Another SCX20 Mounting Location Thread

[Omega]

Have reviewed the manual several times. I have accepted it is impossible for me to find a perfect SCX20 location on the hard top. Currently both radar array and sat tv dome are 4 inches from door trim when I come in and out of boathouse. So I need to be below radar array and outside of sweep of array. Then keeping the suggested distance from vhf antennas I am not left with a lot of options. My hardtop rigging channel is on centerline as well. I built a custom mount for thermal camera and spot light but now I have created some spacing conflict with SCX20 in that the spot light creates some partial blockage at specific angles. Trying to determine if this is going to be an issue or if their are enough other satellites in the sky for good performance overall. My feeling is mount it as planned and monitor on FI70 and I can move it in the future if necessary.

Appreciate any opinions.

 

[FishTech]

Have reviewed the manual several times. I have accepted it is impossible for me to find a perfect SCX20 location on the hard top. Currently both radar array and sat tv dome are 4 inches from door trim when I come in and out of boathouse. So I need to be below radar array and outside of sweep of array. Then keeping the suggested distance from vhf antennas I am not left with a lot of options. My hardtop rigging channel is on centerline as well. I built a custom mount for thermal camera and spot light but now I have created some spacing conflict with SCX20 in that the spot light creates some partial blockage at specific angles. Trying to determine if this is going to be an issue or if their are enough other satellites in the sky for good performance overall. My feeling is mount it as planned and monitor on FI70 and I can move it in the future if necessary.

Appreciate any opinions.

Is it possible to mount it on that stepped down portion of the pod/bump, aft of your Intellian?
It MIGHT function where you plan to might it, but I am not a fan of that location at all.

 

[Omega]

Mounting light there behind sat tv tonight. Light will be on custom fiberglass post and will lower for coming in and out. For regs had no choice in that. I will monitor sat coverage for Furuno and look at moving if necessary. It is only a small area that is blocked looking fwd.

 

[Johnny Electron]

Just remember beside RF concerns, a Radar can not see through objects. It is X-band; not X-ray. Mounting anything in front of a radars beam in the path of travel is going to cause some negative performance. The Intellian has some pretty clear distance rules that you might want to check on too. Photos are difficult to tell distance and beam angles sometimes but I recommend looking everything over closely. I am less concerned about the scx30 in those photos than the radar and the Intellian.

 

[Omega]

The radar array should be above the intellian. The array height is above LNB and at very top of dome.

I am concerned though if you feel the ACR spotlight will cause performance issues. The radar is above the spotlight but the beam width does come in the path of ACR. The thermal camera and SCX20 are both more than 20 degrees below radar array. I looked over hundreds of AME install photos on new Vikings and this set up is their standard install. Actually their mount is a good bit taller for thermal camera and spotlight.

 

[Johnny Electron]

Like putting a thumb in front of your eyeball, I don't like to see anything in the radar beam in the direction of movement. That and unsealed radar arrays are pretty much my top pet peeves. Anything falling on the other side of that light and FLIR won't be viewable by the radar because radar won't see thru it. I guess it all depends on the expectations you have for the radar and how much it blocks into the beam angle. Photos are always hard to tell. I am sure you have it.

 

[Omega]

When upgrading to 6ft array with 200 watt solid state radar I definitely don't wish to diminish performance. Array sits 24 inches off the hardtop. The top of ACR light is 17 inches off the deck. They are 48 inches apart.

The Omnisense thermal camera should be well below beam of radar. If the ACR light is going to notably impact performance I am seriously considering removing custom mount and eliminating light or doing something different.

But I think how could Viking build their new 90 Flagship and make this same mistake?

 

[Johnny Electron]

Hopefully they have tested it to ensure they are not creating blind spots. I can't speak for them. They are pretty sharp folks. There is only so much space to work with and sometimes people make compromises. I normally recommend NMEA 0400 installation guidelines be followed for placement of antennas and when at all possible, don't impede the radar view. I walk docks all the time and can point out the GPS units that will burn out in three years due to placement. Feet on the ground is the best judge because photos are difficult.

 

[Omega]

I assume the best test would be to sea trial and place a small target off the bow and see as I approach how target definition appears on screen?

 

[Johnny Electron]

That is one good way at least so you know at what point you will be able to see targets.

 

[Omega]

I can't compromise and know that portion of beam is blocked and that will impact auto gain settings in normal use. Plan B being worked on already.

 

[Omega]

Version 2.0 is up and in place. Improves SCX20 sky view and cleans up radar view at bottom of beam angle. Had to buy an addtl spotlight to keep things balanced. With only a rigging channel down center of hardtop had to get creative but it cMw out well I think.

 

[FishTech]

That looks nice!

 

[Johnny Electron]

That's pretty sweet and I know you measured well. Great work!

 

[Fishnmortician]

I have a Tollycraft 34 sport sedan wondering if I can pole mount my scx20 on the brow?

 

[Johnny Electron]

While a bit of a thread hijack, as long as the SCX20 is not in the radar beam or around other RF sources that violate NMEA 0400 installation guidelines and the guidance in the installation manual; I don't see why not.