Garmin GXM 30A Instruction Manual

GXM 30A

Owner’s Manual

© Copyright 2006 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
Tel. [phone] or 800/800.1020
Fax [phone]

All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded
or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without the express prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to
download a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or
of any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and
provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes
in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (www.garmin.
com) for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.

Garmin®, is registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used without the express permission of Garmin. XM WX and
XM are trademarks of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

August 2006 Part Number 190-00713-00 Rev. B Printed in Taiwan

Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park
Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K.
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]

Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei
County, Taiwan
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]

Warning

IntroductIon > WarnIngs

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

Do not mount

where driver’s

eld of vision is

blocked.

Do not place

unsecured on

the vehicle

dash.

Do not mount in front

of an airbag eld of

deployment.

awareness.

This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive
harm. This Notice is being provided in accordance with California’s Proposition 65. If you have any questions or would like additional
information, please refer to our Web site at http://www.garmin.com/prop65.

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual i

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.

NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using
suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used.

Garmin does not take any responsibility for any nes, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See

California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71.)

ii GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

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. Additionally, the GXM 30A XM Radio Smart
Antenna offers music, news, and talk programming capability
with a subscription to the XM Radio service. Hardware and
XM subscriptions are sold separately.

This manual covers the XM WX Weather and XM Radio
features of the GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna when
viewed on a Garmin unit. To get the most out of your new
system, take the time to go through this manual and the unit’s
Owner’s Manual. Operational procedures are found in the unit’s
Owner’s Manual. This manual discusses how to connect the
GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna, how to subscribe to XM
WX Weather and XM Radio services, and provides detailed
information about weather and audio features.

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual iii

Terminology Used Throughout This Manual

• This manual refers to the GXM 30A XM Radio Smart
Antenna as the GXM 30A.

• All Garmin products that are compatible with the
GXM 30A are referred to as “Garmin unit” throughout
this manual.

• This manual uses the term Warning to indicate a
potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

• This manual uses the term Caution to indicate a
potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
may result in minor injury or property damage. It may
also be used without the symbol to alert you to avoid
unsafe practices.

Made in Taiwan

XM RADIO ID:

GXM30A

011-00423-00

18200000

B99U70CU

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

XM WX Weather and XM Radio ID

Use this area to record the radio ID numbers (8-digit number
located on the Information sub tab of your unit.) If your unit is
lost or stolen, XM Satellite Radio can deactivate this radio code

when you call.
the Home page. Record your serial number below for a quick
reference.

number located on the bottom of your unit) in case

it is lost, stolen, or needs service. Be sure to keep

your original sales receipt in a safe place or attach a

Serial Number for GXM 30A

Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit

XM WX Satellite Weather Listener Care Center

photocopy inside the manual.

Serial Number:

XM Radio ID Number

www.XMWXweather.com

800-985-9200

XM Radio ID

www.garmin.com

iv GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

Serial Number

IntroductIon > table of contents

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 ....................... 3

XM WX Weather Features .......................................... 5

Displaying Weather Information ......................................... 5

NEXRAD Radar ..................................................................... 6

Satellite Mosaic .................................................................... 7

Lightning ............................................................................... 8

Storm Cells ........................................................................... 9

Hurricanes .......................................................................... 10

Surface Winds .....................................................................11

Winds Aloft ......................................................................... 12

Surface Pressure ................................................................ 13

Fronts .................................................................................. 14

Visibility .............................................................................. 15

County Warnings................................................................ 16

Water Temperature ............................................................. 17

Wave Period ........................................................................ 17

Wave Direction ................................................................... 18

Wave Height ........................................................................ 18

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual v

Marine Warnings ................................................................ 19

Buoy Reports ...................................................................... 20

METAR ................................................................................. 21

AIRMET ............................................................................... 22

SIGMET ............................................................................... 23

TFR ...................................................................................... 24

Echo Tops ........................................................................... 25

