Actisense USG-2CABLE Spare Shielded USB Cable for USG-2 Gateway
Actisense USG-2CABLE Spare Shielded USB Cable for USG-2 Gateway — Product description
The genuine Actisense USG-2CABLE is the spare shielded USB lead that connects the USG-2 USB to NMEA 0183 gateway to your PC. It's the same cable that ships with the USG-2, so when the original goes missing or wears out, you can drop in a factory replacement and keep your nav software talking to the gateway.
If you run an Actisense USG-2 on your boat, this is the exact shielded USB lead that connects it to your PC. It's the same cable that ships inside the USG-2 box, sold on its own as a spare. So if the original went missing during a refit, got left on the dock, or the jacket finally cracked after a few seasons of flexing behind the helm, you can drop in a genuine replacement and get your nav software talking to the gateway again.
The USG-2 is Actisense's USB to NMEA 0183 gateway. It turns a plain USB port on your laptop or helm PC into a proper bi-directional serial connection for your boat's NMEA 0183, RS422, and RS232 devices. This cable is the link between the two. One end plugs into your PC, the other seats into the USG-2's custom USB socket, and from there the gateway handles the isolation and level conversion that keeps your PC and your instruments safe from ground loops.
Why a shielded lead and not any old USB cable off the shelf? A boat is a noisy place, electrically. You've got VHF antenna runs, inverters, alternators, and battery cables all crammed into the same lockers and conduit as your data wiring. Unshielded USB picks that noise up, and on a NMEA 0183 stream it shows up as dropped or garbled sentences: depth that flickers, heading that stutters, a fix that won't hold steady. The shield on this cable gives that interference somewhere to go, so the data reaching your charting software stays clean.
The USG-2 end matters too. Actisense designed the gateway with a high-retention USB socket that this cable is built to mate with, so the plug stays seated when the boat's pounding through a chop instead of working loose like a standard USB connector would. That connection also gives a high level of water protection at the gateway, which counts for something when your PC interface lives in a damp console or an open pilothouse. A generic cable won't lock in the same way or seal the same way.
Installation is about as simple as it gets. There's no driver on the cable itself. You install the USG-2's USB driver once, plug this lead between the gateway and a free USB port on your PC, and the connection comes up. If you're running a laptop at the nav station or a dedicated helm PC for charting, this is the physical link that carries the serial data back and forth. Route it away from your VHF coax and any high-current DC runs where you can, give it a little slack at the connector so flexing doesn't stress the plug, and it'll do its job quietly for years.
Most folks buy this cable for one of a few reasons. The original walked off during a haul-out. A previous owner never left it with the boat. Or the cable's simply been in service long enough that the connector is corroding or the outer jacket has gone brittle where it flexes behind the dash. Any of those, and the fix is the same. Swap in the genuine Actisense lead and you're back in business. Because it's the factory part, the pinout is correct and the USG-2 enumerates on your PC the way it should, with the driver loading and the blue power LED coming up solid.
Keep in mind this cable is specific to the USG-2. It's the replacement lead for that gateway, so if you're running a different Actisense interface, check that you're ordering the right accessory for your unit. And a note on returns: per Actisense policy this item can't be sent back to the point of purchase, so if you have any question about fitment, confirm your device before you order. If you're running the USG-2 and just need the cable that connects it to your computer, this is it, straight from Actisense.
Key Features
- Shielded USB lead keeps NMEA 0183 data clean from onboard EMI like VHF, inverters, and DC power runs
- Purpose-built for the Actisense USG-2 USB to NMEA 0183 gateway
- Mates with the USG-2's custom high-retention USB socket, so the plug stays seated in a seaway
- High level of water protection at the USG-2 socket connection for damp console and pilothouse installs
- Genuine factory replacement for the shielded lead that ships with the USG-2
- Connects the gateway to a PC USB port for bi-directional serial data
- Correct pinout means the USG-2 enumerates and the driver loads the way it should
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Actisense reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | Actisense Spare Shielded Cable f/Connecting USB-2 to PC |
|---|---|
| Brand | Actisense |
| Manufacturer Part Number | USG-2CABLE |
| UPC | 5060998710775 |
| Cable Type | Shielded USB lead |
| Shielding | EMI shielded |
| Device Compatibility | Actisense USG-2 USB to NMEA 0183 Gateway |
| Device-Side Connection | USG-2 high-retention USB socket |
| Water Protection | High level of water protection at the USG-2 socket connection |
| Sold As | Spare / replacement cable |
| Factory Fitment | Ships included with the USG-2 |
| Category | Marine Navigation & Instruments | Accessories |
| Manufacturer | Active Research Limited (Actisense) |
Frequently asked questions
What is this cable for?
It's the spare shielded USB lead that connects an Actisense USG-2 gateway to your PC's USB port. It's the same cable that ships in the USG-2 box, sold on its own as a replacement.
Doesn't the USG-2 already come with this cable?
Yes. The USG-2 ships with this shielded lead included in the box. This listing is for a spare in case the original is lost, left behind, or worn out.
Why does the cable need to be shielded?
A boat is electrically noisy, with VHF, inverters, and battery cables often routed near the data wiring. The shield gives that interference somewhere to go, so your NMEA 0183 sentences reach the charting software without dropouts or garbling.
Will a generic USB cable work instead?
The USG-2 uses a custom high-retention USB socket that gives a high level of water protection at the connection. The Actisense lead is built to mate with that socket and carry the shield through. A standard cable won't lock in or seal the same way.
Does it fit the USG-2's waterproof socket?
Yes. It's designed to seat in the USG-2's custom high-retention USB socket, which stays put when the boat is pounding and provides a high level of water protection at the gateway.
Why would I need a replacement?
Common reasons are a cable that went missing during a refit or haul-out, one a previous owner never left with the boat, or an original whose connector has corroded or whose jacket has gone brittle from flexing behind the dash.
What does the USG-2 do that this cable connects to?
The USG-2 is a USB to NMEA 0183 gateway. It turns a PC USB port into a bi-directional serial connection for NMEA 0183, RS422, and RS232 devices, with isolation that protects the PC and instruments from ground loops. This cable is the physical USB link to the computer.
Do I need to install anything for the cable?
There's no driver on the cable itself. You install the USG-2's USB driver once, plug this lead between the gateway and a free PC USB port, and the connection comes up. When it loads correctly the USG-2's blue power LED sits solid.
Can I return it if it's the wrong part?
Per Actisense policy this item can't be returned to the original point of purchase, so it's worth confirming your device before ordering. If there's an issue, Actisense asks that you contact them directly.