I've just installed an ICOM 501 VHF radio, it came with about 3 feet of wire attached to the mike mount, is it a ground wire? Do I need it on a GRP boat?
On my Icom which I think is a Euro its just commected to the case of the radio. When you put the mike back in holder it makes a circuit via the chrome attachment and switch's to 16. Personally I find it a bit of a pain and will disconnect it next time I've the radio out.