Specifications

Figure 4

Mini Powertap

Figure 5

Micro/Mid Powertap

1.7 NMEA 2000® Connectors

Connectors attach cables to devices or other components

of the NMEA 2000® cable system. This allows the network

to be completely “plug-and-play”. Connections can be

made with pre-molded cordsets or with field-attachable

connectors. The following diagram shows the pins found

within Mini connector and the Micro and Mid connector and

the corresponding wire colors for those pins.

2. Installing Terminators

Termination resistors are attached to each end of the trunk

cable to reduce reflections of the communication signals

on the network. If you do not use termination resistors as

described, the network will not operate properly. Termination

resistors are typically connected directly to the last tee on

the trunk line although they can be connected to a cordset

extending from the last tee on a trunk line. Inline terminators

are also available and they are used to terminate the network

at the last product.

3. Supplying Power

NMEA 2000® networks can use a power supply originating

from a single-point connection to the vessel’s 12 volt battery

or one or more isolated power supplies distributed along the

network, but not a combination of battery and power supply

connections. For the purpose of this installation guide, we will

focus on the power source being a single-point connection

to the vessel’s battery. Over current protection should be

provided and should be sized in accordance with ABYC E-11,

AC and DC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON BOATS, taking into

consideration the smallest gauge of cable being used for the

backbone or drop cables. The NET-S wire is connected to

the positive side of the battery while NET-C is connected to

the negative side of the battery.

3.1 Mini Power Connection

Power is supplied to a Mini trunk line via a Powertap that is

shown in Figure 4. Note that the Mini power cable does not

have a shield wire as this connection is made to the screw

terminal on the Powertap itself.

3.2 Mini Power Capability

Although Mini cable is rated to 8 amps, the cable system can

support a total load of more than 8 amps. For example, 16

amps of power could be supplied to the middle of the trunk

where 8 amps is supplied to both sides of the power tap. The