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GXM

 54

INSTALLATION 

INSTRUCTIONS

Important Safety Information

 WARNING

The weather information provided through this product is subject 

to service interruptions and may contain errors, inaccuracies, or 

outdated information, and consequently should not be relied 

upon exclusively. Always use common sense while navigating, 

and check alternate weather information sources prior to making 

safety-related decisions. You acknowledge and agree that you 

shall be solely responsible for use of the weather information 

and all decisions taken with respect to navigating in weather. 

Garmin

®

 will not be responsible for any consequences of using 

SiriusXM

®

 weather information.

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 voids the product warranty.

 CAUTION

Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask 

when drilling, cutting, or sanding.

NOTICE

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

side of the surface.

Software Update

You must update the Garmin chartplotter software when you 

install this device.
If your chartplotter has Wi

Fi

®

 technology, you should update the 

software using the ActiveCaptain

 app on a compatible 

Android

 or Apple

®

 device. If your chartplotter does not have 

Wi

Fi technology, you should update the software using a 

memory card and a Windows

®

 computer.

For more information, go to 

support.garmin.com

.

Antenna Mounting Considerations

You can mount the antenna on a flat surface or attach it to a 

standard 1 in. OD, 14 threads per inch, pipe-threaded pole (not 

included). You can route the cable outside of the pole or through 

the pole. For best performance, consider these guidelines when 

selecting the antenna mounting location.
• To ensure the best reception, the antenna should be 

mounted in a location that has a clear, unobstructed view of 

the sky in all directions  .

• The antenna should not be mounted where it is shaded by 

the superstructure of the boat  , a radome antenna, or the 

mast.

• The antenna should not be mounted near the engine or other 

sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)  .

• If a radar is present, the antenna should be mounted above 

the path of the radar  . If necessary, the antenna may be 
mounted below the path of the radar  .

• The antenna should not be mounted directly in the path of the 

radar  .

• The antenna should be mounted at least 1 m (3 ft.) away 

from (preferably above) the path of a radar beam or a VHF 
radio antenna  .

Testing the Mounting Location

1

Temporarily secure the antenna in the preferred mounting 

location and test it for correct operation.

2

If you experience interference with other electronics, move 

the antenna to a different location, and test it again.

3

Repeat steps 1–2 until you observe full or acceptable signal 

strength.

4

Permanently mount the antenna.

Surface Mounting the Antenna

NOTICE

If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is 

recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a clearance 

counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to 

avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer when the screws are 

tightened.

Before you permanently mount the antenna, you must test the 

mounting location for correct operation (

Antenna Mounting 

Considerations

, page 1

).

1

Using the surface-mount bracket   as your mounting 

template, mark the three pilot-hole locations and trace the 

cable-hole in the center of the bracket.

February 2019

190-02153-90_0A

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