Actisense NDC-4 User manual
NMEA Data Multiplexer
NDC-4
For all variants:
NDC-4, NDC-4-USB, NDC-4-ASW
NDC-4-AIS, NDC-4-AIS-USB
Install User Manual
Issue 1.08
Multiple talker interface for use with the NMEA 0183 standard. Serial data
networking of marine electronic devices / instruments.
RS232 & USB 1.1 & 2.0 PC interfaces to the NMEA 0183 standard.
Actisense ISO-Drive technology for a fully isolated serial data system.
IntelligentNMEAlteringonallinputsallowssmartremovalofNMEAdata.
Re-congurabletoworkasanNDC-4-ASWAutoswitchtoallowtheautomatic
switchingbetweenupto4NMEAinputs.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 3© 2015 Active Research Limited
Contents
Important Notices 4
Notices 4
Foreword 4
Introduction 4
General Features 5
Technical Features 5
Software Updates 5
Connecting devices together 6
The Basics 6
The NMEA Signals 6
The Different NMEA Standards 6
Connections 7
Connecting to NMEA Devices 8
OPTO Inputs 8
ISO-Drive Outputs 8
Other Connections 9
Connecting to the Battery Supply 9
Connecting to a Personal Computer 9
USB Driver Installation 10
Installation Guide 10
Windows 7 and Windows Vista 10
Windows XP and Windows NT/2000 11
USB Conguration 12
Locate and Change the Port Number 12
Actisense PC Software suites 14
Installing Actisense PC software 14
Uninstalling Actisense PC software 15
Conguration of AIS 16
Setting up the Hardware for AIS 16
The NDC-4-ASW Autoswitch 17
Setting the NDC-4 as an Autoswitch 17
Troubleshooting Guide 18
Diagnostic LED 18
Specications 19
Order Codes 20
Returns Procedure 20
Company Information 20
Page 4© 2015 Active Research Limited
Important Notices
Actisense and the Actisense logo are registered
trademarks of Active Research Limited. All rights are
reserved. The contents of this manual may not be
transferred or copied without the express written
permission of Active Research Limited. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The Actisense NMEA Data Multiplexer / Combiner /
Autoswitch (NDC-4) is intended for use in a marine
environment,primarilyforbelowdeckuse.Iftheunitisto
beusedinamoresevereenvironment,suchusemaybe
considered misuse under the seller’s guarantee.
The ActisenseNDC-4has beencertiedtocomplywith
the European directive for Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EN60945), and is appropriately CE marked. Operation of
the unit should be in conjunction with appropriate CE
approved shielded connectors and cabling used in
accordance with the CE directive EN60945. Any EMC
related issues should be reported to Active Research
Limited immediately to allow the company to rectify or
resolve EMC related problems in accordance with its
obligationsunderEN60945.
If the unit is connected such that compliance failure occurs
beyondthecompany’scontrol,thecompanyshallnotbe
heldresponsibleforcompliancefailureuntilsuitableEMC
guidelinesforconnectionareseentohavebeentaken.
Notices
The products and specications described in this guide
maybechangedwithoutpriornotice.Toobtainthelatest
information visit www.actisense.com.
Active Research Limitedwillnotbeliableforinfringement
of copyright, industrial property right, or other rights of a
thirdparty caused bytheuse of informationordrawings
describedinthismanual.
The NDC-4 must be used in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions. Active Research Limited will
notbeheldresponsibleforanydamageorinjury,director
otherwise, as a result of failure to adhere to these
instructions.
The NDC-4 does not validate the NMEA data it receives in
any way. Neither the NMEA sentence checksum, nor the
data contained within the NMEA sentence is validated.
Therefore, the electronic device(s) supplying the NDC-4
with NMEA data retain(s) the sole responsibility for the
NMEA data’s validity.
Foreword
Actisense recognises that instructions are often skipped,
so we have aimed to write this document in an informative,
yet direct manner that will aid the user. We have tried to
cover all the points a typical user may need to know.
Please read all sections before installing and using the
Actisense NMEA Data Multiplexer product and any
related software programs.
Introduction
The Actisense NDC product range developed out of the
requirementtosolvetwofundamentalproblems with the
existing marine industry NMEA 0183 communications
standard.
In theory, the NMEA 0183 standard allows any suitably
designed marine electronic device to share its gathered
information with any other device on a vessel.
Unfortunately, thereisoneverylarge drawbackwiththis
standard - only one device on a connected network can
actually send data (a single talker), with multiple devices
(determined by the current limit of the sending unit)
listening to that data (multiple listeners).
If the vessel owner has an instrument that ideally requires
the data output of two or more devices, for example a
chart-plotter, then the owner has no alternative but to
settle on connecting only the most important device (that
which supplies the most used information), normally that is
theGPSunit.Allotherdevicescannotbeused.
What happens if the owner prefers the vessels gyro
compass heading output to that of the GPS, or requires
thatthecurrentdepthbedisplayedontheplottedchartto
helpavoidthepossiblecaseofrunningthevesselaground
onashiftingsandbank?TheNMEA0183standardcannot
supply an answer to those questions as it can handle only
one transmitting device.
Thesetwoelementaryproblemscanbesolvedsimplyand
easily with the Actisense NMEA Data Multiplexer’s very
exibledesignapproach.
Alternately, if the vessel has two or more identical NMEA
devices (e.g. GPS’s or depth sounders) the system
solutioncouldbetousetheNDC-4asanNMEAAutoswitch
to select the highest priority source.
Full information on the complete Actisense product range
canbefoundonthe Actisense website (www.actisense.
com).
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 5© 2015 Active Research Limited
General Features
4/5 Opto-isolated Input Ports
Each Opto-isolated input port has a priority level. This
defaults to the logical order matching the port numbers,
i.e. port 1 has the highest priority and port 4 has the lowest.
