Cables and connectors from GPS and sonar with issues - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Carlos Gonzalez · 03-12-2012, 09:30 PM

Hello guys,

I am on Ensenada Mexico, I am working on a company who makes sonars, gps, radio, etc etc. In I am Mechanical Engineer and I taking care of XDCR's, cables and connectors.

I would like you to share what are the more frecuent issues with the cables, connectors and transducers. As engineer i would like to learn what to consider at the time to design a new product.

I also like the kayak fishing, at this point i don't have a kayak but i am working on it.

Thanks for sharing!!

GregAndrew · 03-13-2012, 07:31 PM

Designing connectors that are intended to be coupled and uncoupled on a frequent basis would be a good start. That means making the terminals durable, and the connecting part easy to attach/unattach.

Dealing with water and salt would be the next most important to me. Since we are only inches above the waterline, virtually everything gets wet on a regular basis. Most units are designed for boats and are only water resistant, not really waterproof. Not only does salt corrode any exposed metal, it makes many twist-lock connections very difficult to operate.

Specifically for kayaks, the connection from the wire to the connectors not only need to be strong, they also need to not be bulky. Since we are removing and reattaching them all the time, they must be able to handle it. We also do not attach to dashboards, and frequently need to make sharp turns of the wire close to the back of the head units.

Just a few thoughts, hope it helps.

RK · 03-13-2012, 08:21 PM

Greg nailed it...........

Units with connections designed for our environment or at least more durable.

Or the same units with a five year WM extended warranty

dmrides · 03-14-2012, 07:45 AM

X3...what Greg said. Also, the transducer cable does not need to be 30 feet long. It would be cool to have a screen cover that rotated up to then act as a sunshade.

RedSledTeam · 03-14-2012, 07:53 AM

Ok, you asked... How about thinking about designing wireless tranducers, inductive power supply and voice commands? Totally eliminate the wire issue. Just thinking out loud. Any more ideas and I may have to ask you about ITAR restrictions.

bus kid · 03-14-2012, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedSledTeam

Any more ideas and I may have to ask you about ITAR restrictions.

ROTFLMFAO

03-12-2012, 09:30 PM	#1
Carlos Gonzalez Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ensenada, Mexico Posts: 119	Cables and connectors from GPS and sonar with issues Hello guys, I am on Ensenada Mexico, I am working on a company who makes sonars, gps, radio, etc etc. In I am Mechanical Engineer and I taking care of XDCR's, cables and connectors. I would like you to share what are the more frecuent issues with the cables, connectors and transducers. As engineer i would like to learn what to consider at the time to design a new product. I also like the kayak fishing, at this point i don't have a kayak but i am working on it. Thanks for sharing!!

03-13-2012, 07:31 PM	#2
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Designing connectors that are intended to be coupled and uncoupled on a frequent basis would be a good start. That means making the terminals durable, and the connecting part easy to attach/unattach. Dealing with water and salt would be the next most important to me. Since we are only inches above the waterline, virtually everything gets wet on a regular basis. Most units are designed for boats and are only water resistant, not really waterproof. Not only does salt corrode any exposed metal, it makes many twist-lock connections very difficult to operate. Specifically for kayaks, the connection from the wire to the connectors not only need to be strong, they also need to not be bulky. Since we are removing and reattaching them all the time, they must be able to handle it. We also do not attach to dashboards, and frequently need to make sharp turns of the wire close to the back of the head units. Just a few thoughts, hope it helps.

03-13-2012, 08:21 PM	#3
RK Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 736	Greg nailed it........... Units with connections designed for our environment or at least more durable. Or the same units with a five year WM extended warranty

03-14-2012, 07:45 AM	#4
dmrides Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Point Loma Posts: 584	X3...what Greg said. Also, the transducer cable does not need to be 30 feet long. It would be cool to have a screen cover that rotated up to then act as a sunshade.

03-14-2012, 07:53 AM	#5
RedSledTeam Daddeo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: OC Posts: 660	Ok, you asked... How about thinking about designing wireless tranducers, inductive power supply and voice commands? Totally eliminate the wire issue. Just thinking out loud. Any more ideas and I may have to ask you about ITAR restrictions.