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.
Description
The Miniplex-3Wi-N2K (N2K for NMEA 2 Pounds), 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. Translation, on the fly, is therefore bi-directional for all three protocols.
Conversion between NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 is done in both directions and for all inputs and outputs NMEA0183 on the MiniPlex-3, including connected devices (USB or Wi-Fi). It thus combines NMEA2000, NMEA0183 and SeaTalk¹ in a totally fluid way. Data NMEA0183 from older devices is now available on new trackers and autopilots NMEA2000. Also, All navigation software that emits NMEA0183 phrases will be able to transmit waypoints and control autopilots over a 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 rest assured that an app like Weather4D 2.0, iNavX or iSailor, will still be able to view the data and control autopilots, Regardless of the brands and communication protocols used.
Fittings
No revolution on that point. The utility MPX-Config3 of the Miniplex-3Wi is similar to that of the Miniplex-2Wi, with some additions and modifications. 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 has appeared, which currently offers only two options for the treatment of PGNs. Refer to the user manual included on the CD-Rom provided with the device.
Network Example
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 transmit all the data from the SeaTalkng network to the iPad application, and will be able to return to autopilot a course to follow towards 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) At my partner's house iTabNav, among others.
(²) Miniplex-2Wi, the new WiFi multiplexer for iPad and iPhone
(³) PGNs : Parameter Group Numbers (List PDF format)
(⁴) See article Miniplex-3Wi-N2K : Major updates.
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Bonjour,
Does this device allow you to route a Wifi connection on 1 or + tablets, smartphones or PCs ?(port for example) ?
Merci
Jean
The WiFi access point can currently have up to 4 Connected devices. But only one connection is possible at a time in TCP mode.
A very upcoming update will allow us to have up to 4 TCP client connections and a UDP server.
UDP mode is not a closed server/client connection like TCP, but an open connection on a specific port, allowing an unlimited number of accesses by applications supporting this mode (Weather4D 2.0, iNavX, iSailor, etc,).
You can also connect the MiniPlex to a WiFi router, and access TCP and UDP servers from any device that is also connected to the router.
Bonjour !
Wishing to equip myself with an AIS transponder and a Wifi gateway to power my map app on Ipad (Time-Zero today and probably Weather4D 2.0 tomorrow), What do you recommend? : an AIS with integrated multiplexer and Wifi gateway (Vesper 8000 + antenna splitter or Digital Yacht AIT3000) or 2 Separate devices ? (an AIS transponder with integrated splitter + a Miniplex-3Wi-N2K)
below, My first thoughts (Please complete them / correct) for the respective advantages in terms of
– cost : 389 € for the Miniplex-3Wi-N2K , or about the price difference between a AIT3000 and a TIA 2000 + splitter ?
– adaptability : Miniplex allows Seatalk input/output and NMEA outputs, unlike the Digital Yacht or Vesper integrated devices
– Electric consumption : An integrated device consumes less than 2 devices ?
– reliability : Less risk of failure with an integrated but more annoying consequences !
Thank you for your expert opinion
Sincerely
Yves CAYTAN
I do not provide an opinion on the choice of this or that equipment. I mainly try to study the solutions that I have been able to test, or the alternatives available like This post on the choice of dedicated antenna or splitter for AIS. I'm not interested in price comparisons, except in rare cases that highlight opposing economic models such as in this post on iNavX and iSailor.
For any personalized assistance, You can contact me from My Website.
Hello,
After much research, and responsive exchanges with members of society, I just received the Router from Vyacht, which seems to offer the same features, by integrating the Signal K protocol, and at a lower cost. The connection of the cables seems to require drilling the case... Do you know it??
I'll try it out next weekend......
Sincerely
Jean François
Vyacht's "router" does not support the SeaTalk protocol. Simply NMEA 0183 and 2000
If, and,this router integrates Seatalk. When ordering you can choose 4 NMEA0183 or 3 NMEA0183 and 1 Seatalk in addition to the port NMEA2000, and you can even add 2 Ethernet ports and even an experimental USB. It's well explained on their website (in English) !
Warning, VYacht is not registered with the NMEA for the NMEA2000, which explains its price. The router cannot transmit over an NMEA network 2000, Only read the data. The same goes for the SeaTalk1, the VYACHT is just reading, There is no transmission. The conversion is therefore unidirectional. He will never be able to transmit on 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.
Thank you for this information that I didn't have the notion of! Fortunately! I only want to recover my instrument data on Ipad + AIS
And congratulations again for the richness and quality of your site
JF