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
Full User Manual
Issue 1.09
Multiple talker interface for use with the NMEA 0183 standard. Serial data
networking of marine electronic devices / instruments.
RS232 & USB 1.1, 2.0 & 3.0 PC interfaces to the NMEA 0183 standard.
Actisense ISO-Drive technology for a fully isolated serial data system.
 IntelligentNMEAlteringonallinputsallowssmartremovalofNMEAdata.
 Re-congurabletoworkasanNDC-4-ASWAutoswitchtoallowtheautomatic
switchingbetweenupto4NMEAinputs.

NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 3© 2015 Active Research Limited
Contents
Important Notices 6
Notices 6
Foreword 6
Introduction 6
General Features 7
Technical Features 7
Software Updates 7
Connecting devices together 8
The Basics 8
The NMEA Signals 8
The Different NMEA Standards 8
Connections 9
Connecting to NMEA Devices 10
OPTO Inputs 10
ISO-Drive Outputs 10
Other Connections 11
Connecting to the Battery Supply 11
Connecting to a Personal Computer 11
USB Driver Installation 12
Installation Guide 12
Windows 7 and Windows Vista 12
Windows XP and Windows NT/2000 13
USB Conguration 14
Locate and Change the Port Number 14
Actisense PC Software suites 16
Installing Actisense PC software 16
Uninstalling Actisense PC software 17
Using NDC Control Centre 18
Main window 18
Connecting to Control Centre 19
Initial connection procedure 19
Pull-down Menus 20
Port Conguration Tab 21
Port Conguration Tab Features 21
Default Port Conguration Set-up 21
Changing Baud Rates for Each Port 22
Low Baud Rate Warning 22
Changing the Addition Features 22
Port Priorities List 23
Changing the Port Priorities 23
Why is There a Need for Port Priorities? 23
How Does the Port Priorities System Work? 23

Page 4© 2015 Active Research Limited
Changing Autoswitch/Combiner Mode 23
Get from Hardware 23
Reset to Defaults 23
Send to Hardware 23
Inclusion List Conguration Tab 24
Why is there a need for Inclusion Lists? 24
Is some NMEA data really unnecessary? 24
Is ltering applied to the input or the output? 24
Inclusion List Features 24
Default Inclusion List Set-up 24
Editing the Inclusion List 25
Blocking ALL Sentences 25
Get from Hardware 25
Reset to Defaults 25
Send to Hardware 25
Flash Hardware Window 26
Advanced Features 26
Control Centre Port Status Window 27
Hardware Port Status Window 28
Hardware Connection Status Window 28
Hardware Information Window 29
Conguration of AIS 30
Setting up the Hardware for AIS 30
The NDC-4-ASW Autoswitch 31
Setting the NDC-4 as an Autoswitch 31
Using the NDC-4 ActiPatch 32
Pull-down menus 32
Buttons, LED’s and Displays 33
The Reprogramming Operation 34
Troubleshooting Guide 35
Diagnostic LED 35
Control Centre Error Status Window 36
Diagnosing the NDC Control Centre Connection 37
Diagnosing Data ow using NDC Control Centre 38
Problem: No data received on input 38
Problem: Missing data from input 39
Problem: Control Centre Port Status window ignores ltering 39
Specications 40
System Block Diagrams 41
Save your NDC-4 conguration options here 42
Order Codes 44
Returns Procedure 44
Company Information 44

NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 5© 2015 Active Research Limited

