Re-Running Wires / Cables ?

[BruceC]

Hi All

I am doing a major internal refit, leaking gunnal bolts and chain plates.

As I have had to remove all the lockers I can easily re run the wiring, I think I read somewhere that eletic wires and transponder cables should not run together.

My question is can transponder cables run with coax?

Also should I keep the coax away from external VHF speacker wire?
how far?

Thanks

Bruce

[Fishman_Tx]

Dang, guess no one wanted to play with this one..
AC wiring and RF(analog) don't do well together but DC wiring is ok. You may want to consider data and RF separation but I'm not sure of the effect if any. Digital signals not affected by much of anything. If it was me, I would if I could afford it. It's always nice to be able to have extra outlets data hookups, lighting, etc. Especially if your wiring is a cobbled up mess with lots of wire nuts and such.

If you gone that far, go one step more....

[BruceC]

Hi Fish

Thanks, I asked a mate of mine who works at a boat yard the same question a week ago and he told me this last evening when we were playing cards the same you.

The thing about a refit is, I well do that well its stripped out and I well do that now I can and so on and so on! Its like starting from the begining.

All the best

Bruce

[GordMay]

Transducer cables (and other very low energy sources of RF noise) can generally be run in close proximity to AC & DC cables (even bundled); but I prefer a slight (as little as 2") separation.
Radio antennae co-axe cables can generally be run as near as 12" to others.
Try to keep all electrical cables at least 3 feet from magnetic compass’ (except binacle light power).

I always separate cables as much as possible, when the opportunity presents itself.

[James S]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Transducer cables (and other very low energy sources of RF noise) can generally be run in close proximity to AC & DC cables (even bundled); but I prefer a slight (as little as 2") separation.
Radio antennae co-axe cables can generally be run as near as 12" to others.
Try to keep all electrical cables at least 3 feet from magnetic compass’ (except binacle light power).

I always separate cables as much as possible, when the opportunity presents itself.

I'll be relocating my new fluxgate under my sole and about 8 inches behind tha mast.....the mast lights and wind instrument wiring enter the mast very near to there....is that going to be a problem since its way less than 3 ft.

[David M]

Originally Posted by Fishman_Tx

Dang, guess no one wanted to play with this one..
AC wiring and RF(analog) don't do well together but DC wiring is ok. You may want to consider data and RF separation but I'm not sure of the effect if any. Digital signals not affected by much of anything. If it was me, I would if I could afford it. It's always nice to be able to have extra outlets data hookups, lighting, etc. Especially if your wiring is a cobbled up mess with lots of wire nuts and such.

If you gone that far, go one step more....

(Ears perking up)...wire nuts? Never on boat wiring.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by James S

I'll be relocating my new fluxgate under my sole and about 8 inches behind tha mast.....the mast lights and wind instrument wiring enter the mast very near to there....is that going to be a problem since its way less than 3 ft.

And try various locations, power on, and power off. Yes, you can compensate for fixed deserbances, but power distrubances are tough.

Never having had a keel boat, what is the effect of have a compass near a big lump of metal? Yes, lead is non-magnetic, but that does not mean there is no influence. Or is the keel iron? Ask someone who knows.

Also, what is the probablity of losing the compass if it goes under water due to moderate flooding? I am assuming you also havea conventional compass and that this one is for the autopilot.

I have mounted them in a bow sail locker twice, and area that was relativly free of wiring and metal (the chain was in the other bow).

[James S]

Thanks Thinwater.....all mess with it before final installation.
I have deep bilges...at least 3ft at the mast, so water shouldn’t be a problem...

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by James S

I'll be relocating my new fluxgate under my sole and about 8 inches behind tha mast.....the mast lights and wind instrument wiring enter the mast very near to there....is that going to be a problem since its way less than 3 ft.

A fluxgte compass is a very sensitive instrument, and may be affectred by nearby metals & conductors.
Consult your manual for specific separations.

[James S]

For sure I'll read what ever comes with it.......Its in the mail....thanks.

[GordMay]

For instance, Raymarine's quick guide indicates 3'-2" (1m).
➥ RAYMARINE

[Wotname]

For the record, the fluxgate will NOT be affected by non-ferrous (actually non-magnetic) metals UNLESS the metal is carrying an electrical current flow.

[James S]

Thanks Gord.
If I understand the pictures correctly they show that it is OK to be installed on the mast but not OK to be with in 1 meter of elect. wires.
Seems most masts have wires inside them.
This is the thing that drives me crazy about instructions....HELLO Raymarine!

[gonesail]

Originally Posted by James S

I'll be relocating my new fluxgate under my sole and about 8 inches behind tha mast

watch out for the keel .. if it is lead then it probably has other metal in it that can and will throw the compass off.

[GordMay]

I don’t recall ever seeing a fluxgate mounted 3 feet away from all wiring.
I wouldn’t worry too much about DC lighting feeds, but a wind instrument or radio antennae cable might be problematic.