Installing a VHF radio advise.

[The_Ursus]

Since my switch panel currently has no auxillery switches available, I'm thinking of taking the horn switch out and replacing it to accomodate me fixed-mount VHF radio. I'm thinking this might be easier than intalling a whole new switch panel. I never use the horn, as it's a little impractical for what I use my boat for.

Should I rethink what I'm about to do or does this sound like a resonable thing to do?

 

[burroak]

Re: Installing a VHF radio advise.

Does the VHF radio have an ON/OFF switch? If so, why use up an accessory swith? Just connect the radio with a rid wire w/ an in-line fuse of correct value. Any switched accessory, sonar, gps, etc can be installed that way.

 

[cjames]

Re: Installing a VHF radio advise.

in my neck of the woods, a horn is required equipment. Theres nothing wrong with wiring the radio directly to the fuse panel, or any source of power, as long as its fused properly, and the circuit can handle the load.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Installing a VHF radio advise.

I would not want my VHF, GPS, Loran C, Fish Finder wired thru a console switch. All my units have on / off switches and fuses of there own.

If someone signals you then you are required to answer. You can use a portable air horn or a mouth powered horn and be legal.

To me very strange to have a Horn on a switch also. Most Just have a button to sound the horn.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Installing a VHF radio advise.

Coast Guard requires the horn and range it is to be audible. Check into "Rules of the Road" and requrements for vessels of your length.

If you are in Texas and the Game Warden stops you for a check you had better have a button to push that sounds a horn. d

Mark

 

[The_Ursus]

Re: Installing a VHF radio advise.

"Just connect the radio with a rid wire w/ an in-line fuse of correct value."

What's a rid wire? The power cords comming off the back of the radio already have a fuse spliced in so it should be ready to go. Is there an example on here of how/where to wire it direct to the fuse panel?

Thanks guys...

 

[iwombat]

Re: Installing a VHF radio advise.

I've got a 12V accessories circuit (w/ switch) wired into a separate fuse panel. The switch is fused w/ a 20amp main and most of the accessories (GPS, VHF, ProTroll, etc.) are fused at 3 amps off the sub fuse box. It gives me a little control controlling an entire circuit branch while making it easy to add gadgets as I go.