Page 6© 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,primarilyforbelowdeckuse.Iftheunitisto
beusedinamoresevereenvironment,suchusemaybe
considered misuse under the seller’s guarantee.
The ActisenseNDC-4hasbeencertiedtocomplywith
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
obligationsunderEN60945.
If the unit is connected such that compliance failure occurs
beyondthecompany’scontrol,thecompanyshallnotbe
heldresponsibleforcompliancefailureuntilsuitableEMC
guidelinesforconnectionareseentohavebeentaken.
Notices
The products and specications described in this guide
maybechangedwithoutpriornotice.Toobtainthelatest
information visit www.actisense.com.
Active Research Limitedwillnotbeliableforinfringement
of copyright, industrial property right, or other rights of a
thirdparty caused bytheuse ofinformationordrawings
describedinthismanual.
The NDC-4 must be used in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions. Active Research Limited will
notbeheldresponsibleforanydamageorinjury,director
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
requirementtosolvetwofundamental problems 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,there isoneverylargedrawback withthis
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
theGPSunit.Allotherdevicescannotbeused.
What happens if the owner prefers the vessels gyro
compass heading output to that of the GPS, or requires
thatthecurrentdepthbedisplayedontheplottedchartto
helpavoidthepossiblecaseofrunningthevesselaground
onashiftingsandbank?TheNMEA0183standardcannot
supply an answer to those questions as it can handle only
one transmitting device.
Thesetwoelementaryproblemscanbesolvedsimplyand
easily with the Actisense NMEA Data Multiplexer’s very
exibledesignapproach.
Alternately, if the vessel has two or more identical NMEA
devices (e.g. GPS’s or depth sounders) the system
solutioncouldbetousetheNDC-4asanNMEAAutoswitch
to select the highest priority source.
Full information on the complete Actisense product range
canbefoundonthe Actisense website (www.actisense.
com).

NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 7© 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.
WhentheUSBcableisnotpluggedin(ornotpowered),
OPTOIN0 canbeused asafth fullycompliantNMEA
0183 data input, appearing last in the priority list.
2 ISO-Drive Output Ports
TheseoutputscombinetheinputdataintostandardNMEA
outputs with independent Baud rate selection options,
defaulting to 4800 (OUT 1) and 38400 (OUT 0). If the
combinedBaudrateofallNMEAinputsexceedtheoutput
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
dataofthesametypeasolderdata,stillinthebuffer,will
overwrite the older sentence.
A PC RS232 or USB Bidirectional Port
TheRS232compatiblePort0(OPTOIN0plusISOOUT
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
instrumentsdisplayingallavailabledatainanymannerthe
userrequires(availablefromanumberofmanufacturers).
Theseconnectionsalsoallow the unit to be updatedvia
thefreelyavailableActiPatchashupgradesoftwarethat
willbemadeavailableontheActisensewebsitewhenthe
NDC-4rmwarehasbeenenhanced.
Notes:
1. WhentheUSBcableispluggedinandpoweredup,it
disablesOPTOIN0ontheNDC-4.
2. NDC-4variantsthatdon’tcomewithaUSBcablecan
beupgradedbypurchasingaUSBUpgradeKit.
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
userconguration.