WhentheUSBcableisnotpluggedin(ornotpowered),
OPTOIN0can beused as afth fullycompliantNMEA
0183 data input, appearing last in the priority list.
2 ISO-Drive Output Ports
TheseoutputscombinetheinputdataintostandardNMEA
outputs with independent Baud rate selection options,
defaulting to 4800 (OUT 1) and 38400 (OUT 0). If the
combinedBaudrateofallNMEAinputsexceedtheoutput
Baud rate, it is possible that the combined data could
exceed the data carrying capacity of the NMEA output
channel. The multiplexer contains special software to
ensure that when the output channel is overloaded, new
dataofthesametypeasolderdata,stillinthebuffer,will
overwrite the older sentence.
A PC RS232 or USB Bidirectional Port
TheRS232compatiblePort0(OPTOIN0plusISOOUT
0) and the USB interface ensures that any device (or PC),
that has an RS232 or USB port, receives all the input
NMEA data, and can add its own NMEA data to ISO OUT
1. This allows for the possibility of a “virtual cockpit” of
instrumentsdisplayingallavailabledatainanymannerthe
userrequires(availablefromanumberofmanufacturers).
Theseconnectionsalsoallowthe unit to beupdatedvia
thefreelyavailableActiPatchashupgradesoftwarethat
willbemadeavailableontheActisensewebsitewhenthe
NDC-4rmwarehasbeenenhanced.
Notes:
1. WhentheUSBcableispluggedinandpoweredup,it
disablesOPTOIN0ontheNDC-4.
2. NDC-4variantsthatdon’tcomewithaUSBcablecan
beupgradedbypurchasingaUSBUpgradeKit.
Technical Features
Flash ROM technology that supports automatic
programming for quick and easy updates, 100,000+ erase
cycles and a 10 year Data Retention provides carefree
userconguration.
On-chip memory store allows buffering of short-term
NMEA data, allowing the unit to smooth short-term peaks
intheNMEAdataow.
A diagnostic LED indicates the operation mode of the
NDC-4,ifanyfaultshavebeendetected,orthepeakload
currently on any one of the NMEA inputs.
High-speed 32-bit ARM processorcapableofup to40
million instructions per second.
The NMEA 0183 inputs are galvanically opto-isolated
differential inputs, protecting against common mode
voltage differences of up to 2500v. Fully compliant with the
NMEA 0183 standard specication and compatible with
RS232, RS422 and RS485 signal levels. The typical
operating voltage is 2.0v to 15.0v and can withstand +/-
35vcontinuouslyand+/-40vtransients.Compatiblewith
bothdifferentialandsingleendedinputs.
ISO-Drive output technology unique to Actisense,
protects against common mode voltage differences of up
to 1500v. The output automatically changes between
differential and single ended drive depending upon the
type of instrument it is connected to. Fully compliant with
the NMEA 0183 standard specication and compatible
with RS232, RS422 and RS485 signal levels.
Wide battery input voltage range to offer maximum
compatibility,theNMEA0183NDC-4canoperatefroma
batterysupplyanywherebetween8and35volts.
USB poweredoptionisavailablewhenthebatterysource
isnotpresent.Whenthemainbatteryispresent,theUSB
power drain is minimal. WARNING:TheUSBandbattery
grounds are not isolated, see “USB Warning” on page 9.
Very tough Polycarbonate case is certied to IP66
(Protectionagainstheavyseas,orpowerfuljetsofwater),
the addition of non-acid based marine sealant to the
gasket can increase this to IP67 (Protection against
immersion). Being Polycarbonate, it is also incredibly
strong, offering a wide temperature range and superior
protection to the electronics inside.
Robust Nylon grommetsarecertiedtoIP68(Protection
againstcomplete,continuoussubmersioninwater).
Note: To achieve this level of water integrity all glands
must be occupied by round-section cables of between
4.5mmand10mmorbereplacedbyblankingplugs.
Large range of possible cable diameters of between
4.5mmand10mm,singleormulti-pairwiretypescanbe
easily accepted.
An NMEA 0183 Checksum willbeaddedtoanysentence
receivedwithoutonetoensurethattheycanbeaccepted
byanNMEA0183Listenerthatexpectsachecksum.This
feature makes the NDC-4 essential even when interfacing
a single v.1.5 NMEA 0183 Talker to a v.2.0 (and above)
NMEA 0183 Listener.
Page 6© 2015 Active Research Limited
Software Updates
The NDC’s built-in rmware is held in ‘ash’ memory,
allowing quick and easy upgrades using a simple Microsoft
Windows™ NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 user interface program
(ActiPatch) running on a connected PC.
It is our policy to provide these updates free on the
Actisense website (www.actisense.com). This upgrade
canbeperformedwiththeunitcompletelyin-situ,viaaPC
connected to either Port 0 (OPTO IN 0 and ISO OUT 0) or
the USB port.
Connecting devices together
The Basics
NMEA data is transmitted from an information source such
as GPS, depth sounder, gyro compass etc. These data
sending devices are called “Talkers”.
Equipment receiving this information such as a chart-
plotter, radar or NMEA display is called a “Listener”.
Unfortunately, onlyoneTalkercan beconnected on toa
single NMEA 0183 system at any one time. Two or more
Talkers are simply not possible because they are not
synchronised to each other, and will attempt to ‘talk’ at the
same time (over each other), resulting in corruption of the
NMEA data, and potentially in disaster if valuable data
such as navigation information is lost or corrupted so that
it is incorrect and/or misleading.
Actisense produces a full range of products to solve all
NMEA interfacing requirements.
