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

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"

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?!!

On 23 Jan 2004 20:00:17 GMT, (SAIL LOCO) wrote:

S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Geez, be careful cap'n! Our crew has no shirt and no skirt. They're
ALL MEN!!


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?!!

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

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

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

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

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

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