electronics mounting options?

[muskieraider]

Hey everyone,

I just got a new 21 se and am currently working on how to rig up my lowrance hds 8 on the console. I originally wanted to flush mount it on the console, but while test fitting, It seems like it is going to be mounted too low and too shallow of an angle to optimize its use-ability. Does anyone have any ideas on what can be done to improve the mounting of it? I have thought about having a frame made to tilt the unit up to make the viewing angle better, but I wasn't sure if there would be too much glare on the screen from the sky( I have no t-top on the boat) . I am also considering installing it on top of the console with a ram mount.

I appreciate any and all comments to possible solutions. I have been looking around a bit at different pics and threads, but haven't seen any evaluations of how the screen angle is or the use-ability of the unit when flush mounted on this console.

Thanks for any info.

 

[warthog5]

These type questions are easier to answer with pix's.

 

[Megabyte]

These type questions are easier to answer with pix's.

Exactly.

For example, here is my helm with a flush mount chart plotter.
Easy for me to see and work.

Show us what you are working with and maybe we can help.

 

[muskieraider]

Got some pics off parkers website. My main question was about the viewing angle and the ability to use the lowrance unit if I flush mounted it left of the console box and on the open fiberglass section below the compass. I am a little concerned that it may be difficult to interact with once I install it, due to it being mounted on a more vertical plane ( not tilted up towards the viewers line of sight) and having it installed somewhat low (lower chest height). As you can see from the pics, the area on the console where the unit could be flush mounted is more vertical than in Megabyte's pic.

I was thinking about making a wedge shaped shim out of starboard that would tilt the lowrance unit more towards my face rather than having the unit facing towards my chest. Of course, I would rather not have to bother with this if the unit is useable once it is flush mounted. Any thoughts or comments welcome.


Hope I didn't post this in the wrong forum just realized today about the electronics forum and if it needs to be in the electronics forum I can re-post over there.

Thanks,
-m

 

[TomS]

I can't offer anything on usability of the unit at that angle or mounting locations, etc..

But I would suggest that when you are trying different mounting options, make sure you are viewing the screen with polarized sunglasses.

Some screens are better than others when viewing at anything other than head-on angles with polarized lenses.

-- Tom

 

[Regulate It]

I have the older style console with the add-on electronics box. The box had a slight tilt and I run an HDS8 and HDS5 next to each other and have zero issues with seeing either

download/file.php?id=14111

 

[warthog5]

If it was mine.....I'd build a angle into the face of the console to mount the unit.

 

[muskieraider]

Wanted to update and close out the thread. I ended up flush mounting the hds 8 near the top of the console and flush mounting the vhf just below it. Seems to have come out pretty decent. If I have any issues after using it, I'll be sure to let you know.

Also as an fyi to anyone trying to flush mount the radio near the bottom of the open space on the console face, be sure to watch out for two things, first is the epoxied on hooks on the backside of the console that hold the gear storage net and also make sure your radio mic wire doesn't hang down over your gages. I unfortunately have to solve the wire hanging down over my gages issue, because I left a little safety space between the hooks and my flush mount cutout. for now it appears that I may just have to give the mike wire a single twist to keep it out of the way, but I don't know if that will be the best in the long term.