Please visit the Actisense website (www.actisense.
com) for full details on these and other Actisense
interfacing, Depth sounding and NMEA 2000 products.
The NMEA Signals
TheNMEA0183systemv2.0andlaterusesa”differential”
signallingscheme,wherebytwowiresareusedtotransmit
the NMEA data. These connections will be labelled as
either NMEA ‘A’ and ‘B’ or NMEA ’+’ and ‘-’ respectively,
depending on the instrument and manufacturer.
Whenconnectingbetweendifferentmanufacturers,there
can be some confusion, but it is simple and easy to
remember:NMEA‘A’ connects to NMEA ‘+’ and NMEA ‘B’
connects to NMEA ‘-’.
The Different NMEA Standards
TheNMEA0183specicationhasslowlyevolvedoverthe
years, so connecting one device to another is not always a
straightforward matter. The earlier versions of NMEA 0183
(before v2.0, as detailed above), used slightly different
connection methods and signal levels: the instruments
hadjustone“NMEA”dataline(‘Tx’or‘Out’),andusedthe
ground as the other line - similar to the way a computer
serial port works. This connection method is referred to as
“singleended”insteadofthe“differential”methodusedby
NMEA 0183 v2.0 devices.
Thedataformatislargelythesamebetweenbothsystems,
with v2.0 adding some extra sentence strings, and
removing older (redundant) sentence strings from the
specication.Thesituationisfurthercomplicated,asmany
manufacturersstillusetheold(“singleended”)methodof
connectionbecauseitischeapertoimplement.
SohowcananoldertypeNMEAdevicebeconnectedtoa
newertypedevice?
Careisneeded–itispossibletodamageoroverloadthe
output of a newer differential device if it is incorrectly
connected to an older device. This is because the older
devices used ground as the return, whereas the newer
devices actually drive the NMEA ‘-/B’linebetween5vand
0v. Thus, connecting this output to ground will result in
high currents being drawn by the driver instrument,
resulting in potential overheating and damage to the driver
circuits.
However, the new Actisense ISO-Drive technology allows
the user not to worry about this potentially damaging
incompatibility. Instead, an ISO-Drive output can be
connected to an old type single-ended system, by
connecting the NMEA ‘+/A’ output from the ISO-Drive to
the single-ended NMEA ‘Rx’ or “In” input of the device.
Connect the NMEA ‘-/B’ output of the ISO-Drive to the
ground of the single-ended device. This provides the
required data signal return current path.
To connect an old type single-ended device to an OPTO
IN input, connect the NMEA ‘Tx’ or ‘Out’ output from the
single-ended driver to the OPTO IN ‘+/A’ input of the NDC-
4. Connect the ground line of the single-ended output
device to the OPTO IN ‘-/B’ input of the NDC-4. This
provides the data signal return current path. If the NMEA
‘-/B’inputisleftoating,thendatacorruption/errorsmay
occur.
Please refer to “Connecting to NMEA devices” on page
8for examples of these connection methods.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 7© 2015 Active Research Limited
1. Five Opto-isolated Inputs.
All inputs are of the differential opto-isolated type and use
the unique Actisense low current drain circuitry (2mA @
2.0v) to conform in full with the NMEA 0183 marine
electronic device network communication standard, and
areexibleenoughtointerfacetomostfullyandpartially
compliant devices.
2. Two ISO-Drive Outputs.
The ISO-Drive outputs comprise of two connections: ‘+/A’
and ‘-/B‘ and conform in full to the NMEA 0183 standard.
3. RS232 Compatible Input/Output Option.
TheISOOUT0andOPTOIN0connectionscanbeused
asabidirectionalRS232compatibleportandisdesigned
for direct connection to a Personal Computer (PC) or other
marinedevicecapableofinterfacingtoastandardRS232
port.
WhenaUSBcableispoweredandpluggedintotheNDC-
4, this port switches to output only - i.e. the RS232 input
(OPTO IN 0) no longer operates.
4. A USB Input/Output (USB Variants Only).
The USB connector is designed for direct connection to a
PC’s USB port. Once the USB cable is powered and
plugged into the NDC-4, Port 0 switches to an output only
mode-thisallowstheUSBporttotakeoverbidirectional
control of the NDC-4.
5. Battery Supply Input.
Standardbatterypowerconnections(8to35v).
Notes:
1. To complete the NMEA 0183 standard all device
interconnectionNMEAcablesusedshouldmeetthetwo-
conductor, shielded, twisted pair conguration
specication.Theshieldconnectionofthesewiresshould
beconnectedattheinstrumentendonlytopreventground
loops.
2. Refer to “Specications” on page 19 for the full details
oninput/outputspecications.
TheNMEADataMultiplexer(NDC)hasscrew-terminal“Phoenix”typeexternalconnectionsfor:-
Connections
Figure 1 – All external connections
NMEA DATA COMBINER
99999
NDC-4-A-USB
Page 8© 2015 Active Research Limited
OPTO Inputs
The differential opto-isolated inputs are designed to handle
a variety of NMEA 0183 device output specications.
Please determine (from device manufacturer’s information)
if the device(s) required to be connected to the NDC-4
conforms in full to the NMEA 0183 network communication
standard.Ifit doesnot,theexibleNDC-4inputsshould
stillbecapableofinterfacingwiththedevice,thoughthisis
not guaranteed.
Thediagramaboveshowsatypicalinstallationwithboth
fully compliant NMEA devices with differential inputs/
outputs, and non-differential output devices.
Note: All NDC-4 inputs are identical and the connections
shownareexamplesthatcanbeusedoneveryinputport.
