Actisense PRO-BUF-1-BAS-R User manual

Issue 1.00
Professional NMEA 0183 Intelligent Buffer
User Manual
PRO-BUF-1

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© 2016 Active Research Limited
Page 2
Important Notices
The device to which this manual relates complies with the Electromagnetic Compatibility requirements according to EN60945. The
unit should always be used in conjunction with appropriately approved, shielded cable and connectors as per NMEA
0400 to ensure compliance. A declaration of conformity is available for download at www.actisense.com.
If the device to which this manual relates is to be installed within ve metres of a compass, please refer to the
‘Compass Safe Distance’ section in the ‘Technical Specications’ table.
Trademarks and Registered Trademarks
Actisense®and the Actisense logo are registered trademarks of Active Research Limited (Ltd). All other trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
The NMEA®name and NMEA logo are copyright held by the NMEA. All uses in this manual are by permission and no
claim on the right to the NMEA name or logo are made in this manual.
Fair Use Statement
The contents of this manual may not be transferred or copied without the express written permission of
Active Research Ltd. Copyright © 2016 Active Research Ltd. All rights reserved.
Technical Accuracy
To the best of our knowledge the information contained in this document was correct at the time it was produced.
Active Research Ltd cannot accept liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
The products described in this manual and the specications thereof may be changed without prior notice. Active
Research Ltd cannot accept any liability for differences between the product and this document. To check for updated
information and specications please check www.actisense.com.
Active Research Ltd will not be liable for infringement of copyright, industrial property rights, or other rights of a third
party caused by the use of information or drawings described in this manual.
Product Registration
Please register your product via the online form at www.actisense.com/support/prodreg.
Your product package includes a unit serial number. The serial number is six digits long and can be found below the
barcode on the label. Your registration will assist Actisense Support to link your product to your details, simplifying any
future assistance you may require.
Product Guarantee
All Actisense products are provided with a 3 year guarantee as standard. To activate the 5-year guarantee offered
with this product please complete product registration either online at www.actisense.com/support/prodreg or by
completing and returning the warranty card supplied in the box with the product.
If you suspect that the unit is faulty please refer to the Troubleshooting Section of the User Manual before
contacting support.
It is a requirement of the guarantee that all installations of electronic equipment follow the NMEA 0400 specication.
Any connection to a battery or power supply must meet the mandatory essential safety requirements that may be
imposed by local regulatory agencies.
Actisense products are intended for use in a marine environment, primarily for below deck use. If a product is to be
used in a more severe environment, such use may be considered misuse under the Active Research Ltd guarantee.
Product Disposal
Please dispose of this product in accordance with the WEEE Directive. The product should be taken to a registered
establishment for the disposal of electronic equipment.

© 2016 Active Research Limited
Professional NMEA 0183 Intelligent Buffer - PRO-BUF-1
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Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................4
Installation Warnings............................................................................................................4
Software Updates ................................................................................................................4
Features ...............................................................................................................................5
Before getting started .........................................................................................................6
Terminals ..............................................................................................................................6
Screw Connector..................................................................................................................6
Screwless Connector............................................................................................................6
Connections .........................................................................................................................6
Power Supply .......................................................................................................................6
NMEA 0183 Talker and Listener Designations....................................................................7
OPTO Inputs ........................................................................................................................7
ISO-Drive Outputs ...............................................................................................................7
RF Ground Connection ........................................................................................................7
Serial.....................................................................................................................................8
Ethernet ...............................................................................................................................8
Alarm....................................................................................................................................8
Mounting the PRO-BUF-1....................................................................................................9
DIN Rail Mounting ...............................................................................................................9
Bulkhead Mounting..............................................................................................................9
Operating Modes...............................................................................................................10
Hard-wiring the operating modes .....................................................................................10
System Block Diagrams .....................................................................................................10
Web Browser Conguration Tool.......................................................................................10
Standard Ethernet networks..............................................................................................10
Direct connections or basic Ethernet networks ................................................................11
Conguration Tool .............................................................................................................12
Troubleshooting Guide ......................................................................................................12
LEDs ...................................................................................................................................12
Technical Support and the Returns Procedure ..................................................................14
Plans for Future Features...................................................................................................14
Specications .....................................................................................................................14
Product Dimensions...........................................................................................................15
Product Codes ...................................................................................................................15

