON NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE.
Index Index A add features 4 AIRMET 22 audio submenu tab 3 B buoy reports 20 C cleaning 1 cleaning the unit 1 cloud cover 7 coastal observation stations 20 cold front 14 connecting 2 connecting the GXM 30A 2 Contact XM Satellite Radio 3 county warnings 16 D I displaying weather information 5 icing 26 IFR 21 interference 30 introduction iii isobars 13 E echo tops 25 F favorites list 27 FCC Compliance 32 feature broadcast rates 29 flash flood warning 16 flood warning 16 forecast 26 freezing level 26
Index S T W satellite mosaic 7 saving the service package 4 serial number iv servicing 1 servicing your unit 1 set up the XM account 3 severe thunderstorm warning 16 SIGMET 23 software license agreement 35 specifications 28 stationary front 14 storage 1 storm cells 9 strobes 30 strong pressure gradient 13 subscribing to XM 3 sun strobes 30 surface pressure 13 surface winds 11 TAF 27 temporary flight restriction 24 terminal aerodrome forecast 27 TFR 24 time stamp 6 tornado warning 16 tropical depression
For the latest free software updates (excluding map data) throughout the life of your Garmin products, visit the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com. © Copyright 2006 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A. Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K. Garmin Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan www.garmin.com Part Number 190-00713-00 Rev.
