GARMIN Varia RCT715 Bicycle Rear Light Owner’s Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Garmin

GARMIN Varia RCT715 Bicycle Rear Light

GARMIN-Varia-RCT715-Bicycle-
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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

Select a rubber pad based on your seat post shape, and place the rubber pad on the back of the tail light mount.
Place the tail light mount on the seat post.
Attach the tail light mount securely using one band .
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

Device button Press to change device and light modes. Hold for 1 second to turn the device on and enter active mode. When the device is off, hold for 2 seconds to enter pairing mode (Pairing the Varia Radar Device with Your Phone, page 7). Hold for 2 seconds to turn the device off.
Device status LED Changes color based on the battery level, pairing status, device modes, and charging status (Varia RCT715 Device Status LED, page 5).
Camera status LEDChanges color based on the camera status (Varia RCT715 Camera Status LED, page 5).
Camera button Hold for 1 second to save a video or take a picture. Hold for 4 seconds to turn the camera off.
Microphone Captures audio.

Varia RCT715 Device 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 green| The device is charging.
Solid green| The device is fully charged.
Flashing yellow| The device is in lock mode.
Flashing red| The device has approximately 60 or fewer minutes of battery life remaining.
Solid red| An error occurred. You may need to restart the device.

Varia RCT715 Camera Status LED

LED State	Status
Solid red	The device is recording video.
Flashing red	The device is saving a video or photo.
Alternating red and yellow flashes	The memory card is low on space.
Flashing yellow	There is a problem with the memory card.
Solid green	The memory card is being formatted. The device is in mass storage

mode.
Flashing green| The device is powering on.

The memory card is being accessed.

Flashing blue| The device is in Wi‑Fi® sharing mode.

Tail Light Modes and Intensity
You can switch the Varia RCT715 tail light modes by pressing the device button (Device Overview, page 4).

Mode

|

Light Intensity

|

Default Flash Behavior

| Flash Behavior when Vehicle Approaches
---|---|---|---
Solid (default)| High| None| Light flashes
Peloton (group ride)| Moderate| None| Light flashes softly
Night Flash| High| Slow| Light flashes quickly
Day Flash| Maximum| Occasional| Light flashes quickly
Standby| Off| None| The device does not detect vehicles

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.

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

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.

Bring your phone within range (3 m) of the radar device. NOTE: Stay 10 m away from other Bluetooth sensors while pairing.
On your compatible phone, enable Bluetooth technology.
From the app store on your phone, install and open the Varia app.
Select Pair Now.
While the Varia RCT715 device is turned off, hold the device button for 2 seconds to enter pairing mode.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.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

Viewing Radar on the Varia App

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

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 AppBefore 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.From the Varia app on your phone, select > Join Varia Wi-Fi Network, and follow the on- screen
instructions. 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.

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

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

From the Varia app, select the device icon at the top of the home screen.
Select Camera > Recording Mode.
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.

From the Varia app, select the device icon at the top of the home screen.
Select Camera > Video Quality & Audio.
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.

From the Varia app, select or .
Select Sounds & Alerts.
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).

Bring the Edge device within range (3 m) of the sensor. NOTE: Stay 10 m away from other ANT+® sensors while pairing.
Turn on the Edge device.
Select > Sensors > Add Sensor > Search All.
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.
Select your sensor, and select Add. When the sensor is paired with your Edge device, the sensor status is Connected. The (radar) and light) status icons appear solid on the top banner of the home screen.

Viewing Radar on Your Edge Device

Go for a ride. The radar information appears on the active data screen.

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. 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 1030Before you can customize Varia device settings with your Edge device, you must pair the devices. 1 Select > Sensors > Lights.

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).

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).

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.

From your Edge device, select > Sensors.
Select your radar device.
Select Sensor Details > Alert Settings.
Select an option.

Pairing the Radar Device with a Compatible Garmin Watch
This task is for the Forerunner® 945, fēnix® 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.

Device Information

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).

Pull up the weather cap
Plug the small end of the USB cable into the USB port on the device.
Plug the large end of the USB cable into an AC adapter or a computer USB port.
Plug the AC adapter into a standard wall outlet.
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.

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.

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

100EVENT| Contains videos saved automatically when the device detects an incident.
---|---
101PHOTO| Contains photos.
102SAVED| Contains videos saved manually by the user.

103UNSVD

| Contains unsaved video footage. The device over writes the oldest unsaved video when the storage space for unsaved videos is full.

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.

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

Device Care

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

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

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

Battery type	Rechargeable, built-in, lithium-ion polymer battery

Battery life

| Up to 4 hr. in camera mode

Up to 6 hr. in solid mode (camera disabled) Up to 5 hr. in peloton mode

Up to 4 hr. in night flash mode Up to 6 hr. in day flash mode

Up to 10 hr. in day flash mode (camera disabled) Up to 6 mo. in standby mode

Operating temperature range| From -15º to 45ºC (from 5º to 113ºF)
Charging temperature range| From 0º to 45ºC (from 32º to 113ºF)

Wireless frequencies

| 2.4 GHz @ 7 dBm maximum

24 GHz @ -11.3 dBm maximum

Water rating| IEC 60529 IPX71

LED luminous flux

| 20 lm (solid mode) 8 lm (peloton mode)

21 lm (night flash mode) 65 lm (day flash mode)

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).
Bring your phone within range (3 m) of the Varia radar device. Sync your Varia device with the Varia app. When new software is available, your device alerts you to update the software. 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

LED Activity	Status
Alternating blue and green flashes	The device is uploading software.
Flashing green	The software update is complete and successful.
Flashing red	The software update failed.

Product Updates
On your computer, install Garmin Express™ (www.garmin.com/express). This provides easy access to these services for Garmin devices

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).

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.