XM Satellite Radio GXM30 User Manual

GXM 30

XM Radio Smart Antenna

owner’s manual

®

© Copyright 2005 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.

June 2005 Part Number 190-00535-00 Rev. A 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 30 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 30 only as an aid
for VFR navigation. Use weather data only as an aid to situational

Do not mount

where driver’s

field of vision is

blocked.

Do not place

unsecured on

the vehicle

dash.

Do not mount in front

of an airbag field of

deployment.

awareness.

This unit contains magnets which may cause compass deviation.

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 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual iii

INTRODUCTION > CAUTION

Caution

Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations may result in injury or property damage.

Use the GXM 30 only as a navigational aid. Do not attempt to use the GXM 30 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 State of California Drivers: California Vehicle Code Section 26708 (a) (1) provides that “No person shall drive any motor
vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.” Drivers
in California should not use the suction mount on their windshield or side or rear windows. Garmin does not take any responsibility for any
fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice.

iv GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

INTRODUCTION > ABOUT THIS MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

Preface

Congratulations on choosing one of the most advanced
weather systems available! The GXM 30 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 30 XM Radio
Smart Antenna requires a subscription to the XM WX Satellite
Weather service. Additionally, the GXM 30 XM Radio Smart
Antenna offers music, news, and talk programming capability
with a subscription to the XM Radio service. Hardware and
XM subscriptions sold separately.

This manual covers the XM WX Weather and XM Radio
features of the GXM 30 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

Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual. This manual discusses how to connect the

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

. Operational procedures are found in the unit

Terminology used throughout this manual

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

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

• This manual uses the term Warning
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.

to indicate a

INTRODUCTION > PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Made in Taiwan

XM RADIO ID:

GXM30

010-00423-00

28400000

B99U70CU

Product Registration

Help us better support your equipment purchase by
completing our online registration today!

number of your GXM 30 ready, connect to our Web site (www.
garmin.com) and click the Product Registration link on the

Have the serial

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) in case your
unit is lost or stolen. XM Satellite Radio can deactivate these

radio codes when you call.
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 30

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

ii GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

Serial Number

INTRODUCTION > TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ..................................................................i

Preface ................................................................................... i

Terminology used throughout this manual ............................................... i

Product Registration ................................................................................ ii

XM WX Weather and

XM Radio ID ....................................................... ii

Getting Started ............................................................2

Unit Overview ....................................................................... 2

Connecting the GXM 30 to a Garmin Unit .......................... 3

Subscribing to XM WX Weather and Radio .......................

XM WX Weather Features .......................................... 6

Displaying Weather Information ......................................... 6

NEXRAD Radar ..................................................................... 7

Satellite Mosaic .................................................................... 8

Lightning ............................................................................... 9

Storm Cells ......................................................................... 10

Hurricanes .......................................................................... 11

Surface Winds .................................................................... 12

Aloft ......................................................................... 13

Winds

Surface Pressure ................................................................ 14

Fronts .................................................................................. 15

Visibility ..............................................................................

County Warnings ...............................................................

Water Temperature .............................................................

Wave Period ........................................................................ 18

Wave Direction ...................................................................

Wave Height ........................................................................

16
17
18

19
19

4

Marine Warnings ................................................................

Buoy Reports ...................................................................... 21

METAR ................................................................................. 22

AIRMET ............................................................................... 23

SIGMET ............................................................................... 24

TFR ...................................................................................... 25

Echo Tops ........................................................................... 26

Freezing Level .................................................................... 27

Forecast .............................................................................. 27

TAF ......................................................................................

XM Audio .............................................................................

Appendix ................................................................... 29

Specifications ..................................................................... 29

Physical Specifications ...........................................................................29

Power ......................................................................................................29

Performance ............................................................................................29

NEXRAD Overview ............................................................. 31

NEXRAD Description ............................................................................31

NEXRAD Abnormalities ........................................................................31

NEXRAD Limitations ............................................................................31

NEXRAD Intensity .................................................................................32

FCC Compliance ................................................................ 33

Limited Warranty ................................................................ 34

Software License Agreement ............................................ 36

XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement ............................ 36

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

TFR Data ............................................................................. 38

GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 1

20

28
28

37

GETTING STARTED > UNIT OVERVIEW

Unit Overview

GXM 30 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 30 where exposure
to temperature extremes may occur, as permanent
damage may result.

Mounting Holes

The Garmin GXM 30 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 30 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.

Magnetic Base

SERVICING YOUR UNIT

2 GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

GETTING STARTED > CONNECTING THE GXM 30 TO A GARMIN UNIT

Connecting the GXM 30 to a Garmin Unit

Position the GXM 30 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 30 to the USB port on the Garmin unit.

GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 3

GETTING STARTED > SUBSCRIBING TO XM WX WEATHER AND RADIO

Subscribing to XM WX Weather and Radio

With the GXM 30 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 30 is connected to the Garmin unit.

Step 2: Turn on your System

Place the GXM 30 where is has a clear view of the sky and t
urn on the Garmin unit. This automatically turns on the GXM

30.

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 30.

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 the MENU key twice to display
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.

4 GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

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

GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 5

Step 6: Save the Service Package

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

Step 7: Add Features to your Unit

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

XM Information

XM WEATHER FEATURES > DISPLAYING WEATHER INFORMATION

XM WX WEATHER FEATURES

Displaying Weather Information

The GXM 30 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 30 for all weather-related
broadcast rates). For example, NEXRAD Radar data is
broadcast at five minute intervals. When the Garmin unit is
turned on or when a new feature is selected, the GXM 30 has to
receive new data before it can be shown. You may experience a
delay before weather data or a new feature appears on the map.

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

1. Press the MENU key.

2. Highlight Show Weather,

6 GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual

and press ENTER.

To display weather features on the map, press

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
a variety of other weather information. For information on NEXRAD Limitations, Abnormalities, and Intensity, see pages
31-32.

GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 7

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

MENU, highlight Weather Legend, and press ENTER. NEXRAD can be displayed independently or with

NEXRAD

NEXRAD Legend

XM WEATHER FEATURES > SATELLITE MOSAIC

Satellite Mosaic

Satellite Mosaic displays infared composite images of cloud cover taken by geostationary weather satellites. The Satellite Mosaic
provides up to seven levels of cloud cover.

Satellite Mosiac

Cloud Tops Legend

8 GXM 30 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 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 9