Victron Connect app on Axiom MFD

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Thanks Lusty and Paul, out of this has come a solution that I was not aware of. I have cut and spliced the radar cable already, I could simply break the splice and go the RJ45 route, I hadn’t realised that any network data could be spliced in to the radar cable and that was no different to creating a dedicated Ethernet network. I’d assumed that the radar cable was just - a radar cable. This also much reduces the conduit issue too. Thanks again.

 

[lustyd]

Was about to type up something similar, but got sidetracked

Thanks, wasn't sure whether you disagreed or were sticking to the professional and supported options, good to know it works on Raymarine kit too!

 

[lustyd]

I hadn’t realised that any network data could be spliced in to the radar cable

Not quite spliced in. When cutting the cable you have two good options, either splice in the middle to reconnect the cable as-is (or use an RJ45 coupler for very neat joints!) or connect each side to an Ethernet switch. I use the Teltonika TSW100 as it's quite industrial and not at all voltage sensitive, but as Paul says anything that has a 12V adapter will work and Netgear certainly has my vote as a vendor. With the radar and plotter connected to the switch they will continue to work as usual. Add in the Cerbo and that should join the network, I'm assuming your plotter will provide an IP address but if not you may be able to set one manually on the correct range. Ask here if you have issues and we can guide you with network stuff if new to you. If you add in a second plotter, your radar should then be visible to both, and you might also find charts will be shared between units too (beware this only works when the one with the card inserted is switched on).
Lots of advantages to this change, I'm surprised it's not more common. Remember your network switch will need to be on for the radar to work so think through your circuits because you might also want the Cerbo to work while your radar is switched off. My Ethernet switch comes on when the main battery switch is on since several systems rely on it.

You probably know someone with an RJ45 crimp tool so ask any computer geeky people you know. Use the connectors I linked to since they allow connecting of the shielding too.

I'm not sure whether power is a separate cable on the Raymarine, but on B&G the two power lines are in the same cable. These need to terminate separately so I used some kind of automotive plug for these.

 

[vas]

I'm not sure whether power is a separate cable on the Raymarine, but on B&G the two power lines are in the same cable. These need to terminate separately so I used some kind of automotive plug for these.

dont know what Raymarine is doing but my Garmin digital radar had a separate heavy gauge two core for the power on a separate plug.
I wonder how they could get all the power they need via a CAT5-6 cable!
All data routed through the ethernet, so easy to cut and crimp new RJ45 on it.
Haven't routed the radar cable through the N2K bus as my plotters (Series 4k and 5k) don't support such fancy stuff and anyway rpi running VenusOS is on the N2K bus.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thanks, wasn't sure whether you disagreed or were sticking to the professional and supported options, good to know it works on Raymarine kit too!

Wouldn't allow myself to be ripped off with those RM prices, so also wouldn't allow my customers either. RM sell adapter cables for about £60, or fit a RJ45 for pence. If the Raynet cable is too short i'd splice a length of Cat5 to the severed Raynet cable and then add a RJ45.

If cutting the Raynet connectors off, make sure you cut leaving a usable length of cable, so you can make it into something else, if need be.

 

[PaulRainbow]

dont know what Raymarine is doing but my Garmin digital radar had a separate heavy gauge two core for the power on a separate plug.
I wonder how they could get all the power they need via a CAT5-6 cable!
All data routed through the ethernet, so easy to cut and crimp new RJ45 on it.
Haven't routed the radar cable through the N2K bus as my plotters (Series 4k and 5k) don't support such fancy stuff and anyway rpi running VenusOS is on the N2K bus.

Fat power wires in with the thin Cat5 wires VAS.

You cannot run the Radar through the N2K network, not fast enough.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I'm not sure whether power is a separate cable on the Raymarine, but on B&G the two power lines are in the same cable. These need to terminate separately so I used some kind of automotive plug for these.

Separate power/N2K cable on the Axiom.