Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Make a Control Head Mount for the IC-706

The Icom IC-706 is an amateur HF transceiver radio that is no longer produced as of 2011. This radio can be used at home as a base or in an automobile. In order to use the radio in a vehicle, the control head must be mounted somewhere inside the vehicle within the users reach. Though mounting kits are available for this style of transceiver radio, you can make one yourself using commonly available materials.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Metal snips or hacksaw
Bench vise
Pliers or channel locks
Adhesive
Felt
Drill
Metal screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Measure all dimensions of the control head box using a tape measure. Ensure that you include height, width and length.
- 2
  Add 1/8-inch to the height and width. This will allow room for you to slide the control head into the mount.
- 3
  Transfer your measurements to a piece of 1/16-inch aluminum flat stock. Cut the metal to match your measurements using metal snips or a hacksaw. Mark lines on the stock at the points where you need to bend the metal to create the mount.
- 4
  Place the aluminum stock into a bench vise at your mark. Secure the vise tight. Bend the metal at your marks to conform to the shape of the control head using pliers or channel locks.
- 5
  Apply adhesive to the inside of the bent aluminum, which now looks like a rectangle. Cut felt to fit the interior dimensions of the mount. Attach the felt over the adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry for an hour.
- 6
  Take the aluminum mount to your vehicle. Find a suitable spot to secure the mount. Such areas to consider are under a center console or on top of the dash board. Look for an area with a solid piece of metal or plastic to screw the mount into.
- 7
  Drill pilot holes into the aluminum for your mounting screws. Screw the mount into your preferred location in your vehicle. Slide the control head into the mount. You're now ready to wire the control head to your vehicle.

Other Hobbies