Rj45 cables on Garmin Network

[adamf]

In the process of installing a new system in my rebuild. Consists of 4 garmin screens and units that all need to go on the network. I've costed up and will need about 40m of cable, which if I go down the Garmin route will be about £200 of cables.

I think the network uses standard cat 5 cable with RJ45 connectors, I know the garmin stuff has the locking ring and a slightly different connector clip, but can I use standard cable which I costed but at about a tenth of the price?

 

[jfm]

The main unique garmin thing is wAterptoofness. If you don't need that then you can use eBay cat5e leads. BUT remember the garmin cables are the crossover type not straight through. So either buy the crossover type or buy the little adapters that you put at one end of the cable

What is your shopping list in terms of qty and cable lengths?

 

[adamf]

Thanks for the quick reply. Just tried a standard cable from the box of spare home PC cables and it clips in nicely.

The install is all interior with all cables runs in ducted trunking, so waterproof isn't an issue. I didn't know there are two types so will make sure I get crossover.

Without checking it's a couple of 9m runs a couple of very short (12") and one somewhere in between.

 

[andy59]

If you have a choice don't use CCA ( copper coated aluminium ) its not as forgiving as pure copper regards bending / flexing during install .

 

[jrudge]

Check it is actually in. I used std cables on Raymarine and the socket is more recessed than normal so it did not connect until I broke off the locking lug and pushed it in further.

I only found out when it did not work, so leave it but if not work the investigate further.

 

[David2452]

Make sure the leads you buy are stranded copper not sold core standard office / home cabling or you may well suffer future core fractures.

 

[David2452]

BTW, forgot to mention, you can buy the Garmin RJ45 males seperately and crimp to your own cables.

 

[Sneds]

May be worth trying to source a tinned copper flexible option, defo avoid the solid and copper coated variety

 

[salar]

I used standard ethernet patch cables and simply cut one end off and put a new connector on with the crossover wires in the right places (Garmin provide details). You can buy connectors in Maplins for pence and a tool on eBay for not much at all. However on my current boat, I have installed NMEA2000 which I have found much more reliable, previously the NMEA0183 GPS antenna was never very quick. However the radar is still Garmin network but that came with a monster cable.