Garmin GMR 1226 xHD2 Open Array Radar and Pedestal

Designed for serious offshore cruisers and anglers, the Garmin GMR 1226 xHD2 delivers exceptional radar clarity, power, and long-range capability. This 12-kW open-array radar provides up to 72 nautical miles of range, ensuring you’re equipped for navigation in fog, darkness, rain, or low visibility conditions.

With its ultra-narrow 1.1° horizontal beamwidth, this radar paints high-resolution targets at a distance, while advanced features like Pulse Expansion, Echo Trails, and Auto Bird Gain make it ideal for both navigation safety and fish finding.

Perfect for larger vessels, this high-definition radar supports dual-range operation, MARPA target tracking, radar overlays, and programmable antenna parking, all in a rugged, waterproof IPX6-rated housing. Whether you’re navigating a busy shipping lane or scouting offshore bait balls, the GMR 1226 xHD2 gives you unmatched awareness on the water.

What’s Included

• Garmin GMR 1226 xHD2 Open Array Radar and Pedestal

• Mounting hardware kit and template

• Power cable (15 m / 49.21 ft)

• Network cable (15 m / 49.21 ft)

• Cable grommet

• Voltage converter

• User documentation

Key Features

⚡ High-Powered Performance

• Delivers 12-kW transmit power with superior echo definition at short and long ranges.

• Covers up to 72 nautical miles with 24/48 RPM rotation speeds for quick refresh rates.

🔍 Exceptional Target Clarity

• 1.1° horizontal beamwidth for detailed target separation.

• 8-bit true color resolution for realistic image quality and reduced screen clutter.

🔁 Dual-Range Display

• View both close-in and long-range targets simultaneously in split-screen mode or chart overlay.

🎣 Fish Finding with Auto Bird Gain

• Automatically optimizes gain to locate bird flocks on the water, pointing to likely schools of baitfish.

📉 Pulse Expansion Technology

• Enhances target visibility by enlarging radar returns, helping you better distinguish objects on screen.

🧭 Echo Trails

• Visual “trails” show the movement of vessels and objects for better collision avoidance.

🛰️ Radar Overlay

• Seamlessly overlay radar on your chartplotter map. For optimal performance, add a heading sensor or Garmin autopilot (sold separately).

🎯 MARPA Target Tracking

• Track up to 30 MARPA targets to monitor moving vessels and enhance situational awareness.

⚙️ Smart Radar Features

• Dynamic Auto Gain and Dynamic Sea Filter adjust automatically to changing sea conditions.

• Guard Zones, VRM (Variable Range Markers), and EBL (Electronic Bearing Lines) enhance navigation precision and alert you to nearby threats.

🛑 Antenna Parking

• Program the array to stop at a specified position when powered down, helping avoid interference with onboard structures.

📡 Dual Radar Support

• Connect with another Garmin radar for backup or alternate viewing zones on multiple displays.

Garmin GMR 1226 xHD2 Specifications

General

• Array Dimensions: 76.25″ L x 5″ H x 6.75″ W (193.6 x 12.7 x 17.1 cm)

• Pedestal Dimensions: 20.5″ x 12.75″ x 12.5″ (52 x 32.4 x 31.8 cm)

• Antenna Length: 72″ (182.88 cm)

• Weight: Array – 16.9 lbs (7.7 kg); Pedestal – 47.1 lbs (21.4 kg)

• Waterproof Rating: IPX6

• Maximum Wind Load: 80 knots

• Rotation Speeds: 24 / 48 RPM

• Beam Width: 1.1° horizontal, 23° vertical

• Radar Type: Open-Array

• Maximum Range: 72 nautical miles

• Minimum Range: 20 meters

Electrical

• Power Input: 10–32 V DC

• Transmit Power: 12 kW

Radar Features

• Dual Range: ✔

• Radar Overlay: ✔

• Dual Radar Support: ✔

• Auto Bird Gain: ✔

• Dynamic Auto Gain: ✔

• Dynamic Sea Filter: ✔

• Pulse Expansion: ✔

• MARPA Target Tracking: ✔ (up to 30 targets)

• Echo Trails: ✔

• Programmable Antenna Parking: ✔

• Guard Zones: ✔

• VRM/EBL: ✔

Benefits

• Unrivaled Long-Range Detection – Detect vessels and weather threats up to 72 nautical miles away.

• Superior Target Separation – Narrow beamwidth and true color resolution reduce clutter and enhance clarity.

• Built for Harsh Environments – IPX6-rated for marine durability, even in heavy rain or wind.

• Fish Smarter – Auto Bird Gain helps locate feeding activity faster and more accurately.

• Stay Aware and Alert – MARPA, guard zones, and radar overlay boost safety and situational awareness.

• Easy Integration – Compatible with Garmin marine network and multifunction displays.

• Quiet & Efficient – Smooth, low-noise operation with programmable parking keeps your deck clean and radar out of the way.

FAQs

Q: What type of boat is this radar ideal for?
A: The GMR 1226 xHD2 is best suited for offshore fishing vessels, yachts, and larger cruising boats needing high-performance radar with long-range capability.

Q: Is a heading sensor required for radar overlay?
A: Yes. A heading sensor or Garmin autopilot (sold separately) is required to enable accurate radar overlay on the chartplotter map.

Q: How many targets can it track with MARPA?
A: It can track up to 30 MARPA targets when connected to a compatible Garmin multifunction display and heading sensor.

Q: Can I use this radar with another Garmin radar unit?
A: Yes, dual radar support allows you to operate two radar systems simultaneously for redundancy or multi-zone coverage.

Q: How does programmable antenna parking work?
A: You can program the radar to stop in a specified position when powered down, which helps avoid interference with masts, antennas, or other onboard equipment.

Q: Is the unit hard to install?
A: It’s designed for straightforward installation with included hardware, cabling, and template.