Northstar 557 Connectors - 3 cables, 2 connectors

[estebanj]

I just got my 557 today and it has two connectors in the back. A black one for the data/power cable, and a yellow for the antenna cable.

I have a 3rd cable (white) for the SmartCraft gateway. Where do I connect this?

Thanks,

Esteban

 

[estebanj]

Did a quick search after my post and found this. Still not clear b/c the 557 manual says to split at the yellow connector (antenna and gateway), but this image says to split the black connector (data/power and gateway).

Anyone know what to do for sure?

Esteban

 

[Dave S]

No really sure what that's for unless it's for a separate fuel guage connection. The fuel information will be provided thru the Gateway connection which plugs into the back of your unit. All Smartcraft information is provided solely thru the gateway cable.

You may want to call Northstar to get clarification. Their 800 number is in your manual.

 

[estebanj]

I left a mssg for Northstar and will call later if no answer. The problem I have is that I have 2 connectors in the 557 and no place for the Gateway to connect to. Researching online I need a Y splitter cable, but there are two and it isn't clear which one I need... Y split the data/power cable (as in this photo), or Y split the GPS antenna cable (no photo available).

I take it yours has 3 connectors in the back then.

Esteban

 

[Dave S]

My model is the 550............looks like the 557 is a bit different. I see a Y connector on page 67 of the 557 manual. The 550 has a separate port strictly for the Smartcraft.

 

[estebanj]

Got the following from Northstar tech support. Posting here for future reference.

"Sorry for the confusion. The information in the [557] manual is correct, the splitter would plug into the yellow ringed connector (GPS antenna). There are two options available, a two way split for adding just the SmartCraft Gateway, or a three way split for adding SmartCraft, and an optional AIS receiver. The two way cable, part number AA002436R, has a yellow ringed 8 pin LT female connector on one end that plugs into the yellow ringed connector on the rear of the Northstar Explorer 557, on the other end there is a yellow ringed 8 pin LT male connector for the GPS antenna cable to plug in to, and a white ringed 8 pin male LT connector for the SmartCraft Gateway to plug in to. The three way cable, part number AA002458, is identical to the cable above, except there is a third leg that has unterminated NMEA wires for connecting an AIS receiver."

Esteban

 

[skolbe]

I am trying to figure this all out as well. PM me.

 

[estebanj]

PM sent.

Esteban