NMEA Talker Devices 1 and 2: These devices conform in
full to the NMEA 0183 standard. Talker 1 shares the same
connection ID’s as the NDC-4, so connection is a simple
matter of matching the ID’s. Connect ‘+’ to ‘+/A’ and ‘-’ to
‘-/B’ or ‘A‘ to ‘+/A‘ and ‘B’ to ‘-/B’ (refer to gure 2).
NMEA Talker Devices 3 and 4: These devices do not
conform completely to the NMEA 0183 standard. However,
byconnecting‘+‘ to ‘+/A‘ or ‘Data/Signal’ to ‘+/A‘ and ‘G/
Ground’ to ‘-/B’ the NDC-4 should receive the NMEA data
correctly.
ISO-Drive Outputs
The ISO-Drive outputs are capable of driving up to 10
NMEA 0183 fully compliant listening devices, or a mixture
of NMEA 0183 devices and a Personal Computer (PC)
communication port. However, if you wish to maintain
isolation between all devices, then only one listening
deviceshouldbeconnectedtoanISO-Driveoutput.
NMEA Listener Device’s B and C: These devices
conform in full to the NMEA 0183 standard and their
connection ID’s match that of the NDC-4.
Personal Computer: Whilst the OPTO IN 0 and ISO-
Drive0provideabidirectionalRS232compatibleportfor
connectiontoaPC,theISO-Drive1outputisalsocapable
ofbeingreadbyaPC’sRS232port.Simplyconnect‘+/A’
to ‘Rx’ and ’-/B’ to ‘G/Ground’ on a standard D-type
connector.See“Figure26-DB9Connection” onpage8
of the “Full user manual” available on the CD and from
www.actisense.com for a diagram of this wiring
connection.
NMEA Listener Device A: This device does not conform
infulltotheNMEA0183standard.However,byconnecting
‘+/A‘ to ‘+‘ or ‘Data/Signal’ and ‘-/B’ to ‘G/Ground’ the
deviceshouldbeabletoreceivetheNMEAdatacorrectly,
though this is not guaranteed.
Note: Wire colours are for guidance only.
Connecting to NMEA Devices
Figure 2 – NMEA 0183 connections
NMEA DATA COMBINER
99999
NDC-4-A-USB
NMEA
Talker 3
+
G
NMEA
Talker 1
+
-
NMEA
Talker 2
A
B
NMEA
Talker 4
D
Personal
Computer
Rx
G
NMEA
Listener A
+
G
NMEA
Listener B
+
-
NMEA
Listener C
A
B
G
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 9© 2015 Active Research Limited
Other Connections
Figure 3 – RS232, USB and Battery connections
Battery /
Power Supply
+
-
PC or
Laptop
USB
PC or
Laptop
RxTx G
Connecting to the Battery Supply
TheNDC-4canbepoweredeitherbytheUSBconnection
orthroughanexternalpowersource.Ifbothpowersources
areavailable,theprecautionsintheUSBwarningsection
abovemustbeadheredto.
If the NDC-4 is powered from an external power source,
like a battery, it should be wired to the vessel’s battery
supply in the most direct manner possible, to minimize
interferencefromotherelectronicdevices.Thecableused
should be of sufcient gauge to handle the power
requirements of the NDC-4 (refer to ”Specications” on
page 19).
USB Warning!
USB power and battery power are NOT
isolatedfromeachother.Consultaqualiedinstallerto
ensurethereisnogroundloophazardwhenconnecting
both.Disconnectingasinglebatteryleadorturningoff
thesupplydoesNOTpreventthisgroundloophazard.
GroundloopdamageisNOTcoveredbytheguarantee.
For installs where the NDC-4 must still operate when
the PC is switched off, full PC isolation can be
maintainedbyusingPort0(‘OPTOIN0’and‘ISOOUT
0’) as the PC connection.
Onlywhenusingalaptoprunningonitsinternalbattery
(withNOchargingsupply),cantheNDC-4USBcable
beusedatthesametimeaspoweringtheNDC-4from
theshipsbatteryonthe“BATT”terminals.
!Connecting to a Personal Computer
TheUSBportcanbeusedtoconnectaPCtotheNMEA
0183system.AUSBcableisavailableintheformof an
upgradekitforvariantsthatdonotcomewithacable.The
partnumberwillinclude“USB”ifacableisprovidedwith
that variant (e.g. NDC-4-USB).
Alternatively,Port0(OPTOIN0andISOOUT0)canbe
usedtoconnect aPCinto theNMEA0183system by
using a serial port cable conforming to the following
specication:
1. A D-type female (socket) connector for the PC end of
thecable.
2.Aminimumof3coresarerequiredinashieldedcable.
Higherqualitycablewillyieldhigherperformance(SNR).
Mosttypical cableshave twotwistedpairsinside.Inthis
case, use one pair for the TX line and one for the RX line.
Use the spare wire in each pair as ground, and connect
thecableshieldtogroundonlyatthecomputerend.
3. The TXoftheNDC-4shouldbeconnectedtotheRX of
the computer (standard D-type, pin 2) and the NDC-4 RX
should be connected to the TX of the computer (pin 3).
The GNDofbothIN0andOUT0ontheNDC-4shouldbe
connected to the PC’s serial port ground (pin 5). See
“Figure26-DB9Connection”onpage9 ofthe“Fulluser
manual” available on the CD and from www.actisense.
com for a diagram of this wiring connection.
Note: Wire colours are for guidance only.
Page 10© 2015 Active Research Limited
USB Driver Installation
WhenusinganNDC-4withaUSBcableitisnecessaryto
install the USB drivers. Any NDC-4 variant without a USB
cable can be ‘upgraded’ by purchasing a USB Upgrade
Kit from your dealer.
