NMEA 0183 connector plugs?

[Yellow Ballad]

Any recommendations?

My wind instrument wires are currently twisted together and in a choc block screw at the base of the mast (inside). I can't help but think there's a better way, I know I can use gel connectors but I would much prefer a plug for when the mast is removed over the winter. I'm guessing aviation plugs are the way to go but any other thoughts?

 

[MikeCC]

If it's tucked away inside, you could use any compact multiway connector. Smaller usually means soldering or crimping the wires into the pins. See CPC for a huge range.

 

[elton]

Any recommendations?

Solder and heatshrink.

 

[prv]

For exactly this purpose (and various others) I like SuperSeal plugs. They're waterproof, available in various configurations up to (I think) 6-way, and surprisingly cheap from various eBay suppliers. You do need a special tool to apply the terminals to the conductors, but the cheap ones should work adequately for DIY use (unlike the cheap flat crimpers on insulated rings and butts). See if you can find a video online showing how to assemble the plugs, it's a bit confusing the first time but easy once you know how.

I like to pack the plastic shells with Contralube before inserting the terminals, the excess then ends up on the mating surfaces and it means there's no empty space for water to collect. Also put a length of suitably-sized adhesive-lined heatshrink over the cable before you fit the plug, then shrink it over the cable entry which has a barbed end specifically for this purpose. The result is a waterproof (when mated) plug sealed onto the end of the cable, and the whole assembly should be nicely weatherproof.

(I wouldn't submerge it, but then I don't like to submerge any electrical connection short of permanent moulded potting or Subconn . In practice Superseals probably would survive the occasional gentle dunking. )

Pete

 

[tillergirl]

Having a wooden boat I drop the mast each winter. All the connectors are inside the boat. Wires through a swan neck and adjacent below a small wooden box (could be a standard Index plastic box) contains all the wiring connectors. For the Masthead transducer a standard good quality DIN plug works perfectly, ditto for the aerial. A small Blue Seas Terminal Block handles the wiring for the lights. Pipler do a reasonable priced Swan Neck (people who don't have a Swan Neck claim water gets in - it doesn't!).

Mind you I have only used that arrangement for 27 years so it probably needs testing. :encouragement:

 

[Yellow Ballad]

Solder and heatshrink.

I want a connector so I don't have to remake the connections every time the mast comes down.

Pete, I'm a big fan of superseal connectors already but I wasn't sure if the wires would be a bit fragile for them. I have seen some rubber boots that may help, a bit like your heatshrink idea, even more so if supported in some sort of potting compound, possibly Sika?

Looking at the aviation/microphone type connector corrotion on the threads may be an issue, superseal it is!

 

[BabaYaga]

I would much prefer a plug for when the mast is removed over the winter. I'm guessing aviation plugs are the way to go but any other thoughts?

I use these for my mast lights connections (also under deck, so no need for them to be waterproof). The connectors are soldered to the wires, but once done, mating or disconnecting is simple, just push or pull.
http://www.mitron.se/SURE-E/con1.html