NMEA Connection Instructions

NMEA 2000 is an industry standard for electronic communication among devices on boats. The National Marine Electronics Association developed this standard to provide a universal method of connecting devices from different manufacturers. NMEA 2000 certified devices -- such as GPS antennas, fuel-flow meters, sonar receivers and temperature sensors -- can share information among them. The devices are connected on a single cable bus with terminators on each end. Devices are connected to the main bus backbone by means of easily attached T-connectors.

Things You'll Need

  • NMEA connector cables
  • 2 NMEA terminators
  • Dielectric grease
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place T-connectors at locations where devices will be connected. The backbone cables must be attached to the ends, and the device to the perpendicular connection. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the pins of the connectors, to prevent corrosion. Twist the locks on the connectors, to fully secure them.

    • 2

      Connect extension cables between T-connectors, if necessary. The layout of devices on the boat will dictate the need for extension cables.

    • 3

      Place a terminator on the connector at each end of the cable bus. The bus must be terminated at each end for the network to function. Apply dielectric grease to the pins before connecting the terminators.

    • 4

      Connect devices to the T-connectors. Extension cables can be used, if necessary.

    • 5

      Place a cap on any T-connector not connected to a device. Caps look similar to terminators, but are stamped "CAP" to readily differentiate them from terminators.

    • 6

      Connect a 12-volt power source to the network bus, if required. Consult the documentation for the specific devices being attached to the network, to determine the power needs.