simple NMEA2000 questions from an NMEA numpty

[Fascadale]

Hi

Is there any difference between NMEA2000 "Backbone cable" or "Drop cable"? Are the two interchangeable?

Can I use one brand (Garmin) of NMEA2000 cable on another brand backbone (BandG)

If my speed/depth transducer is more than 6m from the rest of the kit do I need to run backbone cable to a T piece then a short "drop cable" to the transducer?

And finally, is there a simple guide to NMEA installation easily available?

Thanks

 

[knuterikt]

I think most is answered here
http://static.garmincdn.com/pumac/2250_TechnicalReferenceforGarminNMEA2000Products.pdf

 

[prv]

Is there any difference between NMEA2000 "Backbone cable" or "Drop cable"? Are the two interchangeable?

For most yacht purposes, yes. There are thicker cables available for carrying more power on a large backbone, but that's only likely to be needed on very substantial systems and/or large boats with long wiring runs.

Can I use one brand (Garmin) of NMEA2000 cable on another brand backbone (BandG)

If the plugs match, yes.

If my speed/depth transducer is more than 6m from the rest of the kit do I need to run backbone cable to a T piece then a short "drop cable" to the transducer?

According to the standard, yes. Though I suspect the world won't end if you sneak a little more onto one drop of a small network.

Pete

 

[MikeCC]

One small thing to look out for is that T-pieces from different makes may have connector 30 degrees offset. So plugs will fit but they won't lie flat if fixing to a surface.

 

[Fascadale]

Thanks for the info.
Between these posts and a bit of YouTube I'm beginning to get the idea