On-chip memory store allows buffering of short-term
NMEA data, allowing the unit to smooth short-term peaks
intheNMEAdataow.
A diagnostic LED indicates the operation mode of the
NDC-4,ifanyfaultshavebeendetected,orthepeakload
currently on any one of the NMEA inputs.
High-speed 32-bit ARM processorcapableofupto40
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 specication and compatible with
RS232, RS422 and RS485 signal levels. The typical
operating voltage is 2.0v to 15.0v and can withstand +/-
35vcontinuouslyand+/-40vtransients.Compatiblewith
bothdifferentialandsingleendedinputs.
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 specication and compatible
with RS232, RS422 and RS485 signal levels.
Wide battery input voltage range to offer maximum
compatibility,theNMEA0183NDC-4canoperatefroma
batterysupplyanywherebetween8and35volts.
USB poweredoptionisavailablewhenthebatterysource
isnotpresent.Whenthemainbatteryispresent,theUSB
power drain is minimal. WARNING:TheUSBandbattery
grounds are not isolated, see “USB Warning” on page 11.
Very tough Polycarbonate case is certied to IP66
(Protectionagainstheavyseas,orpowerfuljetsofwater),
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 grommetsarecertiedtoIP68(Protection
againstcomplete,continuoussubmersioninwater).
Note: To achieve this level of water integrity all glands
must be occupied by round-section cables of between
4.5mmand10mmorbereplacedbyblankingplugs.
Large range of possible cable diameters of between
4.5mmand10mm,singleormulti-pairwiretypescanbe
easily accepted.
An NMEA 0183 Checksum willbeaddedtoanysentence
receivedwithoutonetoensurethattheycanbeaccepted
byanNMEA0183Listenerthatexpectsachecksum.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 8© 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
canbeperformedwiththeunitcompletelyin-situ,viaaPC
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,onlyoneTalkercanbeconnected ontoa
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
TheNMEA0183systemv2.0andlaterusesa”differential”
signallingscheme,wherebytwowiresareusedtotransmit
the NMEA data. These connections will be labelled as
either NMEA ‘A’ and ‘B’ or NMEA ’+’ and ‘-’ respectively,
depending on the instrument and manufacturer.
Whenconnectingbetweendifferentmanufacturers,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
TheNMEA0183specicationhasslowlyevolvedoverthe
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
hadjustone“NMEA”dataline(‘Tx’or‘Out’),andusedthe
ground as the other line - similar to the way a computer
serial port works. This connection method is referred to as
“singleended”insteadofthe“differential”methodusedby
NMEA 0183 v2.0 devices.
Thedataformatislargelythesamebetweenbothsystems,
with v2.0 adding some extra sentence strings, and
removing older (redundant) sentence strings from the
specication.Thesituationisfurthercomplicated,asmany
manufacturersstillusetheold(“singleended”)methodof
connectionbecauseitischeapertoimplement.
SohowcananoldertypeNMEAdevicebeconnectedtoa
newertypedevice?
Careisneeded–itispossibletodamageoroverloadthe
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’linebetween5vand
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’inputisleftoating,thendatacorruption/errorsmay
occur.
Please refer to “Connecting to NMEA devices” on page
10 for examples of these connection methods.

NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 9© 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
areexibleenoughtointerfacetomostfullyandpartially
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.
TheISOOUT0andOPTOIN0connectionscanbeused
asabidirectionalRS232compatibleportandisdesigned
for direct connection to a Personal Computer (PC) or other
marinedevicecapableofinterfacingtoastandardRS232
port.
WhenaUSBcableispoweredandpluggedintotheNDC-
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-thisallowstheUSBporttotakeoverbidirectional
control of the NDC-4.
5. Battery Supply Input.
Standardbatterypowerconnections(8to35v).
Notes:
1. To complete the NMEA 0183 standard all device
interconnectionNMEAcablesusedshouldmeetthetwo-
conductor, shielded, twisted pair conguration
specication.Theshieldconnectionofthesewiresshould
beconnectedattheinstrumentendonlytopreventground
loops.
2. Refer to “Specications” on page 40 for the full details
oninput/outputspecications.
TheNMEADataMultiplexer(NDC)hasscrew-terminal“Phoenix”typeexternalconnectionsfor:-
Connections
Figure 1 – All external connections
NMEA DATA COMBINER
99999
NDC-4-A-USB

Page 10© 2015 Active Research Limited
OPTO Inputs
The differential opto-isolated inputs are designed to handle
a variety of NMEA 0183 device output specications.
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.Ifitdoesnot,theexibleNDC-4inputsshould
stillbecapableofinterfacingwiththedevice,thoughthisis
not guaranteed.
Thediagramaboveshowsatypicalinstallationwithboth
fully compliant NMEA devices with differential inputs/
outputs, and non-differential output devices.
Note: All NDC-4 inputs are identical and the connections
shownareexamplesthatcanbeusedoneveryinputport.
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,
byconnecting‘+‘ 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
deviceshouldbeconnectedtoanISO-Driveoutput.
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-
Drive0provideabidirectionalRS232compatibleportfor
connectiontoaPC,theISO-Drive1outputisalsocapable
ofbeingreadbyaPC’sRS232port.Simplyconnect‘+/A’
to ‘Rx’ and ’-/B’ to ‘G/Ground’ on a standard D-type
connector. See “Figure 26 - DB9 Connection” on page 37
for a diagram of this wiring connection.
NMEA Listener Device A: This device does not conform
infulltotheNMEA0183standard.However,byconnecting
‘+/A‘ to ‘+‘ or ‘Data/Signal’ and ‘-/B’ to ‘G/Ground’ the
deviceshouldbeabletoreceivetheNMEAdatacorrectly,
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 11© 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
TheNDC-4canbepoweredeitherbytheUSBconnection
orthroughanexternalpowersource.Ifbothpowersources
areavailable,theprecautionsintheUSBwarningsection
abovemustbeadheredto.
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
interferencefromotherelectronicdevices.Thecableused
should be of sufcient gauge to handle the power
requirements of the NDC-4 (refer to ”Specications” on
page 40).
Connecting to a Personal Computer
TheUSBportcanbeusedtoconnectaPCtotheNMEA
0183system.AUSBcableisavailableintheformofan
upgradekitforvariantsthatdonotcomewithacable.The
partnumberwillinclude“USB”ifacableisprovidedwith
that variant (e.g. NDC-4-USB).
Alternatively,Port0(OPTOIN0andISOOUT0)canbe
usedtoconnectaPCintotheNMEA0183systemby
using a serial port cable conforming to the following
specication:
1. A D-type female (socket) connector for the PC end of
thecable.
2.Aminimumof3coresarerequiredinashieldedcable.
Higherqualitycablewillyieldhigherperformance(SNR).
Mosttypicalcableshave twotwisted pairsinside.Inthis
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
thecableshieldtogroundonlyatthecomputerend.
3. The TXoftheNDC-4shouldbeconnectedtotheRX 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 GNDofbothIN0andOUT0ontheNDC-4shouldbe
connected to the PC’s serial port ground (pin 5). See
“Figure 26 - DB9 Connection” on page 37 for a diagram
of this wiring connection.
Note: Wire colours are for guidance only.
USB Warning!
USB power and battery power are NOT
isolatedfromeachother.Consultaqualiedinstallerto
ensurethereisnogroundloophazardwhenconnecting
both.Disconnectingasinglebatteryleadorturningoff
thesupplydoesNOTpreventthisgroundloophazard.
GroundloopdamageisNOTcoveredbytheguarantee.
For installs where the NDC-4 must still operate when
the PC is switched off, full PC isolation can be
maintainedbyusingPort0(‘OPTOIN0’and‘ISOOUT
0’) as the PC connection.
Onlywhenusingalaptoprunningonitsinternalbattery
(withNOchargingsupply),cantheNDC-4USBcable
beusedatthesametimeaspoweringtheNDC-4from
theshipsbatteryonthe“BATT”terminals.
!

Page 12© 2015 Active Research Limited
USB Driver Installation
WhenusinganNDC-4withaUSBcableitisnecessaryto
install the USB drivers. Any NDC-4 variant without a USB
cablecanbe‘upgraded’ by purchasing a USB Upgrade
Kit from your dealer.
TheUSBcableisnotvitaltotheconguringorupdatingof
an NDC-4; Port 0 (OPTO IN 0 and ISO OUT 0) connected
to an RS232 port can perform exactly the same operations
ifaUSBcableisnotavailablesee“Other Connections”
on page 11.
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
twopartsandbotharerequiredforcorrectoperation.The
rstisthe‘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’inthesearchbox,openitfromthelist).
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’andjumptostep4.
Without the CD select ‘Browse my computer for driver
software’.

NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 13© 2015 Active Research Limited
4. Click the ‘Browse’buttonandlocatethefolderthatthe
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’driverwillneedtobeinstalledin
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.
Nowbothdriversareinstalledsee“USB Conguration”
on page 14fordetailsonhowtondoutwhichCOMport
numberhasbeenallocatedtoyourActisense 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
notthesame,WindowsNT/2000userswillbeabletouse
this information as well.
1.ConnecttheUSBcableandWindowswillautomatically
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
Actisensewebsite,choose‘Install from a list or specic
location (Advanced)’ and click ‘Next’.

Page 14© 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’buttonand
select the folder where the drivers have been extracted
and click ‘Next’.
4. The ‘USB serial converter’ driver is now installed, click
‘Finish’tocompletethewizard.
5. Once complete ‘Your new hardware is installed and
ready to use’willappearinthebottomrightcornerofyour
screen.
Wait for the ‘Found New Hardware Wizard’ to appear
again. Repeat steps 1 to 4 to install the ‘Virtual Serial
Port’ driver.
Nowbothdriversareinstalledsee“USB Conguration”
on page 14fordetailsonhowtondoutwhichCOMport
numberhasbeenallocatedtoyourActisense device as
well as how to change to a different COM port.
USB Conguration
To communicate with the NDC-4, the COM port number
thatWindowshasallocatedtotheUSBportneedstobe
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
availableUSBportonthesamePCwithouttheCOMPort
numberchanging.
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
swappedbetweentwoUSBports.
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’inthesearchbox,openitfromthelist.
In Windows XP; from ‘Control Panel’, select ‘System’, on
the ‘Hardware’tabclick‘Device Manager’.

NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 15© 2015 Active Research Limited
2.Expandthe‘Ports(COM&LPT)’listbyclickingonthe
‘+’ sign (Windows XP and Vista) or the white arrow
(Windows7).Youwillndthe‘Actisense NDC’in the list,
followedbytheallocatedCOMportnumber.
3.Doubleclickontheiconforthe‘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’buttonandchooseadifferent
COMPortnumberifrequired(tomakeitcompatiblewith
the software requiring the NDC-4 NMEA data).
Figure 4 - COM Port Numbers List
WindowsremembersallpreviouslyconnectedUSBports
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’areports1,2and3soalltheothercomportnumbers
are available. Click on ‘OK’ button to save the new
settings.

Page 16© 2015 Active Research Limited
Actisense PC Software suites
The Actisense NMEA Data Combiner hardware can be congured, monitored and tested using its own dedicated
softwaresuite,‘NDCControlCentre’.TheNDC-4canbeupdated/upgradedusingthelatestActiPatchsoftwaresuite.
This section provides a complete users guide to installing and uninstalling these two software suites.
TheseprogramsarecurrentlyonlyavailableforWindowsNT/2000/XP/Vista/7,however,ithasbeenprovenpossibleto
use Control Centre and ActiPatch on a Mac running ‘VMware Fusion’ Windows emulation software.
Installing Actisense PC software
Replace the generic “<Product Name>”textbelowwith
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,orlocatethelesontheActisense
CD included with the NDC-4.
2.Ifapreviousversionofthesoftwarehasalreadybeen
installed, uninstall the previous version before installing
the new version. Refer to “Uninstalling Actisense PC
software” on page 17 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.Iftheprogramiscontainedwithinaziple,extractthe
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
installlocationcanbechangeatthispoint,
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.Keeptheoriginalziplesafe.
5. From the ‘Start Menu’ navigate to the
‘Actisense’directoryanddoubleclickon
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-cutbartocreatean
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 17© 2015 Active Research Limited
Uninstalling Actisense PC software
Replace the generic “<Product Name>”textbelowwith
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 16 and “Figure 8 – ‘Start Menu’ Short-
cuts” on page 16).
3.Once the uninstall operation has been requested, the
conrmationbox(“Figure 9 – Uninstall Conrmation”)
willbedisplayed.Answer‘Yes’andtheuninstalloperation
will be performed automatically. After successfully
uninstalling the Actisense PC software, the uninstall
completion box will appear (“Figure 10 – Uninstall
Complete”).
4.Inaddition,theprogramdirectorycanalsobedeletedto
completely remove the program. In this way all the program
leswillbeuninstalledinacleanandcompletemanner.
If however, you are going to install a new version after this
uninstall, you can keep the program directory and the
congurationlestoredwithinit.Inthisway,alltheuser
settings you had for the previous version will be
immediatelyavailablewiththenewversion.
Figure 9 – Uninstall Conrmation
Figure 10 – Uninstall Complete

