[C320-list] In-Mast Wiring Question

[Warren Updike]

Doug, I'm with you on this one.  I dropped the mast this year for some
needed maintenance. Our wind inst. never gave us speed. Found the cable was
pinched at the top between the mast top cap and the mast top. Been that way,
maybe for 15 years; but, probably didn't work its way through the insulation
for several years.

Anyway, at the base of our mast the wind inst. cable is joined with a
Raymarine junction box that, apparently, came with the wind inst. I have
checked Raymarine.com and a Raymarine dealer. NG, apparently not available.

I'm still learning about this. I plan to make a junction box using a small
plastic "project box" from a local electronics store. I'll glue a small
terminal strip in it and connect the wires there.  The store also has a
conductive spray for the inside of the box to preserve the static shield
that is also in the cable. There are 5 wires in the cable about size 18-awg.
The cable has a foil shield to protect from EMI. There is a 6th, small
un-insulated wire between the shield and the insulation called a "drain"
wire. It is not a ground for a circuit. It is intended to carry any EMI from
the shield to a ground, probably at the instrument head in the cockpit. You
need to maintain the continuity of the drain wire. I'll report back if I
learn more.

Anyone out there care to comment?  All help appreciated.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Stieber [mailto:djstieber at gmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 2:06 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] In-Mast Wiring Question

My boat requires that the mast be taken down each year for storage.  The
wiring for the instruments, which run up the mast must be disconnected at
the base of the mast for this purpose.  The wires are very small gauge and
the quick connects that have been used are for larger wires.  Consequently I
have experienced loss of a gauge for a season on more than one occasion when
a connection is not made properly.  Does anyone know where to get connectors
made for these small wires that are reliable?  Even Radio Shack was of no
help.

Thanks...  Doug Stieber, Second Chance #406