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Introduction
The PRO-BUF-1 is designed to suit the majority of NMEA 0183 systems and ready to go ‘out of the box’ by simply
hard-wiring the two mode inputs as required. The manually congurable basic modes of operation include variations
of buffer modes, Autoswitch modes, and combine modes. For all other congurations, leaving the mode inputs
oating selects the ‘User Conguration Mode’. The web browser based conguration tool allows full customisation of
the PRO-BUF-1, and as the conguration tool is web based it is compatible across all popular Operating Systems.
The PRO-BUF-1 supports a direct Ethernet connection to a PC without the need for a specialised Ethernet
crossover cable.
Installation Warnings
All warnings and notices must be followed to ensure the correct operation of the PRO-BUF-1. Incorrect
installation may invalidate the guarantee.
It is highly recommended that all of the installation instructions are read before commencing the installation.
There are important warnings and notes throughout the manual that should be considered before the installation is
attempted.
Warning 1: Accuracy.
The Actisense PRO-BUF-1 is designed to accurately transfer data from input to output. When the PRO-BUF-1 is in a
Basic Mode no data integrity checking is performed, therefore any incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data received
on a PRO-BUF-1 input will be duplicated to the PRO-BUF-1 outputs. In contrast, PRO-BUF-1 Smart Modes do use the
sentence checksum (if available) to remove incomplete and corrupted data, however, the accuracy of the data elds in
a valid sentence still remains the responsibility of the NMEA Talker that generated the data.
Warning 2: Installation and Operation.
This product must be installed and operated in accordance with the instructions provided. Failure to do so could result
in personal injury, damage to your boat and/or poor product performance.
Warning 3: Installation Code of Practice.
When wiring the power supply to the PRO-BUF-1 ensure the isolation switch is off. Wiring the PRO-BUF-1 while the
connection is live may damage the PRO-BUF-1 and is in breach of the guarantee. Any connection to a battery or power
supply must meet the mandatory essential safety requirements that may be imposed by local regulatory agencies.
All wiring should be in accordance with the requirements of the NMEA 0400 installation specication.
Warning 4: Mounting Requirements.
Select a at location to mount the PRO-BUF-1. Mounting on a contoured surface may cause damage to the case. Do
not mount the PRO-BUF-1 while the device is powered, or the cable harness is connected.
Note that the connectors are pluggable for easy disconnection when mounting or removing the PRO-BUF-1.
Software Updates
The PRO-BUF-1 units have built-in rmware which is held in ash memory, allowing quick and easy upgrades using the
latest Actisense Toolkit or ActiPatch. It is highly recommended that the rmware is kept up to date in the PRO-BUF-1.
The PRO-BUF-1 rmware version can be viewed on the PRO-BUF-1 Conguration Tool ‘Home’ page, in the ‘Main
Application’ section. Details of the latest PRO-BUF-1 rmware version released can be viewed on the Actisense
website’s PRO-BUF-1 ‘Downloads’ page, for the Actisense Toolkit or ActiPatch download.

© 2016 Active Research Limited
Professional NMEA 0183 Intelligent Buffer - PRO-BUF-1
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Features
• 2 x NMEA 0183 OPTO-isolated inputs
• 12 x NMEA 0183 ISO-Drive™ isolated outputs
• 1 x bi-directional and fully isolated serial port
• 1 x Ethernet port
• 1 x Alarm output (N/O and N/C contacts). Operates on failure of primary input in Autoswitch mode
• Pre-denedmodesofoperation
• Each NMEA 0183 input automatically matches the Talker’s baud rate when in one of the basic
modes of operation (4800 or 38400)
• ‘UserCongurationMode’availablewhenmodeinputsarenothard-wired
• Easilycongurableviaanystandardwebbrowser
• Supports direct connection to PC using standard Ethernet cable
• Usingthecongurationtool,eachNMEA0183outputcanbeconguredtocommunicateatan
independent baud rate
• DiagnosticLEDs(power,datain/out&alarm)
• Designed for 12 and 24 Volt supply
• Pluggable connector system supports both screw and screwless terminals
• Double Galvanic isolation between all inputs and outputs. Galvanic isolation to battery supply
• ThePRO-BUF-1rmwarecanbeeasilyupgradedtooffernewfeaturesastheybecomeavailable,
making it ‘future proof’

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Before getting started
The wire colours used in this manual are in accordance with the NMEA 0183 specication (v.4.10, June 2014) and are for
illustration purposes only. Please ensure you check the wiring colours in the installation instructions for the devices you
wish to interface to the PRO-BUF-1.
Terminals
The PRO-BUF-1 comes with two main choices for its 2-way and 3-way connectors: ‘screw’ (-R) or ‘screwless ’ (-S).
PRO-BUF-1 connectors are pluggable, meaning they can be easily removed for quick and simple wire installation
without the need to unmount the PRO-BUF-1 from its installed location.
Screw Connector
2-way: 3-way:
Screwless Connector
Open the clamp inside the screwless connector by
pressing down on the orange button with a small (2mm)
at headed screwdriver. This will allow the wire to
be inserted. For best connections do not twist the
wire strands.
Connections
Power Supply
The PRO-BUF-1 requires a power source providing
between 10 and 35 Volts DC.
The PRO-BUF-1 ‘+’ terminal should be connected to the
vessel power supply ‘+’ terminal via the correctly rated fuse
(in accordance with NMEA 0400).
The PRO-BUF-1 ‘-’ terminal should be connected
to the vessels DC ground plate.
The input supply connection has continuous reverse
polarity and ESD protection.
Release the orange button to lower the clamp on to the
wire strands for a secure termination.

