Connecting nmea 0183 wires

[boristhebold]

What is best to use, i am wiring up a vhf, plotter, ais splitter and ais reciever, the wires on the data side are all very small, what is the best method of connecting the wires, solder and heat shrink, butt connectors and crimping or terminal blocks or other. Want to do anproper neat job.

[bcervelo]

Actisense do a connection box which i think can be used on NMEA 0183 network connections.
Overview

[mitchc]

Just done he same job: prove it out with connector blocks then once it all works solder and adhesive lined heat shrink.

[boristhebold]

Originally Posted by bcervelo

Actisense do a connection box which i think can be used on NMEA 0183 network connections.
Overview

Your a star ! Just looked at the website and they do exactly what im after and they are based about 7 miles away. A great result. Thanks

[Pikey Dave]

Actisense is good quality kit. I have one of their NMEA multiplexers

[MikeCC]

Originally Posted by bcervelo

Actisense do a connection box which i think can be used on NMEA 0183 network connections.
Overview

Errr . . .that's for NMEA 2000 connections. You don't need a fancy box for NMEA 0183.

One way to do it is crimp ferrules on the end of the small wires. Connect with a terminal block that has wire protector/leafs (ie a small plate under the screw that covers the whole gap). Put the whole lot in a waterproof box. This sort of thing - cheaper/more expensive types available. You need a proper crimp tool for the ferrules.

Wouldn't recommend solder connections - prone to failure unless you have good technique. Crimp and heatshrink by all means though. Label everything.

[Oscarguitar]

Mark,

Did you find a solution? I have just replaced my VHF and would like to tidy up the mess under the console as well. (Tho it does all work so maybe I should leave it!)

[bcervelo]

Originally Posted by bcervelo

Actisense do a connection box which i think can be used on NMEA 0183 network connections.
Overview

I am sure if you read the manual it will do both.

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by bcervelo

I am sure if you read the manual it will do both.

NMEA 2000 has a plug on the end of every cable and there are never any bare wires, NMEA 0183 are just the opposite. I would recommend crimp connectors with the glue lined heatshrink built in, if it's going to get wet you could heatshrink over the whole thing to support it all.