Garmin Varia eRTL615 - User Manual

The Garmin Varia eRTL615 is a rear-facing radar and tail light designed to enhance cyclist awareness of approaching vehicles. This device integrates radar technology with a bright tail light to provide visual and audible alerts to the cyclist, as well as a visible warning to drivers. It can be paired with compatible Garmin Edge bike computers, Garmin watches, or a smartphone running the Garmin Varia app, offering flexibility in how users receive radar information.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Varia eRTL615 is to detect approaching vehicles from behind, up to 140 meters (153 yards) away, and alert the cyclist to their presence and relative speed. The integrated tail light serves a dual purpose: it increases the cyclist's visibility to drivers and, when paired with a compatible device, can adjust its flash pattern and intensity to further warn drivers of an approaching cyclist. The device is designed to improve situational awareness, though Garmin emphasizes that it is not a replacement for cyclist attentiveness and good judgment.

Important Technical Specifications:

Operating Temperature Range: -20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F).
Wireless Frequencies: 2.4 GHz @ 8 dBm maximum; 24 GHz @ 10 dBm maximum.
Water Rating: IEC 60529 IPX7 (withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes).
eRTL615 LED Luminous Flux:
- Solid mode: 20 lumens (lm)
- Peloton mode: 8 lm
- Night flash mode: 29 lm
- Day flash mode: 65 lm
Nominal Power Rating: DC 1.5W @ 12V.
Power Input: From an eBike or an external power source using a compatible eBike cable.
Radar Detection Range: Up to 140 meters (153 yards).
Radar Vehicle Speed Detection: 10 to 160 km/h (6 to 99 mph).
Radar Beam Width: 40 degrees, providing coverage for typical bends in the road.
Maximum Detected Vehicles: Up to eight approaching vehicles.

Varia RDU (Radar Display Unit) Specifications (if used):

Battery Type: Rechargeable, built-in lithium-ion battery.
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (typical usage).
Operating Temperature Range: -20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F).
Charging Temperature Range: 0° to 45°C (32° to 113°F).
Wireless Frequency: 2.4 GHz ANT+ @ 0 dBm nominal.
Water Rating: IEC 60529 IPX7.

Usage Features:

Mounting: The Varia eRTL615 can be installed on a seat mount or a rear rack. It requires 3 mm and 4 mm hex keys for installation. The device should be mounted 250 mm to 1200 mm above the road, facing backward and perpendicular to the road, with no obstructions in front of the light.
Pairing: The device can be paired with compatible Garmin Edge bike computers (e.g., Edge 1040, 830, 530), Garmin watches (e.g., Forerunner 955, fēnix 7 series, Venu 2 series), or a smartphone via the Garmin Varia app. Pairing involves holding the device button for 4 seconds to enter pairing mode, indicated by a flashing purple status LED.
Radar Display: When paired, radar information is displayed on the connected device. On Edge bike computers and the Varia app, a column of vehicle position LEDs moves up as vehicles get closer, and a threat level LED/banner changes color (green for no vehicle, amber for approaching, red for high-speed approach).
Tail Light Modes: The tail light offers several modes:
- Solid (default): High intensity, tail light on, detects vehicles.
- Peloton (group ride): Moderate intensity, flashes softly when detecting vehicles.
- Night Flash: High intensity, slow flash, flashes quickly when detecting vehicles.
- Day Flash: Maximum intensity, occasional flash, flashes quickly when detecting vehicles.
- Standby: Tail light off, continues to detect vehicles.
- Modes can be switched by pressing the device button.
Tone Alerts: When paired with an Edge device, audible tones alert the cyclist to approaching vehicles. A unique sound indicates the first detected vehicle, and another beep sounds when the threat is cleared or another vehicle is detected. The Varia app can also provide phone vibration alerts.
Customization:
- Edge Bike Computer: Users can customize Varia device settings (e.g., enable/disable light network, test lights, light intensity, pattern mode) and radar alert settings (sound and display) through the Edge device's Sensors menu.
- Varia App: The app allows customization of radar alert settings, including enabling vibration alerts.
Varia RDU (Optional): A dedicated Radar Display Unit can be installed on the bike stem or handlebars to display radar data. It features an ambient light sensor, connection status LED, front/rear device status LEDs, threat level LED, and vehicle position LEDs. The RDU can be turned on/off and its tones can be toggled using its device button. It also indicates its own battery status via an LED.
Turning Off: Hold the device button for 1 second to turn off the Varia RDU or 2 seconds to turn off the Varia eRTL615 tail light (radar continues to function). If paired, holding the RDU button for 1 second turns off both the RDU and the radar device.

Maintenance Features:

Device Care:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures to prevent permanent damage.
- Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents, sunscreen, or insect repellents, as they can damage plastic components and finishes.
- Ensure the weather cap is tightly secured to protect the USB port.
- Avoid extreme shock and harsh treatment to prolong product life.
Cleaning:
- Do not use abrasive materials on the optical lens to prevent poor radar performance.
- Clear mud and dirt from the weather cap area.
- With the weather cap closed, hold the device under running water.
- Allow the device to dry completely after cleaning.
Software Updates: Software updates are managed via Garmin Express™ on a computer (www.garmin.com/express). Connect the device via USB cable, and Garmin Express will automatically detect and install updates. The radar LED flashes blue and green during updates, then green 10 times upon completion.
Troubleshooting/Resetting:
- If the device stops responding or shows a solid red status LED (error state), ensure it's within the approved operating temperature range, turn it off and on again, and avoid radar interference.
- If the phone won't connect, ensure the device is in range, toggle Bluetooth on both devices, re-pair if necessary, or open the Varia app and select '+' to enter pairing mode.
- If radar detection doesn't work indoors, it's normal; the device is tuned for outdoor use.
- A flashing yellow status LED indicates demo mode; exit by turning the device off/on or holding the button for 10 seconds to reset.
- If the status LED turns red while plugged in, check the eBike cable/USB cable, connectors, ports, and power source.
- If the radar disconnects from an Edge bike computer, Varia app, or Varia RDU, turn both devices off and on, and re-pair them. Garmin recommends stopping in a safe location if radar data is lost.
- The device can be reset via the Varia app settings (: > Reset Device > Reset), which deletes pairing connections.