TheUSBcableisnotvitaltotheconguringorupdatingof
an NDC-4; Port 0 (OPTO IN 0 and ISO OUT 0) connected
to an RS232 port can perform exactly the same operations
ifaUSBcableisnotavailablesee“Other Connections”
on page 9.
The Actisense USB driver has been extensively tested
with Windows versions from Windows 98SE to Windows 7
and is proven to work with the NDC-4. The driver comes in
twopartsandbotharerequiredforcorrectoperation.The
rstisthe‘USB serial converter’ driver and the second is
the ‘Virtual serial port’ driver.
The required Linux drivers are already included in the
Linux kernels from v2.4.20 and onwards. However,
Actisense has not been able to test the compatibility of
the NDC-4 with USB and this driver. Install instructions are
available on the CD and the Actisense website (www.
actisense.com).
Drivers for MAC OS X are provided ‘as is’ and Actisense
is unable to offer support for MAC related issues. To
download the drivers visit the Actisense website (www.
actisense.com).
Installation Guide
Windows 7 and Windows Vista
The following instructions are for Windows 7. Although not
the same, Windows Vista users will be able to use this
information to install the drivers as well.
With an active Internet connection the process is very
simple. Connect the USB cable and Windows will
automatically download and install the latest driver from
Windows update. Both drivers are now installed and no
further steps are required.
When there is no Internet connection Windows will fail to
install the driver.
Follow these steps to manually install the drivers from the
Actisense CD or a copy downloaded from the Actisense
website.
1. Open ‘Device Manager’ (from the start menu type
‘device manager’inthesearchbox,openitfromthelist).
2. Find the NDC-4 under ‘Other devices’ and right click,
then select ‘Update Driver Software’.
3. If the CD is inserted select ‘Search automatically for
updated driver software’andjumptostep4.
Without the CD select ‘Browse my computer for driver
software’.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 11© 2015 Active Research Limited
4. Click the ‘Browse’buttonandlocatethefolderthatthe
USB driver is saved (containing “ftdibus.inf”). Once
the folder is selected click ‘Next’.
5. When the ‘USB Serial Converter’ driver has completed
the ‘Virtual Serial Port’driverwillneedtobeinstalledin
the same way. This time in ‘Device Manager’ right click
‘USB Serial Port’ and select ‘Update Driver Software’.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to install the ‘Virtual Serial Port’
driver.
Nowbothdriversareinstalledsee“USB Conguration”
on page 12fordetailsonhowtondoutwhichCOMport
numberhasbeenallocatedtoyourActisense device as
well as how to change to a different COM port.
Windows XP and Windows NT/2000
The following instructions are for Windows XP. Although
notthesame,WindowsNT/2000userswillbeabletouse
this information as well.
1.ConnecttheUSBcableandWindowswillautomatically
open the ‘Found New Hardware Wizard’. If an active
Internet connection is available select ‘Yes, this time
only’, click ‘Next’ and go to step 4. Without an active
Internet connection select ‘No, not at this time’ and click
‘next’.
2. If using drivers from the CD, choose ‘Install the
software automatically (Recommended)’ and click
‘next’. Windows will search the CD and install the drivers,
go to step 4. If using drivers downloaded from the
Actisensewebsite,choose‘Install from a list or specic
location (Advanced)’ and click ‘Next’.
Page 12© 2015 Active Research Limited
3. When using the drivers downloaded from the Actisense
website, it is important to unzip them to an easy to nd
location. Make sure the ‘Include this location in the
search’ option is ticked, and use the ‘Browse’buttonand
select the folder where the drivers have been extracted
and click ‘Next’.
4. The ‘USB serial converter’ driver is now installed, click
‘Finish’tocompletethewizard.
5. Once complete ‘Your new hardware is installed and
ready to use’willappearinthebottomrightcornerofyour
screen.
Wait for the ‘Found New Hardware Wizard’ to appear
again. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to install the ‘Virtual Serial
Port’ driver.
Nowbothdriversareinstalledsee“USB Conguration”
on page 12fordetailsonhowtondoutwhichCOMport
numberhasbeenallocatedtoyourActisense device as
well as how to change to a different COM port.
USB Conguration
To communicate with the NDC-4, the COM port number
thatWindowshasallocatedtotheUSBportneedstobe
determined. The following guide will walk the user through
this standard operation.
The Actisense NMEA Data Multiplexer, NDC-4 is
completely USB port independent: It can be easily
unplugged from one USB port and connected to another
availableUSBportonthesamePCwithouttheCOMPort
numberchanging.
This is very useful when the NDC-4 is working in unison
with a software program that is set up to use a particular
COM port, as the user does not need to re-select a different
COM port every time the PC reboots, or the cable is
swappedbetweentwoUSBports.
Locate and Change the Port Number
1. Connect the NDC-4 USB cable to a USB port on the
PC.
In Windows 7 and Vista; from the start menu type ‘Device
Manager’inthesearchbox,openitfromthelist.
In Windows XP; from ‘Control Panel’, select ‘System’, on
the ‘Hardware’tabclick‘Device Manager’.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 13© 2015 Active Research Limited
2.Expandthe‘Ports(COM&LPT)’listbyclickingonthe
‘+’ sign (Windows XP and Vista) or the white arrow
(Windows7).Youwillndthe‘Actisense NDC’in the list,
followedbytheallocatedCOMportnumber.
3.Doubleclickontheiconforthe‘Actisense NDC’and
the properties window will appear. Click on the ‘Port
Settings’ tab. There is no need to change any of the
settings here, the software package that opens the port
will specify the required values.
4. Click on the ‘Advanced’buttonandchooseadifferent
COMPortnumberifrequired(tomakeitcompatiblewith
the software requiring the NDC-4 NMEA data).
