cutting cable for masthead unit

[carannah]

Hi all

Just purchased another masthead unit for my NASA clipper. In the instructions it says not to shorten the cable, but can it be cut and rejoined?. The reason being is that the plug is way to big to go through any holes in the mast or the deck. The original cable was cut but the unit sometimes would read 180 out and I was wondering if the cut and rejoined cable had any thing to do with this. What does every body else do?

Cheers

 

[Hardley]

Yes it can be cut, one of your wires has not been connected correctly, must be same colour to same colour.
This I received from NASA some time ago, might help.
NASA CLIPPER WIND.
Looking at outer connections of masthead DIN socket:

12 '0' clock - SCREEN
1-30 - BLACK
3 '0' clock - WHITE
9 '0' clock - RED
10-30 – BLUE

Red = supply
Black = neg
Blue and black = SIN & COS
White = 5V 10 millisecond pulse for wind speed

 

[exfinnsailor]

Length of cable does not matter .. Electrons travel so fast that the moment they leave the mast head unit they arrive at the other end .. Cut the cable an fit a water proof connector .. or cut cable then resolder back together .. You can buy self analgamating tape which bonds to itself and gives a water tight seal but make sure none of the inner cables touch .. Soldering is probably your best bet as the cable inards are probably very thin .. Do not use cutters to trim back the covering as you can damage the fine strands .. If you use your finger nail it will pull off .. Practice first .. Hope that helps .. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BrendanS]

You'd be suprised how slowly electrons move in wire. For a copper wire of
radius 1 mm carrying a steady current of 10 amps, the drift velocity is
only about 0.024 cm/sec. It's the current that moves quickly, not the electrons.

 

[dazautomatics]

Is this somthing to do with resistance????

Maybe somthing to do with the old one breaking ?

just an idea

Daz

 

[MikeCC]

Yes, you can cut them to do what you need.

Either use a deck plug/socket for an instant connectoin (useful for when the mast comes down) or a deck gland and make connections below deck.
Ensure the outer screen is connected as well.

 

[carannah]

Thanks all
Job now done. More involved then first thought as I was fitting new VHF as well, had to get both cables down the mast and then removal of old cable inside meant dismantling a number of items due to cable ties. Still it was a lovely day so rather enjoyable.