Networking question with the cradles.

[aero320]

I have an Echomap Ultra 106sv and LVS32 with black box. I have a cradle installed at the helm. The black box is connected to the cradle through the network cable and adaptor. Works fine. There are times when I want to use the Livescope from the front of the boat. The transducer cable is plenty long and I have Fishing Specialties mounts on front and rear of boat. I have another cradle at the front position. If I connect a network cable from the helm cradle to the front cradle and move the Ultra unit to the front, will it work with Livescope? I guess the real question is, will the network connection through the helm cradle work even if the Ultra is not installed in the cradle?

[LWINCHESTER2]

No. The cradle does not perform hub functions.

[aero320]

No. The cradle does not perform hub functions.

Thanks. Another question, I have a Raymarine network cable (Raynet) running from the helm to the front of the boat. Is it possible to use that cable on a Garmin network?

[LWINCHESTER2]

Probably not. Good chance, even if the pins lined up that the pin assignments would be different---on purpose.

[aero320]

Probably not. Good chance, even if the pins lined up that the pin assignments would be different---on purpose.

Thanks again. I currently have a RM 12" and 9" Axioms surface mounted at the helm as well as an Echomap Ultra 106sv in a cradle on top of the helm. At one time, I had a 7" Axiom at the front. Everything was networked through a hub. I no longer use the Axiom up front and want the ability to have an Ultra cradle at both the helm position and front position so a network will be required. I can simplify the RM installation and eliminate the RM network hub. This frees up space for a Garmin hub. If my recollection is good, pulling the previous network wire was a pain in the butt so I would like to not repeat the process (although I have another path to get the wire up front if absolutely necessary).

[LWINCHESTER2]

Before buying a Garmin network cable be sure to look at the size of the ends. It may be a problem for you. Some people just run an non terminated ethernet cable, then buy the kits to put the garmin connectors on. That's also a possibility with your raymarine cable. You could cut the Raymarine connectors off and put Garmin connectors on. Before cutting it you need the color code Raymarine uses. Hopefully it conforms to ethernet standards. If so then the connector kits may be the way for you to go. You might find someone who would loan you an RJ45 crimping tool. Download the instructions and see if this is something you would be comfortable trying.

[aero320]

Before buying a Garmin network cable be sure to look at the size of the ends. It may be a problem for you. Some people just run an non terminated ethernet cable, then buy the kits to put the garmin connectors on. That's also a possibility with your raymarine cable. You could cut the Raymarine connectors off and put Garmin connectors on. Before cutting it you need the color code Raymarine uses. Hopefully it conforms to ethernet standards. If so then the connector kits may be the way for you to go. You might find someone who would loan you an RJ45 crimping tool. Download the instructions and see if this is something you would be comfortable trying.

Great idea, thanks!

[aero320]

Before buying a Garmin network cable be sure to look at the size of the ends. It may be a problem for you. Some people just run an non terminated ethernet cable, then buy the kits to put the garmin connectors on. That's also a possibility with your raymarine cable. You could cut the Raymarine connectors off and put Garmin connectors on. Before cutting it you need the color code Raymarine uses. Hopefully it conforms to ethernet standards. If so then the connector kits may be the way for you to go. You might find someone who would loan you an RJ45 crimping tool. Download the instructions and see if this is something you would be comfortable trying.

Great idea, thanks!

[aero320]

The network connector on the black box is not RJ45.

[LWINCHESTER2]

Right. My suggestion was incomplete. My apologies.
Have you already purchased the GLS10/LVS32? Unless they've changed how they package the system it comes with a 2 meter network cable with the small round connector both ends and then an adapter cable with small round on one end and RJ45 male on the other. I've not seen a kit for the small round connector which could mean having to purchase a longer cable with the small round connector on both ends. Available as 2,6,12 and 15 meters. If those connectors are too large, there is still a solution, just not a cheap one. Garmin sells a coupler that is female RJ45 on both ends for $40. How far do you need to run it? Depending on the length, it's [1] one length of cable with small round connectors on each end and RJ45 adapter or [2] run an ethernet cable without connectors, put on the RJ45 connectors, then the coupler and then the adapter that comes with the system.
So now I'm sure this is clear as mud.