NMEA 2000 backbone

[dmksails]

The attached shows my existing NMEA 2000 backbone. I want to add another device.

I'm assuming that what I need to do is add another T-connector to the end of the bus. My problem is that this is going to be too long to fit in it's current location.

Can I ...

A. replace an existing T connector with a 4-way?
B. use a cable between T connectors?

Or is there another option I'm not seeing?

[MarkSF]

Yes, you can use a cable between T connectors.

[indimini]

Maretron and Actisense (and probably others) make blocks that allow for multiple connections without having to string together all of the t-connectors.


Multibox port


Actisense A2k-4WT

[witzgall]

Actually, best practices from the folks at NMEA, suggest that you have a cable between each "T", as stringing them together as you have can strain the connections if not supported at EACH T. Having said that, I have done what you show in the picture, and have seen it many times. Using a Maretron multiport drop box off of one T, and then dropping everything into that, would be a good way to go.

Chris

[smac999]

Both Work. The 4 way would be cleaner. Lowrance makes a nice one.

[dmksails]

The device I'm going to connect in is about 16-ft away from the backbone location. Would I be better off extending the backbone to the device location, or using a long data cable to reach the existing backbone area and replace the backbone with one of the suggested connector blocks?

[indimini]

Maximum length for a drop cable is 6m (20 ft), so you could simply run the drop cable. If there are other devices you plan on adding to the backbone in the future in that general vicinity, it would probably make the most sense to take your backbone to that location.