Overview

The Simrad 000-14531-001 is a black box fixed-mount VHF radio system with a dual-channel AIS receiver, Class D DSC, and a 30 W PA/hailer output.

It is meant to be mounted out of sight while you control the radio from one or more handset stations. One wired handset is included, and the system supports up to six stations total (up to four wired handsets and up to two wireless handsets).

For integration with the rest of your electronics, it supports NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 networking. Power is 12 V DC with a 13.6 V nominal supply on negative ground, with low-battery detection at 10.5 V.

Key features

• Dual-channel AIS receiver built in, so you can see nearby AIS targets on the handset and pass AIS data to compatible displays.
• Class D DSC calling with selectable 25 W or 1 W transmit power for close-range or full-power transmissions.
• Modular multi-station system: up to four wired handsets and up to two wireless handsets on a single transceiver.
• DSC position polling can be shared to compatible Navico multifunction displays, including a buddy list for tracking up to three contacts.
• 30 W PA/hailer horn output with listen-back, plus fog horn and loud-hailer modes for on-deck communications.
• NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 interfaces for position input and sharing DSC and AIS information with onboard electronics.
• Voice recording with a 30-second rewind, so you can replay the last call if you missed it at the helm.
• Intercom calling between handset stations, useful when crew are split between helm, cockpit, and foredeck.

What's included

• RS90S VHF transceiver (black box)
• One wired handset

Installation and setup

Mount the transceiver in a dry, accessible spot with airflow, such as inside a console or electronics locker, and keep clearance around the rear heat sink. Handsets can be placed wherever you need control, including a lower helm, flybridge, or cockpit station.

The PA/hailer output is intended for an external horn speaker, and the horn and hailer functions are handled from the handset so you can switch between radio, intercom, and hailer use without going back to the black box.

Compatibility and system integration

DSC distress and calling features require programming your MMSI and supplying a valid GPS position source. Position and time can be shared over NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 so the radio stays synchronized with your navigation system and can pass AIS and call details where you want to view them.

Use cases on board

This setup makes sense for boats where the main electronics space is protected and you want clean helm stations without a full fixed-mount chassis. It also suits boats that benefit from an intercom between stations and a dedicated hailer for docking, lock transits, or communication with crew on deck.