Page 18© 2015 Active Research Limited
Using NDC Control Centre
The Actisense NMEA Data Combiner hardware can be congured and monitored using its own dedicated Control
Centre suite. This section provides a complete users guide to all of the NDC Control Centre’s features.
ThisprogramiscurrentlyonlyavailableforWindowsNT/2000/XP/Vista/7,however,ithasbeenprovenpossibletouse
Control Centre on a Mac running ‘VMware Fusion’ Windows emulation software.
Main window
Figure 11 – Control Centre Main Window (after hardware detected)
Control Centre’s main window allows the user access to
all the NDC-4 hardware conguration and monitoring
features,andadjustmentofControlCentre’sappearance
on screen.
Control Centre is capable of displaying a large array of
dataandinformation,andnotallwillbeofinteresttoevery
user. Therefore, the user can easily select which
information/statuswindowsarevisible,andwhicharenot
(hidden).
To meet the users specic requirements, any visible
windowcanberepositionedonthescreenbydraggingit
with the mouse. If a window is dropped (the left mouse
buttonisreleasedafterthedragoperation)closeenough
toanadjacentwindowsedge,itwillsnaptothatwindows
edge. This allows for quick, easy and neat arrangement of
Control Centre’s windows.
From the main window the user can select what Baud
rates the various inputs and outputs of the NDC-4 need to
be,andevenchangetheinputportpriorities.Selectionof
theseoptionsarepossiblebyusingthestandardWindows
menu system (‘Options’ menu) or via a tab system
(behavingjustliketabsinalingcabinet).Fullexplanation
of these features is detailed in the following sections.
Any changes the user makes to Control Centre’s
appearancewillberememberedforsubsequentsessions,
allowing the user to keep their favourite settings. Any new
congurationsettingsmustbedownloadedtotheNDC-4’s
hardware before they can be remembered - this helps
keep Control Centre and NDC-4 hardware in sync.
The main window has an ‘Exit’controlbuttontoclosethe
Control Centre program. If any changes to the Port
Congurationshavebeenmade,butnotyettransferredto
theNDC-4hardware,theuserwillbeaskedtoconrmthe
exitrequest(asallalterationswillotherwisebelostwhen
the program closes).

NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4
Page 19© 2015 Active Research Limited
Connecting to Control Centre
Important information - please read.
Figure 12 – Control Centre Main Window (before hardware detected)
Control Centre’s appearance and all other settings are
stored in the le “ControlCentre.ini” which is
automatically loaded at start-up and saved on exit.
Note: Do not attempt to edit the “ControlCentre.ini”
lebyhand,thiscanstoptheprogramrunning.
ToaccessalltheControlCentrecongurationfeatures,
Control Centre must rst detect what type of NDC is
connected. This allows the same Control Centre to be
used for the NDC-1, NDC-2, NDC-3 and NDC-4 (as they
allhavedifferentcongurationandtestoptions).
BeforetheNDC-4hardwareisdetectedbyControlCentre,
the main window will look like that in “Figure 12 – Control
Centre Main Window (before hardware detected)” with
the sections ghosted out.
Oncedetected,anydisabledoptionsthatareavailablefor
thedetectedNDC-4typewillbecomeactiveandthemain
window will look like that in “Figure 11 – Control Centre
Main Window (after hardware detected)” on page 18.
Initial connection procedure
1a. USB Connections Only:
If using an Actisense USB kit: Connect the provided USB
cable to an available USB port. Refer to “Other
Connections” on page 11 for more details.
1b. RS232 Connection Only:
If using an NDC-4 without the USB kit: connect battery
power(10-35v)andswitchonthebattery.Connectport0
(ISO OUT 0 and OPTO IN 0) to the PC. Refer to
‘Connecting to the battery supply’ and ‘Connecting to a
Personal Computer’ on “Other Connections” on page 11.
2. The NDC’s LED will cycle through its standard start-up
colours(‘red’,‘amber’andnally‘green’).
3.SelectthePCCommportnumberthattheRS232cable
was plugged into (or the USB port that was issued by
Windows) from the ‘Comms’ drop menu in the main
window. See “Locate and Change the Port Number” on
page 14. The Baud rate will default to 38400 Baud (the
factorydefault),butwillauto-BaudtotheactualBaudrate
ifithasbeenchanged.
4. The Rx and TxLED’sonthemainwindowwillashto
indicate that communication is in progress (between
Control Centre and the NDC-4 hardware). Once the
hardwareinformationhasbeenreceived(anddisplayed),
all the NDC-4 conguration and test options will be
enabled.Ifforanyreasonthehardwaredetectionoperation
doesnothappenasdescribed,refertothe“Diagnosing
The NDC Control Centre Connection” on page 37.
The default conguration for the NDC-4 is explained in
“Default Port Conguration Set-up” on page 21.

