Furuno FA170 Display Unit

The Furuno FA170 Display Unit is a 4.3-inch color LCD navigation display designed for maritime safety and collision avoidance in open water and coastal environments. Built for professional mariners, recreational boaters, and emergency responders, this display decodes Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to show the real-time positions of nearby vessels, AIS Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs), and coastal navigation aids. In survival and preparedness scenarios, reliable situational awareness at sea can mean the difference between coordinated rescue and isolation—making the FA170 an essential tool for extended maritime operations and emergency navigation.

The display integrates seamlessly with existing maritime navigation ecosystems, including Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), radar units, and other VHF-networked equipment. Its color LCD screen renders AIS symbols with clarity across varying light conditions, allowing operators to distinguish vessel types, motion vectors, and aid-to-navigation markers at a glance. The FA170 processes AIS broadcasts within VHF radio range—typically 20–40 nautical miles depending on antenna height and atmospheric conditions—and outputs collision avoidance data that supports tactical decision-making under high-stress conditions. Compact at 9 x 7 x 12 inches and weighing just 3.1 pounds, it installs in tight helm spaces aboard vessels of all sizes without sacrificing functional density.

This unit benefits commercial operators, naval personnel, coast guard crews, and serious preparedness teams who depend on proven marine electronics in unpredictable conditions. Furuno's FA170 is compatible with most modern VHF radios and chartplotters that support AIS data feeds, making it a modular addition to both new builds and retrofit installations. Wilderness survival instructors and maritime rescue coordinators recognize the FA170 as a force multiplier for situational awareness—whether monitoring approaching weather systems, coordinating multi-vessel operations, or conducting search and rescue sweeps. For anyone operating beyond VHF communication range or in areas where traditional radio silence prevails, the display's passive reception of AIS broadcasts provides actionable intelligence without active transmission.