[C320-list] RAM MIC install

[John Kivel via C320-list]

Hey all,

I’m replacing all of the electronics on my “new to me” 1995 320.

I opted for a Standard Horizon VHF, and I debated back and forth between the wired ram mic and the wireless. I went with the wired option, and now I’m wondering how big of a pain the install is going to be.

Have any of you done that?

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I did not install mine on the steering pedestal. Instead I ran my wiring thru the port side available compartment openings and installed the mic plug-in jack on the port cockpit wall just aft of the port cockpit seat (the indented cockpit area near the propane tank). The mic is easily reached at the helm and I can hear the mic very well when it is on the holder clip. John ... I can send some photos to you directly sometime soon if that helps. 
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

[P.F. Ross via C320-list]

John,

I have done this and it is relatively easy. Ran the cable from my
cabin radio back through the port lazarette and into the jack that I
installed in the panel just below the propane tank lid. The mic clip
itself is installed on the tank lid. When mounted, the mic is only
slightly in the way of anything and is easily seen and heard. Final
analysis for me was that trying to wire the mic through the pedestal would
not be worth the slight inconvenience of the mic mounting.

I have added a pic to my owner's gallery even though it does not show the
placement of the jack very well, but I think you can imagine where it is.

Regards,

Frank Ross
Beta Wave #206

[Paul Alldridge via C320-list]

Hi John

We installed a command mic in the cockpit last year, although to an Icom as opposed to SH

Was relatively straight forward although we had to make a joint in the middle. We bought an extension cable with a factory terminal end, as the one supplied was too short. Cutting the factory terminals was crucial as we needed to fish the cables through the conduits at each end. We made a joint in the portside cockpit locker. My mate is an electrician and made an excellent job, soldering all the connections and encapsulating in a watertight joint box. Used it all last season to great effect. He also came with equipped a pack of slim rods about a meter long for fishing the cables, very handy. (these look like skinny drain rods and are Widley available)

Good luck

Kind Regards

Paul Alldridge

C320 H636 (uk)

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[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

When I replaced electronics I added a Navpod for a new chartplotter and had the wired mic run to the starboard side of that. So it can be done. But I hired a pro to do the installation. My VHF is an Icom, but I don't know if that matters.

T. Scott Thompson
Catalina 320 “Surprise,” #653 (1999)
surp...@thompson87.com

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of John Kivel via C320-list
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 8:22 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Cc: John Kivel <jki...@charter.net>
Subject: [C320-list] RAM MIC install

[John Kivel via C320-list]

Hey thanks everyone,

Yes, the starboard side of the pedestal seems ideal, but I like the idea of parking it next to the propane tank - seems a lot easier!

We went with the Garmin 7” chartplotter (743xsv) the Garmin wireless wind pack 52, the standard horizon VHF and RAM mic, and a NMEA 2000 system.

Between that, and replacing all of the standing rigging and running rigging - it’s been an expensive winter!

Now I just have to see if I can install it and figure out how to use it to get my money’s worth.

My old boat was more of a “hand on the tiller, wind in your face” kind of situation.


> On Feb 18, 2026, at 12:45 PM, surprise thompson87.com <surp...@thompson87.com> wrote:
>
> When I replaced electronics I added a Navpod for a new chartplotter and had the wired mic run to the starboard side of that. So it can be done. But I hired a pro to do the installation. My VHF is an Icom, but I don't know if that matters.

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

I would prefer the starboard side because I'm right handed and the press to talk button seems to be oriented for right handed use. If you mount on the port side you will need to stretch the cable pretty far to the right and crossing part of the wheel if standing behind the wheel while using it. Of course running the cable to starboard would be more difficult, but I believe it can be done. It might require temporarily removing some trim in the aft cabin.

[John Meyers via C320-list]

I put my RAM mic socket into the Yamnar housing on the top of the pedestal.
I had to feed the cable up the tube. I have a 1997. This works well for
me. It is out of the way of foot traffic and seating.

John Meyers
Muskegon, MI
Wind Chime