Garmin Radar Fantom?

Thanks. I tried changing the Range to B and turned off the sea clutter. I tried adjusting the filters and checked to make sure No Transmit Zone settings were off but still no change. The LED on the radar base flashes green which the documentation says shows normal operation. I am attaching 2 more screenshots, the first showing radar and the second radar/chart overlay so you can see what is missing from the radar. I’m going to call Garmin tomorrow but if any one has any other suggestions please let me know.View attachment 133625View attachment 133626
Probably best to call Garmin on this one. My boat neighbor has had two failures similar to what you are seeing; apparently a known problem. Garmin stood behind the product for him.
 
Wow, you got me on this now. The only thing I can think of is there is something in the motion scope settings possibly, my radar doesn't have Motion scope so I am unfamiliar with them. If Garmin is able to help you please post back what your issue was. Good Luck!
Thanks Orlando. I tried turning off the motion scope as well but no different. I will post back with an update.
 
I found a troubleshooting procedure online: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=mnhTNs3MX26JGLlh84bqFA. Checking the voltage to the radar makes sense, any chance the voltage is low?
Also, is the radar showing up as a connected Garmin Network device? There is also a radar source menu item on the Radar Setup menu, I would check that.
I would also take it off the network, bring up the system without it, then reconnect and restart the system.
 
Thanks Orlando. I tried turning off the motion scope as well but no different. I will post back with an update.

This is interesting and a setting I have never played around with.

FTC (Fast Time Constant) - With FTC in operation, only the leading edge of an echo of a long-time duration is displayed on the radar scope. FTC tends to reduce the saturation of the scope by clutter. Also called Anti-Clutter or Differentiator.
 
I found a troubleshooting procedure online: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=mnhTNs3MX26JGLlh84bqFA. Checking the voltage to the radar makes sense, any chance the voltage is low?
Also, is the radar showing up as a connected Garmin Network device? There is also a radar source menu item on the Radar Setup menu, I would check that.
I would also take it off the network, bring up the system without it, then reconnect and restart the system.
Thanks for this. I’ll test what I can and also speak to Garmin and report back.
 
This is interesting and a setting I have never played around with.

FTC (Fast Time Constant) - With FTC in operation, only the leading edge of an echo of a long-time duration is displayed on the radar scope. FTC tends to reduce the saturation of the scope by clutter. Also called Anti-Clutter or Differentiator.
I didn’t notice this setting when I was going through the menus today but look interesting.
 
I didn’t notice this setting when I was going through the menus today but look interesting.

It's under filters. But your issue is most likely what @alnav mentioned. Hopefully Garmin Tech can help tomorrow.
 
I spoke with Garmin tech support today and they suggested that I reset the radar to the factory defaults and asked me to download and send them the Error Logs. They said if this didn't work they would cover the repair under warranty.
This is the procedure they sent.


From the any page press, Options > Settings > System > System Information > Software Information.

Press and hold the Garmin Devices button, until Field Diagnostics displays.

Select Field Diagnostics > Radar >Factory Defaults > Yes to restore, the chartplotter will restart select End Factory. The chartplotter will return to the standard home screen.

I followed their procedure but after I hit restore my 8612 did not restart. I called back to make sure I wasn't missing a step and they said if it wouldn't restart I should send it in for repair which they confirmed to cover under warranty even though my coverage ended this past spring.

I asked if they had seen this before and the first gentleman said that he had only seen it twice before. We're going away on the boat tomorrow through Friday but hopefully I can get it sent out after the weekend.

I'll continue post updates.
 
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I spoke with Garmin tech support today and they suggested that I reset the radar to the factory defaults and asked me to download and send them the Error Logs. They said if this didn't work they would cover the repair under warranty.
This is the procedure they sent.


From the any page press, Options > Settings > System > System Information > Software Information.

Press and hold the Garmin Devices button, until Field Diagnostics displays.

Select Field Diagnostics > Radar >Factory Defaults > Yes to restore, the chartplotter will restart select End Factory. The chartplotter will return to the standard home screen.

