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Old 07-15-2013, 07:01 PM   #1
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Extending Radar Harness?

My Furuno radar is currently mounted directly on the arch. The bimini, which was apparently added later, partially blocks the forward "view". I want to raise the radar about 10 inches on one of those extention "masts sold on e-bay, but expect that the wiring harness will be too short. Is there anything unique about radar wiring that would preclude lengthening the harness with a good splice? Thanks
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Old 07-15-2013, 07:40 PM   #2
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Having just wired up my radar I would guess you can. I would use a high quality buss to make the connections to add on the required amount of cable.
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Old 07-15-2013, 08:28 PM   #3
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reyes...maybe...

Older RADARs need certain lengths of cable to give the proper resistance.....the maybe is there is some flexibility...contact FURUNO and they can tell you specifically for your model what is allowable...you can buy extensions or do it yourself if you have the correct info.
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Old 07-16-2013, 06:15 AM   #4
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Maybe this is too obvious, but look closely, there may be a couple of extra loops somewhere. Usually the cables are sold in stock lengths, so whatever you buy is a little (or sometimes a lot) too long and you have to hide the excess somewhere.

I've spliced the "old style" (circa 2003) radar data cables, and it's not trivial. There are many different sizes and types of wires in there, some shielded, some twisted, etc. Mine worked because it was a straight cut and splice, but I never liked it.
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Old 07-16-2013, 07:36 AM   #5
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Thanks all. Just getting started on this. Actually had not thought about excess in existing cable run. Will check for that first and then contact Furuno if I don't find any. Good advice.
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Old 07-16-2013, 10:03 AM   #6
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What part of the bimini is blocking the forward view of the radar? Is there a defined blind spot on the display corresponding to the bimini location?
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Old 07-16-2013, 01:23 PM   #7
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The aft edge of the bimini is snapped to the forward edge of the arch and then bulges upward (higher than the top of the radar "dome") for the full width of the flybridge. No, there isn't a noticeable blind spot on the display, and I'm surmising that there must be some level of signal degradation...but maybe it's not that big of an issue???
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Old 07-16-2013, 02:27 PM   #8
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Canvas is radar- transparent, so you should have no problems. That's my opinion, at least....
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Old 07-16-2013, 03:26 PM   #9
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If it bulges upward then chances are it's not just canvas, there is some SS tubing supporting it. If it was to the sides or back I don't think I would worry about it but getting the max signal out toward the front would be important.

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Old 07-16-2013, 06:34 PM   #10
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Yes, a couple of cross tubes pass through the beam...
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Old 07-16-2013, 06:36 PM   #11
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I'd go and test the radar to see if there is a blind spot before I'd cut the cable....
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