Good choice of plug for radar control connections?

[prv]

Annoyingly, I had to cut my new radar cable last autumn as part of the major keel-repair works. I'm now re-joining it. Rather than trying to find one plug to join it all, I have split out the cores into power, video, and control, each on their own plug. I've already done the power (superseal) and video (RCA), but still need to connect the control circuits - three twisted pairs and a screen.

I have quite a small space above the headlining to fit all this into, so compact is good. Serious waterproofing is not required, although the space is a little damp - I suspect a slight weep through the mast foot bolts which I can't address till the next time the mast comes down. I've sealed the RCA connectors inside heatshrink, and if I can I will do the same for the control.

I thought mini-DIN would do nicely, but it's been a bit of a challenge to solder such small connectors and then get the plug body back together again - I might just about manage on the bench, but not up in the overhead on the awkward side of the compression post. The last (third) attempt tested ok after soldering, but shorted when I squeezed it in buttoning up the plug. So I'm ditching that idea and looking for something else.

Any suggestions?

Pete

 

[Skylark]

I had to hacksaw through the broad band radar cable on my last boat as I had the standing rigging replaced. I know it's generally considered to be heresy but I neatly rejoined the cable with a few rows of chock block connectors housed within an aluminium case, as a shield, bought from Maplins. Can't recall but there was at least 10 wires within the cable. Worked perfectly.

 

[Cardo]

Modern radar is the way to go. Mine has an ethernet extender dongle (£1 from ebay) and a choc box for the power. No problems.

Sorry, not at all helpful, but I felt the need to share!

 

[prv]

I guess I should thank you guys for keeping the thread near the top of the stack at least

Pete

 

[KAL]

I guess I should thank you guys for keeping the thread near the top of the stack at least

Pete

Well, here's another bump for you.

We went hi-spec choc-block in a waterproof elec box under the headlining. So far so good, but that's why I don't want to separate it again if I can help it!

 

[prv]

We went hi-spec choc-block in a waterproof elec box under the headlining. So far so good, but that's why I don't want to separate it again if I can help it!

I haven't got room for any boxes, I need to slide it up a narrow slot between the compression post and the edge of the headlining. And I want plugs so that I don't have to play silly buggers sawing cable glands in half like your other thread

Pete

 

[TSB240]

I haven't got room for any boxes, I need to slide it up a narrow slot between the compression post and the edge of the headlining. And I want plugs so that I don't have to play silly buggers sawing cable glands in half like your other thread

Pete

Have you had a look at a Harting type multipole plug and socket. ( RS or Farnell or any Electrical wholesaler). They are a bit bigger than the bulgin connectors. We use them for linking up to 24cores in industrial applications in food factories. They are frequently tested for waterproof capability when being washed down with a hose! They will take up much less room than a sealed box with chockblocks........

Steve

 

[GrahamM376]

I've used choc block connector under headlinings near mast but not in a box, it's been fine for 10 years.