I followed their procedure but after I hit restore my 8612 did not restart. I called back to make sure I wasn't missing a step and they said if it wouldn't restart I should send it in for repair which they confirmed to cover under warranty even though my coverage ended this past spring.

I asked if they had seen this before and the first gentleman said that he had only seen it twice before. We're going away on the boat tomorrow through Friday but hopefully I can get it sent out after the weekend.

I'll continue post updates.

Oh man, talk about bad luck. Hopefully it will restart if you remove power overnight. I don't see why resetting the radar will kill the plotter, that makes no sense. Good luck and have a great trip. The great south bay without a plotter, not fun ...
 
Oh man, talk about bad luck. Hopefully it will restart if you remove power overnight. I don't see why resetting the radar will kill the plotter, that makes no sense. Good luck and have a great trip. The great south bay without a plotter, not fun ...
My chart plotter still works. It just didn’t go into the auto restart it should have. Probably due to the radar not the plotter. I was able to back out to the Home Screen and all good. Sorry if I wasn’t clear but if it had gone out I still have the 942 and Navionics on my iPhone and iPad as back ups. We’re only going east and across the bay to Seaview / Ocean Beach with clear weather forecasted after tomorrow morning. Thanks.
 
I spoke with Garmin tech support today and they suggested that I reset the radar to the factory defaults and asked me to download and send them the Error Logs. They said if this didn't work they would cover the repair under warranty.
This is the procedure they sent.


From the any page press, Options > Settings > System > System Information > Software Information.

Press and hold the Garmin Devices button, until Field Diagnostics displays.

Select Field Diagnostics > Radar >Factory Defaults > Yes to restore, the chartplotter will restart select End Factory. The chartplotter will return to the standard home screen.

I followed their procedure but after I hit restore my 8612 did not restart. I called back to make sure I wasn't missing a step and they said if it wouldn't restart I should send it in for repair which they confirmed to cover under warranty even though my coverage ended this past spring.

I asked if they had seen this before and the first gentleman said that he had only seen it twice before. We're going away on the boat tomorrow through Friday but hopefully I can get it sent out after the weekend.

I'll continue post updates.
Rob, did you deal with anyone beyond the first-tier on the phone? I'd be concerned if they didn't pull in a radar guy once the procedure failed. I've had plotter restarts fail during routine software updates. If I were you I would go through the Garmin procedure, especially the voltage check if possible to avoid having to uninstall and ship the unit, then reinstall, potentially more than once. Is Garmin going to pay for shipping both ways?
 
Rob, did you deal with anyone beyond the first-tier on the phone? I'd be concerned if they didn't pull in a radar guy once the procedure failed. I've had plotter restarts fail during routine software updates. If I were you I would go through the Garmin procedure, especially the voltage check if possible to avoid having to uninstall and ship the unit, then reinstall, potentially more than once. Is Garmin going to pay for shipping both ways?
Hi Al,

I'm honestly not sure what level tech I spoke to but dealt with two different guys.

I think this unit started failing over the summer as my returns were very hard to see on the buoys in our bay. If I was taking it off myself I would definitely follow your advice but Garmin is going to pay for shipping both ways and also for my local dealer to remove and reinstall the unit.

Thanks.
 
Hi Al,

I'm honestly not sure what level tech I spoke to but dealt with two different guys.

I think this unit started failing over the summer as my returns were very hard to see on the buoys in our bay. If I was taking it off myself I would definitely follow your advice but Garmin is going to pay for shipping both ways and also for my local dealer to remove and reinstall the unit.

Thanks.
Makes great sense now. Good for Garmin; seems like they are going way above and beyond.
 
Very impressed that they offered before I had a chance to ask.
Update

My local Garmin dealer removed the pedestal and sent it in for repair. Garmin ended up replacing the pedestal and the dealer got it installed this week. Checked it out today since we went to pump out and fill the tanks for winter. I have working radar again but need to adjust the settings / heading sensor as you can see in the picture.
Thanks again for all the help!
 

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