VHF radio in dashboard

zubol · 20 August 2010, 10:14

Hi,

Could you please give any advise (or tell how you do it) how to mount VHF radio (midland Neptune 100) on dashboard in my console?

Thank you.

zubol · 20 August 2010, 10:49

Hi,

Could you please give any advise (or tell how you do it) how to mount VHF radio (midland Neptune 100) on dashboard in my console?

Thank you.

BogMonster · 20 August 2010, 11:32

You'll need a "flush mounting kit" before you start which I assume is available for that radio, though they don't usually come with most models - certainly with Icom etc it is an optional extra. Other than that it's basically a case of cutting a hole (there is probably a template and instructions for this with the kit) and fitting it in with the brackets in the kit which go onto the radio behind the console.

zubol · 20 August 2010, 13:37

Thanks Stephen

Any idea where I can buy it? I've tried google but everywhere is "out of stock".

Cookee · 20 August 2010, 13:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

You'll need a "flush mounting kit" certainly with Icom etc it is an optional extra.

They put the brackets needed in with it all now.

willk · 20 August 2010, 13:54

All most mounting kits do is push the radio back from the inside surface of the console, generally using a pair of bolts with a spreader at the end. You should be able to cobble something together without too much trouble (incorporate the surface mount kit that c/w the set?) and use some sikka to seal the set into the console.

Personally, I'd cut the existing mount in two and remake the bends to face the inside surface and drill out new bolt holes, use a ss bolt and a few nuts and washers to complete.

Jizm · 21 August 2010, 08:46

They ae normally held in with a metal clamp on either side once you have cut out the correct size aperture. Templates are sometimes supplied with the VHF.

Poly · 21 August 2010, 08:54

When you mount it, make sure its easy to get back out again when you decide to replace it with a better one.

BogMonster · 21 August 2010, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

When you mount it, make sure its easy to get back out again when you decide to replace it with a better one.

That sounds like a polite way of saying the radio is a bit poo

willk · 21 August 2010, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

That sounds like a polite way of saying the radio is a bit poo

I was going to suggest that if the Midland had a large footprint, then possibly cutting a temporary hole that big might not be such a good plan...

But I'm more diplomatic than Polwart, so I didn't.

Mollers · 21 August 2010, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

That sounds like a polite way of saying the radio is a bit poo

Ideal to practise with.

martini · 21 August 2010, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

But I'm more diplomatic than Polwart,

I'm too diplomatic to comment on this but I'm suprised no one else has

Downhilldai · 21 August 2010, 13:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

(incorporate the surface mount kit that c/w the set?) and use some sikka to seal the set into the console.

Use silicone instead, 'cos it's easier to remove, that way.

Mollers · 21 August 2010, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Use silicone instead, 'cos it's easier to remove, that way.

Or velcro.

zubol · 23 August 2010, 14:42

I can see you do not like my VHF Radio

Because it's my first RIB I do not know what is good and what is bad.

In that case what you recommend? But please do not tell me the proper VHF Radio must cost more than £200...

Erin · 23 August 2010, 17:01

There's many choices out there, but I would consider it a fairly important safety item. Both Icom and Standard Horizon have a good reputation. A basic Icom (M401) without DSC would be less than £200 I would have thought.

martini · 23 August 2010, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

There's many choices out there, but I would consider it a fairly important safety item. Both Icom and Standard Horizon have a good reputation. A basic Icom (M401) without DSC would be less than £200 I would have thought.

Contact Malthouse on here (based in Alderney), offers excellent prices on Icom products as well as many other electronics.

willk · 23 August 2010, 19:18

A basic decent DSC VHF is about 110 -140 squid.

PRSCOMMS Standard Horizon £112

Marine Superstore Icom £130

And certainly deals from Malthouse too.

Cut your console once

martini · 23 August 2010, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Cut your console once

I had a dream about cutting my console once....

Mine looks like swiss cheese and I'm only in my 2nd season with it

willk · 23 August 2010, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

Mine looks like swiss cheese and I'm only in my 2nd season with it

An emmental mistake