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After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
I have the same complaints about Signet's prices for SmartPak interconnect
cables. I have found out that they use Conxall brand connectors and that they make user installable items. I just haven't had time to follow up. I'm just tired of being quoted $40 for a 2 foot cable. S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster" "No shirt, no skirt, full service" |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
Oh, wouldn't it be nice if we'd all stop playing the proprietary
profit game and just put BLUETOOTH INTERFACES on all electronics? Wires? What wires? Maybe someday the boaters will send them a message by NOT BUYING IT UNTIL. As long as boaters are willing to pay $50 for a little cable, I'm sure the manufacturers will keep building proprietary nonsense. On Fri, 23 Jan 2004 09:56:56 -0800, "Steve" wrote: 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 Larry W4CSC Is it just me or did the US and UK just capture 1/3 of the world's sweetest oil supply? What idiot wants to GIVE IT BACK?!! |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
I have a Digikey catalog and have used their elex part before, however the
connects don't have any dimensional information or what the give isn't sufficient to select the proper connector.. Epecially when you get into the 6 pin connector where they have pins in the middle and around the side.. Also the Furuno data/gyro connector has two alignment keys.. How the hell do you measure these and their location.. Almost impossible without a part number or an opportunity to do a trial fit. I just notice that the Furuno connector has a "F" Logo on the molded strain relief.. So you can be sure that is proprietory.. Steve s/v Good Intentions |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
Just because the strain releif has an "F" on it doesn't make it
propriety. Some winches say Lewmar, but Lewmar doesn't actually make anything. Neither does Scandvik. The Allied catalog has pictures of many multi-pin connector with dimension info. Amphenol is one of the biggest connector makers. Also Molex. You might try getting intouch with the actual connector makers. Doug, k3qt s/v Callista "Steve" wrote in message ... I have a Digikey catalog and have used their elex part before, however the connects don't have any dimensional information or what the give isn't sufficient to select the proper connector.. Epecially when you get into the 6 pin connector where they have pins in the middle and around the side.. Also the Furuno data/gyro connector has two alignment keys.. How the hell do you measure these and their location.. Almost impossible without a part number or an opportunity to do a trial fit. I just notice that the Furuno connector has a "F" Logo on the molded strain relief.. So you can be sure that is proprietory.. Steve s/v Good Intentions |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
After market source for connectors/interface cables??
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 |
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