Freezing Level .................................................................... 26

Forecast .............................................................................. 26

TAF ...................................................................................... 27

XM Radio ............................................................................. 27

Appendix ...................................................................28

GXM 30A Specications .................................................... 28

Feature Broadcast Rates ................................................... 29

NEXRAD Overview ............................................................. 30

FCC Compliance ................................................................ 32

Limited Warranty ................................................................ 33

Software License Agreement ............................................ 35

XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement............................. 35

Weather Data Warranty ...................................................... 36

TFR Data ............................................................................. 37

Index ..........................................................................38

gettIng started > unIt overvIeW

Unit Overview

GXM 30A Radio Smart Antenna

GettInG started

USB Connector

UNIT CARE

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.

Storage - Do not store the GXM 30A where exposure
to temperature extremes may occur, as permanent
damage may result.

Mounting Holes

The Garmin GXM 30A has no user-serviceable parts.
Should you ever encounter a problem with your unit,
take it to an authorized Garmin dealer for repairs.

The GXM 30A is fastened shut with screws. Any attempt
to open the case to change or modify the unit in any
way voids your warranty and may result in permanent
damage to the equipment.

SERVICING YOUR UNIT

1 GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

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.

GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 2

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. This automatically turns on the
GXM 30A.

Select the Audio sub tab (it is next to the Information sub
tab). Verify that XM Preview appears in the Radio Tuning
box.

Step 4: Set up the XM Account

Contact XM by phone at 800-985-9200. After providing
the required information, the XM representative activates
the account and sends out an XM signal to activate the
GXM 30A.

For answers to other XM questions you can call the above

number or visit www.XMWXweather.com.

Step 3: Identify Radio ID

On the Garmin unit, press MENU twice to show the Main
Menu. A list of tabs appear down the left-hand side of the
Main Menu. Using the ROCKER key, highlight the XM tab
and select the Information sub tab.

Write down the Radio ID number. Have the ID number, your
billing address and other billing information ready when you
contact XM.

3 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

gettIng started > subscrIbIng to XM servIce

Step 5: Conrm 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 eld (see Step 6).

XM Radio: Highlight the Audio sub tab and verify that

channels 7, 9, 47, and 122 are being received. This
indicates that all channels on XM’s basic radio service
are being received. If within an hour the XM WX Weather
and/or the XM Radio service has not activated, call XM WX
customer care at 800-985-9200 to validate the activation
of XM services. The customer care representative can
refresh the activation signal or you can do this yourself at

www.xmradio.com/refresh by entering your radio ID where

requested.

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 4

Step 6: Save the Service Package

After the service package name appears in the Service
Level eld, turn off the Garmin unit.

Step 7: Add Features to your Unit

When you turn on the GXM 30A after completing Step 6, you
are ready to add weather features to the unit’s Map Page
and set your new favorite channels.

XM Information

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.) Any weather feature can change

in appearance or interpretation if the source that provides the
information changes. XM WX Weather data is broadcast at
set rates (See page 29 for all weather-related broadcast rates).

For example, NEXRAD Radar data is broadcast at ve minute

intervals. When the Garmin unit is turned on or when a new
feature is selected, the GXM 30A has to receive new data before
it can be shown. You can experience a delay before weather data
or a new feature appears on the map.

To display weather features on the map, press

To display weather features on the Garmin unit’s
Map Page:

1. Press the MENU key.

2. Highlight

5 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

Show Weather, and press ENTER.

the MENU key, highlight Show Weather, and

Displaying Weather

press ENTER.

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.
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. NEXRAD can be displayed independently
or with a variety of other weather information. For information on NEXRAD Limitations, Abnormalities, and Intensity, see

pages 30-31.

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 6

In the lower left corner of the screen is a Time Stamp. The Time Stamp displays the elapsed time

NEXRAD

NEXRAD Legend

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.

Satellite Mosaic

Cloud Tops Legend

7 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

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.

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 8