GARMIN Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Rear Light Owner’s Manual

GARMIN Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Rear Light Owner's Manual

© 2022 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®, fnix®, Forerunner®, and vívoactive® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. Garmin ConnectTM, Garmin ExpressTM, and VariaTM 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. microSD® and the microSD logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. WiFi® is a registered mark of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation.
M/N: A04247
Country restrictions apply. 010-02476-00 is approved for operation in France and the United Kingdom. 010-02477-00 is approved for operation in Germany.

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 RCT715 with your compatible Garmin® device or a phone. This list provides an overview of the installation and setup tasks.

• Charge the device (Charging the Device, page 15).

• Install the tail light mount (Installing the Tail Light Mount, page 3).

• If you are using an Edge® 1030 series device, pair the devices (The Varia RCT715 and Your Edge 1030 Series,
  page 10).

• If you are using your phone, download the Garmin Varia app to your phone, and pair the devices (Pairing the
  Varia Radar Device with Your Phone, page 7).

• If you are using another Garmin device, pair the devices (Other Compatible Devices, page 13).

Tips for Installing the Device

The Varia RCT715 device 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 on the seat post as possible for optimal light visibility and radar detection.
  NOTE: The mount surface should be vertical. The mounts are designed to accommodate most seat post angles.

• Mount the device on the seat post 250 mm to 1200 mm above the road.

• Install the device correctly. 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.

Installing the Tail Light Mount

1. Select a rubber pad based on your seat post shape, and place the rubber pad on the back of the tail light mount.
2. Place the tail light mount on the seat post.
3. Attach the tail light mount securely using one band .
4. Align the tabs on the back of the device with the tail light mount notches .
5. Press the locking lever down until it locks into place.

Device Overview

Varia RCT715 Device Status LED

Varia RCT715 Camera Status LED

Tail Light Modes and Intensity

You can switch the Varia RCT715 tail light modes by pressing the device button (Device Overview, page 4)

Turning Off the Device

Hold the device button for 2 seconds (Device Overview, page 4). NOTE: You can also hold both buttons for 4 seconds to lock the device, preventing it from turning on.

The Varia RCT715 and the Varia App

The Varia app connects to your Varia RCT715 device using Bluetooth® technology. The app displays radar information, settings, videos, and photos.

1. Select to take a photo.
2. Displays radar information (Viewing Radar on the Varia App, page 7).
3. Displays a colored banner indicating the threat level posed by approaching vehicles.
4. Displays battery status of the paired Varia device.
5. Select to change the device and camera settings (Varia App Device Settings, page 9).
6. Select to open the video and photo gallery (Viewing Videos and Photos on the Varia App, page 8).
7. Select to update the sounds and alerts on your phone. (Customizing the Varia App Alert Settings, page 10).
8. Select to record video or save a video clip.
9. Displays your recording mode (Changing Your Recording Mode, page 9)

You can download the Varia app from the app store on your phone.

Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Phone

The first time you connect the Varia RCT715 device to the Varia app on your phone, you must pair both devices. After the initial pairing, the Varia app automatically connects to the Varia RCT715 when you open the app and the radar device is active and within range.

1. ring your phone within range (3 m) of the radar device.
   NOTE: Stay 10 m away from other Bluetooth sensors while pairing.

2. On your compatible phone, enable Bluetooth technology.

3. From the app store on your phone, install and open the Varia app.

4. Select Pair Now.

5. While the Varia RCT715 device is turned off, hold the device button for 2 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 press the device button.

6. Select That’s Mine.
   When the radar device is paired with your phone, the app displays the current radar status and .

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.

Video Recording

NOTICE Some jurisdictions may prohibit or regulate the recording of video, audio, or photographs, or may require that all parties have knowledge of the recording and provide consent. It is your responsibility to know and follow all laws, regulations, and any other restrictions in jurisdictions where you plan to use this device.
The Varia RCT715 records video to the memory card (Replacing the Memory Card, page 17). By default, the device immediately starts recording video when it turns on, and it continues recording until it is turned off. If the memory card is full, the device automatically overwrites the oldest unsaved video with new video. You can save a video recording to prevent it from being overwritten or deleted. (Saving Videos and Photos Manually, page 9) TIP: After you save a video recording, you should download the recording to your phone (Downloading Videos and Photos on the Varia App, page 8) or transfer the recording to your computer or other external storage location for permanent storage (Connecting the Device to Your Computer, page 16).

