Garmin VARIA ERTL616 User manual

VARIA™ERTL616
Owner’s Manual

© 2023 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Garmin. Garmin reserves the right to change
or improve its products and to make changes in the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Go to
www.garmin.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use of this product.
Garmin®, the Garmin logo, ANT+®, Edge®, fēnix®, Forerunner®, Venu®, and vívoactive® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries.
Garmin Connect™, Garmin Express™, and Varia™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin. The
BLUETOOTH® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.
M/N: A04540
Country restrictions apply. 010-02790-00 is approved for operation in France and the United Kingdom. 010-02789-00 is approved for operation in Germany. 010-02791-00 is approved
for operation in European countries outside of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................1
Getting Started........................................ 1
Tips for Installing the Device.................. 1
Installing the Device on a Rear Rack...... 2
Device Overview...................................... 3
Varia eRTL616 Status LED......................3
Tail Light Modes and Intensity............... 3
Turning Off the Varia eRTL616 Tail
Light......................................................... 3
The Varia eRTL616 and Your Edge
1040.................................................4
Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with Your
Edge 1040................................................ 4
Viewing Radar on Your Edge Bike
Computer................................................. 4
Tone Alerts for Approaching
Vehicles................................................... 4
Viewing Widgets...................................... 5
Customizing the Varia Device Settings
with Your Edge 1040............................... 5
Customizing the Radar Alert Settings
with Your Edge 1040............................... 6
The Varia eRTL616 and the Varia
App.................................................. 6
Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with Your
Phone....................................................... 6
Viewing Radar on the Varia App............. 7
Customizing the Varia App Alert
Settings.................................................... 7
The Varia eRTL616 and Your Radar
Display Unit...................................... 7
Varia RDU Overview................................ 8
Installing the Varia RDU.......................... 9
Pairing the Radar Device with the Varia
RDU.......................................................... 9
Turning On the Varia RDU..................... 10
Turning Off the Varia RDU and Radar
Device.................................................... 10
Other Compatible Devices.............. 10
Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with a
Compatible Edge Bike Computer......... 10
Pairing the Radar Device with a
Compatible Garmin Watch................... 11
Device Information......................... 11
Device Care............................................11
Radar Detection.....................................11
Specifications........................................12
Troubleshooting............................. 12
Resetting the Device............................. 12
Product Updates................................... 12
The radar device is not responding..... 13
Radar detection does not work
indoors................................................... 13
The status LED is flashing yellow........ 13
The status LED turns red while updating
the software.......................................... 13
The status LED turns red while plugged
into a power source.............................. 13
The radar device disconnects from the
Edge bike computer.............................. 13
The radar device disconnects from the
Varia app................................................14
The radar device disconnects from the
Varia RDU device................................... 14
Getting More Information..................... 14
Table of Contents i

Introduction
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other
important information.
The device can improve situational awareness. It is not a replacement for cyclist attentiveness and good
judgement. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings, and operate the bicycle in a safe manner. Failure
to do so could result in serious injury or death.
Always consult your physician before you begin or modify any exercise program.
Getting Started
You can use the Varia eRTL616 with your compatible Garmin® device or a phone. This list provides an overview
of the installation and setup tasks.
• Install the tail light mount (Installing the Device on a Rear Rack, page2).
• If you are using an Edge® series bike computer, pair the devices (The Varia eRTL616 and Your Edge 1040,
page4).
• If you are using your phone, download the Garmin Varia app to your phone, and pair the devices (Pairing the
Varia eRTL616 with Your Phone, page6).
• If you are using another Garmin device, pair the devices (Other Compatible Devices, page10).
Tips for Installing the Device
The Varia eRTL616 includes a tail light and micro radar that can detect approaching vehicles up to 140 meters
away.
• Select a secure location to mount the device where it does not interfere with the safe operation of your bike.
• Mount the device as high as possible for optimal light visibility and radar detection.
NOTE: The mount surface should be vertical. The devices are designed to accommodate most bike rack
angles.
• Mount the device 250 mm to 1200 mm above the road.
• Mount the Varia eRTL616 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
• Ensure the device faces backward and is perpendicular to the road.
• Make sure there are no obstructions in front of the light.
• Go for a test ride during the day in a safe environment.
Introduction 1

