Garmin VHF 115 Series Installation Instructions

VHF 115/215 AIS SERIES
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS

Important Safety Information

See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the
product box for product warnings and other important
information.
Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask
when drilling, cutting, or sanding.
When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite
side of the surface to avoid damaging the vessel.

Mounting Considerations

This device should be mounted in a location that is not exposed
to extreme temperatures or conditions. The temperature range
for this device is listed in the product specifications. Extended
exposure to temperatures exceeding the specified temperature
range, in storage or operating conditions, may cause device
failure. Extreme-temperature-induced damage and related
consequences are not covered by the warranty.
When selecting a mounting location, you should observe these
considerations.
• The location should provide optimal viewing as you operate
your boat.
• The location should allow for easy access to all device
interfaces, such as the keypad, touchscreen, and card
reader, if applicable.
• The location must be strong enough to support the weight of
the device and protect it from excessive vibration or shock.
• To avoid interference with a magnetic compass, the device
should not be installed closer to a compass than the
compass-safe distance value listed in the product
Specifications.
• The location must allow room for the routing and connection
of all cables.
• The location must not be a flat, horizontal surface. The
location should be in a vertical angle.
The location and viewing angle should be tested before you
install the device. High viewing angles from above and below
the display may result in a poor image.
March 2021
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
NOTICE

VHF Antenna Mounting and EME Exposure

Radio operators with cardiac pacemakers, life-support
machines, or electrical medical equipment should not be
exposed to excessive radio-frequency (RF) fields, because the
RF field may interfere with the function of their medical
equipment.
This device generates and radiates radio frequency (RF)
electromagnetic energy (EME). Failure to observe these
guidelines may expose people to RF radiation absorption
exceeding the maximum permissible exposure (MPE).
Garmin declares an MPE radius of 2.48 m (97.64 in.) for this
®
system, which was determined using 5 W output to an omni-
directional, 6 dBi gain antenna. The antenna should be installed
to maintain a distance of 2.48 m (97.64 in.) between the antenna
and all people.

Bail Mounting the Device

If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is
recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a clearance
counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to
avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer when the screws are
tightened.
You can use the included bracket to bail mount the device on a
flat surface.
1
Using the bail-mount bracket
holes.
9
2
Using a 3.5 mm ( / in.) drill bit, drill the pilot holes.
64
3 Using the included screws
to the mounting surface.
4 Install the bail-mount knobs
5
Place the device in the bail-mount bracket and tighten the
bail-mount knobs.

Flush Mounting the Device

Be careful when cutting the hole to flush mount the device.
There is only a small amount of clearance between the case and
the mounting holes, and cutting the hole too large could
compromise the stability of the device after it is mounted.
If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is
recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a clearance
counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to
avoid cracking in the gel-coat layer when the screws are
tightened.
GUID-4E35EBDF-6BB0-4B04-89C5-4642E8D77431 v3
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
as a template, mark the pilot
, secure the bail-mount bracket
on the sides of the device.
NOTICE