Garmin VHF 115 Series User manual

VHF 115/VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS SERIES
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Important Safety Information
WARNING
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other
important information.
CAUTION
Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.
NOTICE
When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite side of the surface to avoid damaging the vessel.
Mounting Considerations
NOTICE
This device should be mounted in a location that is not exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions. The
temperature range for this device is listed in the product specifications. Extended exposure to temperatures
exceeding the specified temperature range, in storage or operating conditions, may cause device failure.
Extreme-temperature-induced damage and related consequences are not covered by the warranty.
When selecting a mounting location, you should observe these considerations.
• The location should provide optimal viewing as you operate your boat.
• The location should allow for easy access to all device interfaces, such as the keypad, touchscreen, and card
reader, if applicable.
• The location must be strong enough to support the weight of the device and protect it from excessive
vibration or shock.
• To avoid interference with a magnetic compass, the device should not be installed closer to a compass than
the compass-safe distance value listed in the product specifications.
• The location must allow room for the routing and connection of all cables.
• When flush mounting the device, the location must not be a flat, horizontal surface. The location should be in
a vertical angle.
The location and viewing angle should be tested before you install the device. High viewing angles from
above and below the display may result in a poor image.
GUID-4E35EBDF-6BB0-4B04-89C5-4642E8D77431 v4June 2021

VHF Antenna Mounting and EME Exposure
WARNING
Radio operators with cardiac pacemakers, life-support machines, or electrical medical equipment should not be
exposed to excessive radio-frequency (RF) fields, because the RF field may interfere with the function of their
medical equipment.
CAUTION
This device generates and radiates radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME). Failure to observe
these guidelines may expose people to RF radiation absorption exceeding the maximum permissible exposure
(MPE).
Garmin® declares an MPE radius of 2.48 m (97.64 in.) for this system, which was determined using 5 W output
to an omni-directional, 6 dBi gain antenna. The antenna should be installed to maintain a distance of 2.48 m
(97.64 in.) between the antenna and all people.
Bail Mounting the Device
NOTICE
If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a
clearance counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer
when the screws are tightened.
You can use the included bracket to bail mount the device on a flat surface.
1Using the bail-mount bracket as a template, mark the pilot holes.
2Using a 3.5 mm (9/64 in.) drill bit, drill the pilot holes.
3Using the included screws , secure the bail-mount bracket to the mounting surface.
4Install the bail-mount knobs on the sides of the device.
5Place the device in the bail-mount bracket and tighten the bail-mount knobs.
2

Flush Mounting the Device
NOTICE
Be careful when cutting the hole to flush mount the device. There is only a small amount of clearance between
the case and the mounting holes, and cutting the hole too large could compromise the stability of the device
after it is mounted.
If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a
clearance counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer
when the screws are tightened.
Before cutting or drilling to flush mount the device, be sure the space behind the mounting surface can
accommodate the radio.
The included template and hardware can be used to mount the device in your dashboard.
1Trim the template and make sure it fits in the location where you want to mount the device.
2Using a 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) drill bit, drill one or more of the holes inside the corners of the solid line on the
template to prepare the mounting surface for cutting.
3Using a jigsaw or rotary tool, cut the mounting surface along the inside of the solid line indicated on the
template.
4Place the device in the cutout to test the fit.
5If necessary, use a file and sandpaper to refine the size of the cutout.
6After the device fits correctly in the cutout, ensure the mounting holes on the device line up with the pilot
holes on the template.
7If the mounting holes on the device do not line up, mark the new pilot-hole locations.
8Using a 3.5 mm (9/64 in.) drill bit, drill the pilot holes.
9Remove the template from the mounting surface.
10 If you will not have access to the back of the device after you mount it, connect all necessary cables to the
device before placing it into the cutout.
11 If necessary, cover unused connectors with the attached weather caps to prevent corrosion of the metal
contacts.
12 Remove the protective liner from the foam gasket.
13 Install the gasket on the back of the device.
14 Place the device in the cutout.
15 Secure the device to the mounting surface using the included screws .
16 Install the decorative bezel by snapping it in place around the edges of the device.
3

