Actisense W2K-1 User manual

Connect without limits
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi (W2K-1)
Install/User Manual
Issue 2.19

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
Page 2 Page 3
Contents
European Union.............................................................................................................................. 2
Important Notices........................................................................................................................... 4
Trademarks and Registered Trademarks ........................................................................................................4
Fair Use Statement..........................................................................................................................................4
Technical Accuracy..........................................................................................................................................4
Product Guarantee ..........................................................................................................................................4
Product Disposal .............................................................................................................................................4
Installation Warnings .......................................................................................................................................5
Warning 1: Installation and Operation .............................................................................................................5
Warning 2: Installation Code of Practice .........................................................................................................5
Warning 3: Mounting Requirements ................................................................................................................5
Warning 4: Safe Distance................................................................................................................................5
Software Updates............................................................................................................................................5
Regulatory & Safety Notices ......................................................................................................... 6
USA: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement ......................................................................6
FCC Warning...................................................................................................................................................6
Canada: Industry Canada (IC) Statement .......................................................................................................6
W2K-1 Intro & Features ................................................................................................................. 7
NMEA 2000 Network Basics .......................................................................................................... 8
Minimum Requirements...................................................................................................................................8
Powering the W2K-1........................................................................................................................................8
Set Up..............................................................................................................................................................9
Connecting to Wi-Fi.........................................................................................................................................9
Wi-Fi Modes ....................................................................................................................................................9
Access Point Mode..........................................................................................................................................9
Client Mode .....................................................................................................................................................9
Conguring the W2K-1................................................................................................................. 10
Information Page ...........................................................................................................................................10
Settings Menu Page ......................................................................................................................................11
Login Page ....................................................................................................................................................11
Wi-Fi Access Point Setting ............................................................................................................................11
Wi-Fi Client Settings......................................................................................................................................12
Data Server Settings .....................................................................................................................................13
Filtering .........................................................................................................................................................14
Administration................................................................................................................................................16
Firmware Update...........................................................................................................................................17
Logging Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 17-18
Mounting the W2K-1 .................................................................................................................... 19
Bulkhead Mounting........................................................................................................................................19
Actisense-I ..............................................................................................................................20-21
Trouble Shooting Guide............................................................................................................... 22
Technical Support and the Returns Procedure............................................................................................. 22
Password Recovery ..................................................................................................................... 23
Technical Specications.........................................................................................................24-25
European Union
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:
https://www.actisense.com/acti_download/w2k-1-declaration-of-conformity/
Hereby, Active Research Ltd declares that the W2K-1 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions
of Directive 2014/53/EU.
Active Research Ltd tímto prohlašuje, že tento W2K-1 je ve shodě se základními požadavky a dalšími příslušnými ustanoveními
směrnice 2014/53/EU.
Undertegnede, Active Research Ltd erklærer herved, at følgende udstyr W2K-1 overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige relevante
krav i direktiv 2014/53/EU.
Hiermit erklärt, Active Research Ltd dass sich das Gerät W2K-1 in Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den
übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen der Richtlinie 2014/53/EU bendet.
Käesolevaga kinnitab, Active Research Ltd seadme W2K-1 vastavust direktiivi 2014/53/EL põhinõuetele ja nimetatud direktiivist
tulenevatele teistele asjakohastele sätetele.
Por medio de la presente Active Research Ltd declara que el W2K-1 cumple con los requisitos esenciales y cualesquiera otras
disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de la Directiva 2014/53/UE.
ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ, Active Research Ltd ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ W2K-1 ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩΔΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ
ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΔΗΓΙΑΣ 2014/53/ΕE.
Par la présente, Active Research Ltd déclare que l’appareil W2K-1 est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres
dispositions pertinentes de la directive 2014/53/UE.
Con la presente, Active Research Ltd dichiara che questo W2K-1 è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre disposizioni
pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 2014/53/UE.
Ar šo Active Research Ltd deklarē, ka W2K-1 atbilst Direktīvas 2014/53/ES būtiskajām prasībām un citiem ar to saistītajiem
noteikumiem.
Šiuo Active Research Ltd deklaruoja, kad šis W2K-1 atitinka esminius reikalavimus ir kitas 2014/53/ES Direktyvos nuostatas.
Hierbij verklaart , Active Research Ltd dat het toestel W2K-1 in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante
bepalingen van richtlijn 2014/53/EU.
Hawnhekk, Active Research Ltd, jiddikjara li dan W2K-1 jikkonforma mal-ħtiġijiet essenzjali u ma provvedimenti oħrajn relevanti li
hemm d-Dirrettiva 2014/53/UE.
Alulírott, Active Research Ltd nyilatkozom, hogy a W2K-1 megfelel a vonatkozó alapvetõ követelményeknek és az 2014/53/EU
irányelv egyéb elõírásainak.
Niniejszym Active Research Ltd oświadcza, że W2K-1 jest zgodny z zasadniczymi wymogami oraz pozostałymi stosownymi
postanowieniami Dyrektywy 2014/53/UE.
Active Research Ltd declara que este W2K-1 está conforme com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva
2014/53/UE.
Active Research Ltd izjavlja, da je ta W2K-1 v skladu z bistvenimi zahtevami in ostalimi relevantnimi določili direktive 2014/53/EU.
Active Research Ltd týmto vyhlasuje, že W2K-1 spĺňa základné požiadavky a všetky príslušné ustanovenia Smernice 2014/53/EÚ.
Active Research Ltd vakuuttaa täten että W2K-1 tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 2014/53/EU oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä koskevien
direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.
Härmed intygar Active Research Ltd att denna W2K-1 står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga
relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 2014/53/EU.
Hér með lýsir Active Research Ltd yr því að W2K-1 er í samræmi við grunnkröfur og aðrar kröfur, sem gerðar eru í tilskipun
2014/53/EU.
Active Research Ltd erklærer herved at utstyret W2K-1 er i samsvar med de grunnleggende krav og øvrige relevante krav i direktiv
2014/53/EU.
Noi, Active Research Ltd, declarăm pe propria noastră răspundere că produsul W2K-1 este în conformitate cu cerinţele esenţiale şi
celelalte prevederi aplicabile ale Directivei 2014/53/UE.

