Garmin NMEA 2000 Starter Kit

Features

NMEA 2000 Starter Kit: Garmin's NMEA 2000 starter kit has everything you need to build a basic NMEA 2000 network on your boat. The kit includes a 6.5' NMEA 2000 drop cable, a 32.8' backbone cable, a 6.5' power cable, and two T-connectors; plus male and female terminator connectors.

• Backbone Cable: In conjunction with T-connectors, the backbone cables create the main communication path of the NMEA 2000 network. A backbone cable extends the NMEA 2000 backbone to connect NMEA 2000 devices located in different locations on your boat.
• Drop Cable: Cable connecting a NMEA 2000 device to the NMEA 2000 backbone.
• T-Connector: 3-way connector with one male and two female micro connectors. A T-connector is used to connect a NMEA 2000 device to the NMEA 2000 backbone.
• Terminator: 120-ohm resistor located at end of the NMEA 2000 backbone. Proprer termination helps ensure signal integrity across the entire length of the backbone.
• Inline Terminator: Male or female connector which allows direct connection to the device at the end of the NMEA 2000 backbone. The inline terminator simplifies installation by not requiring a T-connector, terminator, and drop cable for the device a the end of the backbone.

Building a NMEA 2000 Network: A NMEA 2000 network is made of connected NMEA2000 compatible devices that communicate using basic plug-and-play functionality. The main communication channel of a NMEA2000 network is a backbone to which your NMEA 2000 devices connect. Each NMEA2000 device connects to the backbone with a T-connector. The NMEA2000 backbone must be connected to power, and terminators  must be installed at both ends of the network to function correctly. When you design a NMEA2000 network, start by creating a diagram of the network.

• Include all of the devices you intend to connect to your network.
• Note the approximate location of the backbone and devices on your boat.
• Measure the distances between devices and the backbone, as well as the overall length of the backbone.
• Note the power consumption of each device (Load Equivalency Number).

Power Connection & Distribution: A NMEA 2000 network must be connected to a 12 Vdc power supply. Do not connect a NMEA 2000 network to any other voltage source, such as a 24 Vdc power supply. Use a NMEA 2000 power cable to connect the NMEA 2000 backbone to the auxiliary power switch on your boat. If you do not have an auxiliary power switch, or if connecting to the auxiliary switch causes electrical interference, connect the NMEA 2000 power cable directly to the battery and install an in-line switch. Be sure to ground the NMEA 2000 power cable by connecting the bare shield-drain wire to the same location as the ground (black) wire.

Note: If you connect the NMEA 2000 network to your boats' battery without an line-line switch, it may drain your battery.