Simrad RS20S Fixed Mount VHF Radio, Class D DSC, Integrated GPS, NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, IPX7

Overview

The Simrad 000-14491-001 is a fixed-mount VHF radio with Class D DSC and an integrated GPS receiver, so your position can be included in a distress call even when other onboard electronics are off. It runs on a 12 V DC battery system (nominal 13.6 V) and lets you switch between 25 W and 1 W transmit power for long-range or close-in communications.

The chassis is rated IPX7 and measures 166.7 x 89.2 x 161.4 mm (6.56 x 3.5 x 6.35 in) without the bracket, which helps when planning space at the helm. Channel selection is handled with a rotary knob and keypad, with a high-contrast display that flips to an inverted night mode. It supports International, USA, and Canada channel banks, plus weather channels where available, with tri-watch and scan modes for keeping an ear on priority traffic.

Key features

• Class D DSC with a dedicated distress button and a separate Channel 70 receiver
• Integrated GPS receiver and antenna; SMA port supports an optional external GPS antenna
• 12 V DC system (nominal 13.6 V) with 25 W high power and 1 W low power transmit
• IPX7 waterproof rating for open-console and exposed helm installations
• NMEA 2000 port plus NMEA 0183 input and output for position sharing and DSC data integration
• High-contrast display with inverted night mode, rotary channel knob, and CH16/9 quick key
• International, USA, and Canada channel banks with weather channels where available; tri-watch and scan modes
• SO-239 antenna connector for standard 50 ohm marine VHF coax with a PL-259 plug; supports an external 4 ohm, 4 W (minimum) speaker

Installation and setup

Mount it with the included gimbal bracket for tabletop, overhead, or bulkhead installs, or plan for a front-mounted flush install when you want a clean dash face. Power it from a switched 12 V circuit; the supplied power lead includes an inline 8 A fuse. Keep it at least 0.5 m (1.5 ft) from a magnetic compass and do not transmit without an antenna connected.

The VHF antenna connection is an SO-239 jack, so the coax run needs a PL-259 plug at the radio end. The antenna itself is not included. For louder helms, an external speaker can be wired in; the radio supports a 4 ohm, 4 W (minimum) speaker.

Networking and GPS integration

For GPS, you can use the internal GPS antenna in the radio, connect an external GPS antenna to the SMA port, or take position data from your network. The NMEA 2000 port can pull GPS from devices on the backbone, and the NMEA 0183 leads let it listen for GPS data and output DSC-related information to compatible chartplotters and other equipment.

DSC functions require a valid MMSI to be entered during setup. Once the MMSI is stored, it is not intended to be changed, so it is worth confirming the number before you lock it in.

On-water use

This radio is a good match for coastal cruising, fishing boats, and any 12 V helm that needs a fixed-mount set with DSC and its own GPS. It stores contacts and can send recurring position requests to up to five vessels from your contacts list, which is useful when traveling with another boat or keeping tabs on a tender.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the front and microphone with fresh water after saltwater runs and avoid leaving salt crust around the keys and connectors. Check the antenna coax and power connections periodically, and re-seal any cable passes through the console so moisture does not work its way into the cable run.

Shipping
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