DIY Network

VHF Radio and Antenna Installation: Gimble Box and Battery Terminals Installation From "Shipshape Boating" episode DSSB-104

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The host of Shipshape Boating, John Greviskis, shows you how to install a VHF radio and antenna inside the radio box that was built in the previous episode -- "Building a Radio Box (DBAF-103). When you're talking communication out on the water, you have several choices. The cell phone is one, but once you are eight to 10 miles off-shore, the cell phone will not give you an adequate signal. Another option for communication on the water is the hand-held VHF radio. It works fine, but once again the signal weakens after a five-mile distance. You could be in trouble if there isn't another vessel within five miles. Your best bet is still an installed VHF radio with an antenna, which -- if installed properly -- can reach up to 25 miles. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E

In this episode of DIY's Shipshape Boating, host John Greviskis begins the process of installing a VHF radio in the radio box that was built in the last episode.


Materials:

T-Top aluminum structure
Radio box (made one on episode 103)
VHF radio
Antenna
Safety glasses
Short pencil
90-degree drill
4 self-tapping screws
Countersink bits
Marine-grade silicone
Short snubbed #2 Phillips screwdriver
Ground block and a terminal block
14-gauge 2-strand copper tinned wire
4 stainless steal machine screws
Tef-gel
Electricians fish
Black electrical tape
Razor knife
Ring connector (1/4")
Ring connector (3/8")
Heat gun
Flat washers
Ny-lock nuts
PL-259 connector
Proper amp fuse

1. First, pick a VHF radio that is suitable for your needs. There are several popular models available -- too many to list here. Do your homework and choose the perfect fit for your vessel. According to what brand you buy, the price can vary from $100 on up to $400 approximately.

2. Position the gimble mount where you would like it and mark out for the mounting hardware, using a short pencil to maneuver in the box (figure A).

3. With a 90-degree angle drill, drill a pilot hole for each one of the four self-taping screws that you have selected for mounting hardware. (The pilot bit should be just a shade smaller in diameter that the shank of the screws -- this ensures a tight fit.)

   Tip: You can wrap a bit of masking tape around the drill bit to determine the depth of the hole. You don't want to exceed the actual thickness of the frame of the radio box.

4. Switch out the bits of your drill and use a countersink bit to make sure that the fiberglass will not crack. Be sure to slightly bevel out the topside of each pilot hole.

5. Bring in the gimbled bracket, set it in place and first put a dab of marine grade silicone on it. This will keep the screw hole watertight.

6. Drive in the stainless steel, self-tapping screw, using a "manual" short-snubbed number 2 Phillips screwdriver.

   Caution: When working with fiberglass, be sure "not" to over tighten the screws because it can cause cracking or splintering.

7. Install a ground block and a terminal block (figure B) inside the radio box. The ground block will allow you to ground this new 12-volt accessory and perhaps others if you decide to add future electronics into the radio box. The terminal block will give the new radio a positive side to the connection; while at the same time protect the new piece of electronic.

8. If the radio box up and with the same tools as above and the same technique, you can install both the ground block and the terminal block. These will be mounted to the back of the radio box. Instead of using a 90-degree drill, you'll need to use a battery operated standard drill. Drill the pilot holes, apply silicone to the holes and install the ground and terminal blocks.

9. To prevent the radio microphone from bouncing around, be sure to also mount a mic clip (figure C) onto the topside of the radio box.

10. The last thing you need to do to the radio box is to drill a hole through the side of the box that is large enough for the VHF antenna cable and the wire that you will be using for the power supply (figure D). Greviskis used a 1/2" hole saw to drill this hole.

    Safety Alert: When using a drill, always remember to wear safety glasses.

11. Place a grommet (figure E -- acts as a protective sleeve) on the inside and outside of the drilled hole and the radio box will be complete.

In the next segment, the antenna is installed.

RESOURCES :
VHS Marine Radio Handbook
Model: 1892216477
Author: Mike Whitehead
(January, 2003)

To order this title from Amazon, click here.

Bristol Fashions Publications

Communications at Sea
Model: 1574091611
Author: Mike Harris
(May, 2003)

To order this title from Amazon, click here.

Sheridan House

The Motorboat Electrical and Electronics Manual
Model: 1574091492
Author: John C. Payne
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Sheridan House

Electronics Aboard
Model: 189221640X
Author: Stephen J. Fishman
(September, 2002)

To order this title from Amazon, click here.

Bristol Fashion Publications

The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible
Model: 1574090607
Author: John C. Payne
(October, 1998)

To order this title from Amazon, click here.

Grafton Books