Simrad RS40 VHF Radio with DSC & AIS Receive — Marine-Grade Communication for Modern Voyages

Meet the RS40, a compact, professional‑grade VHF radio designed to replace mid‑level systems with a dependable backbone for serious sailors and offshore crews. From harbor traffic to offshore passages, this is a radio you can trust to keep conversations clear, decisions timely, and safety at the forefront.

DSC with built‑in GPS and AIS awareness

The RS40 integrates a dedicated DSC interface with a built‑in GPS receiver and a two‑channel AIS receiver. You’ll get precise position data and real‑time awareness of nearby vessels, with AIS targets displayable directly on the radio screen or overlaid on your chart or radar when used with a compatible multifunction display. This seamless integration enhances situational awareness precisely where you need it—in busy marinas and open seas alike.

Robust GPS and chartplotter integration

Position data can come from the radio’s embedded GPS on the front panel, or via a rear SMA connector for an external GPS antenna. If your vessel already feeds GPS data to a chartplotter on NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 networks, RS40 can pull that data directly—no extra antennas required. A multi‑path GPS approach helps maintain reliable Lat/Long data during requests and supports accurate tracking in demanding conditions.

Track Buddy, DSC calls, and enhanced positioning

Track Buddy automatically polls up to five partners for their Lat/Long positions and displays them on your chart plotter, making it practical to monitor friends, crew, or fleet vessels in real time. In navigation mode, RS40 becomes a dedicated sailing instrument showing speed and course, with a built‑in MOB waypoint trigger to support rapid recovery in emergencies.

AIS awareness and MFD compatibility 

The built‑in AIS receiver provides constant visibility into nearby AIS‑equipped ships, helping you navigate tight channels and crowded harbors with confidence. When paired with a multifunction display, AIS data can be projected onto your chart or radar, enabling safer passes and overtakes without reaching for another device.

Installation flexibility and deck‑level convenience

The RS40 is designed with a front‑mount, low‑profile form that blends with modern MFDs and keeps helm space uncluttered. For extended control, you can add up to two optional HS40 wireless handsets, turning the system into a portable command center for deck or cockpit use. The removable fist microphone can be mounted on the front or rear, offering installation flexibility to fit your vessel’s layout and workflow.

Who is this for?

Ideal for serious sailors and offshore crews upgrading from mid‑range VHF systems. If you operate in busy coastal waters, marinas, or across longer passages, the RS40 delivers reliable DSC messaging, real‑time AIS awareness, and seamless data sharing with chartplotters and MFDs—all in a compact, rugged package.

Upgrade now to the Simrad RS40 VHF Radio with DSC and AIS Receive and experience tighter integration, clearer communications, and smarter navigation on every voyage.