NMEA 2K drop cable necessary?

[DanielI]

Normally a NMEA 2K device (in this case an MFD) has a port to plug in a drop cable, and the other end is plugged into a T-connector on the backbone. If the backbone is close enough to the device location is a drop cable actually necessary, or can one plug the T-connector directly into the device? Thanks.

[dougweibel]

I have never done it but if the connectors are correct and you won't be putting strain on the backbone cable I don't see why not.

[smac999]

It will work but the hard connection will be unsecured hanging behind the mfd and could break / fail down the road.

[PeterSailor]

The T will only fit at one specific angle that can be different from one manufacturer to another. The cable on the T can interfere with adjacent cables.