Garmin GXM 30A User manual

Owner’s Manual
GXM 30A

© Copyright 2006 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151
st
Street,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A.
Tel. [phone] or 800/800.1020
Fax [phone]
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 2
nd
Road, Shijr, Taipei
County, Taiwan
Tel. [phone]
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

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual i
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
awareness.
Warning
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.
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.
IntroductIon > WarnIngs

ii GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
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.
Caution
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.)
IntroductIon > cautIon

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual iii
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.
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.
IntroductIon > Preface

iv GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
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
the Home page. Record your serial number below for a quick
reference.
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.
Serial Number for GXM 30A
Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit
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
photocopy inside the manual.
Serial Number:
XM Radio ID Number
www.XMWXweather.com
XM WX Satellite Weather Listener Care Center
800-985-9200
www.garmin.com
Made in Taiwan
XM RADIO ID:
GXM30A
011-00423-00
18200000
B99U70CU
XM Radio ID
Serial Number
IntroductIon > Product regIstratIon

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual v
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
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
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 lightly-
dampened 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.
UNIT CARE
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
Mounting Holes
USB Connector
GXM 30A Radio Smart Antenna
1 GXM 30 XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
gettIng started > unIt overvIeW

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 > connectIng the gXM 30a to agarMIn unIt

3 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
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.
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.
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.
gettIng started > subscrIbIng to XM WX Weather and radIo

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 4
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.
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
gettIng started > subscrIbIng to XM servIce

5 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
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 Garmin unit’s
Map Page:
1. Press the MENU key.
2. Highlight Show Weather, and press ENTER.
Displaying Weather
To display weather features on the map, press
the MENU key, highlight Show Weather, and
press ENTER.
XM Weather features > dIsPlayIng Weather InforMatIon

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 6
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. In the lower left corner of the screen is a Time Stamp. The Time Stamp displays the elapsed time
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.
NEXRAD
NEXRAD Legend
XM Weather features > neXrad radar

7 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
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.
XM Weather features > satellIte MosaIc
Cloud Tops Legend
Satellite Mosaic

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 8
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.
XM Weather features > lIghtnIng
Lightning bolts indicate a
cloud-to-ground lightning
strike.

9 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
Storm Cells
The Storm Cells feature displays storms as well as the storm’s projected path in the immediate future.
Marine and Automotive units also show the size of the storm cell. The direction of the red cone indicates the projected path of the
storm cell. The red bars that appear in the cone indicate where the storm will be in the future. Each bar represents 15 minutes.
Aviation units show the direction of the storm with an arrow. The tip of the arrow indicates where the storm should be in
15 minutes. Critical information about the storm cell can be viewed by selecting the storm cell with the map pointer.
Automotive and Marine Aviation
XM Weather features > storM cells

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 10
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes feature shows the current position of a hurricane, tropical storm, or tropical depression, as well as its projected
path (indicated by a red line). The darkened squares that appear along the red line display the projected locations received from the
National Hurricane Center. The Center provides four forecasts at 12-hour intervals as well as a fth forecast at a 24-hour interval.
XM Weather features > hurrIcanes
Hurricane Track
Hurricanes

11 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
Surface Winds
Marine and Automotive units shows Surface Winds with a wind barb. The wind barb is a circle with a tail. The circle points into the
wind. Wind speed is indicated by the different combination of ags that are attached to the tail.
Wind Direction
Calm
5 knots
10 knots
15 knots
20 knots
50 knots
Surface Winds
XM Weather features > surface WInds

GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual 12
Winds Aloft
Aviation units display winds aloft using wind barbs or a wind streamline depending on the zoom range of the map. Similar to
Marine and Automotive units, the wind barbs indicate wind speed and direction. The wind streamline indicates wind direction with
arrows.
XM Weather features > WInds aloft
Wind Barbs Wind Streamline

13 GXM 30A XM Radio Smart Antenna Owner’s Manual
Surface Pressure
This feature displays pressure isobars and pressure centers. The isobars connect points of equal pressure. Pressure readings can help
determine weather and wind conditions in an area. High pressure areas are generally associated with fair weather. Low pressure
areas are generally associated with clouds and the chance of precipitation. Isobars that are packed closely together show a strong
pressure gradient. Strong pressure gradients are associated with areas of stronger winds. Pressure units can be displayed in Millibars
(mb), Inches of Mercury (in), and Hectopascals (hPa).
Strong Pressure Gradient
Pressure Isobars
XM Weather features > surface Pressure