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Wiring challenge

  • June 25, 2014 6:49 AM
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    Message # 1562952
    Anonymous member
    I bit the bullet an upgraded my VHF radio & chartplotter. The VHF radio (Standard Horizon GX2200) has built in AIS and GPS which I intend to interface to the Std Hzn CP390i chartplotter to plot AIS targets.

    My question is for those that have installed electronics on the cabin top next to the companionway;

    How did you run the wiring once inside?  I plan to drill a hole in the cabin top to run the wiring inside but don't know what to do with it once it's through the cabintop.  Obviously I don't want the wiring to just hang there exposed.  All I can think to do is make some trim with a groove on the backside to hide the wiring.  Just curious if anyone has used or seen a different approach.
  • June 25, 2014 11:31 AM
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    Reply # 1562976 on 1562952
    Deleted user
    Others may have a different opinion but I would not drill into the cabin top for wiring. I have the same setup but I use the remote mic in the cockpit and keep the main unit down below. You can drill a hole or reuse one of the holes against the companionway where the instruments are located. You can share the instrument wire routes from outside to inside. 

    Holes on horizontal surfaces seem like a bad idea so I would rather make a hole on a vertical part of the boat.

    Here is a photo of my setup: 
     


    Also, moderator/admin: The link function in the WYSIWYG is not working.
    Last modified: June 26, 2014 7:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • June 25, 2014 7:00 PM
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    Reply # 1563010 on 1562952
    Deleted user
    Mike.......I just did the same change out to Standard Horizon VHF and plotter and agree with Tony.  The VHF is mounted internally with an external mike.  I mounted mine down by the engine instrument panel but like Tony's placement better.  The charter plotter is on a 'swing out' contraption left over from the radar I junked and works quite well both over the chart table and in the cockpit.  Its a good setup and I think you'll be pleased.  And as mentioned the less holes you have in your boat the better.
  • June 26, 2014 7:09 AM
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    Reply # 1563062 on 1562952
    Anonymous member
    hmm... now you have me second guessing my approach. That's good, got me thinking again.

    The VHF is going to be mounted below as well. I might consider the RAM extension mic in the future (when my budget recovers :)

    My depth & speed gauges are mounted smack in the middle on the front just to the right of the companionway.  I could flush mount it if I squeezed it underneath them. Just not sure I care to have it exposed to the elements 100% of the time though.  I prefer to be able to stow it below when not in use.  That was one big issue I had mounting it 'permanently' on top.  I'd be disconnecting it every time I wanted to remove & stow it.

    My old 5" plotter was small/light enough to use a RAM 'universal ball mount' that I clamped to one of the stainless dodger tubes. That worked fine except of course I had wires dangling through the companionway.  That is what I am trying to avoid. I like the idea of a swing arm route (RAM makes those too) but again, what to do with the exposed wiring?

    Larry - My new setup is the Standard Horizon GX2200 VHF and the CP390i 7" chartplotter.  If yours is a similar combo are you happy with it?  Was it hard to interface and/or configure the VHF to the plotter?  I've never bothered with NMEA before.  The GX2200 VHF is the 1st device I've owned that makes it worthwhile.
  • June 26, 2014 11:12 AM
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    Reply # 1563078 on 1562952
    Deleted user
    Mike.....it did take a bit of 'concentration' to sort it all out.  If you go to the Standard Horizon web site and look through their support material you'll find a write up that should help.  I was complicating mine by trying to connect the system to a laptop with a more detailed plotter function so that I wouldn't have to buy the C chip.  I did finally get it to work but bought the chip anyway.  Wires from the plotter on the swing out bracket are not noticeable as they are fastened along the bracket and then slip behind the wall paneling. Also the exterior mike plugs into a female outlet (supplied) with a weather proof cap, ie at the end of the day unplug it and toss it below.  Its a nice unit but a bit difficult to understand over engin noises.
  • June 26, 2014 7:16 PM
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    Reply # 1563098 on 1562952
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    I saw the RAM arms used by Dave King - adapted the setup for my chart plotter...

    When in use swings into the company way ... and back out of the way as needed.
  • July 02, 2014 8:00 AM
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    Reply # 3036520 on 1562952
    Anonymous member

    Jay... Thanks for the photos of your (Dave Kings?) installation. That definitely looks like the way to go. As I mentioned I used a RAM 'ball/socket' mount to clamp my old plotter to the Dodger rail. I forgot RAM also made swing arm mounts as well.

    It's my lucky day as I was able to pick up a brand new RAM double swing arm mount similar to Dave's (but with the 2nd arm a ball/socket) off eBay for $36.

    Last modified: July 02, 2014 8:01 AM | Anonymous member