VARIA RCT715 ™ 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.
Table of Contents Introduction......................................1 Getting Started........................................ 1 Tips for Installing the Device.................. 1 Installing the Tail Light Mount................ 3 Device Overview...................................... 4 Varia RCT715 Device Status LED........... 5 Varia RCT715 Camera Status LED......... 5 Tail Light Modes and Intensity............... 5 Turning Off the Device............................ 5 The Varia RCT715 and the Varia App.....
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.
• 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. Introduction .
Device Overview Device button Device status LED Camera status LED Camera button Microphone 4 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. Changes color based on the battery level, pairing status, device modes, and charging status (Varia RCT715 Device Status LED, page 5).
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.
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).
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 Bring 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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 2 Turn on the Garmin watch.
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 .
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.
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 .
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.