NMEA-2000 DeviceNET Micro Starter Kits

Electrical and electronic topics for small boats
jimh
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NMEA-2000 DeviceNET Micro Starter Kits

Postby jimh » Mon Jan 11, 2016 10:40 am

When installing NMEA-2000 network backbone wiring using the recommended DeviceNET Micro standard connectors, the most economical way to acquire the wiring appliances is to purchase a bundle usually called a starter kit. There are several options for starter kits, which I review here briefly:

LOWRANCE STARTER KIT: MSRP $70; market price $62
--two terminators
--two T-connectors
--one power cable
--one 15-foot extension
--one 2-foot extension

SIMRAD STARTER KIT: MSRP $70; market price $58 ☆ ☆ ☆ BEST BUY
--two terminators
--three T-connectors
--one power cable
--one 15-foot extension
--one 2-foot extension

MARETRON STARTER KIT: MSRP $199; market price $167
--two terminators (both male)
--two T-connectors
--one power cable (with split branch power, and integral T-connector all female)
--one 32-foot extension
--two 6-foot extension

GARMIN STARTER KIT: MSRP $99; market price $88
--two terminators
--two T-connectors
--one power cable
--one 32-foot extension
--one 6-foot extension

For a retailer with good prices, see DEFENDER.COM

The Simrad starter kit bundle is the best value; it provides three network T-connectors. The long 32-foot extension cables in the Maretron and Garmin kits are not particularly useful in a small boat. An extension cable of 32-feet length is too long to be used as a drop cable, as it exceeds the maximum permitted length for a drop cable by more than 15-feet. For that reason, I do not recommend the Garmin or Maretron starter kit be purchased, unless for some reason a 32-foot network backbone extension cable is desired.