Mounting the Microphone Hanger
NOTICE
If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a
clearance counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer
when the screws are tightened.
You can mount the microphone hanger in a convenient location near the radio.
1Select a mounting location for the microphone within reach of the microphone cable.
2Using the microphone hanger as a template, mark the pilot holes.
3Drill the mounting holes using a 3 mm (1/8 in.) drill bit.
4Secure the microphone hanger to the mounting surface using the included screws .
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Connection Considerations
Connectors and port locations vary by model.
Item Description Notes
Ground connection You can connect the device to water ground, if needed (Additional Grounding
Considerations, page 5).
Red power wire with
fuse
You must connect the device to a 12 Vdc power source (Connecting to Power,
page 5).
Black power ground
wire
GPS cable with BNC
connector
You can connect this device to an external GPS antenna (optional) (Connecting
to a Remote GPS Antenna, page 8).
Data wiring harness1
You can connect this device to a NMEA 0183 device to share information
(optional) (NMEA 0183 Device Connections, page 9).
You can connect this device to a hailer horn (optional for VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS
models) (Connecting to a Hailer Horn or PA Speaker, page 10).
You can connect this device to an external speaker (optional) (Connecting to an
External Speaker, page 10).
VHF antenna port You must connect the device to a VHF antenna (sold separately) (Connecting a
VHF Antenna, page 6).
Additional microphone
port
You can add an additional microphone (sold separately) or relocate the existing
microphone on a VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS radio (microphone relocation kit sold
separately).
Not available on VHF 115 radio models.
NMEA 2000® port You can connect this device to a NMEA 2000 network to share information
(optional) (NMEA 2000 Connections, page 7).
Connecting to Power
1Route the power wiring cable to the power source and to the device.
2Connect the red wire to the positive (+) battery terminal, and connect the black wire to the negative (-)
battery terminal.
Additional Grounding Considerations
This device should not need any additional chassis grounding in most installation situations. If interference is
experienced, the grounding screw on the housing can be used to connect the device to the water ground of the
boat to help avoid the interference.
1 Includes NMEA® 0183 wires (purple, gray, blue, and brown) and speaker wires (red and black). VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS models also include white and green
hailer wires.
5

Connecting a VHF Antenna
1Mount the VHF antenna (sold separately) according to the installation instructions provided with the
antenna.
NOTE: You can purchase a VHF extension cable. Go to garmin.com or contact your Garmin dealer.
2Connect the VHF antenna cable to the VHF antenna port on the VHF device.
6

NMEA 2000 Connections
NOTICE
If you are installing a NMEA 2000 power cable, you must connect it to the boat ignition switch or through
another in-line switch. NMEA 2000 devices will drain your battery if the NMEA 2000 power cable is connected
to the battery directly.
If you are unfamiliar with NMEA 2000, you should read the “NMEA 2000 Network Fundamentals” chapter of the
Technical Reference for NMEA 2000 Products. Go to garmin.com/manuals/nmea_2000.
Item Description
Compatible NMEA 2000 chartplotter or other device
VHF 115/VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS device
Ignition or in-line switch
NMEA 2000 power cable
NMEA 2000 drop cable
12 Vdc power source
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
7

Item Description
NMEA 2000 T-connector
NMEA 2000 terminator or backbone cable
Connecting to a Remote GPS Antenna
This device includes an internal GPS antenna. If your mounting location does not provide good GPS reception,
you may install a remote GPS antenna with a female BNC connector (not included), and connect it to the
device.
NOTE: If you connected this device to a NMEA 2000 with a GPS antenna, you can use that antenna as a GPS
source instead of installing a remote GPS antenna (NMEA 2000 Connections, page 7).
1Follow the instructions provided with the external GPS antenna to install it on your boat correctly.
2Route the GPS antenna cable to the back of the VHF 115/VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS device, away from sources
of electrical interference.
3Connect the GPS antenna cable to the BNC connector on the wiring harness on the VHF 115/VHF 215/VHF
215 AIS device.
8

