ACTISENSE OPTO-4 Nmea Isolator Cable Female Shielded 5060998710430 Opto 0183 RS232 DB9

( Brand: Actisense ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: OPTO-4 ), ( Type: Cable ), ( Language: English ), ( UPC: 060998710430 )

Review ACTISENSE Nmea Pc Opto isolator Cable Rs232 Db9 Female Shielded

The **ActiSense Opto-4 NMEA 0183 Opto-Isolator Cable (RS-232 DB9 Female Shielded)** is a high-performance, ruggedized communication cable designed to facilitate reliable and interference-free data transmission between NMEA 0183-compatible marine and land-based electronic devices. Engineered with precision for demanding environments, this cable features a robust **DB9 female RS-232 connector** on one end, ensuring seamless compatibility with a wide range of GPS receivers, chartplotters, autopilots, and other marine navigation systems. The **opto-isolated interface** incorporated into the design acts as a critical barrier against electrical noise, voltage spikes, and ground loops common issues in marine and industrial settings while maintaining signal integrity over extended distances. This isolation technology not only protects sensitive electronic equipment from potential damage but also enhances system stability by preventing data corruption caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) or transient surges.

Constructed with **high-quality, shielded twisted-pair wiring**, the cable minimizes signal degradation and cross-talk, ensuring accurate and consistent NMEA 0183 data transfer at speeds up to **38,400 baud**, which is standard for most marine applications. The **shielded design** further reinforces its resistance to external interference, making it ideal for use in harsh maritime conditions where exposure to moisture, salt spray, and physical stress is inevitable. The durable **marine-grade outer jacket** is likely constructed from abrasion-resistant materials, such as polyurethane or vinyl, providing longevity and flexibility for repeated handling and installation. Whether connecting a GPS antenna to a chartplotter, linking an autopilot to a navigation system, or interfacing with a VHF radio or AIS unit, this cable delivers a dependable and future-proof solution for professionals who demand both performance and reliability in their marine electronics setup.

For applications requiring additional flexibility or extended reach, the cable s **opto-isolation** also allows for the safe bridging of devices operating at different ground potentials, a common scenario in marine environments where multiple systems may be powered by separate batteries or shore power sources. This feature is particularly valuable in yachts, fishing vessels, or commercial marine operations where electrical systems can vary significantly. The **female DB9 connector** ensures a secure and straightforward plug-and-play connection, reducing the risk of loose or corroded terminals that can disrupt communication. Overall, the ActiSense Opto-4 NMEA 0183 Opto-Isolator Cable stands as a versatile and indispensable tool for marine electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering a blend of robustness, noise immunity, and compatibility to keep critical navigation and communication systems operating flawlessly.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a ActiSense Opto-4 NMEA 0183 Opto-Isolator Cable (RS232 DB9 Female Shielded)**

#### **Pros**

1. **Optical Isolation (Opto-Isolator)** Protects sensitive NMEA devices from electrical noise, voltage spikes, and ground loops, which can corrupt data or damage equipment. This is particularly useful in marine, automotive, or industrial environments where electrical interference is common.

2. **NMEA 0183 Compatibility** Designed specifically for NMEA 0183 data transmission, ensuring compatibility with GPS receivers, chartplotters, AIS units, and other marine/navigation devices that use this protocol.

3. **Shielded Cable** The shielding reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), improving signal integrity over longer distances or in noisy environments.

4. **RS232 Interface (DB9 Female)** Provides a standard serial connection (DB9 female) for easy integration with devices that use RS232, such as older GPS units, loggers, or test equipment.

5. **Four-Wire Design (Opto-4)** The four-wire configuration (likely TX, RX, GND, and a second ground/optical isolation pair) allows for better data integrity and isolation compared to simpler cables.

6. **Durability** Shielded cables are generally more robust than unshielded ones, making them suitable for harsh environments like marine applications where cables may be exposed to moisture, saltwater, or physical stress.

7. **Noise Immunity** The opto-isolator and shielding help prevent data corruption from electrical noise, which is critical for accurate GPS or navigation data.

8. **Backward Compatibility** Works with older NMEA devices that rely on RS232, making it a versatile choice for upgrading or maintaining legacy systems.

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#### **Cons**

1. **Limited to RS232 (Not USB or Ethernet)** If your devices primarily use USB or Ethernet (e.g., newer GPS units, tablets, or computers), this cable may not be directly compatible without additional adapters or converters.

