Expanding my NMEA network

[HanSoloBerger]

I'm hoping to connect 3 or 4 additional devices and want to keep the layout tidy and accessible. I'm planning to expand my NMEA2000 network on a 2017 Hanse 388 and need some guidance on the best approach. While checking the setup behind the nav station I noticed a few existing Simnet connections but most ports are already in use and space is tight. I havent yet located the terminators which makes planning a bit tricky. Has anyone added a new hub or T connectors in this area and found a clean way to manage it all? Any experiences?

 

[MagentaFlash]

yeah, it's doable. Add a nmea2000 backbone using a multi port t connector somewhere near the nav station. You may need to replace the simnet connectors with adapters. Make sure you find a good place to mount it and tidy things up so it doesn't look like a bowl of spaghetti

 

[Zoro Warrior]

Why not build out from one of the existing Simnet ports with an adapter and add a backbone extension, are you trying to avoid disturbing the factory wiring or just limited on physical space?

 

[WondaHero]

I expanded the NMEA2000 network on my 2016 Bavaria 37, and ran into something similar, the tight space behind the nav station and already-used Simnet ports. I ended up installing a new T-connector string under the chart table using adhesive-backed mounts and zip ties to keep things tidy. I couldn't find the terminators at first either, they were tucked behind a panel near the DC bus. Once I located those, everything made more sense. Adding a small 4-port hub helped keep the layout organized and let me avoid overloading the daisy chain.

 

[grtl1987]

I'm hoping to connect 3 or 4 additional devices and want to keep the layout tidy and accessible. I'm planning to expand my NMEA2000 network on a 2017 Hanse 388 and need some guidance on the best approach. While checking the setup behind the nav station I noticed a few existing Simnet connections but most ports are already in use and space is tight. I havent yet located the terminators which makes planning a bit tricky. Has anyone added a new hub or T connectors in this area and found a clean way to manage it all? Any experiences?

I think a simple and effective solution is to add a new NMEA2000 T-connector to an open spot on the backbone. You'll likely find the existing backbone cable running a loop behind the nav station or somewhere accessible. If you can't find an open T-connector, you can just add a new one by splitting the backbone cable at a convenient point. This will give you a new drop port for your expansion. As for the terminators, they are usually at each end of the backbone, so you'll want to find the farthest points of the network. On a 388, one is likely near the helm and the other might be at the mast base or another major electronics location. Once you locate them, you'll have a better idea of the network's total length and can plan your expansion without exceeding the length limits.

 

[WindwardMark]

You got it! Using a T-connector for a proper drop port is smart. Make sure you put terminators at each end of the backbone to keep the network humming. Just keep the whole backbone under 100 meters so you don't run into signal trouble.