Viewing Videos and Photos on the Varia App

Before you can view videos and photos on the Varia app, you must download the app and pair it with your Varia RCT715 device (Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Phone, page 7).
NOTE: The device stops recording while you are viewing the gallery.

1. From the Varia app on your phone, select > Join Varia Wi-Fi Network, and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Select an option:
   • To view a saved video or photo, select Locked.
   • To view recent, unsaved video footage, select Unlocked.
   • To view a downloaded video or photo, select Downloaded (Downloading Videos and Photos on the Varia App, page 8).

Downloading Videos and Photos on the Varia App

Before you can download videos and photos on the Varia app, you must download the app and pair it with your Varia RCT715 device (Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Phone, page 7). NOTE: The device stops recording while you are viewing the gallery.

1. From the Varia app on your phone, select > Join Varia Wi-Fi Network, and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Select the Locked or Unlocked folder.
3. Select a video or photo from the thumbnail gallery.
4. Select , and select an option:
   • To download the video or photo and delete it from its current folder, select Download & Delete.
   • To download the video or photo and keep a copy in its current folder, select Download. The video or photo appears in the Downloaded folder on the app.

Deleting a Video or Photo on the Varia App

Before you can delete a video or photo on the Varia app, you must download the app and pair it with your Varia RCT715 device (Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Phone, page 7).
NOTE: The device stops recording while you are viewing the gallery.

1. From the Varia app on your phone, select > Join Varia Wi-Fi Network, and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Select the Locked or Unlocked folder.
3. Select a video or photo from the thumbnail gallery.
4. Select on the video or photo.
5. Select Delete.

Saving Videos and Photos Manually

When the camera is enabled, the device is always recording and records in a circular video loop, overwriting the oldest video footage with new footage. You can also save video files and photos manually at any time.

• Press the camera button on the device (Device Overview, page 4).

• Select on the Varia app (The Varia RCT715 and the Varia App, page 6).
  NOTE: This option is available only during Continuous mode (Changing Your Recording Mode, page 9).

• Select Take a Photo or Save a Clip on your compatible Edge device.

The memory card has limited storage. After you save a video recording, you should download the recording to your phone (Downloading Videos and Photos on the Varia App, page 8), or transfer the recording to your computer or other external storage location for permanent storage (Connecting the Device to Your Computer, page 16). Saved recordings are automatically uploaded to the Locked folder when you are connected to a WiFi network (Viewing Videos and Photos on the Varia App, page 8).

About Incident Recording

By default, the device uses a sensor to detect possible incidents and saves video footage automatically before, during, and after the detected event (Camera Settings, page 9). The video footage is stamped with the time, date, and location (if available) of the event.

Varia App Device Settings

On the Varia app, select the device icon at the top of the home screen (Device Overview, page 4). Camera: Allows you to set up the camera, change recording mode, customize the video quality and audio, set
recording time, and enable incident recording (Camera Settings, page 9). Storage: Allows you to delete videos and photos in the gallery and format your memory card (Deleting a Video or Photo on the Varia App, page 8). Software Updates & Legal: Displays the software version, regulatory information, user warnings, privacy policy, and more.

Camera Settings

From the Varia app, select the device icon at the top of the home screen, and select Camera. Camera Setup: Allows you to see the camera view for optimal placement on your bike. Recording Mode: Sets the recording mode for the video camera, or turns off video recording (Changing Your Recording Mode, page 9). Video Quality & Audio: Adjusts the video resolution, and turns on and off audio recording (Turning Audio Recording Off, page 10). Video Clip Length: Sets the video recording time for saved video clips. Incident Recording: Turns on and off incident recording (About Incident Recording, page 9). Data Overlay: Sets the type of data that appears on videos and photos.

Changing Your Recording Mode

1. From the Varia app, select the device icon at the top of the home screen.
2. Select Camera > Recording Mode.
3. Select an option:
   • Select Continuous to turn on camera recording when the device turns on.
   • Select During Radar Activity to record video only when the radar detects a vehicle.
   • Select Off to disable camera recording. The device continues to transmit radar data.

