Garmin VHF 215 Fixed-Mount VHF Marine Radio, 25W, Class D DSC, Built-In GPS, NMEA 2000, IPX7
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Overview
The Garmin 010-02097-00 is a fixed-mount VHF 215 marine radio with 25 W maximum transmit power, Class D DSC, and an internal GPS antenna for position-enabled calling.
It runs on a 12 Vdc system, carries an IPX7 water rating for incidental exposure, and takes up 9.8 x 19.7 x 14.9 cm (3.86 x 7.76 x 5.78 in.) at the helm. When the radio has a GPS fix, DSC distress and position functions can include your coordinates, and it can also use GPS position data supplied over NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183.
Channel support includes U.S., Canadian, and International marine channels plus 10 NOAA weather channels. The styling also matches Garmin GPSMAP 7x2/9x2, 10x2/12x2, 7400/7600, and 8400/8600 series displays for a consistent helm look.
Key features
- Selectable 1 W and 25 W transmit modes for close-quarters work and open-water range
- Class D DSC with a dedicated Channel 70 watch and a front-panel distress button (MMSI required for DSC use)
- Internal GPS antenna, with support for a remote GPS antenna connection if the mounting location blocks reception
- NMEA 2000 connectivity for plug-and-play integration with compatible chartplotters, plus NMEA 0183 wiring for legacy systems
- NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 operation are selectable, with one protocol active at a time
- IPX7 water rating and a 75 cm (29.5 in.) compass-safe distance to help plan a clean helm layout
- SO-239 antenna connector (50 ohm) with support for antennas up to 9 dBi gain
- Supports an optional hailer horn or PA speaker with 20 W output at 4 ohms, plus an external speaker output rated 4 W at 4 ohms
Installation and setup
The radio can be bail mounted on a flat surface or flush mounted at the helm. For flush mounting, plan for clearance behind the cutout for connectors and cable bend radius, and avoid mounting on a flat, horizontal surface where viewing angles can suffer.
A microphone hanger is meant to be installed within reach of the handset cable, and unused connectors can be protected with weather caps to help prevent corrosion at the contacts. Keep the unit at least 75 cm (29.5 in.) from a magnetic compass and choose a location that is supported well enough to limit vibration.
Electrical and system integration
Power is 12 Vdc via a fused power lead. Typical current draw is 350 mA on standby and 600 mA while receiving, with transmit current ranging from about 2.0 A to 6.0 A depending on 1 W or 25 W mode, which helps when sizing wiring and overcurrent protection.
For networking, NMEA 2000 load is LEN 1 (50 mA). If you are tying into a NMEA 2000 backbone, make sure the network is built correctly with proper power and termination, and use a drop cable from the backbone to the radio. For older electronics, the included data wiring supports NMEA 0183 connections and also provides leads for external speaker and hailer output when used.
Antenna and GPS reception
A VHF antenna is required and is not part of the radio itself. The antenna port is SO-239, so your antenna feed and connector style should match, and the antenna system should be 50 ohms with gain up to 9 dBi.
The internal GPS antenna works well when the unit has a clear view for reception, but a remote GPS antenna with a female BNC connector can be used when the radio is mounted under a hardtop, inside a console, or in other locations that block GPS signals.
Use on board
This setup makes sense for helms where you want a fixed-mount VHF with DSC and onboard GPS position available at the radio. It also fits well on boats already running a Garmin chartplotter and NMEA 2000, where sharing DSC and position information across the network keeps everything in one place.
Maintenance and care
Rinse and wipe the exterior after saltwater use and clean the casing with a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution, then dry it. Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents on the housing. Use the protective cover when the helm is exposed to spray, sun, or washdowns for long periods.
What’s included
- VHF 215 radio
- Removable speaker microphone
- Power cable with in-line fuse
- Data wiring harness (NMEA 0183, external speaker, and hailer leads)
- Bail mount and knobs
- Flush mount gasket
- Marine mounting screws
- Microphone hanger
- Protective cover
- Documentation
Shipping
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Processing and dispatch
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Delivery and tracking
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Duties, taxes, and support
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