Ethernet chartplotter/radar cable question

[jackho]

Are all Ethernet connections the same? Excuse my ignorance but they all seem to have the same number of wires and extension connections are quite common. The question arises as my Ethernet cable to my radar needs extending. A bespoke extension cable costs between £50 to £70 (15ft).
Is there any reason I cant cut in the middle and join similar cable or indeed any standard Ethernet cable to extend?
(Typical cost of a 10m Ethernet cable is about a fiver!!!????)

 

[billmacfarlane]

The cost of a standard ethernet cable varies dependent on length and "cat". The pinout using an RJ-45 connector is standard but you can have a crossover cable as well, though with modern switches having a crossover detect they are rare. This link will explain all:http://www.trangosys.com/support/cat5-ethernet-cable-pin-out.shtml#Cat5_pinouts

 

[jackho]

Thanks for that info - is useful and adds to my knowledge base. So doesn't seem to be a problem if I have the correct or similar cable and insert junction box ??

 

[prv]

Thanks for that info - is useful and adds to my knowledge base. So doesn't seem to be a problem if I have the correct or similar cable and insert junction box ??

I'd be a little wary of joining Ethernet cables "manually", and would seek out a product designed for the job (even if it's just a back-to-back RJ45 adaptor). Certainly doesn't have to be "marine" though.

Pete

 

[Tintin]

Garmin?

I tried sometime ago and it didn't work - I never could work out why because pin for pin was corrct - maybe I got something wrong - at about a £5'er its worth a try.

 

[Keith-i]

I think you will find the only real difference is the screening on the cable. The proprietary radar leads are fully screened to protect against emf whereas your household cat 5e is not.

 

[Cardo]

I extended my Raymarine radar cable using eBay sourced shielded ethernet cable and crimped on the connectors at either end. Used a standard female/female extender block to connect them together.
Works absolutely fine.
Saved myself about £100.