NMEA 2000 backbone/tap cable (2 m)

This cable is an essential component for building and extending marine NMEA 2000 communication networks. It connects various sensors and display devices aboard vessels, replacing the NMEA 0183 serial data bus. It can function both as a backbone cable and as a drop cable.

This specific cable has a length of 2 meters (approximately 6.5 feet).

This cable is fitted with NMEA 2000 micro-connectors, ensuring compatibility with the Garmin ecosystem and other NMEA 2000-certified equipment.

This cable is versatile and can be used in two main ways:

As a backbone cable to extend the main NMEA 2000 communication path. As a drop cable to connect individual devices to the backbone via a T-connector.

Yes, the NMEA 2000 standard is designed to be "plug-and-play," making it easier to connect sensors and display devices.

Yes, this cable is compatible with the Garmin ecosystem as well as other NMEA 2000-certified equipment, as it complies with the NMEA 2000 communication standard.

This cable is compatible with a wide range of Garmin NMEA 2000 devices, including:

AIS transponders (AIS 300/600)
Data gateways GBT 10 and GFL 10
Autopilot systems GHP (GHP 12, GHP 20)
Marine instruments GMI (GMI 10/20)
NMEA 2000 GPS 19x receivers
Various GPSMAP chartplotter series
VHF marine radios (VHF 200/300)

No, NMEA 2000 is the successor to the NMEA 0183 standard. This cable is specifically designed for NMEA 2000 networks and is not directly compatible with NMEA 0183 devices without using a bridge or converter.

Yes, this cable is compatible with various Garmin GPSMAP chartplotter series that use the NMEA 2000 standard for communication.

Yes, this cable is compatible with Garmin GHP autopilot systems, such as the GHP 12 and GHP 20 models, for integration into an NMEA 2000 network.

This cable can be integrated in two main ways:

As a backbone cable, it extends the network's main communication path, linking T-connectors together. As a drop cable, it connects an individual NMEA 2000 device to the backbone's T-connector.

The backbone is the main communication path of the NMEA 2000 network, to which all devices connect. A backbone cable extends this main line. A drop cable is a shorter cable that connects an individual device to the backbone via a T-connector.

Yes, NMEA 2000 drop cables are limited to a maximum length of 6 meters (20 feet). This 2-meter cable is therefore perfectly suited for drop-in use.

Yes, to connect a NMEA 2000 device to the backbone of the network using this cable as a drop, you must plug it into the top of a T-connector.

Yes, a 2-meter cable can be used as a backbone cable to extend the NMEA 2000 network. Backbone cables can be up to 100 meters (328 feet) long for a single segment, but cables shorter than 6 meters can serve both functions.

The NMEA 2000 backbone must be built in a linear fashion. This means T-connectors must be linked to each other via their sides, either directly or through a backbone cable. The backbone must also be terminated at each end with 120 ohm terminators to ensure signal integrity.

A drop cable, which connects a NMEA 2000 device to the backbone, must always be connected to the top of a T-connector, and never on the sides.

No, this cable is a data/extension cable. The NMEA 2000 network power must be supplied by a dedicated NMEA 2000 power cable, which also connects to the top of a T-connector and is linked to a 12 Vdc power source.

Yes, Garmin provides field-installable connectors (male and female) that can be used to create custom-length backbone or drop cables, or to shorten existing Garmin NMEA 2000 cables.

According to Garmin’s technical documentation, the resistance of a Garmin NMEA 2000 cable is 0.053 ohms per meter. This value is used to calculate voltage drop in the NMEA 2000 network to ensure adequate power supply for all devices.