This week we look at five devices that may not be as famliar to you as, say, your fishfinder or chartplotter. They’re called gateways and they connect onboard networks that operate under different electronic protocals. For example, some gateways allow NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data to be shared via a conversion function. Another lets you connect your NMEA 2000 network to a personal computer. Still others convert onboard analog data in order to be monitored on your multifunction display.
The Best & Brightest Boating Electronics list is part of an exercise we do every year at Marine Electronics Journal. We ask manufacturers to name the one model in a particular category of boating electronics—20 in all—that they consider to be their best. It’s not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest or the one with the most whistles and buzzers, but rather the model they rate highest in that category for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters. In some cases it has proved itself over the years as the go-to device.
Last week we described the Best & Brightest satellite, internet and cellular devices. If you missed it, click HERE.
The NGX-1 is an intelligent multi-function gateway, combining the power of two previous award-winning Actisense gateways (NGT-1 and NGW-1) into one cost-effective, flexible product. Configure the NGX-1 to operate as an NMEA 2000 <–> PC interface, or as a bi-directional NMEA 0183 <–> NMEA 2000 conversion gateway. The NGX-1 provides an uncomplicated link between a boat’s data networks, effortlessly converting NMEA 0183 data into NMEA 2000 data and vice-versa. Use Actisense’s free NMEA Reader software to view and understand (in detail) the translated NMEA 0183 sentences output by an NGX-1. It is compatible with a wide range of chartplotter, display and configuration applications for Windows and Mac PCs. Available in two variants that offer full OPTO-isolation to suit all installation types.
An all-in-one engine interface that converts analog signals to the NMEA 2000 network, ideal for boat owners aiming to monitor analog sensors on their multifunctional display. Monitor temperature, pressure, voltage, RPM, and more with excellent sensor compatibility. SmartEMU has five configurable analog inputs and two digital inputs. Digital inputs offer functions such as engine RPM, fuel flow, and bilge status, while analog inputs can be configured for fluid levels, rudder angle, temperatures, pressures, anchor rod counter, and more. Easy configuration can be done through the built-in Wi-Fi feature, using a smartphone and QR code scanning.
The KC-2W (MKII) offers seamless integration between NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 networks. It is NMEA 2000 certified, allowing it to convert NMEA 0183 sentences to N2K PGNs and vice versa. The standout feature of the KC-2W (MKII) is its built-in Wi-Fi, providing convenient wireless connectivity. It draws power directly from the N2K network, eliminating the need for an external power supply. The device supports configurable NMEA 0183 baud rates, and its N2K CANbus is opto-isolated. It offers support for RS232 and RS422 on NMEA 0183 input/output, and it automatically detects baud rate and supported sentences. Firmware upgrades and NMEA 0183 output baud rate can be configured through a user-friendly webpage interface. Its plug-and-play installation) ensures a hassle-free setup.
The Rose Point NEMO Gateway makes ease of installation, reliability and redundancy possible. The NEMO Gateway allows NMEA sensor connections (AIS, GPS, depth sounders, etc.) to be made directly to the interfaces on the gateway. The gateway then translates the signals directly to the onboard computer network that is shared with Rose Point ECS navigational software. One gateway allows all computers on the network access to the sensor data. The NEMO Gateway eliminates serial to USB adaptors by transmitting signals via an ethernet cable. NEMO Gateways can also be stacked, so redundant sensors can be wired to separate NEMO Gateways. In this case, no single failure will cause the boat to have to stop and wait for a technician to fix the failure.
ShipModul’s MiniPlex-3 Series of NMEA 0183 multiplexers combines data from multiple navigation instruments. Through an advanced filtering and routing system, this data can be sent to other navigation instruments and to computers, tablets and smartphones. A bi-directional SeaTalk1 interface enables conversion between SeaTalk1 data and NMEA 0183 sentences. This conversion works both ways, allowing the MiniPlex-3 to replace Raymarine’s SeaTalk-NMEA bridge. MiniPlex-3 models with an NMEA 2000 interface (-N2K suffix) connect directly to a NMEA 2000 backbone and convert between NMEA 2000 PGNs, NMEA 0183 sentences and SeaTalk1 datagrams in all directions. Bi-directional computer interfaces offer connectivity via USB, ethernet or Wi-Fi, all at the NMEA 0183 level. Two special NMEA 0183 sentences offer translation to and from raw NMEA 2000 or SeaTalk data.