Redundant GPS antennas on NMEA2000

[fallingeggs]

I should mention that the Navico Ethernet cable (as well as any 0183 cable) is shielded and has twisted pairs, so get the same for the patch. You could go to Cat 6, but it didn't seem necessary for my 10' patches.

[barnakiel]

If the equipment is working condition and compatible, or else can be used as a stand alone, I would keep it!

b.

[fallingeggs]

Originally Posted by fallingeggs

The Ethernet cable can be spliced just like any other Ethernet cable. I cut my 5 foot cable into half, spliced Cat 5 connectors on either end and will be using a patch cable and couplers to lengthen the run. Will do some combination of heat shrink, butyl tape and electrical tape to get a water tight seal on the coupler. As long as you splice the wires (plus ground) in the same order on both sides, there shouldn't be a problem, but I haven't fired it up yet.

Thought I'd follow up on my above statement. My splice successfully works. One just needs to make sure the wires are in the same order on both sides of the splice/patch.

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by fallingeggs

Thought I'd follow up on my above statement. My splice successfully works. One just needs to make sure the wires are in the same order on both sides of the splice/patch.

Hey Stephen,

Would you be able to share a link, part number or image for the Cat-5 splice connectors, the patch cable, or the couplers? Can you say any more about this process? Was there anything tricky about it?

I'm still tempted to try the skotchlok solution as it seems likely to work. Then again, it's probably best to do it the "right" way as you did.

[fallingeggs]

There really isn't much to say. Cat 5e connectors, the crimping tools and patch cables are all standardized. I purchased mine online for $20 or so. One just needs to make sure the B&G cable's wires are lined up in the connector in the same order on both sides. Took me a few minutes to do this and a few connectors, but it worked eventually.

The patch cable and couples need to be straight rather than crossovers to make the ordering easier. I suppose the patch cable should be twisted pair (rather than straight) and shielded to match the original cable, but not really sure if this makes a difference on short distances.





You could use just the gel filled crimps (Google this, I don't have the brand name handy), but then you can't undo the splice.

[sailjumanji]

Originally Posted by fallingeggs

Thought I'd follow up on my above statement. My splice successfully works. One just needs to make sure the wires are in the same order on both sides of the splice/patch.

I've spliced nmea 2000 cables as well. Very small wire and connectors. Just use your meter to do continuity test of each wire to confirm good conductance after each splice. And heat shrink afterwards.