Overview

The Simrad SIMKIT-1 is a SimNet starter kit for building a basic SimNet network on a boat. It gives you a 7-way SimNet multi-joiner, a 5 m (16 ft) SimNet cable, a SimNet termination plug, and a 2 m (6.6 ft) SimNet power cable with terminator.

This kit is used when you need the wiring, power feed, and end termination to get a small network up and running behind the helm, inside a console, or near an autopilot computer and sensors. Once powered and terminated, connected SimNet devices can share data across the network, such as heading, depth, wind, GPS data, and instrument information, depending on what is installed.

SimNet uses compact SimNet connectors. If you need to tie a SimNet section into a standard NMEA 2000 Micro-C backbone, an adapter cable is required and is not included in this kit.

Key features

• Starter set of core parts to power and terminate a SimNet network and begin connecting devices
• 7-way SimNet multi-joiner groups multiple SimNet connections at one hub point
• Includes two network terminations: one built into the power cable and one separate termination plug
• 5 m (16 ft) SimNet cable helps reach from the joiner to a display, sensor, or another join point
• 2 m (6.6 ft) SimNet power cable brings network power in where you place the joiner, keeping the backbone tidy
• Adapter cables can bridge SimNet connectors to a standard NMEA 2000 Micro-C network when needed

What’s included

• SimNet cable, 5 m (16 ft)
• SimNet 7-prong multi-joiner (7-way joiner)
• SimNet termination plug
• SimNet power cable with terminator, 2 m (6.6 ft)

Installation and setup

Plan where the joiner will live first, usually behind the helm or near the electronics distribution point, then route the SimNet cable runs with gentle bends and strain relief. The network needs end termination at both ends, which is covered here by the power cable terminator and the separate termination plug.

Connect the power cable to your DC system using appropriate circuit protection and clean power. After the network is powered and terminated, plug devices into the joiner and verify the network sees each device in the system menus.

Compatibility and fit

This kit is for equipment that uses SimNet connectors. For boats that already have a NMEA 2000 Micro-C backbone, you can integrate SimNet sections with the correct SimNet-to-Micro-C adapter cable, then keep termination and power rules consistent across the combined network.

Use cases on board

A good match for refits or additions where you are bringing older or SimNet-connected Simrad components into a shared data network, or when you want a clean hub point for multiple drops behind the dash. It is also useful when troubleshooting a network and you want known-good power and termination parts on hand.