Icom 411 (Providing additional support to VHF radios)

two stroke mick · 10 July 2017, 08:35

I have had an Icom 411 fixed VHF for about 9 years. In this time the case has broken 3 times. The unit is flush mounted. The head of the unit seperates form the main body of the radio (broken twice and squelch had broken once).

I have ordered a new icom 323 unit. This new unit will also be flush mounted.

I am wondering if any users here provide additional support to VHF units on the inside of the console as there is a lot of leverage on the head of the unit if flush mounted.

The quality of the received and TX on the icom is excellent.

Regards

TSM

Pikey Dave · 10 July 2017, 08:55

Do you use the flush mounting brackets or just rely on the sealant?

two stroke mick · 10 July 2017, 11:36

PD

I use sealant and the flush mount fittings

TSM

Pikey Dave · 10 July 2017, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

PD

I use sealant and the flush mount fittings

TSM

Do you use the proper stainless flush mounting brackets that are an optional extra or the pissy little bits of plastic that come free? The proper ones use a jacking screw arrangement that I suppose could be over tightened. Also I've had problems in the past with Raymarine gear failing due to the sealant attacking the plastic casing. Never had a problem with Icom though.

two stroke mick · 10 July 2017, 11:45

I use the proper metal fittings that are produced by Icom at an extra cost of circa 25-30 euro

Pikey Dave · 10 July 2017, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

I use the proper metal fittings that are produced by Icom at an extra cost of circa 25-30 euro

They're the ones[emoji106] it's possible to overtighten them if you get a bit enthusiastic with the spanner. This would put strain between the body & fascia. I just run them up finger tight & then a light "nip"

treerat · 10 July 2017, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Also I've had problems in the past with Raymarine gear failing due to the sealant attacking the plastic casing. Never had a problem with Icom though.

I have, one of my 411s has a nice layer of chemical metal keeping it together now as the original sealant eating through the plastic.