Garmin VHF 215 AIS, Slate Gray with Amp Yellow Band 0100209800

The Garmin VHF 215 AIS comes with U.S., Canadian, and international marine channels and 10 NOAA weather channels. Its dimensions are 9.8 x 19.7 x 14.9 cm (3.86 x 7.76 x 5.78 in.) and it weighs 1.212 kg (42.75 oz.) without the microphone. It operates on a wireless frequency of 156 to 162 MHz with a maximum power of 25 W and has an IEC 60529 IPX7 water rating. The radio includes a detachable microphone and is compatible with the GHS 11 second-station handset.

Installation instructions cover bail mounting, flush mounting, microphone hanger mounting, and various electrical connections. These include power, antenna, GPS, NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and optional hailer/external speaker connections. When connecting to an NMEA 2000 network, ensure the power cable is connected to the boat's ignition switch or an in-line switch, as direct battery connection can drain the battery.

Users generally report good sound quality and easy networking with other Garmin devices, such as GPSMAP chartplotters, via NMEA 2000. However, some users have noted concerns about the build quality, describing buttons and knobs as feeling "cheap and loose."

If you encounter issues such as the radio not receiving vessels on your chartplotter, verify the NMEA 2000 network connection between the VHF and the chartplotter, and confirm that AIS is enabled in both the radio and plotter settings. General troubleshooting for Garmin VHF radios suggests performing a radio check and checking weather channels to assess transmission and reception. Connectivity issues, such as the radio not displaying latitude and longitude, may require checking NMEA 0183/2000 settings, coaxial cables, and antenna status.

For replacing the standard hand mic with a GHS-11, it must be plugged into the back of the radio unit. Some users suggest drilling a hole in the dashboard for easier routing and access

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