Figure 4 - COM Port Numbers List
WindowsremembersallpreviouslyconnectedUSBports
and lists all these as ‘in use’ even when they are not
connected. On the PC the screen-shot “Figure 4 - COM
Port Numbers List” the only ports that are actually ‘in
use’areports1,2and3soalltheothercomportnumbers
are available. Click on ‘OK’ button to save the new
settings.
Page 14© 2015 Active Research Limited
Actisense PC Software suites
The Actisense NMEA Data Combiner hardware can be congured, monitored and tested using its own dedicated
softwaresuite,‘NDCControlCentre’.TheNDC-4canbeupdated/upgradedusingthelatestActiPatchsoftwaresuite.
This section provides a complete users guide to installing and uninstalling these two software suites.
TheseprogramsarecurrentlyonlyavailableforWindowsNT/2000/XP/Vista/7,however,ithasbeenprovenpossibleto
use Control Centre and ActiPatch on a Mac running ‘VMware Fusion’ Windows emulation software.
Installing Actisense PC software
Replace the generic “<Product Name>”textbelowwith
the name of the actual software you are installing: “NDC
Control Centre”, or “ActiPatch”.
1. Download the latest version of the software from the
Actisense website,orlocatethelesontheActisense
CD included with the NDC-4.
2.Ifapreviousversionofthesoftwarehasalreadybeen
installed, uninstall the previous version before installing
the new version. Refer to “Uninstalling Actisense PC
software” on page 15 for full details.
Note: For a complete fresh install, delete the install
directory. This will remove all previous settings. To keep
these settings, do not delete the directory.
3.Iftheprogramiscontainedwithinaziple,extractthe
three les (“<Product Name>.001”, “<Product
Name>.002” and “setup.exe”) that are contained within
the zip le using any available unzip program to a
temporary directory (e.g. “C:\Temp”).
4. Double click on the “setup.exe” program le and
follow the on-screen instructions of the
standard Windows install program. The
installlocationcanbechangeatthispoint,
however, the default location is normally
acceptable (refer to “Figure 5 – Install
Options” and “Figure 6 – Installation
Complete”).
Once the install operation is complete, the
temporary les and/or directory can be
deleted.Keeptheoriginalziplesafe.
5. From the ‘Start Menu’ navigate to the
‘Actisense’directoryanddoubleclickon
the ‘Program’ icon (refer to “Figure 7 -
‘Start Menu’ Short-cuts” and “Figure 8
– ‘Start Menu’ Short-cuts”).
Useful Tip: If you access the program
regularly you can ‘copy and paste’ the
program icon from the Windows ‘Start Menu’ on to the
desktop or the ‘Quick Launch’short-cutbartocreatean
easy to access short-cut.
Figure 5 – Install Options
Figure 6 – Installation Complete
Figure 7 - ‘Start Menu’ Short-cuts
Figure 8 – ‘Start Menu’ Short-cuts
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 15© 2015 Active Research Limited
Uninstalling Actisense PC software
Replace the generic “<Product Name>”textbelowwith
the name of the actual software you are installing: “NDC
Control Centre”, or “ActiPatch”.
1. To uninstall the program, from the ‘Start Menu’ navigate
to the ‘Actisense’ directory and double click on the
‘Uninstall’ icon (refer to “Figure 7 - ‘Start Menu’ Short-
cuts” on page 14 and “Figure 8 – ‘Start Menu’ Short-
cuts” on page 14).
3. Once the uninstall operation has been requested, the
conrmationbox(“Figure 9 – Uninstall Conrmation”)
willbedisplayed.Answer‘Yes’andtheuninstalloperation
will be performed automatically. After successfully
uninstalling the Actisense PC software, the uninstall
completion box will appear (“Figure 10 – Uninstall
Complete”).
4.Inaddition,theprogramdirectorycanalsobedeletedto
completely remove the program. In this way all the program
leswillbeuninstalledinacleanandcompletemanner.
If however, you are going to install a new version after this
uninstall, you can keep the program directory and the
congurationlestoredwithinit.Inthisway,all theuser
settings you had for the previous version will be
immediatelyavailablewiththenewversion.
Figure 9 – Uninstall Conrmation
Figure 10 – Uninstall Complete
Page 16© 2015 Active Research Limited
Conguration of AIS
Figure 11 – AIS Conguration with 38400 Baud Rate
Setting up the Hardware for AIS
Control Centre, supplied on the CD (or available for
download from Actisense website), allows a quick set-up
forAISusingthecongurationleincluded.
From the menu select ‘File → Load Conguration File’
and select “NDC-4 cong for AIS.ini”lefromthe
install directory. Read the pop up and click ‘OK’.
This will change the settings for OPTO IN 2. The
congurationtabwillset38400Baud(AISrequiresNMEA
0183 HS). The Inclusion List is set to block allAIS data
from being sent to ISO OUT 1 which is typically kept at
4800 Baud. Filtering does not affect the USB/RS232 port,
alltheAISsentenceswillstillbeoutputtedonthisport.
Note: The use of AIS at Baud rates lower than 38400
cannotberecommendedasthiscouldcauserandomAIS
targetdatatobelostinareasofhightargetdensity.
ToenablethesesettingsontheNDC-4clickonthe‘Send
to Hardware’buttononBOTH the ‘Port Conguration’
and ‘Inclusion List’tabs.
TheAIS device should then be connected to the NDC’s
‘OPTO IN 2’ as shown in ‘Figure 21’, with any other
talkers connected as required. The device for receiving
theAISdata(chart-plotterorPC)shouldbeconnectedto
‘ISO OUT 0’, or the USB port.
Theremainingportscanbere-conguredbytheuseras
neededusingControlCentre.Referto“UsingNDCControl
Centre”onpage16ofthe“Fullusermanual”availableon
the CD and from www.actisense.com for full detailed
information on how to use Control Centre.
