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Can I Use My Varia Radar With the Light Off?

On compatible Edge® cycling computers and watches, you can receive radar alerts while the light is off. You may choose to do this to conserve battery or in the event you do not find the light necessary. 

NOTICE: The mode required to continue receiving alerts while the light is off cannot be accessed by pressing the button on the radar, it must be selected on the Garmin device using these steps.

How Do I Turn Off The Light and Continue To Receive Alerts?

First, the Light Network must be set to Individual light mode.

On the device the radar is paired to:

  1. Navigate to Settings. 

  2. Select Sensors

  3. Select Lights

  4. Select Network Options.

  5. Select Light Mode.

  6. Select Individual

Once the Light Network is set to Individual, you will need to change the light mode to Off from the Garmin Device:

  1. Navigate to Settings. 

  2. Select Sensors

  3. Select Lights

  4. Select the Radar.

  5. Select Light Mode.

  6. Select Off.


How Can I Quickly Change to This Mode During A Ride?

On the following touchscreen Edge cycling computers, you can access the Light Mode Widget and select Off.

  • Edge® 830

  • Edge® 840 | Edge® 840 Solar

  • Edge® 1030 | Edge® 1030 Plus

  • Edge® 1040 | Edge® 1040 Solar 

  • Edge® 1050

  • Edge® Explore 2

using the light network Widget to turn off the Light

On the following button-based Edge cycling computers you can access: 

  • Edge® 530

    • Press and hold the Top Right (enter button) then select Light Network.

  • Edge® 540 | Edge® 540 Solar

    • Press the Top Right (enter button) then select Light Settings.


What is The Battery Life Expectancy In This Mode?

  • Varia™ RTL515 radar tail lights

    • Up to 22 hours

  • Varia™ RCT715 radar tail lights

    • Radar Only (No Recording): Up to 12 hours

    • Radar Only + 720p Recording: Up to 8 hours

    • Radar Only + 1080p Recording: Up to 7 hours