Raymarine Ray90 / Ray91 Black Box VHF Radio System, 25W, Class D DSC, NMEA 2000

Overview

The Raymarine Ray90 / Ray91 is a modular fixed-mount VHF radio system for boats that need the radio transceiver mounted out of sight while keeping the handset and speaker close to the helm. It is built around a black-box base station, a RayMic-style wired handset, and a remote passive speaker, so it works well on consoles where dash space is limited or where a cleaner helm layout is preferred.

This system supports Class D DSC, a 25 W high-power VHF transmit setting, 1 W low-power operation, US, International, and Canadian marine VHF bands, and network integration through NMEA 2000 / SeaTalkng and NMEA 0183. It runs on 12 V DC with a 10.2 V DC to 16 V DC operating range, and the base system is rated IPx6 and IPx7 for protection in exposed marine installations.

Depending on the configuration, the system can be supplied without AIS, with a built-in AIS receiver, or bundled with an AIS700 Class B AIS transceiver. That makes the Ray90 / Ray91 range suitable for cruising boats, fishing boats, and larger helm layouts where VHF communications, DSC safety calling, and vessel traffic awareness need to fit into the same electronics plan.

Key features

• Black-box VHF layout keeps the main transceiver away from the helm while the handset and speaker stay where they are easy to reach.
• 25 W high-power and 1 W low-power transmit settings support normal harbor use, close-range communication, and longer VHF calls when conditions allow.
• Class D DSC capability supports digital distress and safety calling once the vessel MMSI is entered during setup.
• NMEA 2000 / SeaTalkng and NMEA 0183 connectivity allow integration with compatible marine electronics for position and data sharing.
• Integrated GNSS receiver supports GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou, with an external passive antenna connection for GPS operation.
• IPx6 and IPx7 protection helps the system handle spray, washdowns, and wet helm areas when installed correctly.
• Built-in loudhailer and fog signal functions can be used with an optional hailing horn for deck communication and fog signaling.
• Expandable station layout supports up to two wired handsets, with wireless handset and active speaker options available for larger boats.

Variants

The Ray90 / Ray91 system is offered in three AIS configurations, so the main choice is how the VHF radio should handle nearby AIS vessel traffic.

The VHF platform, black-box installation style, DSC function, network connections, and 12 V DC power requirements remain centered around the same Ray90 / Ray91 radio family. The AIS capability changes by configuration, ranging from no AIS in the base Ray90 option to receive-only AIS in the Ray91 option and Class B AIS transceiver capability in the AIS700 bundle.

• E70492: AIS configuration No AIS. This version suits a boat where VHF and DSC functions are needed, while AIS is not part of the current electronics setup or is handled by separate equipment.
• E70493: AIS configuration Built-In AIS Receiver. This version adds receive-only AIS traffic awareness through the radio system, useful when nearby AIS-equipped vessels need to be shown on compatible onboard displays.
• T70424: AIS configuration AIS700 Included. This bundle pairs the Ray90 VHF system with an AIS700 Class B transceiver for installations where the boat needs AIS transmit and receive capability through a dedicated AIS unit.

Installation and setup

The black-box base station can be mounted away from the helm, which helps protect dash space and keeps the visible installation focused on the handset and speaker. Plan the mounting location with cable routing, ventilation, service access, and separation from sources of electrical noise in mind.

The system uses a 12 V DC supply and calls for suitable circuit protection, with a 10 A inline fuse or a 7 A thermal breaker specified for the base station. The VHF antenna connection uses a 50 ohm SO239 connection, and the network connection can be made through NMEA 2000 / SeaTalkng or NMEA 0183 depending on the rest of the boat's electronics.

Compatibility and onboard use

This radio system is a strong fit for boats that need a fixed VHF installation but do not want a large radio body taking up space at the helm. The handset-based control layout works well on center consoles, pilothouses, flybridges, and larger cruising boats where the transceiver can be placed in a protected location.

For AIS use, match the configuration to the boat's traffic-awareness needs. The built-in AIS receiver option is for viewing AIS broadcasts from nearby vessels, while the AIS700 bundle is the configuration to consider when the boat also needs to transmit its own AIS information as part of the onboard safety and navigation system.