Actisense NMEA 0183 User manual

Issue 1.00
NMEA 0183 Multiplexer
Install/User Manual
Issue 1.0

© 2018 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 © 2017 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 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 actisense.com/product-registration/.
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
This product comes with a three year ‘return to base’ guarantee. 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 consider the environment when disposing of this product. In accordance with the EU Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, small electronic devices should be taken to the nearest recycling
facility where they will be accepted for recycling free of charge.

© 2018 Active Research Limited
NMEA 0183 Multiplexer - NDC-5
Page 3
Contents
Important Notices........................................................................................................................... 2
Trademarks and Registered Trademarks ........................................................................................................2
Fair Use Statement..........................................................................................................................................2
Technical Accuracy..........................................................................................................................................2
Product Registration........................................................................................................................................2
Product Guarantee ..........................................................................................................................................2
Product Disposal .............................................................................................................................................2
Installation Warnings ..................................................................................................................... 4
Warning 1: Accuracy .....................................................................................................................................................4
Warning 2: Installation and Operation .............................................................................................................4
Warning 3: Installation Code of Practice .........................................................................................................4
Warning 4: Mounting Requirements ................................................................................................................4
Software Updates............................................................................................................................................4
NDC-5 Intro & Features.................................................................................................................. 5
Before getting started .................................................................................................................... 6
Terminals......................................................................................................................................... 6
Powering the NDC-5........................................................................................................................................6
NMEA 0183 Talker and Listener Designations ................................................................................................6
Connecting to NMEA Devices .........................................................................................................................6
OPTO Inputs....................................................................................................................................................6
ISO-Drive Outputs ...........................................................................................................................................7
Serial ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Ethernet...........................................................................................................................................................7
Mounting the NDC-5....................................................................................................................... 8
DIN Rail Mounting ...........................................................................................................................................8
Bulkhead Mounting..........................................................................................................................................8
Web Browser Conguration Tool.................................................................................................. 9
Standard Ethernet networks.......................................................................................................... 9
Direct connections or basic Ethernet networks........................................................................ 10
Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................................................ 10
Technical Support and the Returns Procedure ......................................................................... 12
Product Dimensions..................................................................................................................... 13

© 2018 Active Research Limited
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Installation Warnings
All warnings and notices must be followed to ensure the correct operation of the NDC-5. 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 NDC-5 is designed to accurately transfer data from input to output. When the NDC-5 is in a Basic Mode
no data integrity checking is performed, therefore any incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data received on a NDC-5 input
will be duplicated to the NDC-5 outputs. In contrast, NDC-5 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 NDC-5 ensure the isolation switch is off. Wiring the NDC-5 while the
connection is live may damage the NDC-5 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 NDC-5. Mounting on a contoured surface may cause damage to the case.
Do not mount the NDC-5 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 NDC-5.
Software Updates
The NDC-5 units have built-in rmware which is held in ash memory, allowing quick and easy upgrades
using the latest Actisense Toolkit. It is highly recommended that the rmware is kept up to date in the
NDC-5.
The rmware version installed in the NDC-5 can be viewed on the web based Conguration Tool ‘Home’
page, in the ‘Main Application’ section. Details of the latest NDC-5 rmware version released can be viewed
on the Actisense website.

© 2018 Active Research Limited
NMEA 0183 Multiplexer - NDC-5
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The NDC-5 is more than just an NMEA 0183 Combiner/Multiplexer; it provides an installer with a highly
exible platform that can be used to solve many NMEA 0183 interconnectivity headaches.
The ve NMEA 0183 inputs can be routed to any of the two NMEA 0183 outputs, as well as the serial and
Ethernet ports* providing a highly customisable network. The bi-directional serial port and Ethernet port also
allow for simple conguration and diagnostics using Actisense software.
The conguration tool is accessible via any popular web browser (using the Ethernet port) so there are no
PC operating system compatibility issues to contend with. Using the web based conguration tool will allow
the user to nely tune the exact data available on each output. The default setup is for all data to go to all
outputs.
Industry leading isolation is provided on all inputs and outputs as standard, so that connected devices safely
avoid hazardous ground loops, the number one cause of product failure in NMEA 0183 networks. This
makes the NDC-5 robust enough to handle any NMEA 0183 installation.
Pluggable connectors allow new devices to be easily installed without the need to remove the NDC-5 from
its mounted location. A professional DIN rail mounting mechanism keeps the NDC-5 secure in high vibration
environments. Helpful LEDs indicate power, data in, and status conditions to aid diagnostics.
• Ethernet port – for conguration, diagnostics and sharing NMEA 0183 data (future update)
• 5 OPTO-Isolated NMEA 0183 inputs
• 2 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs
• Advanced Data Filtering/Routing
• Congurable Input and output baud rates
• Autoswitch mode* available to offer system redundancy
• Serial port – for conguration, diagnostics or as an additional NMEA 0183 input/output.
• Free rmware updates make the device future-proof
• Power LED to indicate operational state
• Rx LED to indicate data on inputs
• Status LED (bi-colour) to indicate output Data Overload or a range of other states
• DIN rail or Panel mountable
• Pluggable screw terminal connectors for quick and easy installation
*Available with future rmware update
NDC-5 Intro & Features