NMEA 0183 Device Connections
This diagram illustrates two-way connections for both sending and receiving data. You can also use this
diagram for one-way communication. The table below identifies the wiring harnesses and the NMEA 0183
wires.
To receive information from a NMEA 0183 device, refer to items , , , and when connecting the
Garmin device.
To transmit information to a NMEA 0183 device, refer to items , , , and when connecting the Garmin
device.
Item Description
Power source
Power cable
NMEA 0183 device
NMEA 0183 cable
Item Garmin Wire Function Garmin Wire Color NMEA 0183 Device Wire
Function
Power Red Power
Power ground Black Power ground
Rx/A (In +) Purple Tx/A (Out +)
Rx/B (In -) Gray Tx/B (Out -)
Tx/A (Out +) Blue Rx/A (In +)
Tx/B (Out -) Brown Rx/B (In -)
If you are connecting to a hailer horn, see Connecting to a Hailer Horn or PA Speaker, page 10.
If you are connecting to an external speaker, see Connecting to an External Speaker, page 10). Speaker wires
are the red and black wires on the data harness . The red power wire and black power ground wire are
on the separate power harness .
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Connecting to an External Speaker
You can connect your VHF device to an external marine speaker (not included) to amplify sound at remote
locations on the vessel or to communicate with other vessels.
1If necessary, mount the external marine speaker according to the installation instructions provided with the
speaker.
2Route or extend the wire from the external speaker to the VHF device.
3Connect the red wire on the data cable to the positive (+) wire from the external speaker.
NOTE: Make sure this is the red wire on the data cable. The power harness has a red wire that connects to
the power source.
4Connect the black wire on the data cable to the negative (-) wire from the external speaker.
NOTE: Make sure this is the black wire on the data cable. The power harness has a black wire that connects
to the power ground.
5Cover the connections with a waterproof tape or heat-shrink tubing.
Connecting to a Hailer Horn or PA Speaker
You can connect a VHF 215 radio to a hailer horn or public address (PA) speaker (not included) to use the
microphone or the handset to make announcements.
NOTE: The VHF 115 models cannot be connected to a hailer horn.
Some VHF models include a foghorn feature as part of the public address system. You can sound the foghorn
through a hailer horn or a PA speaker. To use the foghorn you must provide and install a hailer horn (optional)
on the deck or tower of your boat.
1If necessary, mount the hailer horn or PA speaker according to the installation instructions provided with the
device.
NOTE: To avoid feedback, you should mount the hailer horn or PA speaker at least 3 m (10 ft) away from,
and facing away from, the microphone or handset.
2Route or extend the wire from the hailer horn or PA speaker to the radio.
3Connect the white wire on the data cable to the positive (+) wire from the hailer horn or PA speaker.
4Connect the green wire on the data cable to the negative (-) wire from the hailer horn or PA speaker.
5Cover the connections with a waterproof tape or heat-shrink tubing.
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Appendix
Specifications
Specification Measurement
Dimensions (H x W x D) VHF 115: 8.5 x 17 x 14.6 cm (3.35 x 6.7 x 5.75 in.)
VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS: 9.8 x 19.7 x 14.9 cm (3.86 x 7.76 x 5.78 in.)
Weight
VHF 115 (with microphone): 1.241 kg (43.77 oz.)
VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS (without microphone): 1.212 kg (42.75 oz.)
VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS microphone: 0.248 kg (8.75 oz.)
Operating temperature range From -15° to 55°C (from 5° to 131°F)
Storage temperature range From -20° to 70°C (from -4° to 158°F)
Compass-safe distance VHF 115: 70 cm (27.6 in.)
VHF 215/VHF 215 AIS: 75 cm (29.5 in.)
Water rating IEC 60529 IPX71
Antenna connector S0-239 (50 ohms)
Operating voltage 12.0 Vdc
Wireless frequency 156 to 162 MHz @ 44 dBm (25 W) maximum
Standby current draw 350 mA
Receive current draw 600 mA
Transmit current draw From 2.0 A to 6.0 A (from 1 W to 25 W)
Maximum antenna gain 9 dBi
Antenna port impedance 50 ohms
Internal speaker audio output power 1 W (with 4 ohms at 10% distortion)
External speaker audio output power 4 W (4 ohms/max)
External speaker impedance 4 ohms
Hailer output power 20 W at 4 ohms
Hailer horn impedance 4 ohms
NMEA 2000 LEN @ 9.0 Vdc 1 (50 mA)
1 The device withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 m for up to 30 min. For more information, go to www.garmin.com/waterrating.
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NMEA 2000 PGN Information
Transmit
PGN Description
059392 ISO acknowledgment
060928 ISO address claim
061184 Single-frame proprietary
126208 NMEA request group function
126464 PGN's group function
126720 Fast-packet proprietary
126993 Heartbeat
126996 Product information
126998 Configuration information
129799 Radio frequency/mode/power
129808 DSC call information
Receive
PGN Description
059392 ISO acknowledgment
059904 ISO request
060160 ISO transport protocol, data transfer
060416 ISO transport protocol, connection management - RTS group function
060928 ISO address claim
061184 Single-frame proprietary
065240 ISO commanded address
126208 NMEA request group function
126720 Fast-packet proprietary
129026 COG and SOG, rapid update
129029 GNSS position data
129044 Datum
Transmit (AIS models only)
PGN Description
129038 AIS class A position report
129039 AIS class B position report
129040 AIS class B extended position report
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PGN Description
129041 AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoN) report
129794 AIS class A static and voyage related data
129798 AIS SAR aircraft position report
129802 AIS safety related broadcast message
129809 AIS class B "CS" static data, part A
129810 AIS class B "CS" static data, part B
NMEA 0183 Information
Transmit
Sentence Description
DSC Digital selective calling (DSC) information
DSE Expanded digital selective calling
VDM (AIS model only) AIS VHF data-link message
Receive
Sentence Description
DTM Datum reference
GGA Global positioning system fix data
GLL Geographic position (latitude and longitude)
GNS GNSS fix data
RMA Recommended minimum specific Loran-C data
RMC Recommended minimum specific GNSS data
© 2018 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin® and the Garmin logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and other countries. GHS™ is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its
subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
NMEA® and NMEA 2000® are registered trademarks of the National Marine Electronics Association. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective
owners.
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