GPS CONNECTIONS

[MIKE_MCKIE]

I have 3 take offs from the GPS, & purely in the interests of getting it all going, have used a Choc block connector, which makes it work, but looks like a bunch of b******s (Spaghetti to you!)
Is there anywhere out there a multiple connector box, that makes a rather more seamanlike & professional job of it, which will enable me to connect/disconnect instruments as required (or is the choc block about to become a permanent fixture?)
Look forward to your replies, even the ones that malign my parentage for using such a rubbish solution, just to go sailing in February!
Brgds
Mike

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[upstream]

I will bet you a pint the choc block is still there next season, and the next. If the GPS works and there are other pressing cosmetic jobs to be done, you will leave it well alone. That is human nature. You will only resort to doing something with the block when it fails, and then you will more than likely replace it with another block found rattling around the tool box, or clean it up. I know I am wrong but I have been there. After all, were all good at giving advice, but not so good at acting on it. Maybe this weekend I'll replace my very own choc block with something more seaman like...but then why, it still works!!


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[Bergman]

Provided choc block is firmly attached to something solid its probably as good a solution as any.

Easy access with test probe in case of any fault - no need to start cutting wires to make a meaurement.

Easy to add or take away extra wires.

A label on various wires would be a nice improvement otherwise go sailing and forget it.

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[LadyInBed]

When you say "to connect/disconnect instruments as required" it sounds like you fan out from your GPS to other receivers rather than have the connections daisy chained.
If this is so, you could make up a box or panel with several 4 pin DIN sockets (as used in audio systems) all wired up in parallel, then put DIN plugs on the end of all your nmea cables.
Then mix and match to your hearts content.

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[poggy]

Hi,

Nothing wrong with choc blocks apart from the problem with corrosion. If it were me I would put a bit of silicon in the choc blocks and also on the screw head openings.

I am not sure if they are available, but copper choc blocks would be a good idea to reduce corrosion.

No doubt for some outrageous amount of money you could buy a marine connector designed for this.


Poggy

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[david_bagshaw]

personally use a rs232 connector, ie same as a com port on a computer, easy to swap etc, & available in various grades

<hr width=100% size=1>David
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.euroboating.net>http://www.euroboating.net</A>

 

[byron]

looks like a bunch of b******s (Spaghetti to you!)
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What was the question again? I have spent so much time trying to figure out what 'b******s' means that I have forgotten.
'bloodys' 'buggers' 'bastards' can't be any of them because even the Vicar/Priest/Rabbi/Mullah find such words acceptable these days, I can't work out what word starting with 'B' is so heinous that it has to be coded.


<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Having wretsled with the idea

I have now fitted a telephone plug to the end of my PC cable .... that will go into one of the sockets in a dual telephone block. The other socket will connect to the GPS data / power cable via telephone plug. The power will come into the dula telephone block via the 'line-input' ......

A tidy - practical solution that allows all sorts of combinations as the telphone plug has 6 contacts !, gold pins and plastic body .... reducing corrosion.

Price ........ couple of quid the lot.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[MIKE_MCKIE]

Re: Having wretsled with the idea

many thanks to all, I am glad I am not a majority of one when it comes to choc blocks! As there are a several good ideas I will have a think (while sailing of course) and see which one will tidy up the mess, without impinging on the "leisure" time.
Many thanks again.
Mike

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