Cutting Garmin GA29 antenna cable

M

marco422

New member
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?
 
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 :thup
 
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?
 
Matt Gurnsey":fml5mcf0 said:
It is not recomended because the accuracy of the unit is based on timing, and a shorter cable alters the timing slightly.
Click to expand...
Not true. The unit's accuracy is based on the difference in timing between different satellites. Consequently, changing the length of the cable changes the timing equally for all the satellites. Go here for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Pos ... ept_of_GPS

I believe GPS manufacturers simply do not trust the average Joe or Jane to make a good BNC connection which will stand up to vibration, moisture, and the vagaries of a boating environment.
 
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.
 
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 :mrgreen:
 
Back
Top