First let me give the example of my N2K network. Because it is a relatively small network I chose to standardize on the "micro" DeviceNet connectors and cable; the same micro connectors can be used with "mid" cabling for longer runs. Large systems with many devices require heavier cabling which uses the "mini" size connectors and cable, and handles double the current. Unless you have a large powerboat with extensive electronics the micro size will be fine - it supports up to 4A @12VDC power (or 8A by using a tap in the middle with 4A out in each direction). My entire cabling is done with waterproof connectors, and most devices are waterproof as well. I personally would not consider using the FI5002 because it is not waterproof and it is not plug-and-play but requires attaching individual wires for each cable.
The power tap (Maretron Micro/Mid Powertap Tee) has two female micro connectors, and can be considered to be the middle of the backbone. DeviceNet uses cables with a male connector on one end and a female on the other, and thus everything is chained out from the central power tap. Most descriptions show the use of tees at every point in the backbone where a device is connected; there are times where this is appropriate but for most applications this is not the way to go because there is usually a need to attach several devices in any one place (e.g. near the instrument panel). So far I have not used any tees, and do not see that it will be necessary. Instead I have used 3 Maretron Multi-port Boxes, each with a single male and 4 female connectors.
I have one MultiPort Box under the bridge deck. It has one terminating resistor with a male connector plugged into one female socket. The MFD8 and an AIS are plugged into 2 female sockets, and the last female socket will be used for a small multi-purpose display (such as the Furuno RD33:
http://www.furunousa.com/products/produ ... nstruments). A 2 meter cable is attached to the male connection, and is run to the saloon.
In the saloon the cable from the bridge deck is plugged into the power tap, which in turn is plugged into the male connection of the second MultiPort Box. The autopilot and solid state compass are attached to 2 of the female ports. An Actisense USB adapter is connected to a 3rd female port, and the 4th has a 3 meter cable attached which is run to the head just forward of the mast.
In the head, the cable from the saloon is attached to the male connection of the 3rd MultiPort Box. For now a terminating resistor is plugged into one of the female sockets. A depth sounder is plugged into one female socket, and the knotmeter/temperature sender is plugged into another, with one spare socket. I plan on installing a masthead weather system, which will plug into the box in place of the terminating resistor, as there will be a terminating resistor either in the mast cable or the sensor.
Most of my devices either have a male connector on the back (and use a standard M-F cable to connect to the backbone) or they have pigtails attached (paddlewheel, depth transducer). The AIS has a proprietary connector and uses an adapter cable to the box, and the autopilot has a terminal strip so I made up a pigtail.
I did not choose to use dedicated displays. The MFD does a great job of displaying all of my data. I do want to add a multi-purpose display as a backup, and as a readout when the radar/chartplotter is not needed.
I recommend that you consider something very similar to this. If you like you can use dedicated displays for the data but I think you will find it better to pick a good multipurpose display like the RD33.
Greg
