05/19/2026
You bought a new VHF radio and it's complaining it does not have position? You have two options when buying a VHF radio these days.. .Spend a few extra and get the one with built in GPS and you're good. Spend a few less and get the one that needs to be wired up to GPS. This can be the more costly option....
This radio has two easy ways... You can get a GPS antenna that plugs into the little connection on the left. Those are typically $50-$150. On the right is a 5-pin NMEA2000 connection. If you're one of our customers with a sat compass on a well equipped boat, you might be able to plug it into the NMEA2000 network with a $30-$60 NMEA2000 cable which we sell and be in business. Radios might also have NMEA0183 wires which requires hardwiring it to a plotter or GPS instrument; this typically requires cabling and onsite labor. New radios send position when a distress call is made. While most people won't get in trouble for not having position on their radio, things are moving in that direction to reduce false alerts and to provide efficient emergency response.