Turning Audio Recording Off
The device records audio using the integrated microphone while recording video. You can turn off audio recording at any time.

1. From the Varia app, select the device icon at the top of the home screen.
2. Select Camera > Video Quality & Audio.
3. Select the Record Audio During Ride toggle switch.

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.

1. From the Varia app, select ⁝ or ⚙ .
2. Select Sounds & Alerts.
3. Select an option.

The Varia RCT715 and Your Edge 1030 Series

You can remotely control your radar device and customize settings using your compatible Edge device. This section contains instructions for the Edge 1030 and 1030+ devices. Other compatible Edge devices contain similar settings and controls (Other Compatible Devices, page 13).

Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Edge 1030

The first time you connect the Varia RCT715 device to your Edge device, you must pair both devices. 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 13).

Viewing Radar on Your Edge Device

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.

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.

1. From 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.

2. Swipe 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 1030

Before you can customize Varia device settings with your Edge device, you must pair the devices.

1. Select ≡ > Sensors > Lights.
2. Select 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 12).
   • Select a light to view device information and customize each light in your network (Light Network Settings, page 13).

Testing the Light Network

1. From the Sensors menu, select Lights > Network Options > Test Lights.
2. Select 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 device. You can disable a
light to disconnect it from the light network. Light Mode: Sets the light intensity and pattern mode, or turns off the light.
NOTE: This setting is available when you select the Individual light mode setting (Light Mode Settings, page 13). About: Displays device, software, and battery information. Remove: Allows you to delete a paired light from the network.

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 13).

Customizing the Radar Alert Settings with Your Edge 1030

Before you can customize the radar alert settings with your Edge device, you must pair the devices. You can customize how the radar alerts sound and display on your Edge device.

1. From your Edge device, select ≡ > Sensors.
2. Select your radar device.
3. Select Sensor Details > Alert Settings.
4. Select an option.

Other Compatible Devices

Pairing the Radar Device with a Compatible Edge Device

This task is for the Edge 1030, 830, and 530 devices. If your device is not listed, go to buy.garmin.com.

1. Bring the Edge device within range (3 m) of the sensor.
   NOTE: Stay 10 m away from other ANT+ sensors while pairing.

2. Turn on the Edge device.

3. From the Sensors menu, select Add Sensor > Search All.

4. While the Varia RCT715 device is turned off, hold the device button for 2 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 press the device button.

5. Select your sensor. When the sensor is paired with your Edge device, the radar and bike light status icons appear solid.

Pairing the Radar Device with a Compatible Garmin Watch

This task is for the Forerunner® 945, fnix® 7 series, Venu® 2 series, and vívoactive® 4 series watches. If your watch is not listed, go to buy.garmin.com. NOTE: Not all Varia RCT715 features are available on all compatible watches. See your watch owner’s manual.

1. Bring the watch within range (3 m) of the sensor.
   NOTE: Stay 10 m away from other ANT+ sensors while pairing.

2. Turn on the Garmin watch.

3. From the Settings menu, select Sensors > Add New > Search All.

4. While the Varia RCT715 device is turned off, hold the device button for 2 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 press the device button.

5. Select your sensor. When the sensor is paired with your Garmin watch, the radar and bike light status icons appear solid.

Device Information

Charging the Device

NOTICE To prevent corrosion, thoroughly dry the USB port, the weather cap, and the surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer.
The device is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery that you can charge using a standard wall outlet or a USB port on your computer.
NOTE: The device does not charge when outside the approved temperature range (Varia RCT715 Specifications, page 19).

1. Pull up the weather cap from the USB port .

2. Plug the small end of the USB cable into the USB port on the device.

3. Plug the large end of the USB cable into an AC adapter or a computer USB port.

4. Plug the AC adapter into a standard wall outlet.

5. Charge the device completely.
   The status LED flashes green while charging. The status LED is solid green when charging is complete.

