B&G V100 Black Box VHF Radio System, Class D DSC, Built-In GPS, NMEA 2000 and 0183, Up to 8 Handsets

Overview

The B&G V100 is a fixed-mount VHF black box radio system with Class D DSC, built to put full radio control at multiple stations without mounting a full-size radio at every helm or nav position.

The processor mounts out of sight while the handset goes where you actually run the boat. The system supports up to 8 handsets total (4 wired and 4 wireless) and up to 4 external speakers, which works well on larger sailboats and cruising yachts where you want coverage in the cockpit, at the nav station, and down below.

It runs on a 12 V DC negative-ground system (10.8 to 15.6 V operating range) with selectable 25 W or 1 W transmit power. Day-to-day features like Track Buddy (up to 5 tracked contacts) and a voice recorder with 60-second audio rewind help when traffic gets busy and you need to replay a call that came in garbled.

Key features

• Class D DSC calling and distress functions, with GPS position available through the built-in receiver and the selected antenna configuration.
• Expandable multi-station setup: up to 4 wired handsets and up to 4 wireless handsets, plus up to 4 external speakers for zone audio on board.
• Intercom function between stations, plus hailer and fog horn modes when a suitable hailer speaker is installed and wired.
• NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity, with NMEA 0183 baud selectable at 4800 or 38400 for common marine integrations.
• 12 V DC negative-ground power with 10.8 to 15.6 V operating range and a specified 10 A mini-blade fuse.
• Selectable transmit power of 25 W (high) or 1 W (low) for full-range calls or close-quarters communication.
• Track Buddy can monitor up to 5 vessels via recurring DSC position requests and display positions on a connected MFD.
• IP ratings that match typical installation zones: the black box processor is rated IPX5, and the handset and wired speaker are rated IPX7.

Variants

The V100 family is offered in different configurations to match whether you want AIS transmit and receive built into the VHF system.

The key differences are AIS capability and the GPS antenna arrangement (internal versus an included external antenna). Each configuration keeps the same black box layout with a wired handset and speaker as the starting point.

• 000-15644-001: No AIS, internal GPS antenna (V100 with NRS-1 VHF processor). This configuration keeps the system focused on VHF and DSC while still providing GPS position for distress calls and position polling.
• 000-15793-001: AIS receiver and transmitter, GPS-500 external antenna (V100-B with NRS-2 VHF and AIS Class-B processor). This adds AIS transmit and receive, and it uses a separate AIS antenna connection on the processor, so plan for a dedicated AIS VHF antenna or an appropriate splitter arrangement.

Installation and setup

Mount the black box processor in a protected location that stays dry and ventilated, then run handset and speaker wiring to your chosen stations. This approach is common on sailboats where you want a clean nav station or helm while keeping the main electronics tucked away.

The VHF antenna connection on the processor is an SO-239 fitting (PL-259 style coax). On AIS configurations, there is also a dedicated SO-239 connection for the AIS antenna, which is worth planning for before you start pulling coax and committing to antenna locations.

If you add wireless handsets, allow space for the wireless antenna and any extension cable routing so the coverage reaches the stations you actually use underway.

Electrical and system integration

The system is built for 12 V DC negative-ground boats and operates from 10.8 to 15.6 V. Use a clean, dedicated feed with the specified 10 A fuse, and keep power and RF cabling away from high-current engine wiring to reduce noise.

NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connections let the radio share GPS and call information with compatible onboard electronics, and software updates can be loaded over NMEA 2000 when a compatible MFD is on the network.

Compatibility and fit

This is a good match for boats that already have an NMEA 2000 backbone and want the VHF to participate in the network, especially sailboats and cruising yachts where multiple stations make a real difference. If you are moving from a single fixed-mount radio to a black box system, map out handset locations and speaker zones first so the wiring runs stay practical behind liners and bulkheads.

Maintenance and care

Keep the processor installed where it stays out of direct spray, and periodically check antenna and power connections for corrosion or loosened fittings from vibration. Handsets and speakers handle washdowns better, but a quick freshwater rinse to remove salt buildup helps keep audio clear and keys responsive over time.

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Returns may be requested within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unaltered, and returned in their original packaging with all tags, packing materials, blank warranty cards, manuals, instructions, accessories, and included items. Certain products, including installed or used electronics, electrical components, lighting, consumables, custom or special-order items, cut-to-length products, safety equipment, and merchandise exposed to water or marine conditions, may not be eligible for return.

To request a return, sign in to your account and select the applicable order and items, and submit your request for review. Eligible unfulfilled items may also be submitted for cancellation within 1 hour of placing the order. Returns or cancellations are not considered approved until you receive confirmation from Apollo Lighting. Please do not ship or drop off merchandise before receiving return approval and instructions.

Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping unless the return is due to an error by Apollo Lighting or the item is verified as defective, damaged, or incorrect. Missing, damaged, defective, or incorrect items must be reported within 2 business days of delivery, and photos or other documentation may be required for review. If the issue is verified, Apollo Lighting may provide or reimburse return shipping and issue a replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. International customers are responsible for return shipping, duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and other costs associated with an international return.

After your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days to appear after processing. Original shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable, and the value of any included free items that are not returned may be deducted from the refund. Apollo Lighting does not charge a standard restocking fee on eligible returns. Returns that are incomplete, damaged, installed, used, altered, improperly packaged, or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may be refused. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service for all customer-arranged returns.

For assistance, contact info@apollolighting.com or call +1 (954) 375-0100.

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Many products sold by Apollo Lighting include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty terms vary by brand, product category, and model, so eligibility, coverage duration, exclusions, and available remedies are determined by the applicable manufacturer. We recommend reviewing the warranty information provided with your product before installation or use, especially for marine electronics, navigation equipment, lighting, electrical systems, pumps, safety equipment, and other specialized marine products.

If you need warranty service, the claim must follow the process established by the manufacturer, authorized service center, or designated warranty provider. You may be asked for proof of purchase, a serial number, product registration, photos, maintenance or installation records, or other documentation. Apollo Lighting does not determine or modify a manufacturer's warranty coverage or final claim decision, but we are happy to help provide purchase information and direct you to the appropriate manufacturer or warranty resource.

Keep your receipt, product documentation, serial number information, and original packaging when practical. Damage caused by normal wear, misuse, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, corrosion, impact, unauthorized modifications, electrical issues, or operation outside the manufacturer's specifications may not be covered. Warranty claims are separate from standard returns, so a product that has been installed, used, or exposed to marine conditions may no longer qualify for return while still remaining eligible for evaluation under the manufacturer's applicable warranty.

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