Installing the Device on a Rear Rack
Before you can install the Varia eRTL616, you need 3 mm and 4 mm hex keys and a cable to connect your
device.
1Complete the required steps based on the configuration of your rear rack:
• If the rear rack can accommodate the friction flange adapter, complete steps 2 through 6.
• If the device can be attached directly to the rear rack, complete steps 7 through 10.
2Attach the friction flange adapter to your Varia eRTL616 using two M4 screws.
3Using a 3 mm hex key, tighten the two M4 screws to 1 N-m (9 lbf-in.).
4Align the hole in the friction flange adapter or extender with the hole in the rear rack of your bike.
5Using a 4 mm hex key, tighten the M5 screw to 3 N-m (27 lbf-in.).
6If you are not using a friction flange adapter, align the holes in the rear rack of your bike with the holes on the
back of your Varia eRTL616.
7Using a 3 mm hex key, tighten the two M4 screws to 1 N-m (9 lbf-in.).
8Connect the cable to your bike.
Consult the owner's manual for your bike for additional information on connecting devices.
9Secure the cable so that it does not interfere with any moving parts of the bike.
2 Introduction

Device Overview
Device button
Hold for 1 second to turn the device on and enter active mode.
Hold for 4 seconds to enter pairing mode (Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with Your Phone,
page6).
When the device is in sleep mode, hold for 2 seconds to wake the device.
Hold for 2 seconds to turn the tail light off.
Hold for 10 seconds to reset the device.
Device status
LED
Changes color based on the pairing status and device mode status.
Varia eRTL616 Status LED
LED State Status
Flashing purple The device is in active pairing mode.
Flashing blue The device is in smart mode and can be controlled by a paired compatible Garmin device.
Flashing yellow The device is in demo mode.
Solid red An error occurred. You may need to restart the device.
Tail Light Modes and Intensity
You can switch the Varia eRTL616 tail light modes by pressing the device button (Device Overview, page3).
Mode Light Intensity Function
Solid (default) High The tail light is on, and the device detects vehicles.
Standby Off The tail light is off, and the device continues to detect vehicles.
Turning Off the Varia eRTL616 Tail Light
Hold the device button for 2 seconds (Device Overview, page3).
The radar continues to function while the tail light is off.
Introduction 3

The Varia eRTL616 and Your Edge 1040
You can remotely control your radar device and customize settings using your compatible Edge bike computer.
This section contains instructions for the Edge 1040. Other compatible Edge bike computers contain similar
settings and controls (Other Compatible Devices, page10).
Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with Your Edge 1040
The first time you connect the Varia eRTL616 to your Edge 1040, you must pair both devices using ANT+®
technology. After the initial pairing, the Edge device automatically connects to the radar device when you start
your activity and the radar device is active and within range.
NOTE: The radar device is compatible with other Garmin devices (Other Compatible Devices, page10).
1Bring the Edge 1040 within range (3m) of the sensor.
NOTE: Stay 10m away from other wireless sensors while pairing.
2Turn on the Edge 1040.
3Select > Sensors > Add Sensor > Search All.
4While the Varia eRTL616 is turned off, hold the device button for 4 seconds to enter pairing mode.
The status LED flashes purple, and the tail light turns on. The device is in pairing mode for 5 minutes or until
you hold the device button for 2 seconds to exit pairing mode.
5Select your sensor, and select Add.
When the sensor is paired with your Edge 1040, the sensor status is Connected. The (radar) and (bike
light) status icons appear solid on the top banner of the home screen.
Viewing Radar on Your Edge Bike Computer
Go for a ride.
The radar information appears on the active data screen.
The vehicle position LED moves up the column as a vehicle gets closer to your bike. The threat level
LED changes color based on the potential level of threat. Green indicates no vehicle is detected. Amber
indicates a vehicle is approaching. Red indicates a vehicle is advancing at a high rate of speed.
Tone Alerts for Approaching Vehicles
The Edge device beeps if audible tones are turned on in the settings. Your device has alert tones for several
features. The alert tone for approaching vehicles has a unique sound. The device beeps one time when the first
vehicle is detected. After the threat is cleared, the device beeps again when another vehicle is detected.
4 The Varia eRTL616 and Your Edge 1040

Viewing Widgets
Your device is preloaded with several widgets, and more are available when you pair your device with a phone or
other compatible device.
1From the home screen, swipe down from the top of the screen.
The settings widget appears. A flashing icon means the device is searching for a signal. A solid icon means
the signal was found or the sensor is connected. You can select any icon to change the settings.
2Swipe left or right to view more widgets.
The next time you swipe down to view the widgets, the last widget you viewed appears.
Customizing the Varia Device Settings with Your Edge 1040
Before you can customize Varia eRTL616 settings with your Edge 1040, you must pair the devices.
1Select > Sensors > Lights.
2Select an option:
• Select Enable to enable the light network.
• Select Network Options > Test Lights to verify that each light in your network is set up correctly (Testing
the Light Network, page5).
• Select a light to view device information and customize each light in your network (Light Network Settings,
page5).
Testing the Light Network
1From the Sensors menu, select Lights > Network Options > Test Lights.
2Select a light to test.
The light blinks when it is connected.
Light Network Settings
From the Sensors menu, select Lights, and select a paired light.
Enable: Turns on the light and allows you to control the light remotely with your Edge bike computer. You can
disable a light to disconnect it from the light network.
Light Mode: Turns off the light.
About: Displays device, software, and battery information.
Remove: Allows you to delete a paired light from the network.
The Varia eRTL616 and Your Edge 1040 5

