Mounting new radio

[Piscator]

Originally Posted by Poncho

Hi guys, I just got my new icom radio in the mail. I read the instructions and it says I need to mount it three feet away from the compass because of interference. Problem is my compass is in the middle of the console, and there is not sufficient room anywhere to mount it 3 feet away. Is there any solution for this problem? Should I return it and buy a high end hand held? I also read that excess coax cable should not be bundled together as it will cause a magnetic field that will interfere with compass. Is there any truth to this?thanks again - Poncho

There is a lot more than just the radio that will interfere with deviation of the compass and all vessels have a different magnetic field. Deviation will change when adding and removing equipment including electronics, outriggers, T-top even a cell phone near the compass can cause deviation...

[beamie]

Like others have said, put it where you can....and before permanently mounting power it up and look at the compass.

When reading the manual.....RULES ON MOUNTING LOCATIONS ARE OFTEN BROKEN ON SMALL BOATS WRT ELECTRONICS AND DISTANCES. Even if you have it 'professionally' installed. Really no way around it.