Signal™ VHF 400 - Fixed VHF with AIS transponder

The Garmin VHF 400 Signal™ is a fixed marine radio designed for communication and situational awareness. Its main features include:

An integrated SOTDMA Class B AIS transponder.A 3.5-inch color touchscreen with edge-to-edge glass.Class D ASN capabilities, automatic squelch, VHF audio playback, and advanced monitoring.A noise-canceling adaptive microphone and a 5 W RMS integrated speaker.An integrated GPS, as well as NMEA 2000, Garmin BlueNet, Wi-Fi, and ActiveCaptain connectivity options.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen with edge-to-edge glass, optimized for cockpit space. The screen allows you to select options and scroll through menus.

The Garmin VHF 400 Signal™ integrates an SOTDMA Class B AIS transponder. This system enables transmission and reception of AIS data for improved situational awareness.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 is equipped with an internal GPS antenna. It requires GPS position data to transmit position reports. If the mounting location does not provide good GPS reception, an external GPS antenna (not included) can be connected to the GPS port.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 handheld microphone has several functions:

A 16/C button to switch between the current VHF channel and channel 16. A button to toggle between low power (1 W) and high power (25 W) (not available on certain VHF channels). Buttons to change the current VHF channel. A Push-to-talk (PTT) button to transmit on the current VHF channel. Volume buttons (+ and -) to increase or decrease the handset speaker volume. It also includes adaptive noise reduction.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 provides a VHF audio playback function that allows you to replay recent VHF activity.

You can change the VHF transmit power (between 1 W and 25 W) directly from the handheld microphone by pressing the dedicated button. This function is not available on all VHF channels.

The Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 offers several advanced watch modes:

Scan all channels: To monitor all available channels.Listen to multiple channels simultaneously: To monitor several channels at once.Simultaneous monitoring of Channel 16 and the current channel: To ensure no important communication is missed.

When choosing the mounting location for the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400, consider the following points:

The device must not be exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions.Determine whether an external GPS antenna will be connected or the internal GPS antenna will be used.Respect the compass safe distance to avoid interference.Mount the microphone within easy reach of the device.The location must not be covered by metal objects or surfaces that could interfere with the microphone’s wireless connection.Provide at least one installed station to allow radio use while operating the boat.Connect the device and microphone to the same circuit, if possible.Allow approximately 185 mm (7 1/4 in) of space behind the mounting surface for cables and connectors.If the mounting is flush, the surface must be strong enough to support the device’s weight and protect it from vibrations.If the device is installed in a water-exposed location, it must be mounted at less than 45 degrees from the horizontal plane, and a drip loop must be added to the cables.

The Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 is equipped with an internal GPS antenna. An external GPS antenna (not included) is only required if the mounting location of the radio does not provide adequate GPS reception. The radio cannot transmit position reports based on position data from a network source, such as a device connected to an NMEA 2000 network.

To transmit and receive signals, you must connect an external VHF antenna (not included) to the ANTENNA port of the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400. It is recommended to use a VHF antenna properly tuned to the AIS end of the band (VSWR 2:1 or less at 162 MHz).

Garmin states a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) of 2 metres (6.6 feet) for this system, determined with a 25 W output power to a 6 dBi omnidirectional antenna. The antenna must be installed to maintain a 2-metre distance between the antenna and all persons. If the antenna is mounted 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) above the deck, this distance can be reduced to 0.5 metre (1.7 foot).

Yes, the mounting location requires approximately 185 mm (7 1/4 in) of clearance behind the mounting surface. This minimizes stress on the cables and connectors at the rear of the unit.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 uses Garmin BlueNet™ networking technology and is compatible with Garmin BlueNet™ devices and Garmin Marine Network. For optimal performance and future updates, it is recommended to connect the main unit and remote stations to the Garmin BlueNet™ side of the network if your boat is equipped with a Garmin BlueNet™ chartplotter. If your boat is equipped only with Garmin Marine Network devices, a Garmin Marine Network adapter cable (part number 010-12531-01) is required.

