Expected for almost two years, hoped more, we despaired… but here it is in my hands. Alleluia ! Multiplexer Wi-Fi NMEA0183, gateway NMEA2000 and translator SeaTalk1 is available in France (¹).
The same size and as light as his little brother, Miniplex-2Wi (²), its plug terminal is significantly neater : no need for screwdriver, the connectors are equipped with spring clamps. The signage is also much more readable in color, and 4 lights leds allow a look to check the operation : strings scrolling NMEA2000 and/or NMEA0183, connection to a Wi-Fi device, and overflow if applicable.
But the apparent simplicity is misleading and the thing hides a real potential.
Description
The Miniplex-3Wi-N2K (N2K for NMEA 2 Kilos), Once connected to the NMEA2000 network , converts data strings called PGNs (³) in NMEA0183 and SeaTalk¹ strings. And vice versa, it translates NMEA0183 data and SeaTalk¹ strings, in PGNs. The translation, on the fly, is bi-directional for the three protocols.
The conversion between NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 is done in both directions and for all NMEA0183 inputs and outputs on the MiniPlex-3, including connected devices (USB or Wi-Fi). It thus combines NMEA2000, NMEA0183 and SeaTalk¹ in a totally fluid way. NMEA0183 data from legacy devices is now available on new NMEA2000 plotters and autopilots. Also, all navigation software emitting NMEA0183 sentences will be able to transmit waypoints and control autopilots on an NMEA2000 network. This is a real evolution ! (⁴)
In other words, this means that with this unit, you can now mix several instruments using different communication protocols, SeaTalk¹, SeaTalkng, NMEA0183, NMEA2000, SimNet, aso., and be assured that an application like Weather4D 2.0, iNavX or iSailor, will still be able to view the data and control autopilots, regardless of the brands and the communication protocols used.
Fittings
No revolution on that point. The utility MPX-Config3 of Miniplex-3Wi is similar to that of Miniplex-2Wi, with some additions and modifications. The regulars will not be lost.
The port used to connect a SeaTalk1 network is now the entry port identified In1 "SeaTalk". (In4 with Miniplex-2), and a new tab NMEA2000 appeared, which does not currently offer two options concerning the treatment of the PGNs. Refer to the user manual included on the CD-Rom provided with the device.
Example of network
The following example is a configuration made by myself for a sailboat owner at his request . The configuration includes a Miniplex-3Wi-N2K to SeaTalkng network.
In this configuration, the multiplexer will forward to the appplication on iPad all the SeaTalkng network data, and will be able to return to the autopilot heading to an active waypoint. The GPS position is also sent directly to the VHF DSC as a security way.
This is a product that will allow to better integrate Wi-Fi tablet navigation applicatons, regardless of onboard electronic equipment.
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(¹) My partner iTabNav, among others.
(²) Miniplex-2Wi, the new WiFi multiplexer for iPad and iPhone
(³) PGNs : Parameter Group Numbers
(⁴) See article Miniplex-3Wi-N2K : Major updates.
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Hello,
This feature allows to route a Wifi connection on 1 or + tablets, Smartphones or PC ?(port for example) ?
Thank you
Jean
The WiFi access point can currently hold 4 connected devices. But only a single connection is possible both in TCP mode.
Very next update will have up to 4 customer connections TCP and a UDP server.
The UDP mode is not a closed connection such as the TCP client/server, but an open on a port connection determined, authorizing an unlimited number of access by applications supporting this mode (Weather4D 2.0, iNavX, iSailor, etc,).
You can also connect the MiniPlex to a WiFi router, and access to the TCP and UDP servers from any device also connected to the router.
Hello !
Wishing to equip myself an AIS transponder and a Wifi gateway to feed my carto on Ipad app (Time-Zero today and probably Weather4D 2.0 tomorrow), What do you advise : an AIS with built-in multiplexer and Wifi gateway (Vesper 8000 + Splitter antenna or Digital Yacht AIT3000) or 2 units separated ? (an integrated with spliter AIS transponder + a Miniplex-3Wi-N2K)
below, My first thoughts (Thanks to supplement / correct) for the respective advantages in terms of
– cost : 389 € for the Miniplex-3Wi-N2K , to close the difference in price between an AIT3000 and a has 2000 + Brand ?
– adaptability : the miniplex allows an input/output Seatalk and NMEA outputs, In contrast to the integrated appliances Digital Yacht or Vesper
– Electric Conso : a built-in camera consumes less than 2 devices ?
– reliability : less risk of failure with an integrated but more troublesome consequences !
Thank you for your expert opinion
Cordially
Yves Gloria
I provided no opinion on the choice of this or that material. I mainly strive to study the solutions that I could test, or available as alternatives This ticket on the choice dedicated antenna or splitter for AIS. I'm especially not interested in price comparisons, except rare cases highlighting economic models opposed as in this post about iNavX and iSailor.
For any assistance custom, You can contact me from my web site.
hello,
After many searches, and reactive exchanges with members of the society, I just got the Vyacht router, which seems to offer the same functionality, en y incorporating the Signal K Protocol, and at a lower cost. Connecting the cables seem to require the drilling of the housing... Do you know?
In a situation, I will try the next WE...
Cordially
Jean François
The Vyacht "router" does not support the SeaTalk protocol. Simply NMEA 0183 and 2000
If, one,This router integrated Seatalk. The command you can choose 4 NMEA0183 or 3 NMEA0183 and 1 In addition to port NMEA2000 Seatalk, and you can even add 2 Ethernet and even an experimental usb ports. It is well explained on their site (in English) !
Warning, VYacht is not registered to the NMEA for the NMEA2000, What explains its price. Therefore, the router cannot transmit on a NMEA network 2000, only read data. Same for the SeaTalk1, the VYACHT is read, There is no transmission. Therefore, the conversion is one-way. It will also never transmit NMEA 2000 as long as the development is Open source. The Miniplex-3 is fully bi-directional, NMEA2000, NMEA0183, SeaTalkNG, SeaTalk1, Simnet, and any compatible network NMEA2000.
Thanks for this information which I did not have the notion! Fortunately! I wish only to recover on Ipad my instruments data + AIS
And congratulations again for the richness and the quality of your site
JF