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

[CJL]

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]

Nice work, Chris!

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

[osprey__viper]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[philip]

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]

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]

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