Tillsbury,
Even in the 1970's, before "remote mics" became a normal thing on high-end radios (in the 80's), we would install a second VHF
radio in the cockpit (with a second VHF antenna)...
I actually never understood the
concept of not having VHF comms at the
helm??
(guess most of the guys designing / installing
marine electronics /
communications systems are not boaters/sailors, huh??)
But, onto tour query...
Yes, avoid placing it near your
steering compass...
Although 1m (~ 3') is the standard acceptable distance, this can be difficult to attain in our mid-sized boats' cockpits...
But, do the best that you can to keep it away from the compass..
(see pic below of my set-up)
Understand that most of the
remote mics /
remote stations, are designed to have little magnetic influences, it is still best to not screw-up your primary compass (the one non-electronic piece of kit, that will allow you to get home, should everything else fail)...
While you haven't actually shown us "where" these locations are at, I suspect that the location you mention that is "down low" will be good...
This will allow the mic to out-of-the-way, until you need it...
In all my years (decades) of using remote mics, I've found the cords will usually give out first (whether from UV exposure or from being pulled/twisted too many times), and the plugs / jacks second (usually from
corrosion, iromically because they were left open/exposed instead of actually connected together...as the mic was stowed below to save the cord, etc. from UV exposure)...
I've not seen one fail because it got wet!
If your
Raymarine remote is not certified for exposure (such as IPS67 spec), then simply but a
radio and mic that is (like
Icom, etc.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tillsbury
I’m installing a raymarine 60 vhf, so that I can get a second vhf position by the helm, which should mean I actually get to use the vhf without having to run down below every time.
Before I drill too many holes, it’s time to decide where to position the second station. The secondary vhf is waterproof, but there’s no need to have it too exposed. There is a brilliant and obvious location for it on one of the helm positions, but these positions are very near the binnacle compasses. Although the installation instructions for the second station don’t mention avoiding compasses (and the instructions for the main unit clearly do), I’m guessing it would not be a great idea to have this too near a compass, given that it contains a speaker.
I could place it low down, but am concerned it would get wet or inadvertently kicked. I could place it centrally near the instruments, but the only place available is such that it would be too easy to knock it when moving around the cockpit. I just can’t decide.
Is there anyone out there who has mounted a secondary vhf station in an aft cockpit dual wheel situation who can recommend where they think is the best place after having used it?
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Here are some pics showing my remote mic set-up....next-to and below the
autopilot control....btw, the black and grey buttons are my
windlass remote buttons..
Hope this helps.
John