Southampton, UK - B&G®, the world’s leading sailing navigation and instrument specialist, announced today the release of its V60-B mid-level VHF radio, the first B&G VHF radio with the capability to send and receive AIS position data. The V60-B has a large screen, intuitive interface, built-in AIS Class B Transceiver, a front-mountable, mechanical design for easy installation and optional H60 wireless handsets with inductive charging.
The AIS transceiver built into the V60-B can receive position data from other vessels like the original V60, but it is also capable of sharing its position with nearby AIS-equipped vessels, improving situational awareness and collision avoidance. Position data is clearly viewable on the V60-B screen and can be overlaid on top of a chart or radar through a compatible chartplotter. Share location details and keep track of up to five friends using Track Buddy, which requests the location of another VHF radio when the MMSI is entered into the VHF contact list.
With its integrated GPS receiver, the V60-B has four ways to ensure GPS reliability in the event of an emergency. A GPS antenna in the face of the radio is perfect for open-air installations and the SMA connector can be coupled with a GPS-500 antenna. NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connections allow the user to get GPS data from a chartplotter or from another antenna already in the system.
The V60-B radio can be paired with up to two H60 wireless handsets, making VHF functionality available anywhere onboard. The H60 handset was designed as an intuitive portable companion to the V60 series and each handset duplicates the radio’s display and controls, enabling remote access to all key functions. The V60 radio series doubles as a handy on-board intercom as a result of having multiple stations.
Simple to install, the V60-B features a low-profile, front-mount design that matches the look of B&G chartplotters such as Zeus3 or Vulcan. A start-up wizard, easy channel scan and favourites option enhance the user-friendly functionality of the large, clear white dot matrix LCD screen. The remote mountable fist mic can be connected to the front or rear of the radio and an optional extension cable allows the radio and mic to be mounted separately. This offers a simple, cost-effective solution without cable clutter.
The B&G V60-B Radio is priced at £924.99 (ex VAT) and will be available from authorized dealers across the EMEA region. For more information or the full B&G range of sailing electronics and navigational products, visit www.bandg.com.
