Overview

The Raymarine A80731 is an RNS-5 5-port Gigabit RayNet network switch for expanding a Raymarine Ethernet network on board. It gives a helm or electronics locker five waterproof RayNet connection ports, supports 12 V or 24 V DC systems with a 10.8 V to 31.2 V DC operating range, and carries IPX6 and IPX7 water ingress ratings for marine installations exposed to spray and washdown.

Use it when the network has outgrown the ports available on an Axiom display or existing RayNet hub. It can link chartplotters with compatible radar scanners, sonar modules, IP cameras, Teledyne FLIR thermal cameras, Raymarine YachtSense digital control systems, and the YachtSense Link marine mobile router.

The switch is unmanaged, so there is no software configuration. Connect the RayNet and power cables, check the LED status indicators, and the network can pass data between compatible devices.

Key features

• Five waterproof RayNet Ethernet ports for expanding Raymarine high-speed network layouts.
• Gigabit Ethernet support for data-heavy devices such as radar, sonar modules, and compatible cameras.
• 12 V and 24 V DC operation with a 10.8 V to 31.2 V DC input range.
• IPX6 and IPX7 water ingress ratings for locations exposed to spray, washdown, and damp lockers.
• Unmanaged plug-in operation with no network setup in normal Raymarine installations.
• LED indicators show power and network port status during setup and troubleshooting.
• Bulkhead mounting format with a 286 mm x 72.6 mm x 55.5 mm body and 0.36 kg weight.

Compatibility and fit

The RNS-5 is for RayNet Ethernet cabling. Equipment with RayNet connectors connects with RayNet cables, while devices using RJ45 or legacy SeaTalk HS Ethernet need the appropriate RayNet adapter cable. Those adapter and network cables are separate from the switch package, so cable planning matters before mounting the unit.

For larger systems, two RNS-5 switches can be daisy-chained. This helps when an electronics refit adds another display, radar, camera, or router and the existing RayNet network no longer has enough ports.

Installation and setup

The housing is made for bulkhead mounting, with keyhole slots that let the unit sit onto the supplied fixing screws before they are tightened. Leave room around the RayNet ports for connector clearance and cable bend radius, especially inside a console, helm pod, or electronics locker.

Unused RayNet ports should keep their protective caps in place until a cable is fitted. This helps keep the port faces clean during staged installs or future network expansion.

Electrical and environmental details

Power comes from a 12 V or 24 V DC supply through the supplied 1.5 m power cable. The product is rated for 3 W maximum power consumption at 12 V, with nominal current less than 600 mA at 12 V.

Use a waterproof inline fuse holder on the positive feed. The listed inline fuse ratings are 2 A for 12 V systems and 1 A for 24 V systems, while thermal breaker ratings are 3 A for 12 V systems and 2 A for 24 V systems.

The operating temperature range is -25 °C to +55 °C, with storage from -25 °C to +70 °C and non-operating exposure from -30 °C to +70 °C. The unit is rated for relative humidity up to 93% at 40 °C, which suits the warm, damp conditions found behind many helm stations and in enclosed electronics spaces.

What's included

• RNS-5 network switch
• Documentation
• Fixing screws, M4, 8.94 x 25 mm
• Power cable, 1.5 m (4.9 ft)