how hard/easy is it to install fixed vhf radio

hi guys just wondering about fitting vhf radio to boat i reckon wiring should be no prob im an electrician but just wondering is there much more to fitting one such as linking it to boat name etc any tips be appreciated its gonna be a cobra f55 dsc radio any good haven bought yet so tell me if good/bad buy cheers

hi guys just wondering about fitting vhf radio to boat i reckon wiring should be no prob im an electrician but just wondering is there much more to fitting one such as linking it to boat name etc any tips be appreciated its gonna be a cobra f55 dsc radio any good haven bought yet so tell me if good/bad buy cheers

http://www.marinewebstoreireland.com/#/ ... 4532447786

I rang him last Saturday on the way to a competition on Youghal beach.
He was out of the office at the time. I told him where I was heading to and by 8 o’clock he was on the beach with the radio and antenna.
I can’t fault that for service.
He also brought down a Mustad rucksack as a prize for the competition.
An easy fit on Sunday afternoon, even with an extreme hangover, it should be no problem to a sparks

Some info regarding licenses and certificates of competency http://www.iwai.ie/boating/vhf/index.html

Hi Murchu , you should have no problems fitting the radio and bracket to a handy location on the boats bulhead/wherever . I have fitted dozens of Marine VHF radios being a radio ham.. However you never mentioned the antenna/aerial .. the radio only performs as good as what you have on the cab roof - and I can,t stress this enough .. don,t buy anything cheap ! Most come with a PL259 already fitted that is the connection that plugs into the back of the radio - these are about 3/4 " dia which means drilling a hole big enough to allow the plug to be pulled through the roof .. You can cut this off and drill say a 5/16 " or 3/8" hole and pull the cable through .. then use a good marine or proffessional brand sealant to seal the hole or you can get a grommet that will do the same job, though a touch of sealant on it makes for a better job.. You have then to re make the Pl259 connection which means a new Pl259 which can be bought at any hamradio/CB outlet .. There is a knack in making this connection as if not made correct will give you a high SWR and will reduce the reception on the radio and more so when transmitting - so my advice for you is to drill the hole as mentioned above - pull the PL259 through and reseal as explained - make sure you do this on a dry day and try not to move the cable about until the sealant has cured ( 5/6 hrs ).. oh apply sealant above and below the hole - you can get clear or white sealant used for shower/sinks etc in most stores - re using your VHF I,m not sure about down south but up North we are supposed to have a VHF Marine operators licence but few if any have one but ask around and I,m sure someone will have the info required .. good luck ..John

have to agree with jbhartin about the antenna/aerial,pay a bit more to get a good one

this link will help explain a bit http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/resources/Ma ... lation.pdf

there is a bit here that might help viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15442&hilit=marine+radio

and here http://www.vhf.ie/

and here viewtopic.php?f=14&t=22825&hilit=marine+radio
I think most of the marine antennas have the swr set all ready but it would be better to get some one with a swr meter to check it to get the best performance from the antenna and not to damage the radio

there are a few Amateur Radio Rallies on in the next while that you might pick up a radio or other bits you might need http://www.irts.ie/cgi/rallies.cgi