Overview

The Simrad RS100 series is a modular, black-box fixed-mount VHF radio system that keeps the main radio module out of the way while you operate it from a handset at the helm.

It runs on a 12 V DC negative-ground system (10.8 to 15.6 V) and supports high or low transmit power (25 W or 1 W). The black box is rated IPX5, and the handset and speaker are rated IPX7, which helps when the helm gets spray.

The system supports Class D DSC and connects to onboard electronics over NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183. It can be expanded to eight handsets (four wired and four wireless) and up to four external speakers for coverage across cabins, cockpit, and a second helm.

Key features

• Expandable layout with up to four wired and four wireless handsets, plus up to four external speakers
• Class D DSC functions with GPS position input options through NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183
• 12 V DC system support with an operating range of 10.8 to 15.6 V and a 10 A mini-blade fuse requirement
• Selectable transmit power: 25 W (Hi) or 1 W (Lo)
• NMEA 0183 baud rate selectable at 4800 or 38400, plus NMEA 2000 connectivity
• Audio rewind buffer for 60 seconds, plus record and replay for missed calls
• External speaker outputs rated 5 W at 4 ohm (four channels) and a hailer output rated 24 W at 4 ohm
• VHF antenna connection uses SO-239 (50 ohm); compass safe distance is 0.5 m

Variants

This product is offered in multiple configurations based on whether a GPS-500 antenna is included.

Across the range, the modular handset-based control, multi-station expansion, and NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 networking remain consistent. Some configurations add AIS features in the black box, which affects antenna planning and how target data is displayed.

• 000-15643-001: GPS-500 antenna not included. This configuration is the RS100 VHF system for modular voice communication and DSC on board.
• 000-15792-001: GPS-500 antenna included. This configuration is the RS100-B system with an integrated AIS Class B transmitter and receiver, and the GPS-500 provides the GPS source used for AIS transmission.

Installation and setup

Mount the black box in a protected location that suits its IPX5 rating, then route handset and speaker wiring to the stations you use. The VHF antenna connection is a 50 ohm SO-239, and keeping the unit about 0.5 m from a magnetic compass helps avoid interference.

Power is intended for 12 V DC negative-ground systems, with a 10 A mini-blade fuse in the supply feed. The 25 W and 1 W power settings are useful when you want full range offshore or lower output in tight waterways.

On RS100-B configurations, the AIS section has its own 50 ohm SO-239 antenna connection, so plan for a dedicated AIS antenna arrangement or a splitter that suits your installation.

Network and system integration

NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connections let the radio share DSC and, where fitted, AIS data with compatible multifunction displays. The selectable 4800 and 38400 baud settings on NMEA 0183 help when integrating with older plotters, autopilots, or third-party AIS devices.

Before relying on DSC, program your MMSI and confirm the radio has a valid GPS position source. If the black box is installed below deck where reception is weak, a networked GPS source or an external receiver can keep position reporting consistent.

Audio coverage on board

The system can drive up to four external speakers at 5 W per channel (4 ohm) and also supports a dedicated hailer output rated 24 W at 4 ohm. This is useful on boats where you want the radio heard in the cabin while still having a clear handset station at the helm.

Features like 60-second audio rewind and Track Buddy tracking for up to five MMSI contacts help when traffic is busy or the helm is noisy.

Use cases on board

This setup fits boats with multiple operating positions, such as larger center consoles, sportfishers with towers, and cruising sailboats where you want the radio module mounted out of the way but still want controls at more than one station. The RS100-B configuration adds AIS Class B when you want your position visible to other AIS-equipped boats and you also want target data on the handset or on a compatible display.