6. Remove the USB cable, and close the weather cap.

Tips for Charging the Device

• Connect the charger securely to the device. You can charge the device by plugging the USB cable in to a Garmin approved AC adapter with a standard wall outlet or a USB port on your computer. Charging a fully depleted battery takes about 5 hours using a computer and 3 hours using an AC power source.
• Remove the charger from the device when the status LED is solid green.
• View the remaining battery life on your Edge 1030 settings widget (Viewing Widgets, page 12) or Varia app (The Varia RCT715 and the Varia App, page 6).

Connecting the Device to Your Computer

You can connect the device to your computer to install software updates or transfer videos and photos to your computer.

1. Pull up the weather cap from the USB port .
2. Plug the small end of the USB cable into the USB port on the device.
3. Plug the large end of the USB cable into a USB port on your computer.
   Depending on your computer operating system, the device appears as either a removable drive or a removable volume on your computer (Videos and Photos on Your Computer, page 16).

Videos and Photos on Your Computer

NOTE: Some media players might not support high-resolution playback.
Videos and photos are stored in the DCIM directory on the memory card. Videos are stored in MP4 file format, and photos are stored in JPG format. You can view and transfer videos and photos by inserting the memory card into your computer or connecting the device to your computer (Connecting the Device to Your Computer, page 16).
The videos and photos are sorted into folders.

Replacing the Memory Card

You can replace the memory card to increase the storage capacity or to replace a card that has reached the end of its useful life. The device requires an 8 to 128 GB microSD® memory card with a speed rating of Class 10 or higher.
NOTE: A memory card is included so your device is ready to use out of the box. All memory cards have a limited life and must be replaced periodically.

1. Open the cover .
2. Slide the card holder toward the mount, and lift up.
3. Pull open the card holder .
4. Insert the memory card into the memory card slot with the contacts facing the device.
5. Close and latch the card holder .
6. Close and latch the cover.

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.

Varia RCT715 Specifications

Troubleshooting

Resetting the Device

You can reset the device if it stops responding. Hold both buttons for 10 seconds until both LEDs turn off. Resetting deletes the pairing connections from the device.

Updating the Device Software With the Varia App

Before you can update the Varia device software, you must pair the device with the Varia app on your phone (Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Phone, page 7).

1. Bring your phone within range (3 m) of the Varia radar device.

2. Sync your Varia device with the Varia app.
   When new software is available, your device alerts you to update the software.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions. The device LED flashes blue and green to indicate the device is updating. When the update is complete, the tail light turns on and the LED flashes green 20 times.

Device Status LED for Software Updates

Product Updates

On your computer, install Garmin ExpressTM (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.

1. Connect the radar device to your computer using the USB cable.
   Garmin Express looks for software updates automatically and sends them to your device.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Disconnect the device, and turn it on.
   The radar LED flashes blue and green to indicate the device is updating. When the update is complete, the LED flashes green 20 times.

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 RCT715 Specifications, page 19).

• Turn the device off, and turn it back on.
  You can check the battery level on the Sensors menu of your Edge device or on the Varia app.

• Avoid multiple sources of radar interference.

Radar detection does not work indoors

The Varia RCT715 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 radar device does not turn on

• Make sure the device is within the approved operating or charging temperature range (Varia RCT715 Specifications, page 19).
  Charge the device for 4 hours (Charging the Device, page 15). If the device does not turn on, disconnect the charger, and charge for another 4 hours.

The status LED is flashing yellow

If the device status LED flashes yellow while the taillight 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 both buttons for 10 seconds to reset the device.

The status LED turns red while charging

• 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 charging temperature range (Varia RCT715 Specifications, page 19).

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 RCT715 Specifications, page 19).

The radar device disconnects from the Edge 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.

• Turn both devices off, and turn them back on.
• Pair the devices (Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Edge 1030, page 10).
  The Varia RCT715 device sends light and radar data to the Edge device. The Edge device displays when connected.

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 RCT715 device sends light and radar data to the Varia app. The Varia app displays when connected.

Replacement Parts

Replacement parts are available for this device. Contact your Garmin dealer or go to garmin.com for more information.

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.

support.garmin.com

GUID-FF49DAFA-3213-4C92-924F-2532424071B1 v1

References

• Garmin | Australia | Home
• Garmin International | Home
• Garmin Customer Support
• Garmin International | Home
• Garmin Express - Windows | Garmin
• Water Rating Definitions | Garmin

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