Overview

The Garmin NMEA 2000 Multi-Port T-Connector is a backbone junction for adding device connections to an NMEA 2000 network, offered in versions with 1 port or 4 ports for instrument drop cables.

It uses NMEA 2000 micro connectors and stays compatible with other NMEA 2000 micro cables and devices, which makes it a straightforward fit when you are mixing sensors, displays, and gateways on the same network.

When several devices land in the same area, using a multi-port connector helps reduce the number of individual T-connectors in the backbone, which keeps the run cleaner and cuts down on extra joints that can get stressed by vibration and cable weight.

Key features

• Offered with 1-port or 4-port layouts to match how many NMEA 2000 device drops you need at one location
• Connects into the NMEA 2000 backbone and creates a dedicated connection point for each device drop cable
• NMEA 2000 micro connectors for compatibility with other NMEA 2000 micro cables and devices
• Multi-port option reduces the need to chain multiple tees when several devices are clustered at the helm or in an electronics bay
• Rigid connector body helps keep backbone junctions from becoming a stack of connectors that can be tugged and twisted over time

Variants

This connector is offered in multiple configurations based on the number of device ports.

The main difference between versions is how many drop connections you can land at the same spot on the backbone, which affects how you lay out devices around the helm, console, or equipment rack.

• 010-11078-01: Number of ports 4 Ports. Useful when several NMEA 2000 devices are installed close together and you want fewer separate tees along the backbone.
• 010-11078-00: Number of ports 1 Port. A standard single-drop tee for adding one device to the backbone, with the body offset by 45 degrees compared to an earlier version.

Installation and setup

Install the connector as part of the network backbone, then connect each device using a drop cable to an available port. On a typical NMEA 2000 network, the backbone is powered through a dedicated power connection and the backbone ends are terminated with one male and one female terminator.

On boats that see a lot of vibration, take a minute to support nearby cables so the connector is not carrying the weight of long runs. Keep connections where they will stay out of standing water, and re-check the threaded collars after sea trials if the wiring looms were tightened down after initial power-up.

Compatibility and fit

This is for NMEA 2000 networks that use micro connectors. Before ordering, confirm your existing backbone and drop cables use the same connector style and that you have enough physical clearance for the connector body and cable bend radius in the mounting area.

This is a good match for helm upgrades and refits where new displays, sensors, or engine gateways are being added, especially when several devices need to tie into the network from the same panel or electronics locker.