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From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 19:03:23 -0800
First of all, - I'm carrying it only as an emergency measure - not for
communication with fellow kayakers. Plus- for weather reports.  So it sits
on the PFD, leaving its nest only ashore, to listen to WX channels.  I've
made a designated pocket for it, with Velcro flap, just below the shoulder
strap, with antenna bent under short piece of webbing sewn to the shoulder
strap.  I can listen to WX channels through the pocket fabric if I wish, but
on crossings less than 2-3 hrs there is no need usually.

But I wonder, what could be a better way of attachment allowing actually
using it for distress Tx on water or in water.  I can take it out of that
small pocket and put it back single-handedly.  But it would be nice to be
able to talk without removing it.  Talking through the fabric pocket - hm...
I guess I could, but the clarity won't the same. I could use the supplied
belt clip (sewing a lateral piece of webbing to the shoulder strap), but I
don't like it - it's plastic, and short screws look flimsy, and if I remove
it from the shoulder, this clip requires 2 hands to attach it back again, so
I would have to either use another hand, or shove it into the lower PFD
pocket. I've been thinking of some cradle - like those GPS mounts for cars
and bikes. there was somebody that made something of that kind, - but not
for Icom M1V.  Or may be I'll just cut the hole in that upper chest pocket
around the microphone - this should do.

Any suggestions?
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From: Mark Sanders <sandmarks_at_ca.rr.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 19:44:09 -0800
I once picked up a free Garmin GPS car cradle. The only problem was I had a
Magellan at the time!
A little Velcro solved the problem. It can cure just about everything.

-----Original Message-----
I've been thinking of some cradle - like those GPS mounts for cars
and bikes. there was somebody that made something of that kind, - but not
for Icom M1V.
Any suggestions?
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 21:16:24 -0800
On Sun, Mar 2, 2008 at 7:03 PM, alex <al.m_at_3web.net> wrote:

> First of all, - I'm carrying it only as an emergency measure - not for
> communication with fellow kayakers. Plus- for weather reports.  So it sits
> on the PFD, leaving its nest only ashore, to listen to WX channels


<snip>


>
> But I wonder, what could be a better way of attachment allowing actually
> using it for distress Tx on water or in water.  I can take it out of that
> small pocket and put it back single-handedly.  But it would be nice to be
> able to talk without removing it.  Talking through the fabric pocket -
> hm...
> I guess I could, but the clarity won't the same.


 That's an interesting question. I'm in the same boat as you, Alex, and I
figured I'd just use the radio in its PFD pocket and talk through the mesh.
I never actually gave much thought to whether that mesh might interfere with
the quality of the communications. It probably doesn't make much difference
since I don't think any other method is an option and I don't think the mesh
will degrade voice quality but it would be nice to know.

As soon as the VHF on the muthah-ship is installed and working I'll test it
to see whether it makes much difference inside the pocket or outside. We
normally use FRS radios to chat within a paddle group and I've never
actually used my VHF for anything other than WX radio so I actually have no
idea what the quality of the voice transmissions of the unit is anyway.

If you decide to do a test on yours let us know; otherwise, I will post
something in a couple weeks.



Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:03:07 -0800
alex wrote:

> But I wonder, what could be a better way of attachment allowing actually
>  using it for distress Tx on water or in water. [snip] it would be nice
> to be able to talk without removing it.

> Any suggestions?

Alex, does it have provision for an external microphone?  My ICOM does (an 
M88).  That might allow you to clip a mike near your neck at the top of the 
PFD, like what the cops around here do.  You would definitely stand out 
amongst other paddlers with a deal like that!

And, little cut and paste needed on the PFD.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 11:09:23 -0800
> Alex, does it have provision for an external microphone?  My ICOM does (an
> M88).  That might allow you to clip a mike near your neck at the top of
the
> PFD, like what the cops around here do.  You would definitely stand out
> amongst other paddlers with a deal like that!
>
> And, little cut and paste needed on the PFD.

It does have a microphone/speaker port under the rubber cap, but I think
I'll pass.  External mike looks cool indeed. Convenient on dry land and when
you have to listen all the time and respond quickly (I've had a chance to
try it in another situation).  But this mike isn't much smaller than some
small radios, and the cable will be on my chest, and I am not sure of water
protection of this port, not to mention the possibility of jerking it off
the port incidentally.  And it requires activating the radio first, if I'm
correct (then. the radio has to be on, all the time), so when the sh-t hits
the fan, I would anyway have to pull the radio out of the pocket first,
adjust the volume and make sure it is on Ch 16.

I'll probably modify the upper chest pocket that I've made, will add some
mesh in front - right now it's a regular thin nylon.  And will check
electronics sections of sports stores - may be will come across some nice
cradle. The pocket isn't bad, actually - it protects the radio better than
cradle. Important is making it with some stiff "bead", so it would keep its
shape when empty.
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From: Jens Viggo Moesmand <jensviggo_at_moesmand.dk>
subject: [Paddlewise] SV: Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 14:08:11 +0100
High Alex,

We use the M87 (European version of M88). We have fastened the M87 high
on the pfd's left side by adapting the belt clip to fit a standard
attachment already on the vest so that it easily can be taken on and off
and have the M87 secured with a leash. This brings the mike and
loudspeaker close enough to the lips and the antenna as high up as
possible. I have to reach over with my right arm to use the thumb for
PTT meaning holding the paddle with one hand when transmitting but that
can hardly be avoided. We have used this solution for a couple of years.
We are looking at headsets: IC-Cobra for the M71 that complies with IPX8
but have no experience yet.

