MTX-100 Marine Transceiver 190-1001 Installation

MTX-100 Marine Transceiver
(190-1001)                 Installation               Faxback Doc. # 39288


RADIO LOCATION

There are many things to consider when choosing a location for the MTX-100.
Use the following list of requirements as a guide.

Choose a location that:

   Is sturdy enough to support the radio.

   Is not exposed to excess spray or splash.

   Allows you to route the power cord away from the engine compartment
   and walk-ways.

   Is as close to the antenna possible.

   Is shielded from direct sunlight.

   Provides adequate ventilation for the heat-sink fins on the back of the
   radio.

   Is several feet away from the compass.  If you plan to use a remote
   speaker, also position it away from the compass.

The MTX-100 comes with the front panel angled up.  This configuration is
best when the radio is mounted at or below, eye level.

If you want to mount the MTX-100 above eye level, see "Front Panel
Adjustment."

ANTENNA LOCATION

Caution:  Although your MTX-100 is resistant to water and salt-spray damage,
          it is best to cover the radio with a plastic bag or other water-
          proof material when the radio is not in use for extended lengths
          of time.

          RadioShack sells a power-boat antenna with cables.  Antenna for
          other types of boats are available.  The considerations for 
          antenna location are the same for all antennas.

For maximum range, mount the antenna as high as possible.

Position the antenna away from metal objects.

Use the minimum possible length of coaxial cable between the antenna and
the MTX-100.  However, do not cut a premade cable if it is only a few feet
too long.

Route the antenna cable away from the engine compartment and busy walk-ways.

If you need more cable than is supplied, be sure to use high-quality is
not the same type of cable used for TV installations.

RADIO MOUNTING

After choosing a mounting location, follow the steps below.

1.  With the mounting bracket attached to the MTX-100, confirm that the
    radio fits in the chosen location.

    Then, remove the bracket from the radio.

2.  Using the mounting bracket as a template, mark the positions of the
    bracket screw holes.

3.  Drill pilot holes for the screws - holes slightly smaller than the
    screws you plan to use.

    Be careful not to drill into objects on the opposite side of the
    mounting surface.

4.  Attach the bracket to the mounting surface.  Because the composition of
    the mounting surface can vary, the supplied screws might not be
    correct.  Choose screws that are appropriate for the mounting surface.

5.  Reattach the radio to the mounting bracket.

6.  Follow the procedure used for the radio bracket to mount the microphone
    holder at a convenient location near the radio.

    The microphone cord must not interfere with radio operation or normal
    operation of the craft.

7.  Plug the microphone cord into the microphone jack on the front panel of
    the radio, and hang the microphone on the holder.

POWER CONNECTION

Caution:  The MTX-100 must be connected only to a 12-volt DC power supply.

1.  Be sure the MTX-100 is turned off.

2.  Insert the plug of the supplied power cord into the DC power jack on
    the back of the radio.

3.  Route the power cord to the battery.

    If the cord must pass over sharp or jagged edges, cover those edges
    with heavy plastic tape.  If the power cord is not long enough, use
    10-gauge wire to make an extension.  Be sure that splices are properly
    soldered and sealed.  If the power cord is too long, cut off the excess
    wire.  Do not cut off the in-line fuse holder.

4.  Connect the red wire to the positive (+) terminal of the battery and
    the black wire to the negative (-) terminal.

    You can make power connections at a fuse box or terminal box, but
    direct connection to the battery is preferred.

ANTENNA INSTALLATION/CONNECTION

Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna.

If you must make an extension for the antenna cable, use RG-8U or RG-8X
coaxial cable and shielded cable connectors.

If the cable must pass over sharp or jagged edges, cover those edges with
heavy plastic tape.

Attach the antenna cable to the ANT terminal on the back of the MTX-100.

REMOTE SPEAKER CONNECTION

A remote speaker is useful in high-noise situations or if you want to 
monitor radio calls when you are away from the radio location.

Use a 8-ohm speaker (such as Cat. No. 21-549) that can handle the 2-watt
output of the radio and that has 1/8" mini-plug.

Mount the speaker in the desired location, and insert the plug into the
REMOTE jack on the back of the radio.

Note:  The internal speaker continues to operate when an external speaker
       is connected.

FRONT PANEL ADJUSTMENT

The MTX-100 comes with the front panel angled up, for optimum visibility
when the radio is mounted at, or below, eye level.

If you want to mount the radio above eye level, you can angle the front
panel down.

1.  Remove the four screws from the speaker cabinet.

2.  Turn over the radio, and lift off the cover cabinet.

3.  Unplug the speaker connector.  

4.  Lift the chassis off the speaker cabinet.

5.  Remove the top screw at each end of the front panel.

6.  Loosen the screw in the center hole at each end of the front panel.

7.  Tilt the front panel down, and insert the screw removed in Step 5 into
    the lower hole at each end of the front panel.

    Tighten the two screws at each end of the front panel.

8.  Place the cabinet cover on the bottom of the radio - begin at the front
    and work toward the rear.

9.  Plug in the speaker connector.

10.  Place the speaker cabinet on top of the radio, and replace the four
     speaker-cabinet screws.

(km-05/05/1997)