Humminbird DC 25 - Manual (Page 3)

Installing The VHF Radio
Installation Location
The first step in installing the Humminbird VHF radio is to determine the best mounting location.
The gimbal mount included with your radio offers mounting capabilities for the top or bottom of a
shelf, the bulkhead, or overhead. The radio can be tilted up or down on its mount to allow
maximum ease of viewing and operation.
To choose the best location for installation, consider the following:
•
The mounting surface must be adequately supported to protect the radio from excess wave
shock and vibration.
•
The mounting area should allow at least 2” clearance at the back of the unit for connectors
and air flow.
•
Do not mount the radio within 12” of your compass (due to the magnet in the built-in
speaker). Similarly, if you are mounting an auxiliary speaker, keep it away from the compass.
•
Any depth sounder will create some degree of radio interference (which Humminbird depth
sounders are designed to minimize) through the antenna cable. To further minimize potential
interference, route the antenna and transducer cables as far away from each other as
possible- for example, on opposite sides of the boat. A “rubber duckie” antenna is less prone
to interference than longer-range, cabled antennas.
•
Keep all cable runs away from electrical pumps, depth sounders, generators, and other
electronic instruments.
•
Do not mount vertically- water may collect in the speaker grille and distort sound.
•
Interference may also be created by the alternator, bilge pump and other devices. If this
causes a problem- connect the radio to an alternative power source.
When mounting your antenna, refer to the instructions included with it to determine the best
antenna location. The antenna should be located away from metal objects. Mounting the
base of the antenna higher than the depth sounder will reduce the potential for interference.
Mounting the antenna as high above the water line as possible ensures the greatest range of
reception and transmission.
Installing the Gimbal Mount and Radio
After you have determined the best location for your VHF radio, proceed as follows:
1. Set the gimbal mount on the mounting surface.
2. Mark 1/16” starting holes for the mounting screws.
3. At least 6” behind the bracket, mark a ¾” hole to run the cables through.
4. Set the gimbal mount aside and drill the holes as marked.
5. Mount the bracket, using the mounting hardware supplied with your VHF radio.
6. To connect the power cable to the 12-volt DC power source, wire the VHF radio through
your fuse panel with the supplied 6-amp fuse. If your boat does not have a fuse panel,
you can wire the power cable to the battery with the 6-amp fuse and fuse holder (also
supplied) in the positive wire, as shown to the right.
Note: Do not use any power cable other than the one provided with your VHF radio.