Light Mode Settings
From the Sensors menu, select Lights > Network Options > Light Mode.
Auto: Automatically adjusts the light intensity and light mode based on the ambient light and time of day.
High Visibility: Sets the light intensity to flash mode or the brightest setting available.
Trail: Automatically adjusts the light intensity and light mode based on the ambient light and time of day. This
mode is recommended for mountain biking.
Individual: Allows you to customize the light intensity and pattern mode for each light in your network (Light
Network Settings, page5).
Customizing the Radar Alert Settings with Your Edge 1040
Before you can customize the radar alert settings with your Edge 1040, you must pair the devices.
You can customize how the radar alerts sound and display on your Edge 1040.
1From your Edge 1040, select > Sensors.
2Select your Varia eRTL616.
3Select Sensor Details > Alert Settings.
4Select an option.
The Varia eRTL616 and the Varia App
The Varia app connects to your Varia eRTL616 using Bluetooth® technology. The app displays radar information
and settings.
• After pairing, the app displays a colored banner indicating the threat level posed by approaching vehicles.
• You can enable phone vibration alerts so you can monitor those alerts while your phone is in your pocket,
instead of mounted on the handlebar.
You can download the Varia app from the app store on your phone.
Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with Your Phone
The first time you connect the Varia eRTL616 to the Varia app on your phone, you must pair both devices. After
the initial pairing, the Varia app automatically connects to the Varia eRTL616 when you open the app and the
radar device is active and within range.
1Bring your phone within range (0.5m) of the Varia eRTL616.
NOTE: Stay 10m away from other Bluetooth sensors while pairing.
2On your compatible phone, enable Bluetooth technology.
3From the app store on your phone, install and open the Varia app.
4Select Pair Now.
5While the Varia eRTL616 is turned off, hold the device button for 4 seconds to enter pairing mode.
The device status LED flashes purple, and the tail light turns on. The device is in pairing mode for 5 minutes
or until you hold the device button for 2 seconds to exit pairing mode.
6Select That's Mine.
When the Varia eRTL616 is paired with your phone, the app displays the current radar status.
6 The Varia eRTL616 and the Varia App

Viewing Radar on the Varia App
Go for a ride.
The radar information appears on the active data screen.
The vehicle position moves up the screen as a vehicle gets closer to your bike. The threat level banner
changes color based on the potential level of threat. Green indicates no vehicle is detected. Amber indicates
a vehicle is approaching. Red indicates a vehicle is advancing at a high rate of speed.
TIP: The line next to the vehicle also indicates the threat level. A straight line changes to jagged with a red
threat level.
Customizing the Varia App Alert Settings
Before you can customize the radar alert settings with the Varia app, you must pair the devices.
You can enable vibration alerts on your phone so you can monitor those alerts while your phone is in your
pocket, instead of mounted on the handlebar.
1From the Varia app, select or .
2Select Sounds & Alerts.
3Select an option.
The Varia eRTL616 and Your Radar Display Unit
You can display radar data using the compatible rear display unit (RDU).
The Varia eRTL616 and Your Radar Display Unit 7

Varia RDU Overview
Device button
Turns the device on and off.
Ambient light sensor
Detects available light and automatically adjusts the brightness of the
display.
Connection status LED
Appears solid blue when the device is paired with the radar device. Flashes
blue when the device is searching for the radar device.
FRONT and REAR device status
LEDs
Appears solid red when there is a device error.
Threat level LED
Changes color based on the potential level of threat. Green indicates no
vehicle is detected. Amber indicates a vehicle is approaching. Red indicates
a vehicle is advancing at a high rate of speed.
Vehicle position LEDs
Moves up the column as the vehicle gets closer to your bike.
8 The Varia eRTL616 and Your Radar Display Unit

