firstbase

Recently installed a Raymarine E90W and need to connect the DSC function on my ICom 604 VHF. I know I need to solder two wires from the E90W cable bundle to my VHF NMEA connection but which ones to which? I believe it should be the 2 NMEA Outs and 2 NMEA Ins from the 4800/9600 Baud Device on the E90W to the obvious same connections on the VHF? That simple? Can someone help me out and confirm or tell me what to connect/solder? Is soldering the proper way to do this or is their a connector I should buy to do it?

Pictures below show my equipment connections, E90W is on top in the boxes. VHF connector is the small picture below it. Thanks for any advice!

Team Ruby

On the output side of your E90, connect either the white and green or the orange/white and orange/green output wires to your Icom NMEA input wires. On the E90 input side use either the yellow and brown or the orange/yellow and orange/brown wire combination to the ICO NMEA output wires.

firstbase

Thanks thats what I figured but wanted to make sure. Is soldering the right way to do this? Having an open solder connection on the VHF just doesnt seem right with all the bouncing around it has to endure.

Team Ruby

I solder my connections, but there are a lot of people wo will tell you that's not the best option. Another method I have used only only once are the terminal blocks. Check a really recent post by bluewaterpirate, he's got some great pictures on the job he just did on his boat with these terminal blocks.

firstbase

Let me dip down to a new level of ignorance.....the wires going from the E90W to the pins in the connector on the VHF, what should I use to connect the wires to the pins? Is there a particular type of connector or do I solder directly to the pin?

Team Ruby

I have not seen an Icom 604 yet, from the manual it looks like it comes with some accessory connectors. Does your have these connectors?

NoFearEyes

Check out 3M Scotchloks --

http://www.shop3m.com/idc-connectors-and-tools.html

Gel Filled/ Moisture Resistant - Connector Type Butt Splice - Solid Wire Range 26-19 AWG - Max Insulation Dia 0.082 In - Number of Ports 3 - Application Telecommunications - Max Temp -40 to 285 F - Material of Construction Polypropylene

firstbase

No, I don't have any connectors that came with the unit. All I have is the unit which has the 6 pin male connector/socket in the rear. I'm wondering if I should buy a 6 pin cable with a connector and open up the insulation and get the wires out. Use a butt connector to couple with the wire coming from the E90W....not sure I can buy a 6 pin cable but I would guess so? Checked out the 3M Scotchloks but don't see how they would fit inside the connection on the VHF...

Team Ruby

NoFearEyes - I've looked at the online manual for his radio. It looks like there is no cable coming out of the back of the radio. It has a chassis mounted jack and comes with a plug without a pigtail to connect wires to, but this is just what I can glean from a black line art drawing.

Team Ruby

If you can get your hands on one I would say yes, it's your best option. Butt connectors will work, I still prefer soldering, but the method bluewaterpirate uses or NoFearEyes is suggesting will work too.

firstbase

Thanks guys. Sorry for all the stupid on my part!

fairbank56

The radio should have come with two connectors, a 6-pin and a 3-pin. You must install the cable yourself. You will probably have to get the connector from Icom. Here are some pic's of one that I installed. In lew of a proper connector, you could just use female pins that crimp/solder directly to wires. Place heat shrink over each pin leaving just the open end of the pins uncovered. Manually insert pins over male pins in the receptacle. The spring tension of the female pins is solid enough as long as you secure the wires/cable near the radio so there is no direct tension on the wires. I would not advise trying to solder wires directly to the male pins in the receptacle.

Eric