SCX20 mounting

[wsson_69]

Hi!
I’ve just bought an SCX20 because I don’t have a good mounting location for my Precision‑9 compass (I’m running a Simrad AP44 autopilot). I’d like some feedback on where I should install the SCX20. I’m considering three possible positions:

1. About 9 inches from the Halo 20+ radar, but well below the radar’s transmitting angle, and 35 inches from the VHF antenna. (Good cable routing options.)
2. About 8 inches from the radar, also below the transmitting angle, and 26 inches from the VHF antenna. (Cable routing is not ideal, but still doable.)
3. Far from both the radar and the VHF antenna, but close to the navigation lights and likely affected by the radar. (Best cable routing options.

 

[jp498]

It appears to be a solid state radar, but I'm not perfectly familiar with the variations for that brand. If so, it won't be as affected as with a magnetron radar, but you still want to keep it out of the beam.

With regard to #3, you need to test whether the LED light creates interference. You can qualitatively test it listening to the audio quality of the different weather channels with the light off and on. If it creates interference you might be able to suppress that with ferrite chokes on the cabling. If you can eliminate the noise or have no noise, it would then be a good mounting location for the SCX20.

You made a good decision choosing a SCX20 over the Precision9 for reliable heading/autopilot uses.

 

[wsson_69]

I’m primarily leaning toward option 1. Do you think that would work, or do you think option 3 is better? (The Simrad 20+ is a solid‑state radar).

 

[Johnny Electron]

Alt #2 would be the likely best choice

 

[wsson_69]

Alt #2 would be the likely best choice

Thanks, what makes this better than option 1? It is closer to both the Radar and the VHF antenna?