Installing the Varia RDU
NOTE: If you do not have a Varia RDU, you can use a compatible Edge bike computer or the Varia app on your
phone (The Varia eRTL616 and the Varia App, page6).
You can install the device on the stem or the handlebars.
1Select a secure location to mount the device where it does not interfere with the safe operation of your bike.
2Place the rubber disk on the back of the bike mount.
The rubber tabs align with the back of the bike mount so it stays in place.
3Place the bike mount on the bike stem.
4Attach the bike mount securely using the two bands .
5Align the tabs on the back of the device with the bike mount notches .
6Press down slightly and turn the device clockwise until it locks into place.
Pairing the Radar Device with the Varia RDU
The Varia RDU can be paired with one radar device at a time.
1Hold the Varia RDU device button for 5 seconds.
The threat level LED flashes purple.
2Turn on the radar device.
3Bring the devices within 1cm of each other, and wait while the devices connect.
The Varia RDU LED turns solid blue and the threat level LED turns solid green.
The Varia eRTL616 and Your Radar Display Unit 9

Turning On the Varia RDU
Hold the device button for 1 second to turn on the radar device.
The LEDs fill the column to indicate the battery level.
The LED flashes blue while it is searching for the radar device.
Varia RDU Battery Status LED
When you turn on the device, the LED at the top of the column briefly indicates the battery status.
LEDActivity Status
Flashing green The device is charging.
Solid green Charging is complete.
Flashing yellow The battery is low.
Flashing red The battery is critically low.
Setting the Varia RDU Device Tones
• Press the device button to turn on tones.
• Press the device button again to turn off tones.
Turning Off the Varia RDU and Radar Device
If the Varia RDU device is paired with the radar device, you can turn off both devices at the same time.
Hold the device button on the Varia RDU for 1 second.
Other Compatible Devices
Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with a Compatible Edge Bike Computer
This task is for the Edge 1040, 830, and 530 bike computers. If your Edge series is not listed, go to buy.garmin
.com.
1Bring the Edge bike computer within range (3m) of the Varia eRTL616.
NOTE: Stay 10m away from other sensors that use ANT+ technology while pairing.
2Turn on the Edge bike computer.
3From the Sensors menu, select Add Sensor > Search All.
4While the Varia eRTL616 is turned off, hold the device button for 4 seconds to enter pairing mode.
The status LED flashes purple, and the radar tail light turns on. The radar tail light is in pairing mode for 5
minutes or until you hold the device button for 2 seconds to exit pairing mode.
5Select your sensor.
When the radar tail light is paired with your Edge bike computer, the radar and bike light status icons appear
solid.
10 Other Compatible Devices

Pairing the Radar Device with a Compatible Garmin Watch
This task is for the Forerunner® 955, fēnix® 7 series, and Venu® 2 series watches. If your watch is not listed, go to
buy.garmin.com.
NOTE: Not all Varia eRTL616 features are available on all compatible watches. See your watch owner's manual.
1Bring the watch within range (3m) of the sensor.
NOTE: Stay 10m away from other ANT+ sensors while pairing.
2Turn on the Garmin watch.
3From the Settings menu, select Sensors & Accessories > Add New > Search All.
4While the Varia eRTL616 device is turned off, hold the device button for 4 seconds to enter pairing mode.
The status LED flashes purple, and the tail light turns on. The device is in pairing mode for 5 minutes or until
you hold the device button for 2 seconds to exit pairing mode.
5Select your sensor.
When the sensor is paired with your Garmin watch, the radar and bike light status icons appear solid.
Device Information
Device Care
NOTICE
Do not store the device where prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can occur, because it can cause
permanent damage.
Avoid chemical cleaners, solvents, sunscreen, and insect repellents that can damage plastic components and
finishes.
Secure the weather cap tightly to prevent damage to the USB port.
Avoid extreme shock and harsh treatment, because it can degrade the life of the product.
Cleaning the Device
NOTICE
Do not use a cloth or any material that can scratch the optical lens on the front of the device. Scratching the
optical lens may cause poor radar performance.
• Clear mud and dirt from the weather cap area.
• While the weather cap is closed, hold the device under running water.
After cleaning, allow the device to dry completely.
Radar Detection
WARNING
The device can improve situational awareness. It is not a replacement for cyclist attentiveness and good
judgement. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings, and operate the bicycle in a safe manner. Failure
to do so could result in serious injury or death.
• The radar detects approaching vehicles up to 140m away.
• The radar detects approaching vehicle speed from 10 to 160km/h (from 6 to 99mph).
NOTE: The radar does not detect vehicles traveling at the same speed as your bike.
• The radar beam width is 40 degrees. It provides radar coverage for typical bends in the road.
• The radar can detect up to eight approaching vehicles.
Device Information 11

