Garmin GHS 11 Wired VHF Handset - Remote VHF Radio Control

The Garmin GHS 11 is a wired remote handset that gives you full VHF radio control from a remote operating position - essentially a second 'helm' for the boat's VHF radio without buying a second complete radio. For boats with multiple operating positions where VHF access matters at each location, the GHS 11 is the right call to extend the main radio's reach.

Why a remote VHF handset matters. Marine VHF radio is the primary safety communication tool on boats - emergency distress, navigational coordination, weather information, and routine communication with marinas, other vessels, and shore stations all happen over VHF. For boats with multiple operating positions (cabin helm + flybridge on cruisers, main helm + cockpit fishing area on sportfishers, console + tower on bowriders with second steering positions), being able to use the VHF from each operating position is meaningful. Two options: buy a second complete VHF radio for each position (expensive, complex install, requires two antennas, two MMSI registrations), or extend the existing radio with remote handsets (the GHS 11 approach - one radio, one antenna, one MMSI, but full operator access at each station). The remote handset approach is significantly more cost-effective and simpler.

What 'full function' actually means. Some remote VHF microphones offer only basic functionality - press to talk, change channel, set volume. The GHS 11 is full-function: all VHF radio controls accessible from the handset, including channel selection (any channel the radio supports), DSC distress button (the red distress button under a protective cover - same one-button distress functionality as the main radio), DSC direct calling by MMSI, weather channel access with weather alert, scan and dual-watch modes, position display (when the radio has GPS), AIS target display (when paired with an AIS-equipped Garmin VHF), and full menu access for radio configuration. The 'full function' designation matters - cheaper remote mics often lack DSC and menu access, limiting their usefulness as primary operator stations.

The 2-inch dot-matrix display - what it shows. The backlit LCD shows: current channel number and channel name (vessel traffic / port operations / commercial / international / weather), frequency, signal strength bar, transmit indicator (red when transmitting, helps prevent extended accidental transmission), squelch level, volume level, current operating mode (scan, dual-watch, etc.), DSC call indicator and call source, and AIS targets / DSC alerts when applicable. Same information available on the main VHF radio's display - the GHS 11 is a complete duplicate of the radio's display interface, not a stripped-down secondary display.

Soft keys and rotary knob - intuitive operation. The handset uses the same control layout pattern as Garmin's compatible VHF radios: soft keys (the unlabeled buttons whose function changes based on the current display context), rotary/push knob (turn to adjust volume / squelch / channel, push to select), and dedicated buttons for high-frequency functions (16/9 priority channel access, distress button under cover). For operators already familiar with the main radio's controls, the GHS 11 feels identical - no learning curve to switch between the two control positions.

16/9 dedicated button - critical safety feature. Channel 16 is the international distress and calling channel - the channel that every VHF radio should be able to access instantly. Channel 9 is the secondary calling channel (used to keep channel 16 clear for actual distress traffic). The dedicated 16/9 button on the GHS 11 jumps directly to these priority channels with one press - critical for emergency situations where you need to send a distress call immediately or hear emergency traffic. The button is positioned for easy access without looking at the handset.

Intercom capability. Beyond VHF radio control, the GHS 11 microphone supports intercom mode when connected to a compatible external speaker - bidirectional voice between the GHS 11 station and the main radio station (or other GHS 11 stations on a multi-station VHF network). Use case: captain at the main helm can talk to crew on the flybridge through the GHS 11 intercom without using the VHF radio (no radio congestion, no need to switch off-channel for private intra-boat communication). The intercom feature adds significant value beyond just remote VHF control.

Cable details. The GHS 11 includes two cables: (1) Coiled handset cable - the spiral cable between the handset and the deck-mounted handset cradle. Stretches from about 1 foot (compact rest position) to nearly 5 feet (extended for operator movement around the helm). Coiled design keeps the cable contained when the handset is in its cradle - no loose dangling cable. (2) 10-meter (33 ft) deck cable - the cable that runs between the GHS 11 cradle and the main VHF radio. 10 meters covers typical helm-to-second-station distances on boats up to about 35-40 feet. For longer cable runs (larger boats with distant helm positions), Garmin offers extension cables - source separately.

What's in the box. Complete kit: GHS 11 handset with coiled cable, deck cable (10 meter / 33 ft) for connection to main radio, mic hanger (the cradle that mounts to the helm where the handset rests when not in use), mounting hardware (stainless screws for typical helm mounting), and documentation. NOT included: the main VHF radio (you connect the GHS 11 to your existing compatible Garmin VHF radio), additional handset mounting brackets, or any custom cabling beyond the included 10-meter run.

Compatibility - which radios it works with. The GHS 11 is compatible with Garmin VHF marine radios that support remote handset operation: VHF 110, VHF 200, VHF 210, VHF 215 (and AIS variants), VHF 300 series, and other compatible models. The radio's user manual will indicate GHS 11 compatibility - if your radio doesn't list GHS 11 support, the handset won't function with it. For non-Garmin VHF radios, the GHS 11 is isn't compatible - other VHF manufacturers (other VHF brands) have their own proprietary remote handset products that work only with their radios.

Install considerations. Plan for 2-4 hours for typical installation. Tasks: (1) Mount the GHS 11 cradle at the desired remote helm location using the supplied hardware - typically on the dash or near the helm controls. (2) Route the 10-meter deck cable from the cradle location to the main VHF radio - typical routing through cable raceways, behind dash trim, or through existing wire bundles. (3) Connect the deck cable to the main VHF radio's GHS 11 port (the radio has a dedicated remote handset input - consult the radio's manual for the connection point). (4) Power on and verify the GHS 11 mirrors the main radio's display and controls. (5) Test all functions including channel changes, transmit, DSC functions. Mount the cradle in a location with at least 26 inches clearance from any magnetic compass (compass-safe distance).