Since firmware release 3.6.0, several updates have been released, until the latest 3.14.0. It is to be implemented with the latest version of the utility MPX-Config 3.10.0, only available for PC/Windows. Both is to download from ShipModul website, section Downloads. Here is a summary of the main new features… Read more …
Label : WiFi
MiniPlex-3 new firmware 3.6.0 [Update]
Warning : This article is for advanced users only. ShipModul has just released a new firmware MiniPlex-3 (V.3.6.0) and an updated version of the utility MPXConfig3 (V.3.6.0) PC/Windows. This is an update for improvements and bug fixes. Beginners abstain 😉 Read more …
MiniPlex-3 new firmware 3.4.0
The MiniPlex-3 multiplexer has known since November 2021 numerous software improvements and changes withfirmwares (Firmware) versions 3.x.x. The latest version 3.4.0 date of 13 rd, January 2022. These firmwares are closely associated with the MPXConfig3 utility whose latest version 3.5.0 is required to proceed with 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 …
Simultaneous Wi-Fi and cellular connection [Update]
In coastal navigation, so often within range of a cellular network, we can download GRIB files, weather maps, or simply communicate with friends. But what if our smartphone or tablet is already connected via Wi-Fi to a multiplexer?, or an NMEA gateway, without cutting the data that feeds our favorite navigation application ?
This is the summer trick…
[Update 25/09/2020] The trick in question depends on the iOS version used. Details in the article.
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 enables navigation applications, not only receive all sensor data : log, anemometer, sounder, AIS, etc,, but also to send their own navigation data to instruments, as, in example, to control an autopilot.
This integration involves devices called “gateways” or “routers” which connect to the networks of the instruments., 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 Firmware Update 2.0
ShipModul just completed a major upgrade V.2.0.6 of MiniPlex-3 firmware. Once installed in the MiniPlex-3-N2K, it becomes a certified product NMEA2000®. To perform this update, it is imperative to download and install the new version of the utility MPX-Config3 V.2.4.1 (¹). the firmware update is integrated into the utility package. Read more …
Miniplex-3Wi-N2K : Major updates
ShipModul manufacturer comes to provide on its web site two major updates to dowload for its multiplexer Miniplex-3 :
- Firmware Miniplex-3 V.1.17
- Firmware Wireless V.1.4
Two update files, featured with a procedure (in English), are packaged in a single folder WiFi V1.4.0.0. Download. The implementation can 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 finally available
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.
Marine electronics manufacturers and the Tablet phenomenon
A few days before the opening of Nautic Paris boat show where, I remember, I will be present on the stand iTabNav (Hall 2.1 – D31), an overview is required. And precisely, in our immediate horizon we will have, like every year, the proximity of their representatives and marine electronics manufacturers.
In the previous edition of the boat show, I could see the nervousness - not to say hostility - manufacturers respect the phenomenon Crescent of tablets and other smartphones on the market of navigation. (A) promote these devices and their applications, I do probably not have only friends in this environment. However, the strong pressure of the purchasers of boats, and so navigation electronics, a forced such manufacturers to incorporate a minimum of interactivity between their own equipment and mobile devices now owned by a majority of browsers.
What prompts me to do a quick update on the State of the supplied applications and the progress of the proposed functions.
Miniplex-2wi and Configuration Utility for Mac OS X [Update-2]
Company ShipModul website has directed a version Mac OS X, the configuration utility MPX-Config configuration utility for the multiplexer Miniplex-2Wi (¹). It is now available in Downloads section of their website. This utility allows to make the multiplexer settings without going through Windows.
[Update 2/11/2014] MPX-Config V.3.70.0 is compatible with OS 10.10 « Yosemite ». It manages the firmware 3.30 and sup. of the Miniplex-2Wi. You will need to connect your Miniplex to a Mac (as Windows PC) with the USB cable, After having first downloaded and installed this latest version, as the last driver USB supplied on the web site of ShipModul (²). You must be connected to the Internet, is WiFi, in 3G / 4G, sharing if necessary cellular connection.