Has anyone experience of extending an hsb2 lead using a good quality 2 core screened cable and jointing the plugs back both ends? The manual says not to as it could lead to signal loss. Is this critical?
I thought you couldn't cut this cable without causing problems - and that was the response when I contacted Raymarine's helpdesk. So I didn't. But I heard recently that marine electrcians are "authorised" by Raymarine to cut and rejoint because they have the "proper" kit to do it (whatever that is) so I think you can cut it - but worth getting a pro to reconnect it perhaps to avoid "told you so" later when you might have problems?
No real experience with HSB2 stuff, but AFAIK it's a Raymarine version of a well known interface called CAN-Bus. Extending cable shoudn't be a problem as long as you us STP cable (shielded twisted pair). Make sure the twisting in the extension cable follows the same direction. Also use a proper soldering tool meant for fine electronics.