Finally its fitted!!!.........just need a new plotter!

CJL · 15 May 2005, 16:41

Finally fitted my new ICOM to my boat.

Was not impressed that it need a smaller hole in my console than the SILVA I took out. Hopefully the panel I've put across the console doesn't look too bad!!

Incidently has anybody developed a special tool for threading cables up A frames??

Chris

Richard B · 15 May 2005, 17:16

Nice work, Chris!

The A-frame job sounds like one for a straightened out coathanger.

osprey__viper · 15 May 2005, 18:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJL

Incidently has anybody developed a special tool for threading cables up A frames??

I cut a piece of welding wire off me mig welder. Worked a treat

Martin

Wayne Rogers · 15 May 2005, 22:30

Get yourself a length of multi strand cable like brake cable only a little thicker, crimp a nipple on each end then you have the perfect tool for the job.Just thread the cable through the route you want to take then tape your cables on the end and pull it back.Easy

ScottyDog · 16 May 2005, 09:14

If you need to pull the cable out at mid points (for nav lights etc) you can insert a cable tie in the hole, forming a loop which spreads against the inside of the tubing, then when a cable is threaded through you can 'snare' it. If you have chance, de-burr the holes before threading cables as it is amazing how sharp the back of those holes can be. There are some plastic push fit grommets that will prevent chafing, available from maplin, RS, Farnell etc.

Simon B · 16 May 2005, 12:04

Saw a nifty trick on American Chopper, tie a knot in piece of string fray the end and then use compressed air to blow the piece of string through the frame.

Matt · 16 May 2005, 12:24

Wireman's tape!
http://rswww.com/cgi-bin/bv/browse/B...1&cacheID=ukie

philip · 16 May 2005, 13:13

Very nice panel chris.

I have an Icom 421 to fit into my console - I have a single console with right hand throttle similar to you and am not sure whether to put it to the right or the left of the wheel ? Its a new installation and I would appreciate any feedback before I go drillin 'oles in me console.

Cheers

Phil

CJL · 16 May 2005, 14:17

Hi guys,

thanks for the feedback!

In the end I spent twenty mins with TV coax (its a bit more ridgid than the V tronix stuff) and managed to thread it round and out the top of the A frame. So when I get round to installing the old radio as a back up on the back of the main console it just needs plugging in!

As far as which of the console to put the throttle controls I thinks its quite personal. I'm right handed and prefer the throttles on the right. But I can cope fairly easily with a left handed mounted one.

Have a go with it on either side and see what you prefer. If you do decide to install it yourself, watch out for cables inside and also install it so that the throttle cables and steering cable do not go through tight turns.

Chris

ashbypower · 16 May 2005, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJL

Hi guys,

thanks for the feedback!

In the end I spent twenty mins with TV coax (its a bit more ridgid than the V tronix stuff) and managed to thread it round and out the top of the A frame. So when I get round to installing the old radio as a back up on the back of the main console it just needs plugging in!

What ever you do, do not use TV coax this is 75 ohm where a marine VHF uses 50 ohm. You will have a considerable mis-match which could result in a burn out of the TX Amp.

Regards

Brian

philip · 16 May 2005, 15:36

Having re- read the my previous post its not very clear - I'll try again.

With a single width console and right hand throttle which side of the wheel should I fit my radio?

Cheers

Phil

CJL · 16 May 2005, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbypower

What ever you do, do not use TV coax this is 75 ohm where a marine VHF uses 50 ohm. You will have a considerable mis-match which could result in a burn out of the TX Amp.

Regards

Brian

Fear not - Being a tight northerner I use the TV Coax just to thread it and put the Vtronix stuff through afterwards!!

Thanks for the warning anyway!

Phillip, I think my original comments still stand. No right or wrong way really. Try what suits you best. I suppose in RYA world, you could argue you throttle hand should always be on the throttle so fit is so your wheel hand is for using the VHF!

Chris

Scary Des · 16 May 2005, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by philip

Having re- read the my previous post its not very clear - I'll try again.

With a single width console and right hand throttle which side of the wheel should I fit my radio?

Cheers

Phil

I have the same set up and have the fist mike on the left with radio in the console between my legs

What I find is that this is fine when I’m on my own

but when there are more people on board it would be handy if someone else could use the radio and leave me to steer

so I have been think about mounting the radio either behind or beside me

Having said that I’m still thinking because every other place I look at offers new problems

Des

philip · 17 May 2005, 08:48

Thanks Des , Chris

So i'll mount it to the left of the console at the top of where the White pocket thing is in this picture.

Right now where's me angle grinder

Jon Brooks · 17 May 2005, 09:22

Ashby is spot on... DO NOT USE THE TV CO-AX as the antenna feeder..
Use it to pull the prober co-ax through.
ie tape the ends together and use it as, what we in the trade call, a mouse.

TV co-ax is not designed to TX up.
As well as damage to the set you risk burning out the TV co-ax and having to re run it any way.

Regards