The connectors are all probably available from outfits like
Allied Electronics or Digikey. The problem with many of the
connectors is that the pins are very small and require a special
tool to install them and remove them. Some of the tools run in
the hundreds of dollars. Some of the fancier connectors can't
be properly assumbled by hand and require a machine. Moisture
proofing can also be an issue.

Check out: www.digikey.com and www.alliedelec.com

Doug
s/v Callista

"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