4800 Baud
NMEA DATA COMBINER
99999
NDC-4-A-USB
38400 Baud
4800 Baud
4800 Baud
38400 Baud
Chart
Plotter
NMEA
Talker 3
+
G
AIS
Talker
A
B
NMEA
Talker 4
+
-
NMEA
Talker 1
A
38400 Baud
B
A
B
A
B
In Out
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 17© 2015 Active Research Limited
The NDC-4-ASW Autoswitch
The Actisense NMEA Data Multiplexer / Combiner /
Autoswitch (NDC) has been designed with the ability to
operateasaMultiplexer/CombinerORanAutoswitch.
For systems that have multiple NMEA devices of an
identical type (e.g. two GPS’s or two depth sounders),
automatic selection of the highest priority device is
normally a vital requirement. However, the NMEA 0183
standard has no method of automatically switching
between different devices, so this requirement is usually
fullledwithamanualchangeoverswitch:notaverygood
solution,buttheonlyoneavailableuntilnow.
If the NMEA data from two (or more) devices are simply
combinedtogether,theNMEAlistener(s)willnotbeableto
differentiatebetweenthevarioussourcesandwillgetvery
confused, often jumping between them. If this creates a
‘jumping’positionx,vesselsafetyisseriouslyaffected.
The NDC-4 Autoswitch mode is the perfect solution to this
problem-automaticallyselectingasingledevicefromthe
multiple‘samedatatype’devicesavailable.
Autoswitch mode will automatically select the highest
priority device from up to 4 connected input devices, with
NMEA port 1 as the highest priority through to NMEA port
4 as the lowest. This creates a system capable of
automatically selecting the next priority device if the higher
priority device fails for one of three reasons:
• A complete failure to send any NMEA data.
• An invalid NMEA sentence checksum.
• Ifthevalidityag(s)containedwithinthereceivedNMEA
sentence indicate that this data is not valid and should
onlybeusedwithcaution.
With the addition of two fully Baud rate congurable
outputsprotectedbyISO-Drivetechnology,thatcanalso
incorporate NMEA ltering to remove any unwanted
sentences before the switching process, the NDC-4
Autoswitchmodeisthemostexibleavailable.
Having the ability to lter out NMEA data before the
autoswitch process can be particularly useful to avoid
unwanted sentences from causing the Autoswitch to
change input channels due to invalid data, leaving only the
required sentences to switch on.
If ordered as an Autoswitch, the NDC-4 will be pre-
conguredasanNDC-4-ASWandbereadytoworkoutof
thebox.Alternatively,anyNDC-4canbeconguredusing
Control Centre to operate in Autoswitch mode.
Setting the NDC-4 as an Autoswitch
TheNDC-4caneasilybechangedbetweenbeingaNMEA
Data Multiplexer / Combiner and an NMEA Autoswitch
using Control Centre.
In the ‘Port Congure’ tab click on the button labelled
“Change ToAutoswitch” to change the NDC’s operation
mode to Autoswitch.
Figure 12 – “Change To/From Autoswitch” message
Awarningmessagewillbedisplayed,requestingthatthe
userconrmtherequestto change toAutoswitchmode.
Selecting ‘Yes’ will automatically send the new
congurationtotheunit,andtheNDC-4willnowAutoswitch
itsinputsinsteadofCombiningthem.
To revert back to Combiner mode, click on the (same)
button(nowlabelled‘Change To Combiner’). Again, the
usermustconrmtheoperatingmodechangeisrequired
and the NDC-4 will now Combine its inputs instead of
Autoswitching them. There is no need to click the ‘Send to
Hardware’button,thiscongurationchangeisautomatic.
Page 18© 2015 Active Research Limited
Troubleshooting Guide
Thisguidewillconcentrateonallrelevanttroubleshootingissuesabovesimplecableconnectionfaults.Therefore,the
cablesbetweentheNDC-4hardwareandanyotherdevicesshouldbecheckedasamatterofcourse,beforecontinuing
with this guide.
Diagnostic LED
The NDC-4 hardware supports a tricolour diagnostic LED that indicates the current operating mode of the hardware, or
ifanerrorhasbeendetectedduringtheself-testinitiationprocess.‘Table 1’ details what each LED colour represents
and if any user interaction is required.
LED Colour /
Flash Count Mode / Error condition Required User Response
Start up operation modes Thesequencebelowindicatesasuccessfulpower-upofthe
NDC-4 with no data on any of the input channels.
LED is off Power down mode
TheNDC-4hasnopower,conrmthebatteryisconnected
correctly.ForUSBpoweredunits,ensurethecableis
connected and the USB drivers are installed.
Red,
Noashing
Start-up mode,
No error
No response required. A normal operation mode that should
last for no more than 1.5 seconds. Any longer indicates an
error with the main program.
Amber,
Noashing
Initialise and self-test mode,
No error
No response required. A normal operation mode that follows
after the Start-up mode and should last for approximately 1
second.
Green,
Noashing
Normal and no data mode,
No error
No response required. A normal operation mode that follows
the Initialise and self-test mode. Indicates that no error was
detected during the self-test operation.
Alsoindicatesthatnodataiscurrentlybeingreceivedbythe
NDC-4 hardware.
Running modes Belowaretheothercorrectoperatingmodespossiblewiththe
NDC-4.
Green,
Flashing (1-10 per
second)
Normal and data Rx mode,
No error
No response required. A normal operation mode that indicates
thatdataiscurrentlybeingreceived(onatleastonechannel)
bytheNDC-4hardware.FlashrateproportionaltoRxrate.
