Overview

The Garmin GRID 20 is a remote input device that lets you control a compatible Garmin chartplotter and key helm functions from a dedicated keypad and joystick.

You get a 360-degree joystick plus a rotary knob with a push-to-select action, along with hard keys for common tasks like Home, Back, Menu, Focus, screen switching, and autopilot standby or engage. Four shortcut keys can be assigned so you can jump back to a saved station configuration without digging through menus.

For fit and wiring plans, the unit measures 5.6 x 2.2 x 2.7 in., has an IPX7 water rating, and is powered either from a NMEA 2000 network or from 9 to 32 V DC using the included power cable. Typical current draw is 40 mA at 12 V, with a maximum of 120 mA at 12 V (1 A fast-acting fuse).

Key features

• 360-degree joystick with rotary knob and push-to-select for fast cursor movement, zoom, and menu navigation
• Hard keys for high-use functions, including screen switching and autopilot standby or engage
• Four assignable shortcut keys to recall a previously saved station configuration
• Power and data connection options: NMEA 2000 for power and data, or ANT wireless pairing with power from the included cable or 2 AA batteries (not included)
• IPX7 water rating with a fully gasketed, high-impact plastic housing for wet helms and washdowns
• Compact footprint at 5.6 x 2.2 x 2.7 in. and a 4.5 in. compass-safe distance to help with placement planning

Variants

GRID 20 is offered in two face orientations to suit different helm layouts and mounting surfaces.

The difference between versions is the physical orientation of the control face, which affects how the keys sit relative to your panel and how your hand naturally approaches the controller.

• 010-02011-01: Version Horizontal. Works well when mounting between displays or along a dash section where the controls are better laid out left to right.
• 010-02011-00: Version Vertical. Fits neatly in tighter, taller spaces like a console side panel or chair arm where a top-to-bottom layout feels more natural.

Installation and setup

The GRID 20 is intended for flush mounting. Plan the location so you have room behind the panel for cable routing or battery access, and keep it at least 4.5 in. away from a magnetic compass. A foam gasket is used at the mounting surface, and a bead of marine sealant around the cutout helps keep water from tracking behind the dash.

If you are not using a cable connection, the weather cap should be firmly pressed over the connector to help protect the contacts from corrosion. As with any helm control, it is worth verifying the reach and ergonomics at the chosen mounting spot before cutting the panel.

Electrical and system integration

The GRID 20 needs both power and a data link to the chartplotter, and it supports three common approaches: NMEA 2000 for power and data, wired power with the included cable while using ANT wireless for data, or 2 AA batteries (not included) with ANT wireless for data. The NMEA 2000 method avoids wireless range and interference concerns, but the NMEA 2000 cables needed to connect into an existing backbone are not included.

If you are installing multiple GRID 20 units, at least one needs to be wired to the NMEA 2000 network to access autopilot control. When wiring to DC power, keep the in-line fuse holder in place and use the specified 1 A fast-acting fuse.

Use cases on board

This controller makes sense on boats where the displays are mounted forward, high, or out of easy reach, and you want a tactile way to run the plotter while seated. It is also a practical add-on for multi-station setups where you want consistent keypad control at each position.

What’s included

• GRID 20
• Mounting hardware
• Power cable
• Documentation