XB-8000 new WiFi AIS transponder for mobile devices [Update]

xb-8000Vesper Marine, company established in 2007 in Auckland (New Zealand), specializes in the design of devices for AIS data broadcasting. Their latest product, XB-8000, is a Class B AIS transponder certified NMEA2000® compact, low consumption, répondant au marché de la plaisance et des petites unités professionnelles. Il a été essentiellement conçu dans une optique de transmission WiFi vers les applications de navigation développées sur les tablettes et smartphones.

[Updated] Après le rachat de Vesper Marine par Garmin, this device is discontinued since February 2023. Le nom de la marque est également supprimé.

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MiniPlex-3 new firmware 3.4.0

The MiniPlex-3 multiplexer has been experiencing since November 2021 numerous software improvements and changes with the Firmwares (Firmware) Versions 3.x.x. The latest version 3.4.0 Date of 13 January 2022. These firmwares are closely associated with the MPXConfig3 utility, the latest version of which 3.5.0 is required to perform the latest device update. To date, this utility can only be used with PC/Windows, the macOS version probably not being available until late February. Read more …

Connexion Wi-Fi et cellulaire simultanée [Update]

In coastal navigation, so often within range of a cellular network, on peut télécharger des fichiers GRIB, des cartes météo, or simply communicate with friends. Mais comment faire si notre smartphone ou notre tablette est déjà connectée en Wi-Fi à un multiplexeur, ou une passerelle NMEA, sans couper les données qui alimentent notre application de navigation favorite ?

C’est l’astuce de l’été

[Update 25/09/2020] L’astuce en question dépend de la version iOS utilisée. Des précisions dans l’article.

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Integrate tablets with onboard instruments : Wi-Fi gateways

For several years it is possible to integrate iPads and other mobile devices using Wi-Fi to onboard instruments. This allows navigation apps to, not only to receive all the data from the sensors : speedometer, anemometer, sounder, AIS, etc,, but also to send their own navigation data to the instruments, as, in example, to control an autopilot.

This integration takes place through devices called "gateways" or "routers" that connect to the instruments' networks, receive the data circulating through these networks, and transceive in Wi-Fi to tablets and smartphones. Some navigation applications are being developed to process this data and transform mobile devices into real navigation centers. Read more …

Miniplex-3Wi-N2K : Major updates

ShipModul manufacturer comes to provide on his website two major updates to dowload for its multiplexer Miniplex-3 :

  • Firmware Miniplex-3 V.1.17
  • Firmware Wi-Fi V.1.4

The two update files, featured with a procedure (in English), are packaged in a single folder WiFi V1.4.0.0. Download. The implementation can only be done with the configuration utility MPX-Config V.2.1.0 minimum, available in PC and Mac versions. Read more …

The Miniplex-3Wi-N2K is finally available

We had been waiting for it 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 light as its little brother, Miniplex-2Wi (²), its plug terminal is significantly neater : No need for screwdrivers, Connectors have spring clamps. The signage is also much more legible in color, and 4 LED lights allow at a glance 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.

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