Yes, you can install the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 in an existing cutout for a Garmin VHF 210/215 radio using a retrofit kit (sold separately). This kit is also compatible with other cutout dimensions. In some cases, such as replacing a Garmin VHF 110/115, you may need to enlarge the existing cutout using the retrofit kit’s template.

Yes, when the Garmin VHF 400 is connected to your marine network via Garmin BlueNet™, you can fully control it from the main unit or from up to five remote stations Garmin VHF RM 100 connected to the same network.

The warranty for the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 may be voided or may not cover certain damages in the following situations:

Unauthorized repairs or modifications performed on the equipment.Damage caused by extreme temperatures (exceeding the specified storage or operating temperature range).Failure to follow precautions when connecting audio equipment, which may result in permanent damage to the audio system.

Yes, it is possible to install the Garmin Signal™ VHF 400 radio in an existing mounting space, particularly one previously used for a Garmin VHF 210/215 radio, by using a retrofit kit (sold separately).

If the opening is smaller than 138 mm x 62 mm, it is compatible. You will need to use the included mounting template to enlarge the opening.If the opening is between 138 mm x 62 mm and 157.20 mm x 66.50 mm, it is compatible. You will need to use the Garmin Signal VHF retrofit kit (sold separately) and its template to enlarge the opening.If the opening is between 157.20 mm x 66.50 mm and 178 mm x 82 mm, it is compatible. You will need to use the Garmin Signal VHF retrofit kit (sold separately), but you will not need to modify the existing opening.If the opening is larger than 178 mm x 82 mm, it is not compatible with the supplied equipment or the retrofit kit.The retrofit kit can be purchased from your Garmin dealer.

The Garmin Signal™ 400 VHF offers multiple connectivity options to integrate with your marine system:

Garmin BlueNet™ Network: You can connect the radio directly to a compatible Garmin BlueNet chartplotter or to a Garmin BlueNet 20 switch using Garmin BlueNet cables. This allows you to control the radio from the main unit or up to five Garmin Signal RM 100 remote stations connected to the same network.
Garmin Marine Network: If your boat is equipped only with Garmin Marine Network devices, you will need to use a Garmin Marine Network adapter cable (part number 010-12531-01) to connect the radio and each remote station to your network.
Hybrid network (BlueNet and Marine Network): It is important to connect all Garmin Signal VHF devices (main unit and remote stations) on the same side of the network (either BlueNet or Garmin Marine Network) to ensure communication.
NMEA 2000® Network: The radio can be connected to your NMEA 2000 network via the NMEA port to exchange data with other marine devices. It shares your GPS position, DSC distress and position data from other vessels, and received AIS information. Note that the radio is not powered by the NMEA 2000 network.
Wi-Fi: The radio features Wi-Fi connectivity to connect to the ActiveCaptain® app on your mobile device, enabling programming and software updates.

Before you can program the radio, it must have a fixed GPS position. The procedure varies depending on your location:

In the United States: FCC regulations prohibit entering incorrect or inappropriate data. You must submit your MMSI number and vessel information to your Garmin dealer. The radio will be programmed automatically when you connect it to the ActiveCaptain® app.

Outside the United States: You can program the radio via the ActiveCaptain app or manually:

Via the ActiveCaptain app: Connect the radio to the app on your mobile device. In the app, select Settings, then VHF Radio Signal under Connected Devices. Enter your MMSI number, your ATIS number (if applicable), and all required vessel information, then select Save.

Manually: On the radio, select the main menu icon (>), then Settings > Vessel Details. Enter your MMSI, vessel name, call sign, vessel type, and dimensions, then select Program.

Note: Once you have programmed the radio with an MMSI number and vessel information, you cannot easily change them. If the radio is moved to a new vessel, it must be reprogrammed before it can be legally used on the new vessel.