How to access chart plotter and reconnect cable?

[Cool Hand Luke]

I looked at the bottom of my chart plotter and there is a cable that is not connected. I’m assuming it’s the NMEA 2000 cable or some sort of variant. I’m assuming this is the culprit why my Raymarine wind display doesn’t show wind direction.

Any thoughts on the screwdriver to use? And how to get a new termination for the cable? I’m a beginner when it comes to marine electronics.

Thanks for any help!!

[skipmac]

The screw in the picture is a Torx Security bit (security is the hole in the middle to prevent the average Torx bit from fitting).

I don't see where you would plug in the cable. Not familiar with the Raymarine but none of the instruments I have require you to open the case to connect them. For waterproof marine instruments opening the case may not be a good idea, hence the security bit required.

I'm guessing you need to connect that somewhere more accessible. If it is the Raymarine version of NMEA 2000 (SeatalkNG) then you connect it to the NMEA network backbone.

[skipmac]

Looked closer and I guess the plotter is mounted inside a pod so the screws open the pod and not the case on the plotter itself. If that is the case then go ahead and open it up. There's probably a connection on the back of the plotter for that plug.

[Cool Hand Luke]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Looked closer and I guess the plotter is mounted inside a pod so the screws open the pod and not the case on the plotter itself. If that is the case then go ahead and open it up. There's probably a connection on the back of the plotter for that plug.

Yes, that's what I thought!! Thank you!!

I haven't opened the pod yet and I think that opening the pod would give me access to the back of the Raymarine. I definitely wouldn't open the actual Raymarine.

[skipmac]

You mention a new "termination" for the cable. Are you asking about replacing the connector on the end, the one in your hand in the third photo? FYI the Raymarine units I'm familiar with use proprietary cables so you would need to contact Raymarine for any replacements.

Raymarine does have an online forum that is pretty good. Raymarine forum

I went there to get help interfacing my old Seatalk instruments to my new NMEA2000 network and got the exact info I needed. Like this forum, most common questions have been asked and answered before so a search of the forum might give you the info you need about cables and connectors.

[KeelMe]

That plug has the SeaTalk NG pin configuration but doesn't look right to me. Do you have a picture of the side of the plug?

[captmikem]

the torx security bit can be found at Harbour Freight. you can buy a set of every bit imaginable for about 9 bucks.

[Brewgyver]

The Navpods ship with a pinned Torx screwdriver, has a blue handle IIRC.
Is this boat new to you? I’m wondering why the cable was omitted.

[ZULU40]

Ive the same C90w, but its on the boat not here

my Sea Talk cable seems to have the same pinout
but its black with a white stripe, yours looks well worn

Looking from the rear its the far left plug, or Stb side

you do see new cables around even on ebay, $40-$70
seems like you need one

[a64pilot]

I hate those security screws, makes you wonder why?
Anyway I have found that I can open them with a small regular flat tip, just shove it beside of the pin, and unless the screw is stupid tight you can get it out and not damage the screw.
Then unless they are special capture screws or something I have a tendency to replace them with a regular screw.

[Cool Hand Luke]

Thank you for all the help and input, guys. I'll take a picture of the side of the plug and I ordered the Torx screwdriver so it'll be here in a day or two. Once I'm inside the pod, I'll post another photo. Sucks about the wind direction and speed... that's what's most important to me.

[boeing1]

I got a set of torx bits at napa auto parts,

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by boeing1

I got a set of torx bits at napa auto parts,

Look at the picture, these are those “tamper proof” screws with the pin in the middle, lord knows why.
My Chevy 3500 Duramax had those screws in the mass air flow sensor, again, why? I guess to jack me off ?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I hate those security screws, makes you wonder why?
Anyway I have found that I can open them with a small regular flat tip, just shove it beside of the pin, and unless the screw is stupid tight you can get it out and not damage the screw.
Then unless they are special capture screws or something I have a tendency to replace them with a regular screw.

Yes, these "security" screws are a pain. Since you can buy the bit just about anywhere I don't see what's so secure about them.

[Brewgyver]

Now that I can see the pics, it's obvious why the Seatalk ng wasn't connected - it's shot.

You'll definitely need a new Seatalk ng cable. If you're not familiar, you need a SPUR cable, to connect the C90w to your Seatalk ng backbone.

Raymarine has a good overview page here.
As mentioned above, the various bits are readily available on eBay, Amazon, Walmart, you name it.