Garmin GMR Fantom 18x Dome Radar

Garmin GMR Fantom 18x Dome Radar

Garmin GMR Fantom 18x Dome Radar combines high-performance solid-state technology with sleek design, this 18-inch dome radar provides the clarity and reliability you need to navigate with absolute confidence, even when visibility is at its worst.

At Morgan Marine, we understand that safety on the water is paramount. Whether you’re navigating through thick coastal fog, returning to the marina after dark, or tracking distant weather fronts, the Fantom 18x delivers professional-grade detection in a compact, user-friendly package. Boasting an impressive 50 watts of output power—the highest in its class—this radar offers an exceptional range of up to 48 nautical miles and significantly improved target separation.

The standout feature of the Fantom series is the revolutionary MotionScope™ technology. By using the Doppler effect, the radar instantly identifies moving targets and highlights them in different colours (e.g., green for targets moving away and red for those approaching). This allows you to differentiate between stationary hazards and moving vessels at a single glance, taking the guesswork out of complex navigation.

With a high-speed rotation of up to 60 RPM, the Fantom 18x provides a near-instantaneous refresh rate, ensuring you never lose track of fast-moving targets. It’s also incredibly energy-efficient, featuring a Power Save mode and Timed Transmit mode to help conserve your battery during long days on the water. Available in both classic white and a modern black finish, it is the perfect addition to any vessel's electronics suite.

Garmin GMR Fantom 18x Dome Radar Key Features

• Powerful 50W Solid-State Output: Delivers incredible range (from 6 metres to 48 nautical miles) and superior target detection, even in heavy rain or fog.
• MotionScope™ Technology: Uses the Doppler effect to highlight moving targets in different colours, allowing you to easily avoid collisions or track weather patterns.
• High-Speed 60 RPM Rotation: Provides a fast screen refresh rate, crucial for detecting and tracking boats approaching at high speeds.
• Target Size Adjustment: Customise the resolution of objects on your screen to better separate small targets from large ones based on your surroundings.
• Auto Bird Gain: A must-have for anglers; this feature helps locate flocks of birds at the water’s surface, pointing you directly to the best fishing spots.
• True Echo Trails: Displays a historical "trail" on the screen, helping you quickly identify the direction of moving targets and potential collision threats.
• Dual Range Support: Monitor both close-range and long-range surroundings simultaneously on a split-screen display with independent controls.
• Dynamic Auto Gain & Sea Filter: Automatically adjusts to your environment and sea conditions, ensuring a clear, clutter-free image without constant manual tweaking.
• MARPA Target Tracking: Tracks up to 30 targets simultaneously, helping you maintain a safe distance from other vessels in busy waterways.
• Low Power Consumption: Features a dedicated Power Save mode and Timed Transmit to specify active times down to the second, extending your time at sea.
• Instant On: No more waiting for a magnetron to warm up—the solid-state design provides immediate situational awareness the moment you need it.

Included in the box:

• • GMR Fantom 18x Dome Radar (White or Black)
  • Power cable (15 m)
  • Network cable (15 m)
  • Mounting hardware kit and template
  • Installation instructions

Garmin GMR Fantom 18x Dome Radar FAQs

What makes the Fantom 18x different from previous Garmin radars?

The "x" in 18x stands for a significant power boost. While standard solid-state domes often provide lower wattage, the Fantom 18x delivers a powerful 50W of output power. This gives you much better target detection at long range (up to 48 nautical miles) and improved image clarity, even in heavy rain or fog.

What is MotionScope™ technology and how does it help me?

• MotionScope is one of the standout features of the Fantom series. It uses the Doppler effect to detect moving targets instantly.
  • Green targets are moving away from you.
  • Red targets are moving towards you.
    This allows you to identify potential collision threats at a glance, without having to manually track every return on the screen.

Can I see birds with this radar?

Yes, absolutely. The Fantom 18x includes an Auto Bird Gain feature. This specifically tunes the radar to locate flocks of birds at the water’s surface, which is an invaluable tool for fishermen looking to find baitfish and game fish.

Does it support split-screen for close and long-range views?

Yes. With Dual Range support, a single radar antenna can provide split-screen images on your compatible Garmin chartplotter. You can monitor what’s happening 20 feet away for docking or narrow channels while simultaneously keeping an eye on weather or traffic up to 48 miles away.

Is the Fantom 18x difficult to install?

Garmin has designed this to be very "plug-and-play." It features Intuitive Operation with no complex user settings to configure. It connects via the Garmin Marine Network, and the kit we provide includes a 15-metre power cable and a 15-metre network cable to get you started.

How fast does the radar update?

The Fantom 18x offers a high-speed rotation of up to 60 RPM. This provides a very fast screen refresh rate, which is critical when you are travelling at speed or trying to track fast-moving targets like jet skis or powerboats.

Will it drain my batteries?

Despite its power, it’s quite efficient. It features a Power Save Mode and Timed Transmit Mode, allowing you to specify exactly when the radar is active down to the second. This helps conserve battery life during long days on the water or while sailing.

Do I need any extra equipment for MARPA tracking?

To use MARPA (Mini-Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) or radar overlay on your charts, you will need a heading sensor (sold separately). This allows the radar to align accurately with your boat's heading. Contact us at Morgan Marine and we can recommend the best sensor for your specific boat.

Is it compatible with my current Garmin Chartplotter?

The Fantom 18x is compatible with most modern Garmin GPSMAP® series units (such as the 7x3, 9x3, 12x3, and 8400 series). However, please note that it is not compatible with the ECHOMAP™ series. If you aren't sure, give us a call with your model number and we’ll check for you.