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Old 09-04-2013, 15:37   #1
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Ram mic mounting location??

I purchased a Standard Horizon 2150 to mount at the navstation with a Ram mic for the cockpit. Now I'm pondering where to mount the Ram mic.

Given our center cockpit configuration, the obvious location seemed to be on the steering pedestal. That seems to present 2 challenges, both regarding the cable run. First, I'm not sure I like running the mic cable up the inside of the pedestal where it could be rubbed and cut by the steering cables. 2) I'm not a huge fan of drilling big holes in the pedestal.

Other locations I've considered, with my concerns for each.

The aft end of the cockpit. Right where my legs go when sitting at the helm. And out of reach when on autopilot sitting in front of the helm.

The coaming by the companionway. Out of reach of the helm.

A cockpit cuddy. out of the way, but we stuff all sorts of things in there while sailing.

The cockpit floor next to the pedestal. The coiled cord on the ram mic is too short to reach to a standing height.

Where have others mounted them? Any suggestions?

Thanks!!
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Old 09-04-2013, 15:58   #2
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

G'Day Greg,

I put ours next to the companionway, with the connector sticking out from the aft end of the house. Works ok there, but do be aware that the connectors stick out quite a long way and are quite fragile. We broke ours within a few days of original installation. It still works but falls out at times.

So, wherever you put it, do provide some physical protection for the connector.

Cheers,

Jim
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Old 09-04-2013, 16:58   #3
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Not sure of the cockpit layout of a Pearson 422, but the Tartan 33 has a "T" cockpit. On the starboard side of the T is the raymarine autopilot control head. The pot side has the remote mike. This keeps it away from the compass, the autopilot and electronics. But between my legs when I want to perch on the rail.

One of the corollaries to Murphy's law assures that wherever you mount the remote mike, your leg will on occasion knock it off the clip.
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Old 09-04-2013, 18:02   #4
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

We've also a center cockpit design and use self-steering whenever possible. Either at anchor or underway, we like having the VHF to-hand for the watch stander who is normally ensconced behind the dodger. Your Ram mic could be mounted there.

When actually helming the ship in/out of port, use of an extension cable for the remote mic brings the radio to the helmsman. Otherwise, the extension cord is tucked away in a cockpit cubbyhole. Although the cables for sale seem too long for the job, a bit of cutting/soldering fixes that.

Ref: Standard Horizon CT-100 23' Extension Cable f/Ram Mic

Only a suggestion.
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Old 09-04-2013, 18:09   #5
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

Interesting thought, mariane. Definitely worth considering. I figure most of the time Otto will be driving and the companionway would be fine. Will have to ponder this some more.

thanks for the suggestion
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Old 09-04-2013, 18:13   #6
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

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Interesting thought, mariane. Definitely worth considering. I figure most of the time Otto will be driving and the companionway would be fine. Will have to ponder this some more.

thanks for the suggestion
Your welcome. We found that "Helma" is the hardest working member of the crew - and doesn't even drink beer.
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Old 09-04-2013, 18:37   #7
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

Hi, where you can reach it and it is easy to wire.
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Old 15-04-2013, 22:28   #8
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

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Hi, where you can reach it and it is easy to wire.
Agree with Stu. Find location when mic would be accessible when operator is behind the wheel. Make sure that connector is out of the way of foot traffic.
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Old 15-04-2013, 22:47   #9
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

You can see the little rectangular green light from mine above my head there. Normally it's on a mount right on the companionway frame. It's nice because I can just glance at it to get:

- sog
- cog
- ais contacts
- position
- time

So in short I'd say to put it next to wherever you hang out in the cockpit on the lazy night watches for long passages. Keep it close by. The actual stretchy cord doesn't go that far.

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Old 16-04-2013, 01:49   #10
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

If your steering pedestal includes a steering compass, I would be cautious about using that mounting position. As another poster noted you need to keep the mic away from the compass as it has a powerful magnet (at least my ICOM remote mic does). That said it should be within easy reach of the helm and easily operated from that location. When on autopilot you can always move to the helm to operate the radio; however if your are steering the boat in traffic it may not be so easy to leave the helm to operate the radio.
I have a ketch, so it was convenient to mount my mic on the mizzen mast just forward of the helm.

John
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Old 18-04-2013, 12:57   #11
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Re: Ram mic mounting location??

Got to thinking... The idea I suggested would work, but you might be better off leaving that extra cable attached to the RAM mike. (Instead of tucking it away in a compartment.) When not in use (underway, at anchor) coil up the cord and contain it with a velcro clip near where the watch stander hangs out.

This allows you to (almost) immediately free up the mike for use at the helm station. Don't really want to dig around for a cable right when you need to get on the helm. Safety factor, I guess.

James
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