6 VHF 100/200 Series Radio Installation Instructions
Connecting a VHF 200 Series Radio to a NMEA 2000 network
The VHF 200 and VHF 200i radios can be connected to your existing NMEA 2000 network, or you can build a basic NMEA 2000 network
to connect to another NMEA 2000-compatible device, such as a chartplotter. For more information on NMEA 2000 and to purchase
required connectors, visit www.garmin.com.
NOTE: The VHF 100 and VHF 100i radios cannot be connected to a NMEA 2000 network. See page 5 to connect your radio to a NMEA 0183
network.
To connect the VHF 200 series radio to your existing NMEA 2000 network:
1. Determine where you would like to connect the radio to your existing NMEA 2000 backbone.
2. Disconnect one side of a NMEA 2000 T-connector from the backbone at an appropriate location.
IfyouneedtoextendtheNMEA2000backbone,connectanappropriateNMEA2000backboneextensioncabletothesideofthe
T-connector you disconnected.
3. Add a T-connector (not included) for the radio in the NMEA 2000 backbone by connecting it to the side of the T-connector you
disconnected.
4. Route a NMEA 2000 drop cable (not included) to the bottom of the T-connector added in step 3 to your NMEA 2000 network. Use a drop
cable with a length up to 20 ft. (6 m).
5. Connect the drop cable to the T-connector and the NMEA 2000 port on the radio
NMEA 2000 port
CAUTION: If you have an existing NMEA 2000 network on your boat, it should already be connected to power. Do not connect an additional
NMEA 2000 power cable to an existing NMEA 2000 network, because only one power source should be connected to a NMEA 2000 network.
VHF 200 series
radio
NMEA 2000
chartplotter
Drop cable
T-connectors
NMEA 2000
backbone
Other NMEA
2000 device
Connecting the VHF 200 Series Radio to an Existing NMEA 2000 Network
To create a basic NMEA 2000 network:
1. Connect two T-connectors (not included) together by their sides.
2. Connect a NMEA 2000 power cable (not included) to one of the T-connectors.
CAUTION: A NMEA 2000 power cable must be connected to a 12 Vdc power source through a switch. The VHF 200 series radio may drain your
battery if it is connected directly. Connect the cable to the ignition switch of the boat if possible, or through an appropriate additional switch.
3. Connect a NMEA 2000 drop cable (not included) to the other T-connector and to the NMEA 2000 port on the radio.