Garmin Connector Cover

AndrewH · 23 January 2007, 00:30

Just fitted a Garmin 178 on my console and its not flush mounted, but on the gimbal mount provided. No problems so far. However, when I disconnect the display unit (to stop the scallies pinching it) I've then got the multi-pole connector terminals on the end of the lead exposed to the elements.

Do any of you folks know whether Garmin make a cover/weather cap to go over then end of the connector on the lead end?

Thanks in advance

Andrew

jwalker · 23 January 2007, 01:31

Yes, they do and it should have come on the cable when you got the unit. It has a tail with a hole in it to slide over the cable to prevent it getting lost and there is a fairly chunky rubber cap which pushes over the cable connector. I'd give Garmin a call. There's nothing to lose by trying.

AndrewH · 23 January 2007, 10:14

Thanks JW

I'll have thorough rummage around in the box to make sure and then I'll give them a call if it doesn't turn up.

Andrew

alystra · 23 January 2007, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

Yes, they do and it should have come on the cable when you got the unit. It has a tail with a hole in it to slide over the cable to prevent it getting lost and there is a fairly chunky rubber cap which pushes over the cable connector. I'd give Garmin a call. There's nothing to lose by trying.

Pah! I didn't get one when I ordered a spare cable for my old 126. Just use a bit of electrical tape over the plug. Seems to have worked so far.

tomcat · 23 January 2007, 10:53

i use a little poly bag with an elastic band to protect the connector, the bag then goes in the case for the gps when it is mounted and swap them over at the end of the trip. please let me know if you manage to find the proper cap.

AndrewH · 23 January 2007, 11:11

OK guys - if I can get hold of an "official" one I'll let you know

Andrew

jwalker · 23 January 2007, 12:02

I must be blessed, I've got two.

Is this what you are looking for?

Rogue Wave · 23 January 2007, 13:08

whatever you wind up with I'd fill it full of vaseline, funny enuff gArfy was givi ng this advice on a different forum the other day!

ashbypower · 23 January 2007, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

whatever you wind up with I'd fill it full of vaseline, funny enuff gArfy was givi ng this advice on a different forum the other day!

AndrewH · 23 January 2007, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

whatever you wind up with I'd fill it full of vaseline, funny enuff gArfy was giving this advice on a different forum the other day!

It may have been a different forum but I'm informed he still managed to mention some "ribbed" items.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

Is this what you are looking for?

Yep that's exactly it. Having contacted Garmin their marine rep seemed to know nothing about a cover cap and suggested I contact GPS warehouse. However once I'd got through to them they were also none the wiser.

The hunt continues ...

Andrew

Tim M · 23 January 2007, 16:14

This is interesting thread because this was an issue for me two days ago. Went to take the rib out (has a garmin 178). Had used it two days before and eveything had been fine. Went to plug the gps in and it wouldnt fire up. Got my multimeter out and tested the plug and I was getting 12 volts so that was fine. On much closer inspection one of the connectors (either 15 or 18 on their wiring diagram, cant remember which) is a bit different to all the others and it had been damaged by the corrosion. I have since got a replacement cable which Im going to have to fit. Strangly the first one didnt have a rubber cap (its only 8 weeks old) but the replacement does. Seems to be a bit hit or miss as to whether you get one or not.

AndrewH · 26 January 2007, 09:49

Had a bit of a rummage around at work and have found a whole box of rubberised caps. They're not designed for the Garmin connector and are in fact a teensy bit on the small size. However will a bit of fiddling (10 sec or so) you can work them onto the connector. Given that they are a bit on the tight side there is little chance that water will get in.

Also they've not got any securing points so when you take 'em off they have to be put somewhere safe as they won't stay secured to the cable

We've got bucket loads of the things here so if anyone wants a few (spares in case of loss) just PM me with your address and I'll stuff a few in the post.

Andrew