© 2018 Active Research Limited
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Before geing 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 NDC-5.
Terminals
NDC-5 connectors are pluggable, meaning they can be easily removed for quick and simple wire installation
without the need to unmount the NDC-5 from its installed location.
Powering the NDC-5
The NDC-5 can operate between 9 and 35 VDC and will typically use 110mA at 12 VDC. The power supply
should be connected to the NDC-5 in accordance with the diagram below.
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 NDC-5. If the
NMEA 0183 device has a ground (GND) wire (and no ‘B/-’ wire), simply connect this to ‘B’ on the
NDC-5.
OPTO Inputs
Connect the NMEA 0183 Talker to the NDC-5 Listener terminals as shown in the diagram.

© 2018 Active Research Limited
NMEA 0183 Multiplexer - NDC-5
Page 7
ISO-Drive Outputs
Connect the NMEA 0183 Listener to the NDC-5 Talker terminals as shown in the diagram.
Serial
The connections for a standard RS232 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 NDC-5 can be connected to an Ethernet network switch.
Insert the RJ45 plug in to the NDC-5 ‘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.
NDC-5 Label Serial
IN
Serial
COM
Serial
OUT
Connects to DB9
Serial Port
Pin 3 /
TXD
Pin 5 /
GND
Pin 2 /
RXD

© 2018 Active Research Limited
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Mounting the NDC-5
DIN Rail Mounting
Install the DIN rail in the desired location.
Fully retract the black securing latch in to the down position.
Attach the NDC-5 to the DIN rail as shown in the diagrams below.
Ensure the NDC-5 sits ush against the DIN rail, then push the securing latch back in to position
to hold the NDC-5 in place.
Bulkhead Mounting
Actisense recommends the NDC-5 is installed using the DIN rail supplied for the most secure installation.
However, the NDC-5 can be secured to a bulkhead using the two screw catches on the reverse of the NDC-
5 shown in the diagram below.
Two screws must be used 89.4mm apart and horizontally aligned.
DIN rail clip (2 in pack)
Counter sunk PT screw (4 in pack)
M3.5 s/s self-tapping
pan-head screw (4 in pack)
Bulkhead Mounting DIN Rail Mounting

© 2018 Active Research Limited
NMEA 0183 Multiplexer - NDC-5
Page 9
Web Browser Configuration Tool
The Conguration Tool for the NDC-5 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.
The default page displayed is the NDC-5 Conguration Tool ‘Home’ page. We strongly suggest bookmarking
the ‘Home’ page in your web browser to allow quick and easy future access.
To access any of the NDC-5 setup pages, the user is required to log-in. This prevents unauthorised user
access from modifying the NDC-5 conguration. The factory default log-in is “admin” for username and
“admin” for password.
All modications to the NDC-5 settings, including any user dened ‘User Modes’ are automatically saved
inside the NDC-5.
Standard Ethernet networks
If the NDC-5 is connected to an Ethernet network containing both DHCP and DNS servers, launch any
popular web browser and enter ‘http://ndc-xxxxxx’ into the address bar (replacing ‘xxxxxx’ with the actual
product’s serial number). It is important to include the ‘http://’ section of this address. If it is missing, the
browser will conduct a web search.

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1. Launch the ‘Start’ menu and type ‘Network and
Sharing Center’ in the search bar.
Select ‘Network and Sharing Center’.
2. In the ‘Network and Sharing Center’ window,
select ‘Change adapter settings’.
3. Right click on ‘Local Area Connection’
and select ‘Properties’.
4. Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/
IPv4)’ but DO NOT untick the box. Then Select
‘Properties’.
5. Under the ‘General’ tab heading, ensure ‘Obtain
an IP address automatically’ and ‘Obtain DNS
server address automatically’ are selected.
Direct connections or basic Ethernet networks
If the NDC-5 is connected directly to a PC (or the Ethernet network does not have a DHCP server), the
NDC-5 will communicate using auto-IP by default. The auto-IP process can take up to 60 seconds to
complete. The PC’s “Local Area Connection” must also be setup to use auto-IP in order to communicate on
this network most PCs are set to do this by default. If needed, instructions for how to do this using Windows
7 are detailed below (other Windows Operating Systems will be similar). Administrator privileges are
required to carry out these instructions in full:
6. Under the ‘Alternate Conguration’ tab heading,
ensure ‘Automatic private IP address’ is selected.
7. Accept these changes by selecting ‘OK’.
8. Close the ‘Local Area Connection Properties’
window.
Now that the PC and NDC-5 are using the same IP
address range, launch any popular web browser
and enter ‘http://ndc-xxxxxx’ in to the address bar
(replacing ‘xxxxxx’ with the product’s serial number).
Troubleshooting Guide