NMEA 2000 backbone/tap cable (4 m)

This cable is an essential component for extending and structuring NMEA 2000 networks aboard your boat. It adheres to the NMEA 2000 plug-and-play communication standard, which is the successor to the NMEA 0183 serial data bus. It can be used interchangeably as a backbone cable or as a drop cable to connect compatible devices.

This cable is 4 meters (about 13 feet) long.

Yes, a NMEA 2000 cable up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length can be used as either a backbone cable or a drop cable. This 4-meter cable is therefore versatile for both functions.

This cable uses NMEA 2000 micro-connectors, ensuring standardized and reliable interconnection with other NMEA 2000-compatible cables and devices.

This cable is compatible with a wide range of Garmin NMEA 2000 certified devices, including AIS™ 300/600 Blackbox transceivers, GHP™ 12 and GHP™ 20 autopilot systems, GMI™ 10/20 marine instruments, GPS 19x NMEA 2000 GPSMAP® units, and VHF 200/300 marine radios.

NMEA 2000 is a plug-and-play communication standard used to connect marine sensors and display devices aboard vessels. It is considered the successor to the NMEA 0183 serial data bus standard. It ensures stable data communication and broad compatibility between certified devices.

This cable can be used to extend the main backbone of the network by connecting it to the sides of two T-connectors, or to connect a device to the main backbone by plugging it into the top of a T-connector. It is crucial to maintain a linear backbone structure for the proper operation of the network.

Yes, to connect devices to the NMEA 2000 network or to extend the backbone, you will need T-connectors. The drop cables (such as this 4m cable if used as such) connect to the top of a T-connector, and the backbone cables (also this 4m cable) connect to the sides of the T-connectors.

A backbone cable is used to extend the main NMEA 2000 communication line, connecting the sides of the T-connectors. A drop cable connects a NMEA 2000 device to the top of a T-connector on the backbone. This 4-meter cable is short enough to serve in both roles.

Yes, NMEA 2000 drop cables are limited to a maximum length of 6 meters (20 feet). This 4-meter cable complies with this limit and can be used as a drop cable.

The maximum length of a single NMEA 2000 backbone cable is 100 meters (328 feet). This 4-meter cable can therefore be used as a backbone cable.

A proper termination is essential for signal integrity. You must install a terminator (120 ohm resistor) at each end of the NMEA 2000 backbone. Terminators connect to the side of the last T-connector at each end of the backbone.

No, this cable is designed for the NMEA 2000 standard, which is the successor to NMEA 0183. It is not directly compatible with NMEA 0183 devices without an NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 converter.

No, this cable is a backbone/drop cable. Power connection to the NMEA 2000 network must be made via a dedicated NMEA 2000 power cable, which connects to the top of a T-connector.

Garmin offers field-installable connectors (part numbers 010-11094-00 male and 010-11095-00 female) that can be used to shorten any Garmin NMEA 2000 backbone or drop cable to achieve a custom length. However, this requires technical skills and it is often preferable to use a cable of the correct length from the start.

When designing an NMEA 2000 network, it is recommended to start with a detailed diagram including all devices to be connected, their approximate locations, distances between devices and the backbone, as well as the total backbone length. You must then apply the principles of linear backbone construction, power connection, and proper termination.

No, every NMEA 2000 device must be connected to the backbone via a T-connector. The drop cable (this 4m cable, if used as such) plugs into the top of the T-connector, and the device connects to the other end of the drop cable.

The NMEA 2000 network must be powered by a 12 V DC power source. NMEA 2000 devices must operate between 9 and 16 Vdc, with a nominal voltage of 12 Vdc.

NMEA 2000 cables are designed to be flexible to facilitate installation in marine environments, while remaining robust to ensure a reliable and durable connection.

The backbone is the main communication path of the NMEA 2000 network. The backbone cables, like this 4-meter model when used for this purpose, extend the main backbone to connect NMEA 2000 devices located in different parts of the boat by linking the sides of the T-connectors.