BlueNet™ 20 Switch

The Garmin BlueNet™ 20 switch is designed for expanding marine electronic systems. It is a high-speed networking solution that facilitates communication between compatible Garmin BlueNet devices. It is essential for extending connectivity and integrating multiple devices on a single network, providing a robust marine architecture.

The BlueNet™ 20 switch is made from polycarbonate plastic and die-cast aluminum, ensuring robustness and durability in a marine environment.

The BlueNet™ 20 switch dimensions are 293.3 mm (width) x 72 mm (height) x 112.6 mm (depth). Its weight is 0.5 kg (1 lb 2 oz).

The BlueNet™ 20 switch is designed to operate within a temperature range of -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F).

The BlueNet™ 20 switch has an IEC 60529 IPX7 waterproof rating. This means it can withstand accidental immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for a maximum of 30 minutes.

The maximum power consumption of the BlueNet™ 20 switch is 3.6 W. Typical current draw is 270 mA at 12 Vdc and 140 mA at 24 Vdc, with a maximum current of 330 mA.

To avoid interference, the BlueNet™ 20 switch must be installed at a minimum distance of 10 cm (4 inches) from your compass.

The BlueNet™ 20 switch is equipped with LED indicators to display its operating status:

Status LED:Green flashing: The device is operating normally.Orange flashing: The device's software is being updated.Red solid: The device is booting.Red flashing: There is an error with the device.Off: The device is powered off.Network LED:Green: A connected device is communicating at 10/100 Mbps. This LED flashes to indicate data transfer activity.Blue: A connected device is communicating at 1 000 Mbps (gigabit). This LED flashes to indicate data transfer activity.Off: No device is connected, the connected device is powered off, or the connected device or cable is faulty.

The BlueNet™ 20 switch is compatible only with Garmin BlueNet devices. It is designed to facilitate communication between these devices using Garmin BlueNet network technology.

No, the BlueNet™ 20 switch is not directly compatible with existing Garmin Marine Network devices (legacy). If your network includes both Garmin BlueNet and existing Garmin Marine Network devices, you must use a Garmin BlueNet 30 gateway (sold separately) to enable communication between them.

No, Garmin BlueNet network cables are not the same as NMEA 2000® cables and cannot be used interchangeably, even if they may have connectors that look similar.

Some Garmin BlueNet devices, such as chartplotters, may have multiple Garmin BlueNet ports. These ports can also function as a switch, allowing you to connect additional Garmin BlueNet devices to these chartplotters if ports are available, instead of installing multiple BlueNet™ 20 switches on the network.

When installing the BlueNet™ 20 switch, consider the following points:

The device must be installed in a location not exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions. It must be installed where it will not be submerged. Ensure the location provides adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup. Install the device at least 2.54 cm (1 inch) away from cables and other potential sources of interference. Allow sufficient space for routing and connecting all cables.

The BlueNet™ 20 switch must be connected to a 10–32 V DC power source using the included power cable. It is recommended to connect the red wire to the power source via the ignition switch or another manual switch to turn the device on and off. The black wire must be connected to the battery’s negative terminal (-) or to ground. A 2 A fuse is required, and the inline fuse holder must not be removed.

In most installation situations, the BlueNet™ 20 switch should not require additional chassis grounding. However, if you experience interference, you can use the grounding screw on the housing to connect the device to the boat’s water ground to help mitigate the interference.

Yes, you can install the BlueNet™ 20 switch on an optional mounting bracket that can also accommodate a Garmin BlueNet 30 gateway. This bracket allows for more efficient use of space on your boat by stacking the devices.

To make a custom-length Garmin BlueNet network cable using the field-installable adapter kit, you will need the following tools:

Bulk Garmin BlueNet network cable (sold separately, part number 010-12528-12)Wire cuttersEthernet stripping tool or utility knifeCrimping tool for RJ45 connectors15 mm wrench

To create a custom-length Garmin BlueNet network cable, you must purchase a field-installable adapter kit (sold separately) and bulk Garmin BlueNet network cable (part number 010-12528-12). The process involves cutting the cable to the correct length, stripping it, arranging the wires in a specific order (Side A and Side B), then crimping the RJ45 connectors and installing the waterproof housings and BlueNet adapters provided in the kit.

The standard limited warranty from Garmin applies to this accessory. For more information, please refer to Garmin’s warranty terms.

The BlueNet™ 20 switch is fitted with a power button primarily for troubleshooting purposes. The device powers on automatically as soon as it receives power. To power it off, it is recommended to connect it to a power source via the ignition or a manual switch.