Wired VHF handset in cockpit

[Xavierp]

I would like to connect a WIRED handset from my radio at the nav station up to the cockpit
Has anyone done it?
How / where do you find a cable long enough?

Thx!

[Tin Tin]

Depends if your VHF radio has extension mic/speaker capability, what model is it? Look up the installation manual on-line.

[Koendp]

My Icom M510 is connected via command mic cable 10 meter to a CommandMic at the helm. If you want longer you can daisychain those cables.
Since I have this, I never used a portable VHF anymore. Just keep it for emergency.

[ranger58sb]

We use Icom Command Mics, one attached to an M400BB and one attached to an M510. Not sure about cable lengths; not much required, in our case.

-Chris

[Xavierp]

Originally Posted by Tin Tin

Depends if your VHF radio has extension mic/speaker capability, what model is it? Look up the installation manual on-line.

I did before posting.
It has an extra port for another wired mic

[Xavierp]

Originally Posted by ranger58sb

We use Icom Command Mics, one attached to an M400BB and one attached to an M510. Not sure about cable lengths; not much required, in our case.

-Chris

Wonderful!
I was able to find it

SOLUTION TO THREAD:
https://defender.com/en_us/icom-comm...caAsavEALw_wcB

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Xavierp

I would like to connect a WIRED handset from my radio at the nav station up to the cockpit
Has anyone done it?
How / where do you find a cable long enough?

Thx!

I have this setup and would characterize it as perhaps the most common and effective way to set up VHF on a cruising sailboat.


I have an older Standard Horizon radio that supports a RAM3 remote mic and remote speaker. The mic serves as a sort of speaker and I have another one in the cockpit yet to be wired up to improve clarity of reception when it's noisy aboard. The RAM3 remote mic kit comes with an extension cable that IIRC is 20' long. Additional extensions are available.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Koendp

My Icom M510 is connected via command mic cable 10 meter to a CommandMic at the helm. If you want longer you can daisychain those cables.
Since I have this, I never used a portable VHF anymore. Just keep it for emergency.

Ditto.


CommandMike at the helm and M604 at the nav table.


In my view this is an optimal setup.


Some more modern radios use wireless remote mikes, but in my opinion this is not good. One more device to forget to recharge, misplace, etc. If you want to walk around with your VHF, take your handheld, IMHO.

[Jaspell]

Originally Posted by ranger58sb

We use Icom Command Mics, one attached to an M400BB and one attached to an M510. Not sure about cable lengths; not much required, in our case.

-Chris

Curious. How do you have the Command Mic mounted at the binacle?

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Some more modern radios use wireless remote mikes, but in my opinion this is not good. One more device to forget to recharge, misplace, etc. If you want to walk around with your VHF, take your handheld, IMHO.

I think the main advantage of a wireless device would be that the coiled cord and its connector -- both common failure points -- would no longer be necessary. It would also simplify installation. B&G has a VHF with a wireless remote that uses an inductive charging cradle. It looks extraordinarily well thought out and will be one of my first choices when a refit becomes necessary:



https://www.bandg.com/bg/type/vhf-ais/


The idea behind it is that you hang it in the inductive charger in the cockpit when it is not in actual use. I suppose it could be attached with a tether to keep it from getting lost.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Jaspell

Curious. How do you have the Command Mic mounted at the binacle?

Mine is mounted to the inner gunwales. Maybe not ideal, but it works.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Jammer

I think the main advantage of a wireless device would be that the coiled cord and its connector -- both common failure points -- would no longer be necessary. It would also simplify installation. B&G has a VHF with a wireless remote that uses an inductive charging cradle. It looks extraordinarily well thought out and will be one of my first choices when a refit becomes necessary:

https://www.bandg.com/bg/type/vhf-ais/

The idea behind it is that you hang it in the inductive charger in the cockpit when it is not in actual use. I suppose it could be attached with a tether to keep it from getting lost.

Wireless masthead wind transducers are also massively easier to install than wired ones, but that doesn't make them a good idea. Nor here in my opinion.

And battery-powered devices which live in chargers have destroyed batteries in pretty short order as lithium hates being held at full charge.

Those are a lot of disadvantages just to avoid pulling one thin cable.

Now let it be said that I hate pulling wires too -- one of my least favorite boat jobs, only one step above toilet repairs. But sometimes you just gotta do it, in my view.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Jaspell

Curious. How do you have the Command Mic mounted at the binacle?

Cable from the backside of the radio to a connector on the "dashboard." Then the mic cable and mic. They come with a mounting bracket, not visible (bt behind each mic) in the pic.

-Chris

[ka4wja]

Jaspell,
1) The "how" and "where" to mount the mic (and run the cable for it) is a bit "boat-dependent"....

Originally Posted by Jaspell

Curious. How do you have the Command Mic mounted at the binacle?

But, in general, since you'll usually need to "use" the mic when you're at the helm, mounting it near the helm is always good, as long as have a way to keep the cord from fouling in/around the wheel.


In addition to Chris' (ranger58sb) pic, here are a few of mine...





And, with the mic removed and stowed below....when at the dock in Gibraltar (hence the 230vac-to-120vac transformer)






2) And fyi...I'm with Dockhead here....with something as important as Marine VHF comms, go with a hardwired mic!



I hope this helps?
Fair winds.
John

[deblen]

I've never understood why sailboaters don't mount a waterproof 25W VHF right at helm pedestal,along with a waterproof ext. speaker.
$200 - and throw it away if it leaks. Carry a spare if you like.
OR,at the very least,run coax to helm position & conn. your wp hand held to an ext. antenna.It will then receive as well as a fixed unit & will xmit nearly as well.


https://www.westmarine.com/uniden-um...roducts__en_US