GARMIN New VHF Marine Band Radios

VHF Marine Band radios, protocol, radio communication theory, practical advice; AIS; DSC; MMSI; EPIRB.
jimh
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Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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GARMIN New VHF Marine Band Radios

Postby jimh » Fri Nov 04, 2016 9:54 am

GARMIN announced two new models of VHF Marine Band radios, the $280 VHF 110 and $600 VHF 210.

The Garmin VHF 110 Marine Band radio is a fixed-mount DSC Class-D radio with NMEA-0183 and NMEA-2000 interfaces. The radio also includes a 20-Watt audio amplifier for use with an external loudspeaker as a hailer and talkback.

The Garmin VHF 210 Marine Band radio has similar appearance but is slightly larger as a results of several additional front-panel controls. The VHF 210 AIS adds an automatic identification system (AIS) receiver.

All three models have styling to match their appearance with recent Garmin chart plotters.

These radios will not be immediately available for sale. They await FCC acceptance. Look for them being available sometime in 2017.

These three Garmin radios join a growing number of VHF Marine Band radios that provide NMEA-2000 ports for much easier integration of the radio with a chart plotter and GNSS receiver. The model VHF 110 with its modest $280-MSRP price appears to be delivering NMEA-2000 connectivity to the market at a reduction in price of $120 from the comparable VHF 200 model. The model VHF 210 brings AIS to the Garmin radio line at $400 less than the prior model VHF 300 AIS. I have added both new models to my 2016 Radio Roundup article.

jimh
Posts: 11672
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
Contact:

Re: GARMIN New VHF Marine Band Radios

Postby jimh » Sat Jan 27, 2018 9:56 am

Following up on the Garmin VHF 110 and VHF 210 AIS radios, they are now available. The discounted advertised prices are:

VHF 110 = $222
VHF 210 = $360
VHF 210 AIS = $470

The distinguishing features of the VHF 210 that separate it from the VHF 110 seem to be limited:

--the 210 series radios support a remote handset via a rear panel 12-pin connector
--the 210 series radios can locate the primary microphone handset away from the radio

Although not clearly or explicitly mentioned, it appears the microphone connection to the VHF 110 is not detachable.

The option for an integrated internal AIS receiver is only available on the VHF 210 series, in the model VHF 210AIS.