Overview

The Garmin 010-12255-00 is a flush-mount GNX Keypad that lets you control compatible GNX instrument displays from where you steer, using your boat’s NMEA 2000 network for both power and communication. It runs on 9 to 16 V (from NMEA 2000) and uses up to 0.2 W, so it adds very little load to the backbone.

The keypad gives you four dedicated preset buttons for quick page changes, plus controls for stepping through pages and switching which instrument you are actively controlling. A lighting key cycles backlight levels across connected instruments, and a press-and-hold sleep function helps quiet the system when you are not underway.

This version is black and sized for tight helm panels at 59 x 115 x 15 mm (2.32 x 4.53 x 0.59 in.). It is a solid fit for boats running GNX 120 or GNX 130 on NMEA 2000 and wanting the controls closer to the wheel, cockpit coaming, or nav station.

Key features

• Remote control for compatible GNX instrument displays on the same NMEA 2000 network (listed compatibility: GNX 120 and GNX 130)
• Four preset buttons for stored page configurations, plus page cycling and instrument selection for multi-display setups
• Backlight level control for connected instruments; sleep mode supported via press-and-hold
• Powered by the NMEA 2000 backbone (9 to 16 V) with max power usage of 0.2 W
• IPX7 water rating for cockpit spray and routine washdowns
• Operating temperature range: -15 to 70°C (5 to 158°F)
• Compact flush-mount body: 59 x 115 x 15 mm (2.32 x 4.53 x 0.59 in.); 95 g (3.4 oz.)
• Polycarbonate housing with a 140 mm (5.5 in.) compass-safe distance guideline

Variants

What’s included

• GNX Keypad
• Flush-mount template
• Mounting hardware (including screws)
• Decorative bezel
• NMEA 2000 cable and connectors
• Documentation

Compatibility and fit

The keypad is intended for compatible GNX instrument displays and is listed as compatible with GNX 120 and GNX 130. The keypad and each instrument you want to control must be connected to the same NMEA 2000 network.

Plan the mounting spot with cable routing in mind, and keep the keypad at least 140 mm (5.5 in.) from a magnetic compass to reduce the chance of interference.

Installation and setup

Mounting is flush through the dashboard or another panel using the supplied template and hardware. A 44 mm (1 3/4 in.) hole saw is commonly used to start the cutout, and pilot holes are typically drilled with a 2.8 mm (1/8 in.) bit before securing the keypad with screws.

If you are mounting into fiberglass, lightly countersinking only the gelcoat layer can help reduce the chance of cracking when the screws are tightened. A thin bead of marine sealant around the cutout is often used to keep spray from migrating behind the panel.

Electrical and network integration

The keypad is powered by the NMEA 2000 network. If your boat already has a powered NMEA 2000 backbone, do not add a second power connection to the network.

When adding network power, route it through the ignition or another in-line switch so the network is not left energized continuously at the dock. Once connected, the keypad can control compatible instruments on that same backbone, including switching the active instrument and cycling pages.

Materials and water exposure

The housing is polycarbonate with an IPX7 water rating, which covers incidental immersion up to 1 m for up to 30 minutes. It handles normal helm exposure, but it should not be mounted where it can sit underwater or be trapped in a flooded compartment.

Use cases on board

This keypad makes the most sense when the display is mounted out of easy reach, such as a sailboat with instruments on a bulkhead or under a dodger, or a powerboat with a dash layout that puts the GNX display farther from the throttle and wheel. It also works well on boats that want consistent page and lighting control from more than one station.

Maintenance and care

Rinse off salt after heavy spray and wipe the face with a soft cloth. Periodically check the bezel fit, mounting screws, and the NMEA 2000 connection behind the panel, especially on boats that see frequent washdowns or high vibration.