Red,
Noashing
Flash updating mode,
No error
No response required. LED will stay red for the duration of the
ashupdateoperation(usingActipatch).Onceoperation
complete,NDC-4hardwarewillbeautomaticallyreset.
Error mode BelowisapossibleerrormodefortheNDC-4.Iftheerror
persists see “Returns Procedure” on page 20.
Amber,
Flashing (Once
every 4 seconds)
Error trap mode,
EEPROM memory error
AnerrorwiththeEEPROMmemoryhasbeendetectedduring
the self-test mode.
Reset the NDC-4 hardware.
Table 1 – Diagnostic LED Colours
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 19© 2015 Active Research Limited
Specications
TheNDC-4ISO-DriveoutputisaveryexibleoutputthatisRS485,RS232,RS422andNMEA0183compatible.
Parameter Conditions Min. Max. Unit
Supply
Supply voltage External power supply 8 35 V
Supply current from external source
(see note 1)
Supply voltage = 12v 30 40 mA
Supply voltage = 24v 15 20 mA
Supply voltage USB powered 4.75 5.25 V
Supply current from USB (see note 1) Supply voltage = 5v 67 75 mA
Opto-isolated Flexible Input
Inputvoltagebetween+/- Logical‘1’/stopbit -15.0 0.5 V
Logical‘0’/startbit 4.0 15.0 V
Input current Maximum is under +35v overload
condition, Min @ 2.0v input level 1.6 9.0 mA
Differential input voltage RequiredlevelforNMEAtobedetected 1.8 2.0 V
Galvanic isolation Between input & output 2500 V
Overdrive protection 40 V
Input Baud rate (ports 0 & 1 + USB) CongurableBaudrate 4800 115200 bps
Input Baud rate (ports 2 & 3) CongurableBaudrate 4800 57600 bps
Input Baud rate (port 4) Fixed Baud rate 4800 4800 bps
ISO-Drive Flexible Output
Output voltage between ISO Out +/A and
ISO Out -/B (under no load)
Logical ‘1’ -4.6 -5.0 V
Logical ‘0’ 4.6 5.0 V
Output current at max load of 100 ohm At maximum load, differential drive
voltage reduces to 2.1v - 21 mA
Output short circuit current (note 2) Due to short circuit protection 50 55 mA
Galvanic isolation From Opto input and (USB) ground 1500 V
Output Baud rate (ports 0 & 1 + USB) CongurableBaudrate 4800 115200 bps
Data propagation delay Under no-overload conditions 1.0 100 ms
General
Ambienttemperature -20 +70 °C
Guarantee Extended Actisense guarantee - 3 Year
Gland clamping range Cablediametersaccommodated 4.5 10 mm
IP Rating IP66
Table 2 – NDC-4 Specications
Allspecicationsaretakenwithreferencetoanambienttemperature(TA)of+25°C.
Notes:
1. Current consumption measured under no-load conditions.
2.Short circuitmaybe appliedindenitely.The ISO-Driveoutputmay beshort-circuiteddirectly toa30 voltbattery
supplywithoutdamage.Amaximumcurrentof50mAwillowdueto“polyfuse”auto-resettingfusetechnologybeing
used in each output.
Page 20© 2015 Active Research Limited
Company Information
Active Research Limited
5, Wessex Trade Centre
Ringwood Road
Poole
Dorset
UK
BH12 3PF
Telephone: 01202 746682 (International : +44 1202 746682)
ActisenseontheWeb:Foradvice,supportandproductdetails
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.actisense.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ActisenseNews (Actisense News and Product Updates)
www.twitter.com/ActisenseTech (Actisense Product Updates)
Facebook: bit.ly/actibook (Actisense News and Product Updates)
LinkedIn: linkd.in/actisense (Actisense News and Product Updates)
“Actisense” is a registered trademark of Active Research Limited.
Order Codes
NDC-4 5 isolated inputs (4 NMEA HS), 2 ISO-Drive outputs
NDC-4-USB 4 isolated inputs (3 NMEA HS), USB In & Out and 2 ISO-Drive outputs
NDC-4-AIS NDC-4 base unit pre-congured for AIS
NDC-4-AIS-USB NDC-4-USB unit pre-congured for AIS
NDC-4-ASW NDC-4 base unit pre-congured as an Autoswitch
Returns Procedure
Actisense prides itself on having a very low product return rate. In the unlikely event that you need to return a unit for
repair, it is important to follow these steps.
1. Download and install the latest Firmware version and Control Centre software from www.actisense.com.
2.Readthroughthe“TroubleshootingGuide”onpage20ofthe“Fullusermanual”availableontheCDandfromwww.
actisense.comtoseeifyourproblemhasasimplesolution.
3. Contact Actisense Tech SupportattheemailaddressbelowforfurthersupportandanRMA number.
To qualify for an RMA numberyouwillneedtoprovidetheserialnumber,dateofpurchaseandwhereyoupurchased
theunitfrom.Youwillbeaskedtoconrmtheabovestepshavebeenattemptedandthenatureofthefault.
Any units returned without an RMA number will incur a delay in processing and may result in a charge dependant on
the guarantee status of the unit.
Other manuals for NDC-4
1
This manual suits for next models
4
Table of contents
Other Actisense Multiplexer manuals
Actisense
Actisense PRO-MUX-2 User manual
Actisense
Actisense PRO-MUX-2 User manual
Actisense
Actisense PRO-MUX-1 User manual
Actisense
Actisense NMEA 0183 User manual
Actisense
Actisense PRO-BUF-2 Instruction sheet
Actisense
Actisense PRO-MUX-2 Instruction sheet
Actisense
Actisense NDC-5 User manual
Actisense
Actisense PRO-MUX-1 User manual
Actisense
Actisense NMEA 0183 User manual
Actisense
Actisense NDC-4 User manual
