Radar Mast Build

[Kicksave]

So my new mast is almost completed and I need to start putting together build out wiring diagrams and list cable seal list.
Kinda only want to do this once.......
I am going to have both a DRS4DNXT and DRS25A. Unfortunately I am not at my boat or near the equipment to measure.
* Are both of the main cables 11.4 mm? I ask as I want to get the correct cable seals and not 6 different sizes.
* Is there a problem with both cables being next to each other for the run back to the 101 Hub? Or with other the electronics cables?
* What is the ideal spacing for the two radars to coexist nicely together. I will most likely use the DRS4 while on the hook,drifting and slow trolling as the DRS25 is somewhat loud while spinning.
* Should I shim the dome down so that the beam just misses the bow? If so how should I do that? (mounting plates have not been fabb'd yet)
* Has anyone ever used a sound/vibration dampening rubber pad under the array to reduce the sound of the motor? If so what did people use?
* Is it crazy to put a grounding bar somewhere in the mast and connect both grounds and then run one wire back to my grounding plate? Or should I run two wires separately?

 

[Johnny Electron]

The cable is the same for the radars except for the fuse size used. Regarding the cable size the molded on connector that connects to the antenna pigtail is 17mm. The other side of the cable has the RJ45 and the power wires. The fuse holder at that end is going to be 11.8mm x 33.8mm or 11.8mm x 15.4mm if you take the fuse cover off. The raw cable outer diameter as you say is 11mm for both cables.

The open array should be at the top of that stack with the dome lower. NMEA requires at least 18" of vertical offset for radars.

The cables are shielded (with metal RJ45s). Make sure all network cables used on a boat are as well. If reusing a HUB101, it MUST be a newer version -55. You can not use a -11 or -22 on anything but the older NN3D system.

I would hold off on any shims until you can test the units and see how the boat hull rises when cruising.

If this mount is going to be directly over the cabin then the potential for sound to resonate and couple is high. Normally a thin sheet of neoprene under the open array gearbox and dome would be helpful to dampen sound and prevent too much resonation.

Ground wires should never be done in series. Each should have their own independent ground.

Very nice build you got going there.

 

[Kicksave]

Thanks Johnny.