Garmin Signal 220 VHF Radio with Built-In AIS Receiver
Fixed-mount VHF + Class B AIS receiver in one compact unit. See nearby vessels, hear crystal clear, and keep your helm clean.
Why Add AIS to Your VHF?
AIS (Automatic Identification System) broadcasts your position, speed, heading, and vessel info to other AIS-equipped boats — and lets you see theirs. The Signal 220's built-in Class B AIS receiver overlays targets on your chartplotter so you can see who's around you, what direction they're heading, and how fast they're moving.
For anyone running busy waterways — intracoastal, shipping channels, anchorages, tournament fishing — AIS gives you a massive situational advantage. One less black box to mount and wire.
Key Features
Built-In Class B AIS Receiver
See nearby AIS-equipped vessels on your chartplotter with range, course, speed, and crossing situation. Collision and MOB (man overboard) alarms trigger when a target is on a collision course.
3.5-Inch Color Touchscreen Display
640x480 IPS LCD with 1,000 nits of backlight — readable in direct sunlight and responsive to touch. Edge-to-edge glass keeps the footprint compact.
Adaptive Noise Cancellation
Machine learning algorithms eliminate wind, wave, and engine noise. Replay up to 3 minutes of audio from any channel if you miss a message.
Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
Press the distress button and the Signal 220 automatically sends your MMSI, position, and nature of distress to all DSC-equipped vessels in range. Tap an AIS target on the plotter view to initiate a direct call — no manual dialing.
NMEA 2000 + Garmin BlueNet Integration
Plug into your existing NMEA 2000 network. Garmin's newer BlueNet network offers faster data throughput and simpler wiring.
Built-In GNSS
GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo — no external antenna required in most installations. SMA connector available if you need an external GNSS antenna.
ActiveCaptain App Integration
Configure the radio, program your MMSI, and receive over-the-air software updates via Wi-Fi.
NOAA Weather Alerts + WX Watches
Built-in NOAA weather alert monitoring with automatic tone alerts for approaching storms.
Loud Hauler + Intercom
25W loud hailer with listen-back. Supports intercom between the head unit and fist mic.
Installation Notes
The Signal 220 is refreshingly simple:
- Single VHF antenna required — no second antenna for AIS
- GPS is integrated — no external puck unless your mounting location blocks the sky
- NMEA 2000 drop cable included
- 9.6-32 VDC — works on most boat electrical systems
- IPX7 waterproof rated
The fist mic doubles as a speaker, so counter-mounted installations only need the head unit and one cable run.
What Doesn't Come in the Box
- VHF antenna — SO-239 connector required
- Antenna cable — BNC or PL-259 coax as needed
- MMSI programming — BOE Marine can handle this at installation
Perfect For
- Center consoles and helms where counter space is at a premium
- Boaters upgrading from an older VHF without AIS
- Sailors and powerboaters who want collision awareness without a separate AIS black box
- Anyone already in the Garmin ecosystem who wants seamless NMEA 2000 integration
How It Compares
| Signal 220 | Standard VHF | AIS Transponder | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIS Receive | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| AIS Transmit | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| VHF Radio | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Black Box Count | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Need It Installed?
BOE Marine installs at Annapolis, MD, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Stuart, FL, and Lake Norman, NC. Lifetime tech support included.
All specs sourced from Garmin's official product page. Installation and MMSI programming available at BOE Marine.