Cable for NMEA

[stownsend]

Afternoon All

I'm looking to have a run of max 2 meters to feed one of my instruments with a nmea 0183 feed, would the wire form a CAT5 cable be ok for this ?

Or any other suggestions for the type of cable that can be used?

Cheers

Stu

 

[bitbaltic]

I reckon anything would do, the two core stuff most NMEA cabling is made of is pretty basic. Would be interested in the answers of anyone who knows though. On the couple of occasions I have considered doing this I have been surprised that I can't get similar two core from Maplins at all.

Hope you're still having a great time with SB by the way Stu we must get together for a 301 skippers' beer and compare notes in the new season.

Cheers

 

[wizard]

Afternoon All

I'm looking to have a run of max 2 meters to feed one of my instruments with a nmea 0183 feed, would the wire form a CAT5 cable be ok for this ?

Or any other suggestions for the type of cable that can be used?




Any of the cats will do for this even 4 wire alarm cable if its foil wrapped with a bare wire (screen) to help earth the sleeve. Remember to only earth one end.

Most of the problems tend to occur on long runs.

 

[nigelmercier]

My boat has a 10m run on the NMEA cable, standard 2-core bell wire. Not my choice, but it works.

CAT5 cable may be solid core, not suitable if so.

[Later] If I get round to replacing it, I will use this: http://uk.farnell.com/pro-power/860008-100m/cable-def-16-2-2c-2core-100m/dp/1190300

 

[David2452]

Tinned twisted screened pair 22 AWG is what is specified in the NMEA 0400 standards installers documentation for 0183 installs, I buy on drums from New England Cables and have about 35m left.

 

[stownsend]

Thanks for the replies, I've got some 6 core CAT5e cable left over from my IT days so will give it a try !

This is the stuff .. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable

Cheers

Stu

 

[stownsend]

I reckon anything would do, the two core stuff most NMEA cabling is made of is pretty basic. Would be interested in the answers of anyone who knows though. On the couple of occasions I have considered doing this I have been surprised that I can't get similar two core from Maplins at all.

Hope you're still having a great time with SB by the way Stu we must get together for a 301 skippers' beer and compare notes in the new season.

Cheers

She going well, now finally back to being white from a very ugly green colour - not used her as much last year due to number 3 arriving but hopefully things will settle down this year and we'll get out a bit more, def try and meet up though!

Cheers

Stu

 

[David2452]

Thanks for the replies, I've got some 6 core CAT5e cable left over from my IT days so will give it a try !

This is the stuff .. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable

Cheers

Stu

It ain't the right stuff and is not shielded but you have nothing to lose and it will certainly work on some level, but, as Nigel says make sure it's multi strand and not the solid core stuff or it will be liable to break from vibration, also it almost certainly will not be tinned so protect the connections well and provide good strain relief.

 

[nigelmercier]

Thanks for the replies, I've got some 6 core CAT5e cable left over from my IT days so will give it a try !

If it is patch cable, it may be OK, but as noted above, the solid core is out of the question.

 

[temptress]

Afternoon All

I'm looking to have a run of max 2 meters to feed one of my instruments with a nmea 0183 feed, would the wire form a CAT5 cable be ok for this ?

Or any other suggestions for the type of cable that can be used?

Cheers

Stu

what you want is shielded twisted pair cable. This will do the job for you form Maplin http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/van-damme...ir-install-cable-black-priced-per-metre-n96jt

it is sheilded and will be fine for NEMA.

Your cat5 cable although not ideal should be OK for a 2m run as well.

 

[David2452]

what you want is sheilded twisted pair cable. This will do the job for you form Maplin http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/van-damme...ir-install-cable-black-priced-per-metre-n96jt

it is sheilded and will be fine for NEMA.

Not just fine but ideal, it meets the 0400 requirements exactly even to being tinned, but it will need to be mail or click and collect as no store will have it on the shelf.

 

[nigelmercier]

Tinned twisted screened pair 22 AWG is what is specified in the NMEA 0400 standards installers documentation for 0183 installs.

Not just fine but ideal ...

By your specification, it isn't ideal at all.

Your quoted 22 AWG is 0.326mm², but the Maplin (spit) cable is only 0.19mm² so not nearly beefy enough.
See http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/twisted-multipair-installation-cable/3658775/

[LATER] I have set up a potential Group Buy for much better 0.5mm² cable here:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?383990-Tinned-screened-wire-for-NMEA-etc&p=4555886

 

[nigelmercier]

[Later] If I get round to replacing it, I will use this: http://uk.farnell.com/pro-power/860008-100m/cable-def-16-2-2c-2core-100m/dp/1190300

Right, as this is so hard to get in short lengths, I've decided to buy 100m if I can get a few takers for cut lengths at cost (£1.75 per metre plus P&P). This is what is known on other forums as a Group Buy, you get to buy small quantities at the bulk price.

Please see this thread to show interest: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?383990-Tinned-screened-wire-for-NMEA-etc&p=4555886

 

[roblpm]

Right, as this is so hard to get in short lengths, I've decided to buy 100m if I can get a few takers for cut lengths at cost. This is what is known on other forums as a Group Buy: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?383990-Tinned-screened-wire-for-NMEA-etc&p=4555886

How much per metre? I only need a few metres to connect up some vhf, gps etc

Oops, ignore that! I will respond on the other thread!

 

[nigelmercier]

How much per metre? I only need a few metres to connect up some vhf, gps etc

Post amended to show cost (£1.75 per metre plus P&P), but please see my linked post in the For Sale section to show interest.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?383990-Tinned-screened-wire-for-NMEA-etc&p=4555886

 

[stownsend]

If it is patch cable, it may be OK, but as noted above, the solid core is out of the question.

I used to make my patch cables up from long lengths in boxes ???

Cheers

Stu

 

[David2452]

By your specification, it isn't ideal at all.

Your quoted 22 AWG is 0.326mm², but the Maplin (spit) cable is only 0.19mm² so not nearly beefy enough.
See http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/twisted-multipair-installation-cable/3658775/

[LATER] I have set up a potential Group Buy for much better 0.5mm² cable here:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?383990-Tinned-screened-wire-for-NMEA-etc&p=4555886

Bugger, I didn't even look at the AWG.

 

[David2452]

Right, as this is so hard to get in short lengths, I've decided to buy 100m if I can get a few takers for cut lengths at cost (£1.75 per metre plus P&P). This is what is known on other forums as a Group Buy, you get to buy small quantities at the bulk price.

Please see this thread to show interest: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?383990-Tinned-screened-wire-for-NMEA-etc&p=4555886

I already have the New England Cable in stock at less money so why bother? Did you not see post # 5?

 

[nigelmercier]

I already have the New England Cable in stock at less money so why bother? Did you not see post # 5?

Yes, but you didn't give any details. I'm also a bit concerned about the size if you think the Maplin (spit) cable is OK.

[Edit] Apologies, you later said you didn't check the CSA on the Maplin (spit) cable. Which surprised me.

 

[David2452]

Yes, but you didn't give any details. I'm also a bit concerned about the size if you think the Maplin (spit) cable is OK.

I just assumed the poster had it right perhaps not a wise assumption, the New England Cables is 22 AWG tinned single twisted pair screened as per NMEA 0400 standard and I have been and am still a happy to do it with no profit element to forumites (currentl stock is £1.15 per metre) but it does vary, PM me if you want some.