Garmin Signal VHF Marine VHF Radio, 3.5 in Touchscreen

Overview

The Garmin Signal VHF is a fixed-mount marine VHF radio series with a 3.5-inch color touchscreen, Class D DSC, and built-in AIS options for receive-only or transmit-and-receive operation. It gives the helm a clean control point for voice communication, DSC safety functions, and AIS awareness, with an included fist mic that has its own speaker for clearer audio at the operating position.

The radio runs on 9.6 to 32 Vdc, so it fits common 12 V and 24 V DC electrical systems without a separate converter. The head unit carries IEC 60529 IPX6 and IPX7 water ratings, while the fist mic is rated IPX7, making the system suitable for protected cockpits, pilothouses, and exposed helm areas where spray and washdowns are part of normal use.

For boats already using Garmin electronics, NMEA 2000, Garmin Marine Network, Garmin BlueNet, and built-in Wi-Fi support help tie the radio into the wider onboard system. Depending on the selected AIS configuration, it can either receive nearby AIS targets or transmit and receive AIS data so other AIS-equipped vessels can see your vessel information after proper setup.

Key features

• 3.5-inch color touchscreen gives quick access to radio, DSC, and AIS functions from a fixed helm position.
• Built-in AIS options cover receive-only operation or Class B SOTDMA transmit-and-receive operation, depending on the selected version.
• Class D DSC supports distress calling and selective calling when the MMSI and radio setup are completed.
• Adaptive noise cancellation, auto squelch, and VHF audio playback help keep calls understandable around engine, wind, and wave noise.
• Runs on 9.6 to 32 Vdc for use with 12 V and 24 V boat electrical systems.
• Head unit is rated IEC 60529 IPX6 and IPX7, and the fist mic is rated IPX7 for marine exposure.
• Connects through NMEA 2000, Garmin Marine Network, Garmin BlueNet, and built-in Wi-Fi for compatible Garmin chartplotter integration, setup, and software updates.
• Supports a single VHF/AIS antenna connection through an SO-239 50-ohm connector; the external antenna is not included.
• Supports up to five Garmin Signal RM 100 remote stations for control from a flybridge, tower, or second helm.

Variants

The Signal VHF range is offered here in two AIS configurations. Both are fixed-mount marine VHF radios in the same communication family, but the AIS capability changes the way the unit handles vessel target data.

The receive-only version displays AIS traffic from nearby equipped vessels. The transmit-and-receive version adds Class B SOTDMA AIS transmit capability, so the system can broadcast vessel name, position, course, and speed after proper installation and programming.

• 010-02951-01: Built-in AIS Receive Only. This configuration suits installations where the helm needs AIS target awareness without broadcasting the vessel’s own AIS data.
• 010-02951-00: Built-in AIS Transmit and Receive. This configuration adds AIS transmission for vessels that need to be visible to other AIS-equipped traffic while still receiving surrounding targets.

What’s included

• Signal VHF head unit
• Fist mic
• Sun cover
• Head unit power and external audio cable with fuse, 2 m
• Fist mic power cable with fuse, 2 m
• NMEA 2000 drop cable, 2 m
• Mounting hardware
• Mounting template
• Documentation

Installation and setup

The radio needs its own DC power connection and is not powered by the NMEA 2000 network. For VHF and AIS operation, it should be connected to a VHF external antenna that is well matched at the AIS end of the band, with the final antenna location planned around crew movement, deck layout, and the required RF exposure clearance.

MMSI programming is part of putting DSC and AIS functions into service. Built-in Wi-Fi and the ActiveCaptain app can be used for setup, MMSI programming, and software updates where supported, while NMEA 2000 lets the radio share GPS position, DSC information, and received AIS information with connected marine devices.

Use cases on board

This radio family is a practical match for cruising boats, fishing boats, offshore runabouts, and multi-station vessels that need VHF communication and AIS information in one fixed installation. The remote-station support is especially useful where radio control is needed away from the main helm, such as a flybridge, tuna tower, or secondary steering station.