Control unit, loudspeaker, black box: Garmin's new radio system consists of three components. This allows installation in places with limited space
When it comes to cell phones, people are used to an exuberant variety of equipment, but marine electronics still have some catching up to do in this regard. Not so with the Garmin VHF 300i marine radio system. In addition to the usual 25 watt transmission power and DSC function, the new high-end device from the manufacturer also offers a 30 watt megaphone output and support for Navtex and weather fax.
The radio is operated via a large, wired handset, where the information is clearly presented on a 2.5-inch display. The control unit can be freely selected regardless of the microphone position and thus also allows the radio to be installed in confined spaces such as the control column.
The special functions of the VHF 300i can also be controlled via the handset. The product has the option of recording and replaying the last 90 seconds of the previous radio message, and enables the so-called “position tracking” of ships that are also equipped with the Garmin model. The 300i AIS, which costs 899 euros, also has an integrated AIS receiver, whose signals can be forwarded to the corresponding chart plotter via NME2000. Without this additional receiver, the system is 200 euros cheaper.
Dealer registration: Garmin Germany, 82166 Graefelfing; Tel. 089/858364925, www.garmin.de