Garmin VHF 215 AIS Fixed-Mount Marine VHF Radio, AIS Receiver Only, Class D DSC, NMEA 2000/0183, Built-In GPS, 25W

Overview

The Garmin 010-02098-00 is a fixed-mount VHF marine radio with an AIS receiver and Class D DSC for 12 Vdc boats. It transmits up to 25 W (with 1 W and 25 W modes) and carries an IPX7 water rating for real helm and cockpit conditions. The AIS side is receive-only, so it can show nearby AIS targets on a compatible chartplotter when the radio is networked, but it does not transmit AIS reports.

Position for DSC can come from the internal GPS antenna, and a remote GPS antenna can be added if the mounting spot blocks reception. The chassis measures 3.86 x 7.76 x 5.78 in (H x W x D), and a 75 cm (29.5 in) compass-safe distance helps with planning the helm layout.

Key features

• 25 W VHF transmit with 1 W low-power mode for close-range work in marinas and harbors
• AIS receiver for plotting nearby AIS targets on a compatible chartplotter (receive-only, no AIS transmit)
• Class D DSC calling, including distress and direct calling once an MMSI is programmed
• Internal GPS antenna for position-enabled DSC, with support for an optional remote GPS antenna via BNC
• NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity for sharing AIS and DSC data with compatible electronics (one protocol active at a time)
• IPX7 water rating and an SO-239 VHF antenna connection (50 ohm)
• Audio options for noisy boats: 4 W external speaker output (4 ohm) and 20 W hailer output (4 ohm) for an optional deck horn or PA speaker
• USA, Canadian, and international channel sets, plus NOAA weather channels and alerts on supported models and regions

Installation and setup

This radio mounts either on a bail bracket or flush in a dash panel. Plan for about 5.78 in of depth behind the mounting surface, and keep it around 75 cm (29.5 in) from a magnetic compass to reduce interference.

Power is a straightforward 12 Vdc connection using the fused lead. You will also need a properly installed marine VHF antenna connected to the SO-239 port. If you want a second station or to relocate the microphone, the VHF 215 platform supports an additional microphone connection and a relocation setup using compatible accessories.

Networking and chartplotter integration

For AIS targets and DSC position information to appear at the helm, connect the radio to either a NMEA 2000 network or a NMEA 0183 device, then set the radio to use the matching protocol. The radio cannot communicate over NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 at the same time, so installations that have both typically choose the network that best matches the chartplotter and backbone already on board.

This setup suits coastal cruisers, sailors, and fishing boats that want a single VHF at the helm plus AIS target overlay on the chartplotter without adding a separate AIS receiver box.

On-board PA and foghorn

If you add a 4-ohm hailer horn or PA speaker, the radio can drive it from the built-in hailer output (20 W at 4 ohm). Some configurations also support foghorn patterns through that same deck speaker, which is useful for low-visibility runs.

To reduce feedback, mount the hailer horn or PA speaker at least 3 m (10 ft) away from, and facing away from, the microphone location.

What’s included

• VHF 215 AIS marine radio
• Removable fist microphone
• Microphone mounting bracket and hardware
• Bail mount with knobs and mounting hardware
• Protective cover
• Trim ring snap cover
• Flush mount gasket
• Power and data wire harness
• Documentation

Maintenance and care

For routine cleaning, wipe the outer casing with a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution, then wipe dry. Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents that can attack plastics. After heavy spray or a washdown, drying the unit helps keep salt residue from building up around controls and connectors.

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