NMEA 2000 backbone/tap cable (10m)

This Garmin cable is an essential component for extending and structuring NMEA 2000 networks aboard vessels. At 10 meters long, it is designed to interconnect marine sensors and displays, primarily serving as a backbone cable for the network's main communication path.

An NMEA 2000 cable provides a "plug-and-play" connection between various marine electronic devices such as sensors, multifunction displays, GPS units, and other instruments. It enables fast and reliable data sharing across the boat's network, succeeding the NMEA 0183 standard.

The Garmin NMEA 2000 cable (reference 010-11076-02) is 10 meters long (approximately 33 feet). It is fitted with NMEA 2000 micro connectors at both ends, ensuring a standardized and reliable connection.

The NMEA 2000 standard is a "plug-and-play" communication standard used to connect marine sensors and display devices on board vessels. It enables simplified integration of electronic equipment, bidirectional data transmission, and information sharing between different devices, regardless of brand, provided they are NMEA 2000 certified.

The Garmin NMEA 2000 cable (010-11076-02) is a 10-metre backbone/drop cable. It is supplied alone with its NMEA 2000 micro-connectors integrated at each end. T-connectors, terminators, power cables, and any other accessories required to build a complete NMEA 2000 network are sold separately.

No, this 10-metre cable must not be used as a drop cable. Per NMEA 2000 specifications and Garmin recommendations, any cable longer than 6 metres (20 feet) must be used only as a backbone cable to ensure signal integrity and network robustness.

This 10-metre cable must be used as a backbone cable. It connects to the sides of two T-connectors to extend the main communication path of the NMEA 2000 network. It must never be connected to the top of a T-connector; this position is reserved for drop cables or power cables.

The maximum length of a drop cable (drop cable), which connects a device to the NMEA 2000 backbone network, is limited to 6 meters (20 feet). This limitation is essential to maintain signal quality and network stability.

For a correct NMEA 2000 backbone construction, it is essential to follow these principles:

The backbone must be built in a linear fashion. All T-connectors must connect to each other via their sides, either directly or via a backbone cable. Spur cables and power cables must connect to the top of a T-connector, never on the sides. The backbone must be terminated at both ends with appropriate 120 ohm termination resistors.

Every NMEA 2000 device must be connected to the network backbone using a T-connector. The device’s drop cable is then plugged into the top of the T-connector, while the backbone passes through the sides of the T-connector.

Yes, installing terminations is absolutely mandatory. 120-ohm termination resistors must be installed at each end of the NMEA 2000 backbone. Correct termination is crucial to ensure signal integrity across the entire backbone and proper network operation.

The maximum length of a single NMEA 2000 backbone cable is 100 meters (328 feet). This 10-meter cable therefore falls within this limit to extend your backbone in a compliant manner.

An NMEA 2000 network must be powered by a 12 Vdc (direct current volts) power source. The power supply must be connected to the backbone via a dedicated NMEA 2000 power cable, plugged into the top of a T-connector.

It is strongly recommended not to connect the NMEA 2000 network directly to the battery. Power must always pass through the ignition switch or another external switch. Some NMEA 2000 devices remain powered as long as current is present, which could drain the boat's battery if power is not cut.

It is not recommended to power a NMEA 2000 network at multiple points without using a power isolator between the two power connections. Multiple power sources without proper isolation can cause operational issues, ground loops, or damage connected devices.

Yes, this Garmin cable is compatible with other NMEA 2000-certified equipment. The NMEA 2000 standard is a universal protocol, and Garmin uses NMEA 2000 micro-connectors that are compatible with those of other manufacturers complying with this standard, ensuring interoperability.

No, NMEA 2000 is not directly compatible with NMEA 0183. NMEA 2000 is the successor to NMEA 0183 and uses a different communication protocol and connectors. To connect NMEA 0183 devices to a NMEA 2000 network, a bidirectional protocol converter is generally required.

An NMEA 2000 network allows you to connect a wide range of compatible marine devices, such as:

Multifunction displays (MFD) and chartplottersWind, depth, speed, and temperature sensorsGPS and satellite antennasMarine instruments (tachometers, fuel gauges)Autopilots and steering systemsEngines (for performance and consumption data)This backbone cable helps extend the network to accommodate these devices.

Yes, this cable is specifically fitted with NMEA 2000 micro connectors. Garmin uses this type of connector on its devices, sensors, and T-connectors, ensuring broad compatibility with the Garmin ecosystem and other certified NMEA 2000 devices that also use micro connectors.

Yes, absolutely. The NMEA 2000 standard is designed for interoperability between equipment from different manufacturers. As long as the other components in your network (T-connectors, devices, terminations) comply with the NMEA 2000 standard and use compatible micro-connectors, this Garmin cable can be integrated without issue into a mixed network.