Cutting Garmin GA29 antenna cable

marco422 · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 1:07 am Post subject: Cutting Garmin GA29 antenna cable

The Garmin passive antenna for my GPSMAP 545s comes with a 30-foot cable. I'm the kind of person who doesn't like a bunch of cable coiled up in the cabin. Is it OK to cut it down to 8 feet and install a new BNC connector?

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 2:59 am Post subject:

Marco-

Thataway (Dr.Bob) may be able to answer this, but have you looked in the installation manual? It will probably cover this.

You can also call or write one of the company's Technical Representatives and ask them. Get the phone number or email address from the Owners or Installation Manual.

Having talked to the manufacturer's representative directly may give you some additional protection if a Warranty issue develops with the unit, especially if seems to have come about in relationship to cutting the cable.

Cutting co-axial cables and installing connectors is sometimes difficult, depending on the connecter and cable types.

Go slow and be sure before you do anything. You can always coil it up for now and then cut it later when you know it's OK to do it, and how to do it successfully.

Good Luck!

Joe. Teeth

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject:

It is not recomended because the accuracy of the unit is based on timing, and a shorter cable alters the timing slightly.

That being said, I have seen guys shorten cables and not have noticable side effects.

Bigger question- will it void the warranty?

AstoriaDave · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:29 pm Post subject:

I agree with Dave, it is because of the difficulty of putting a BMC connector on the cable. The extra cable will do no harm--i would just bundle it on the shelf or behind the console.

eNORMous · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:53 pm Post subject:

Agree on the delta in Satellite timing (interestingly they just had this on Discovery last week - Einstein, E=MC2, Satellites & GPS timing intervals). Agree - the average Joe is clueless on putting together a BMC connector. I thought about doing it (have done it in the past), but I like most probably figure, hey you know what - I just might want that extra cable some day if I move it. So, I just bundled her up and left well enough alone Mr. Green