2. **Potential Latency** Opto-isolators introduce a small delay in signal transmission, though this is usually negligible for most NMEA applications (e.g., GPS data updates every second or less).

3. **Cost** Compared to basic RS232 cables, this specialized opto-isolated and shielded cable may be more expensive, especially if you only need basic isolation for short distances.

4. **Compatibility with Modern Devices** Many newer devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, or USB-based GPS receivers) may not have a DB9 RS232 port, requiring an additional adapter (e.g., USB-to-RS232) to use this cable.

5. **Installation Complexity** If you re not familiar with NMEA wiring or opto-isolator setups, connecting this cable correctly may require some troubleshooting, especially in terms of polarity and grounding.

6. **Length Limitations** While shielded cables improve performance over longer distances, extremely long runs (e.g., hundreds of meters) may still require repeaters or signal boosters for reliable NMEA data.

7. **Potential for Overkill** If your setup is in a very clean electrical environment (e.g., a controlled lab or office) with no significant noise sources, the opto-isolator and shielding may be unnecessary, making a simpler cable sufficient.

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### **Conclusion**

The **ActiSense Opto-4 NMEA 0183 Opto-Isolator Cable (RS232 DB9 Female Shielded)** is a high-quality solution for environments where **electrical noise, ground loops, or signal integrity** are concerns. It excels in **marine, automotive, or industrial applications** where NMEA devices must operate reliably despite harsh conditions. The opto-isolation and shielding ensure data accuracy, making it ideal for GPS, AIS, or chartplotter systems where corrupted data could be dangerous or inconvenient.

However, if your setup involves **modern USB-based devices, short distances, or a very clean electrical environment**, the added cost and complexity may not be justified. In such cases, a **basic shielded RS232 cable** or a **USB-to-NMEA adapter** could be more practical.

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### **Recommendation**

- You re working in a **noisy electrical environment** (e.g., marine, automotive, or industrial settings).

- You need **reliable NMEA data transmission** over moderate distances (e.g., 10 50 meters).

- Your devices **require RS232 input** and benefit from opto-isolation (e.g., older GPS units, loggers, or test equipment).

- You prioritize **long-term durability** and protection against electrical interference.

- Your devices are **USB-based**, and you d need an additional adapter (which could negate the cable s value).

- Your setup is in a **low-noise environment** where a simpler cable would suffice.

- You re working with **extremely long cable runs** (consider a signal repeater instead).

- You re on a **tight budget** and can use a basic shielded RS232 cable without isolation.

For most **marine or professional navigation applications**, this cable is a **strong, reliable choice**. For casual or modern setups, weigh the cost against your specific needs before purchasing.

Details:

Quick and easy to install. Add isolation to an RS232 port protect against ground loops. Housing Material - PVC Black. Shield - Internal Copper Foil.

Actisense NMEA 0183 PC OPTO-Isolator Cable, RS232 DB9 Female, Shielded. Protects PC input/receiver from damage. Approvals and Certifications. Water resistant cable.

The copy warned the Little Blind Text, that where it came from would have been rewritten a thousand times and everything was left its origin be word should turn around return to own, safe country. Shielded cable and case. Port powered. NMEA 0183 PC OPTO-Isolator Cable, RS232 DB9 Female, Shielded Isolated.

Ruggedest over-molded case suitable for harsh environment. Technical Specifications: Electrical. Cable Jacket - PVC. The OPTO-4 provides a safe and low cost way of connecting an RS422 NMEA 0183 system to RS232 PC port system, or any other device with standard 9-pin port.

Thumb Screw Material - PVC Orange. The Actisense opto isolator design integrates an over-molded case for excellent water resistance and a small footprint installation into tight spaces.

part #: opto4 prices

• $66.99-$169.25

specifications coaxcabl:

• brand: Actisense
• mpn: Opto-4
• type: Cable
• language: English
• upc: 060998710430

general coaxcabl:

• Radio Communication > Parts Accessories > Coax Cables Connectors
• condition: New

seller coaxcabl:

• # reviews: 9377
• city: Windsor Mill, Maryland
• rating: 100.0%

offer coaxcabl:

• sold: 0
• quantity: 10
• options: Ship-to-home
• started: June 4, 2026
• availability: In Stock

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• other
• credit card: Discover

returns coaxcabl:

• paid by: Buyer
• time: 30 Days
• policy: Returns Accepted
• method: Money back

shipping coaxcabl:

• class: Economy
• service: Economy
• type: Fixed
• transit: 4-9 Days
• cost: $0.00

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