Signal™ VHF 220 - Fixed VHF with AIS receiver

The Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 is a fixed marine radio equipped with an AIS receiver. Its main features include:

A 3.5-inch color touchscreen with edge-to-edge glass.
Class D ASN compliance.
Transmit power up to 25 W.
Automatic squelch and VHF audio playback function.
Advanced watchkeeping.
A noise-canceling adaptive microphone and a 5 W RMS integrated speaker.
Built-in GPS.
NMEA 2000 and Garmin BlueNet™ connectivity.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 is equipped with an internal GPS antenna. If the mounting location does not allow for good GPS reception, an external GPS antenna (sold separately) can be installed via the dedicated GPS port.

The Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 is capable of transmitting up to 25 W. It is also possible to switch between low power (1 W) and high power (25 W) on certain VHF channels directly from the handheld microphone or the touchscreen.

The Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 displays AIS information received from other vessels on its chartplotter. You can view target AIS data, filter the chartplotter view, adjust its orientation, and configure AIS alarms.

Yes, you can connect a hailer speaker (sold separately) to the Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 to speak verbally to your passengers and crew using the handheld microphone. Dedicated hailer connections are available on the power and audio cable.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 is a Class D DSC VHF radio. It allows you to make individual or group calls, request a vessel’s position, call all vessels within range, and initiate distress calls. You can also specify the nature of a distress call and cancel it if necessary.

When selecting the mounting location, consider the following points:

Ensure it is not exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions. Allow approximately 185 mm (7 1/4 in) of space behind the mounting surface to minimize cable strain. If the device is exposed to water, mount it at less than 45 degrees from the horizontal plane and add a drip loop to all connected cables. The handheld microphone must be within reach of the device. The mounting area must not be covered by metal objects or surfaces that could interfere with the wireless connection between the device and the handheld microphone. The mounting surface must be strong enough to support the device's weight and protect it from excessive vibration or shock.

Yes, you can install the Garmin VHF 220 Signal™ in the existing cutout of a Garmin VHF 210/215 radio using a retrofit kit (sold separately). Compatibility with other cutout dimensions is possible, sometimes requiring the cutout to be enlarged using a template.

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

The power and audio cable combines wires for connection to the power supply and external audio equipment. The connections are as follows:

Red: Power (+)Black: Power (−)White: External speaker (+)White and black: External speaker (−)Gray: Hailer speaker (+)Gray and black: Hailer speaker (−)It is imperative to power off the device before making any audio connection to avoid damaging the system.

Many countries and administrations require a ship radio licence and an appropriate radio operator’s permit before using transmitting equipment for maritime communications. It is the user’s responsibility to comply with local and foreign government regulations. Use of ATIS is prohibited outside European inland waterways covered by the Basel Agreement.

The radio must have a fixed GPS position before it can be programmed. In the United States, the MMSI number and vessel information are automatically programmed via the ActiveCaptain® app after submitting them to your Garmin dealer. Outside the United States, you can program the MMSI and vessel details directly via the ActiveCaptain® app or manually in the radio’s settings. Once programmed, the MMSI cannot be easily changed; reprogramming is required if the radio is moved to a new vessel.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 can be connected to your NMEA 2000 network via the NMEA port to exchange data with other marine devices. It shares your GPS position, distress and ASN position information from other vessels, as well as received AIS data. Note that the radio is not powered by the NMEA 2000 network.

The Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 uses Garmin BlueNet™ network technology and is compatible with Garmin BlueNet and Garmin Marine Network devices. You can connect it to your marine network via the Garmin BlueNet™ port to enable network features. If you use a hybrid network, all Garmin Signal VHF units (main unit and remote stations) must be connected to the same side of the network (BlueNet or Marine Network) to ensure communication.

Yes, you can connect the Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 main unit and up to five Garmin Signal RM 100 remote stations to the same marine network via Garmin BlueNet™. This allows full control of the radio from the main unit or any connected remote station. If your system only includes the main unit and one remote station, you can connect them directly to each other with a Garmin BlueNet cable.

Yes, the Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 is compatible with the ActiveCaptain® app. This app allows you to connect your mobile device to the radio to program vessel details and the MMSI number, as well as to install software updates. The connection can be automatic if the radio is linked to a compatible Garmin chartplotter already on ActiveCaptain, or directly via Wi-Fi.

For full functionality, an external VHF antenna is required (not included). Among the recommended or optional accessories, you will find:

A bail-mount kit for non-flush mounting.
An external GPS antenna if internal reception is insufficient.
An external speaker or hailer speaker for additional audio features.
Retrofit kits to facilitate replacing older Garmin radios in existing cutouts.
These accessories are generally sold separately.

No, damage caused by extreme temperatures and their consequences is not covered by the warranty. It is important to install the device in a location not exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions and to store it within the temperature ranges specified in the product manual.

Yes, unauthorized repairs or modifications to the device may cause permanent damage to the equipment and void your warranty. Repairs should only be performed by an authorized Garmin service center.

Yes, it is possible to install the Garmin Signal™ VHF 220 radio in the existing slot of an older Garmin VHF radio, particularly the VHF 210/215 models, using the retrofit kit (sold separately).

Compatibility depends on the dimensions of the existing cutout on your dashboard:

Cutouts smaller than 138 mm x 62 mm: Compatible. You can use the included mounting template to enlarge the cutout.Cutouts from 138 mm x 62 mm to 157.20 mm x 66.50 mm: Compatible. You will need to use the Garmin Signal VHF retrofit kit (sold separately) and a retrofit template to enlarge the existing cutout.Cutouts from 157.20 mm x 66.50 mm to 178 mm x 82 mm: Compatible. You will need to use the Garmin Signal VHF retrofit kit (sold separately), but no modification of the existing cutout is required.Cutouts larger than 178 mm x 82 mm: Not compatible. The equipment supplied with the Garmin Signal VHF radio or the retrofit kit cannot be used to install the radio in an opening of this size.The retrofit kit is available from your Garmin dealer.