NMEA 2000 Cables and Connectors - Bulk Medium Cable - 10 m (Blue)

A mid-span NMEA 2000 bulk cable is a data and power cable designed for building or extending an NMEA 2000 network aboard a vessel. The term “mid” refers to its size and ability to support longer network lengths and higher currents than Micro-C cables. “Bulk” means it is supplied without pre-installed connectors, allowing it to be cut to the exact desired length and fitted with suitable connectors on-site.

The primary function of this cable is to form the backbone of a NMEA 2000 network. It enables reliable and secure interconnection of various marine instruments and sensors, such as GPS units, fishfinders, radars, autopilots, and multifunction displays, so they can exchange data.

Blue is the standard color for backbone cables in NMEA 2000 networks. This color visually distinguishes backbone cables from drop cables, which are typically black, making installation and troubleshooting easier.

This NMEA 2000 midspan cable is supplied in a 10-meter length. As a midspan cable, it can be cut to the exact length required for your installation and then fitted with appropriate connectors.

NMEA 2000 certification means the cable has been rigorously tested and verified to meet specific safety criteria and to correctly implement network management and messaging. This includes testing for priority messaging, automatic addressing, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise, as well as electrical isolation, ensuring certified products operate harmoniously and safely on the network.

The advantages of using a certified NMEA 2000 cable are multiple:

Increased reliability: Certified cables are tested to ensure stable and error-free data transmission.Guaranteed interconnection: They ensure full compatibility with all other NMEA 2000 certified products, regardless of brand.Safety: Certification tests include checks for electrical insulation and immunity to interference, reducing the risk of electrical issues.Optimal performance: They contribute to a stable and high-performance network, essential for navigation and control systems.

Yes, absolutely. This cable is specifically designed for the marine environment. NMEA 2000 cables are made with robust materials resistant to corrosion, moisture, UV rays, and vibrations, ensuring reliable performance and a long lifespan in the demanding conditions encountered aboard vessels.

Yes, NMEA 2000 certified cables, such as this Raymarine model, are designed to be resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noise. The NMEA 2000 specification includes strict immunity requirements, which is critical in a marine environment where many electronic devices can generate noise.

This blue NMEA 2000 Mid cable is primarily intended for use as a backbone cable. The backbone is the main line of the NMEA 2000 network to which all devices are connected via drop cables and T-connectors.

Yes, NMEA 2000 certification ensures interoperability. This cable is designed to be compatible with all NMEA 2000-certified devices and networks, regardless of the manufacturer (Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, Furuno, etc.), provided that the correct NMEA 2000 connectors are used.

No, this cable is specifically designed for the NMEA 2000 standard. The NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 standards are different and are not directly compatible with each other. To connect NMEA 0183 devices to an NMEA 2000 network, a converter or an NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 gateway is required.

For this bulk NMEA 2000 midspan cable, you will need mid-size (Mid-C) NMEA 2000 field-attachable connectors, either crimp or screw type. These connectors are sold separately and allow you to create custom terminations for the cable.

The NMEA 2000 network itself typically operates on a 12V DC power supply. This cable is designed to carry both the 12V power supply and the data. If your vessel uses a 24V system, you must ensure the power supplied to the NMEA 2000 network is regulated to 12V, often via a DC-DC converter or a network-specific power module.

Raymarine's SeaTalkNG networks are based on the NMEA 2000 protocol. This standard NMEA 2000 cable is therefore protocol-compatible. However, SeaTalkNG networks use proprietary Raymarine connectors. To integrate this standard NMEA 2000 cable into a SeaTalkNG network, you will need to use SeaTalkNG cable-end connectors or Raymarine-specific NMEA 2000 to SeaTalkNG adapter cables.

Yes, absolutely. As a bulk cable, it is specifically designed to be cut to the exact length you need for your installation. This offers great flexibility to adapt the network to your vessel's configuration and minimize excess cable.

To connect this bulk cable to an existing NMEA 2000 network, you must first cut it to the desired length. Then, you will need to strip the wires and attach medium-sized NMEA 2000 connectors (Mid-C) to be installed on the cable. These connectors are then screwed or crimped to the cable ends and plugged into T-connectors or your network devices.

To prepare and connect this bulk NMEA 2000 cable, you will generally need the following tools:

A cutting pliers to adjust the cable length.
A wire stripper to remove the outer insulation and the insulation of the internal wires.
A crimping tool if you are using crimp connectors.
A small screwdriver if you are using screw-type connectors.
It is recommended to follow the instructions provided with the connectors you choose.

Yes, to ensure the reliability of your NMEA 2000 network, it is recommended to:

Avoid running NMEA 2000 cables near high-power cables (engine, batteries, inverters) to minimize interference.Avoid tight bends that could damage the cable.Secure cables firmly to prevent movement and wear from vibration.Protect cables from chafing and areas where they could be stepped on or damaged.Ensure all connections are watertight and secure.

An NMEA 2000 network using mid-span cables (Mid-C) as a backbone can support significant lengths. While the maximum length depends on the total network load and the number of devices, a backbone built with Mid-C cables can typically reach up to 250 meters. For longer distances, Mini-C cables or network extenders should be considered.