© 2016 Active Research Limited
Professional NMEA 0183 Intelligent Buffer - PRO-BUF-1
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NMEA 0183 Talker and Listener Designations
The NMEA have updated the NMEA 0183 specication to ensure a consistent naming convention is used for
labelling ports. The designation follows the same rules as used for Rx and Tx labelling but uses Talker and Listener
instead. The input / receiving (Rx) port will be labelled as a ‘Listener’ port. The output / transmitting (Tx) port will
be labelled as a ‘Talker’ port. When a port is labelled ‘Listener’ it is an input and when it is labelled ‘Talker’ it is an
output.
Connecting to NMEA Devices
The ‘A/+’ and ‘B/-’ of the NMEA 0183 device should be matched to the ‘A’ and ‘B’ on the PRO-BUF-1. If the NMEA
0183 device has a ground (GND) wire (and no ‘B/-’ wire), simply connect this to ‘B’ on the PRO-BUF-1.
OPTO Inputs
Connect the NMEA 0183 Talker to the PRO-BUF-1
Listener terminals as shown in the diagram.
RF Ground Connection
The shield from each Listener should be connected to the terminal on the PRO-BUF-1 ‘Isolated Talkers’ ports.
All terminals are connected internally and form a common bonding point at the RF ground stud.
The RF ground stud should be connected to the vessels RF ground plate using a minimum conductor size of 8 AWG
(10mm2) in accordance with NMEA 0400, (in version 3.1, this is in section 3.2).
ISO-Drive Outputs
Connect the NMEA 0183 Listener to the PRO-BUF-1
Talker terminals as shown in the diagram. Connect the
shield/drain wire of each Listener to the terminal.

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Serial
The connections for a standard RS232 cable are:
The connections for a null modem cable are:
Ethernet
Either a standard Ethernet patch or crossover cable with an RJ45 plug can be used for a direct connection to a PC/
laptop, or the PRO-BUF-1 can be connected to an Ethernet network switch.
Insert the RJ45 plug in to the PRO-BUF-1 ‘Ethernet’ terminal until a click is heard. To remove the RJ45 plug, push down
on the locking clip and pull the cable away from the ‘Ethernet’ terminal.
Note: Transferring NMEA 0183 data via Ethernet is a feature planned for a future rmware release. Currently the
Ethernet connection is used to congure the PRO-BUF-1 and create ‘User Modes’ (via the Conguration Tool), and
update the PRO-BUF-1’s rmware.
Alarm
Connect to an Alarm input, indicator or monitoring equipment as required. Currently this feature is not available but
will become active through a rmware update for the Autoswitch modes initially.
RS232 Cable: PRO-BUF-1:
TX (pin 3) ‘IN’
RX (pin 2) ‘OUT’
GND (pin 5) ‘COM’
Null Modem Cable: PRO-BUF-1:
TX (pin 2) ‘IN’
RX (pin 3) ‘OUT’
GND (pin 5) ‘COM’

© 2016 Active Research Limited
Professional NMEA 0183 Intelligent Buffer - PRO-BUF-1
Page 9
Mounting the PRO-BUF-1
DIN Rail Mounting
Install the DIN rail in the desired location.
Fully retract the black securing latch in to the down position.
Attach the PRO-BUF-1 to the DIN rail as shown in the diagrams below.
Ensure the PRO-BUF-1 sits ush against the DIN rail, then push the securing latch back in to position
to hold the PRO-BUF-1 in place.
Bulkhead Mounting
Actisense recommends the PRO-BUF-1 is installed using the DIN rail supplied for the most secure installation.
However, the PRO-BUF-1 can be secured to a bulkhead using the two screw catches on the reverse of the PRO-BUF-1
shown in the diagram below.
Two screws must be used 89.4mm apart and horizontally aligned.
Latch down
The above diagram is actual size if document is printed out at 100% onto A4.

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Operating Modes
The PRO-BUF-1 can be congured manually using the ‘Mode’ pins (also referred to as ‘hard-wiring’) or user congured
via the Conguration Tool. Manually conguring the PRO-BUF-1 takes priority over any user conguration. The factory
default setting of the PRO-BUF-1 is ‘Buffer Mode 3’.
Hard-wiring the operating modes
For a list of modes and how to set them up, refer to the ‘Mode Table’ sheet included with the PRO-BUF-1 or available
from the PRO-BUF-1 ‘Downloads’ page on the Actisense website.
System Block Diagrams
Web Browser Conguration Tool
The Conguration Tool for the PRO-BUF-1 is built-in and can be accessed via the Ethernet connection.
As the Conguration Tool is web based it is compatible with all popular web browsers and Operating Systems.
An internet connection is not required to access the Conguration Tool.
Standard Ethernet networks
If the PRO-BUF-1 is connected to an Ethernet network containing both DHCP and DNS servers, launch any popular
web browser and enter ‘//probuf-xxxxxx’ into the address bar (replacing ‘xxxxxx’ with the actual product’s serial
number).
Buffer Mode 1 Buffer Mode 2 Buffer Mode 3
Input
Selector
Autoswitch Mode 1/2 Combine Mode 1/2
See the ‘Mode Table’ for the operating differences between Autoswitch Mode 1 & 2 and Combine Mode 1 & 2.