I realize that Furuno doesn't make connectors anymore than any electronics
mfg.. However the "F" on this connector is very distinctive (Like their
Logo) and I suspect that it was made just for them.

Yesterday, I discovered the power connector on the Si-Tex flux gate is the
same identical connector used on the Unimetric (Uniden) power hailer, same
make connector for the Mic and the flux gate data and sensor connectors.

My point being. These other equipment mfg don't have to invent a different
connector for each purpose or piece of equipment.. The market is full of
suiteable connectors that meet the marine requirements.. The reason they use
propietory connectors is to keep you tied to their equipment brand and to
rip you off at the time of installation.. Who considers the price of
installation or interface when they are comparing prices at the Boat Show..
It's after the Show that we discover that we can't use the cables and
connectors from last years model on the new gear.. And if the boat owner
can't or doesn't install his own gear, then the marine electronics shop
laughs all the way to the bank..


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

I work as a service tech for a Furuno dealer. We can't get the connectors
either...we have to buy the cable or pigtails. I was told the connectors
were called "Honda" connectors. However, searching a bit on the Honda
website did not yield a match.
The most common multipin connector used by several manufacturers is the
Conxall also known as the Con-X-All that are on the Benmar, Robertson, etc.
The best under minimum order place I have found is ElectroShield at
1-800-662-1054. They will supply a catalog on request. Be careful when
ordering to specify whether solder pins or crimp pins, etc. Crimp requires a
special tool. I would suggest going to Conxall web catalog, figure out what
you want and then call Electroshield for single quantity items. Good luck on
finding an Furuno equivalents.
Doug K7ABX
"Steve" wrote in message
...
There has to be a cheaper way to interconnect electronics.. I thought
Raymarine was expensive and difficult to deal with, then I upgraded from a
1720 to 1721 Furuno radar.. $35 to $50 for a NMEA or Compass cable.. The
only cable that is interchangeable is the power cable.

I checked with a 'trusted' service shop and he was marking them up about
20%
over the list price on Furuno site.

It's not just the radar, I have a Interphase video depth that needs a
special NMEA cable connector, similar situation on my Si-Tex flux compass
NMEA, Furuno GPS NMEA. The problem is even worse if you have an old
AutoHelm
AP. (Why not have a standard patch cable like you have on audio/video
equipment, but with water tight rubber boot.)

Now I have added additional interface plug problems by adding a older
Yeoman chart plotter to the Nav Sta..

It is very difficult to identify accurately any of these plug in a mail
order catalog.. There just isn't any standards or connector ID or even MFG
name.. Often the protective cap on a connector will have a recogniziable
name but the connector most likely will be someone elses or more likely
proprietory..

Now that I'm finished with my rant, could anyone offer any solutions or
recommendations?? Yah! I know KISS and go sailing..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Doug:

Many of the proprietary connectors are nothing but a plastic shell
holding the pins in position with absolutely nothing to prevent RF
interference. No better than screw terminals.

Eric

"Doug Dotson" wrote in message ...
And very suseptable to RF.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

"Eric" wrote in message
om...
Steve:

Add Nexus System instruments to your list of "good" companies. Four
wires, screw terminals. Built in NMEA 0183 interface. Very easy to
interface with everything!

Eric

"Steve" wrote in message
...
I just took a look at my Si-Tex flux gate compass connectors and they
seem
to have a worth while connectors/plugs scheme. They have all metal
shell,
with clamp and screw stain relief. The internal insulator is held in
place
with a set screw and when released the insulater slides out the face of
the
plug.

I visited their web site and although they no longer list my flux
compass
model, I was surprised at how much techincal information they are
willing to
share with their customers.. Their coverage of the connector scheme for
all
of their current equipment models. They have a 60+ .pdf document
covering
the connector types and standard pin assignments.. It appears that their
have only abour a half dozen different connectors.

From their information, I was able to identify the connector I will
need.

The nice thing about their connectors is that they can be assembled,
inspected or repaired in the field, with only a screw driver soldering
iron
(I keep a 12 vdc on board). No need for all that extra cable dangling
behind
the equipment or problems getting a connector through a hole or wireway.

Of course the only way I would truly enjoy this ease is if I switch over
to
all Si-Tex equipment.. (do you hear that Raymarine, Furuno, Yeoman,
Interphase, Standard Horizon). I'm saying "Si-Tex doesn't have their
head up
their A$$ when it comes to a standard connector scheme."

OK! I got my morning rant out of the way, now on to more enjoyable
things.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Thanks Doug,

I see the Conxall or ConX in the DigiKey catalog. but as I said earlier,
there just isn't enough measurement data to find the proper one.. I think
I'm just going to order a data cable from Furuno for $35. The authorized
repair shop wants about $65 for the same one.. I don't begrudge them the
mark up on a 'walkin' since time is money to them ..

I got a email response from Si-Tex and they confirmed the connector that I
need for the data out of the Flux gate is a CN070 however they recommend I
contact a local dealer (another markup). However I still like the DIY
service ablilty of their connectors.

It's no simple matter for me to go to the dealer or repair shop since I'm
over 100 mile from Seattle (driving distance).

Steve
s/v Good Intentions