Wire Size

T

Tug

New member
I'm in the process of connecting my GPS to my VHF radio distress function. The attachment ( plug-in ) wire is too short to reach my GPS, these wires are real small in diameter and wonder what type of wire i should use to connect the two units. Thanks Tug
 
I take it from the lack of response to my question that i can use any wire approximately the same size to connect the VHF DSC connector ( wires ) to the GPS's corresponding wires. Tug
 
I'm guessing 20-22 gauge copper stranded tin coated to avert corrosion. I would ask the manufacturer if they want the wire to be shielded in foil as it is data. Maybe the vendor of the units could front you a piece of the wire that they recommend. Buying 10' pieces of speciality wire can be hard to do.
D.D.
 
I never thought about doing that, i will e-mail the manufacturer and ask them just that. Thanks for the suggestion. Tug
 
Tug, if you have a local marine electronics service, go in and ask some questions. I have had good luck with my local shop, but I also buy my gear from them. My guess is that same size or one size larger would be just fine, but the point about shielding is worth looking into.
 
I e-mailed Garmin today but ended up calling them also later. They recommended that i use 22 Gauge AWG wire, i asked if shielding was required and he said that this wire would be good. I will wait for the e-mail from Garmin before i buy any wire just to be on the safe side. Thanks Tug
 
Home Depot sells security cable buy the foot 4 conductor 24 gauge shielded. I have seen it tinned and untinned. Electrical supply house like Graybar and mining supplies will carry communication cable that will work. Look for a supply house that carries Beldon cable they make just about everything for communication cable. You can also take a old computer serial cable for a modem and cut the ends off (keep it out of the sun) the wire in that will be smaller than 24 gauge but will work just fine for what you are doing.
 
For serial type communications, I use CAT 5E cable and splice it using telco type crimp splices that are sealed with silicone. I strip individual twisted pair out of the cable. I don't think shielding is a particular issue with systems in our boats. The only exception would be someone operating a marine HF or shortwave transmitter.
 
I recieved an e-mail from Garman support:

Dear Remi J Laurin,


Thank you for contacting Garmin International.


I am pleased to assist you. The NMEA wires in the GPSMAP 172C wiring harness are 22 gauge stranded wire. The wires will not need to be shielded.


Tug
 
Tug,
I believe you can get short pieces/rolls of 22G shielded pair audio cable.

I have used BELDON 8451 successfully for extended (>100') signal & audio runs.

I use the shield as a common(ground) wire and one of the other wires for the data send and the second for the data receive.... just don't cross connect the wires.

There are several discussions about NMEA data standards. The color of the wires are not as inportant as to where they hookup. A simple crimp connector (prefer WX proof type) should/does work fine.

ART
 
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