Specifications
Varia eRTL616 Specifications
Operating temperature range From -20º to 60ºC (from -4º to 140ºF)
Wireless frequencies 2.4GHz @ 8 dBm maximum; 24 GHz @ 10 dBm maximum
Water rating IEC 60529 IPX71
eRTL616 LED luminous flux 5lm (solid mode only)
Certified for use in Germany
Nominal power rating DC2 1.5W @ 12V
Power input Power from the eBike or an external power source using a compatible eBike
cable.
Varia RDU Specifications
Battery type Rechargeable, built-in lithium-ion battery
Battery life Up to 10 hr., typical usage
Operating temperature range From -20º to 60ºC (from -4º to 140ºF)
Charging temperature range From 0º to 45ºC (from 32º to 113ºF)
Wireless frequency 2.4GHz ANT+ @ 0 dBm nominal
Water rating IEC 60529 IPX71
Troubleshooting
Resetting the Device
You can reset the device if it stops responding.
From the device settings in the Varia app, select > Reset Device > Reset.
Resetting deletes the pairing connections from the device.
Product Updates
On your computer, install Garmin Express™ (www.garmin.com/express).
This provides easy access to these services for Garmin devices:
• Software updates
• Product registration
Updating the Software Using the Garmin Express Application
Before you can update your device software, you must download the Garmin Express application.
1Connect the radar device to your computer using the USB cable.
Garmin Express looks for software updates automatically and sends them to your device.
2Follow the on-screen instructions.
3Disconnect the device, and connect it to your eBike or a USB power source.
The radar LED flashes blue and green to indicate the device is updating and may pause during the update.
When the update is complete, the LED flashes green 10 times.
1 The device withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1m for up to 30min. For more information, go to www.garmin.com/waterrating.
2 The device will not work with AC power cables.
12 Troubleshooting

The radar device is not responding
During a ride, if the radar device status LED is solid red, the device is in an error state.
• Make sure the device is within the approved operating temperature range (Varia eRTL616 Specifications,
page12).
• Turn the device off, and turn it back on.
• Avoid multiple sources of radar interference.
Radar detection does not work indoors
The device is tuned to detect vehicles in an outdoor setting. If you turn on the device indoors, a saturation alert
can occur. When you take the device outdoors, the device resumes normal operation.
The status LED is flashing yellow
If the device status LED flashes yellow while the tail light is on, the device is in demo mode. When the device is
in demo mode, artificial data is generated for demonstration only.
To exit demo mode, select an option:
• Turn the device off, and turn it back on.
• Hold the button for 10 seconds to reset the device.
• Reset the device using the Varia app (Resetting the Device, page12).
The status LED turns red while updating the software
• Check the USB cable, connectors, and ports for damage.
• Turn both devices off, and turn them back on.
• Make sure the device is within the approved operating temperature range (Varia eRTL616 Specifications,
page12).
The status LED turns red while plugged into a power source
• Make sure the device is plugged into the power source using the eBike cable instead of the USB cable.
• Check the USB cable, connectors, and ports for damage.
• Make sure the power source is generating power.
You can check this several ways. For example, you can check whether other devices powered by the source
are functioning.
• Make sure the device is within the approved operating temperature range (Varia eRTL616 Specifications,
page12).
The radar device disconnects from the Edge bike computer
WARNING
If the radar device is not connected or sending radar data, Garmin recommends that you stop riding and check
the devices in a safe location. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
• Turn both devices off, and turn them back on.
• Pair the devices (Pairing the Varia eRTL616 with Your Edge 1040, page4).
The Varia eRTL616 sends light and radar data to the Edge bike computer. The Edge bike computer displays
and when connected.
Troubleshooting 13

The radar device disconnects from the Varia app
WARNING
If the radar device is not connected or sending radar data, Garmin recommends that you stop riding and check
the devices in a safe location. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
• Turn off Bluetooth technology from your phone settings, and turn it back on.
• Turn off both devices, and turn them back on.
The Varia eRTL616 sends light and radar data to the Varia app. The Varia app displays when connected.
The radar device disconnects from the Varia RDU device
WARNING
If the radar device is not connected or sending radar data, Garmin recommends that you stop riding and check
the devices in a safe location. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
If the threat level LED is solid red and the REAR LED is off, the radar device is not connected to the Varia RDU
device.
• Turn both devices off, and turn them back on.
You can check the battery level when you turn the devices back on.
• Pair the devices (Pairing the Radar Device with the Varia RDU, page9).
Getting More Information
• Go to support.garmin.com for additional manuals, articles, and software updates.
• Go to buy.garmin.com, or contact your Garmin dealer for information about optional accessories and
replacement parts.
14 Troubleshooting

support.garmin.com
GUID-1F013ED0-E74B-4883-9CBB-E41B6B7BB185 v1April 2023