Regards
Jens Viggo Moesmand
Denmark


> Alex, does it have provision for an external microphone?  My ICOM does
(an
> M88).  That might allow you to clip a mike near your neck at the top
of
the
> PFD, like what the cops around here do.  You would definitely stand
out
> amongst other paddlers with a deal like that!
>
> And, little cut and paste needed on the PFD.

************************************************************************
***
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] SV: Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 07:40:07 -0800
Hello Jens,

Are you adapting the belt clip to use one of the common PFD patches with
four slots? This seems like an ingenious solution to the problem as it
leaves the pockets free for other items. My VHF is an M32 with a detachable
belt clip that exactly fits one of these patches which could simply be left
on the PFD and the VHF detached from it for charging. The antenna is also
somewhat higher with this arrangement. Thanks for the tip. :)

I'm skeptical of speaker-microphone attachments even for dry-land use. My
experience with them (we used them a lot on oil tankers) has not been
positive. The cords have a tendency to stretch and could present an
entanglement problem on a kayak. And I'm not sure how to keep salt water
from affecting the connections. Plus it's another thing to find when gearing
up.



Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA

On Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 5:08 AM, Jens Viggo Moesmand <jensviggo_at_moesmand.dk>
wrote:

> High Alex,
>
> We use the M87 (European version of M88). We have fastened the M87 high
> on the pfd's left side by adapting the belt clip to fit a standard
> attachment already on the vest so that it easily can be taken on and off
> and have the M87 secured with a leash. This brings the mike and
> loudspeaker close enough to the lips and the antenna as high up as
> possible. I have to reach over with my right arm to use the thumb for
> PTT meaning holding the paddle with one hand when transmitting but that
> can hardly be avoided. We have used this solution for a couple of years.
> We are looking at headsets: IC-Cobra for the M71 that complies with IPX8
> but have no experience yet.
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] SV: Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:39:23 -0800
Craig Jungers wrote:
> Hello Jens,
> 
> Are you adapting the belt clip to use one of the common PFD patches with
> four slots? This seems like an ingenious solution to the problem as it
> leaves the pockets free for other items. My VHF is an M32 with a detachable
> belt clip that exactly fits one of these patches which could simply be left
> on the PFD and the VHF detached from it for charging. 

Craig, the M88 has a serious, weatherproof closure for the mike attachment. 
  Best I've seen.  Might be worth looking at if you like tht arrangement.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] SV: Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 17:25:09 -0800
On Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 1:39 PM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:

>
>
> Craig, the M88 has a serious, weatherproof closure for the mike
> attachment.
>  Best I've seen.  Might be worth looking at if you like tht arrangement.


I am not a fan of speaker-microphone arrangements even if they're better
than what we used 15 years ago on tankers. If I couldn't get the VHF into a
position where I could just push the transmit button easily without
dismounting it then I might rethink the situation. Also, you're much better
off putting your VHF as high on the PFD as you can get it (elevation counts
for VHF) and then it's right next to your ear anyway.

My muthah-ship is making incredible progress. I mounted the anchor bow
roller and the 20-lb Bruce on the bow today, installed the mounts for the
LED port/starboard running lights (I'll look like a tanker at night I
betcha), traced out a lot of wiring, checked the I/O up/down and the trim
tabs (working) and a bunch of other things. I might actually have to start
it up soon. Hope it floats. Can't expect much for $3500 including the
trailer. LOL

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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From: Leonhardt, William J <wjleonhardt_at_bnl.gov>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] SV: Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 16:50:20 -0500
 Dave,

Isn't the issue here that the mike connections aren't covered by the
weatherproof closure when trying to use a mike while paddling, thus are
subject to corrosion?

Bill Leonhardt

Dave Kruger posted:
> Craig, the M88 has a serious, weatherproof closure for the 
> mike attachment. 
>   Best I've seen.  Might be worth looking at if you like tht 
> arrangement.
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From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] SV: Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 14:27:49 -0800
> We use the M87 (European version of M88). We have fastened the M87 high
> on the pfd's left side by adapting the belt clip to fit a standard
> attachment already on the vest so that it easily can be taken on and off
> and have the M87 secured with a leash. the entire

I have this patch with four slots in a different place on my PFD, but I can
move it to the shoulder.  But when I tried to attach M1V with the belt clip
to that patch, it was almost impossible. The battery of M1V is located below
the belt clip, and bulging out by a few millimeters, so the belt clip is in
a kind of "recess".  And the gap between the end of the clip and the VHF
body is very narrow. Did you cut the end of the clip off, to widen the gap?
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From: Jens Viggo Moesmand <jensviggo_at_moesmand.dk>
subject: [Paddlewise] SV: SV: Icom M1V on PFD (again)
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 20:26:06 +0100
Hello Alex,

The "hook" on the belt clip has been removed (the photo shows a sample
with hook) and a little bit of shaping has been done to make it possible
to press it into the patch.
The vhf will fall off during roll, so a leash is imperativ.

Jens Viggo

(photos sent directly to Alex)


I have this patch with four slots in a different place on my PFD, but I
can
move it to the shoulder.  But when I tried to attach M1V with the belt
clip
to that patch, it was almost impossible. 
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