Page 20© 2015 Active Research Limited
Pull-down Menus
Themainwindowhasvestandardpull-downmenus.
File → Load / Save Conguration File:
Load and save congurations that include all ‘Port
Congure’ and ‘Inclusion List’ settings. Both options
openastandardwindowslebrowserdialoguewindow.
Note: Do not confuse these “Cong.ini”leswith the
“ControlCentre.ini” le, see “Initial hardware and
software set-up” on page 19.
File →Exit:
Closes the Control Centre program. If any changes to the
Port Congurations have been made, but not yet
transferredtotheNDC-4hardware,theuserwillbeasked
toconrmtheexitrequest(asallalterationswillotherwise
belostwhentheprogramcloses).
Options → Congure Ports:
ThiswilltakeyoutothePortCongurationtabrefertothe
“Port Conguration tab” on page 21.
Options → Congure Inclusion Lists:
This will take you to the Inclusion List conguration tab
refer to the “Inclusion List conguration tab” on page 24.
Options →Test Hardware:
TheTesthardwaretabisnotrequired/selectableforthe
NDC-4 (only required for the NDC-2 Multiplexer).
Comms → Ofine:
Theofineoptionclosesthecommunicationport.
Comms →Comm Port 1-8:
Opens the PC communications port in the range of port 1
to 8. Select the port the NDC-4 hardware is attached to.
Comms →Comm Port x (change):
For ports outside the 1-8 range, select this option. A
dialoguewillopentoentertheportnumberrequired.Once
opened the ‘x’ will be replaced with the selected port
numberinthedropdownlist.
Comms →Baud Rate *****:
The Baud rate will default to 38400 (the NDC-4 hardware
default). If the NDC-4 is not using the default Baud rate,
Control Centre will try all possible Baud rates until the
correct one is found (this will take up to 12 seconds).
Selectingabaudratefromthislistwilltrytheratebefore
returningtoautobaudchecking.
Window →Control Centre Port Status:
Displays the Control Centre Port Status window. Refer to
“Control Centre Port Status Window” on page 27.
Window →NDC Hardware Port Status:
Displays the NDC Hardware Port Status window. Refer to
the “Hardware Port Status Window” on page 28.
Window →NDC Hardware Connect Status:
Displays the NDC Hardware Connection Status window.
Refer to the “Hardware Connection Status Window” on
page 28.
Window →NDC Hardware Information:
Displays the NDC Hardware Information window. Refer to
the “Hardware Information Window” on page 29.
Help →Control Centre Help:
Currentlyunavailable(notselectable).
Help →About Control Centre:
Displays Control Centre’s software version number and
the Actisense contact information.