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
Page 4 Page 5
Installation Warnings
All warnings and notices must be followed to ensure the correct operation of the W2K-1. Incorrect
installation may invalidate the guarantee.
It is highly recommended that all of the installation instructions are read before commencing the installation.
There are important warnings and notes throughout the manual that should be considered before the
installation is attempted.
Warning 1: 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 2: Installation Code of Practice
When wiring the power supply to the W2K-1 ensure the isolation switch is o󰀨. Wiring the W2K-1 while the
connection is live may damage the W2K-1 and is in breach of the guarantee. Any connection to a battery
or power supply must meet the mandatory essential safety requirements that may be imposed by local
regulatory agencies, this should include suitable fusing.
All wiring should be in accordance with the requirements of the NMEA 0400 installation specication.
Warning 3: Mounting Requirements
Select a at location to mount the W2K-1. Mounting on a contoured surface may cause damage to the case.
Do not mount the W2K-1 while the device is powered, or the cable harness is connected.
See also “Mounting the W2K-1” section.
Warning 4: Safe Distance
This device should be installed and operated keeping a distance of at least 20cm between it and a persons
body.
Software Updates
The W2K-1 unit has built-in rmware which is held in ash memory, allowing quick and easy upgrades using
the rmware update option on the web interface. It is highly recommended that the W2K-1 rmware is kept
up to date.
Details of the latest W2K-1 rmware version released can be viewed on the Actisense website.
Important Notices
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 © 2019 Active Research Ltd. All rights reserved.
Technical Accuracy
To the best of our knowledge the information contained in this document is 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 di󰀨erences between the product and this document. To
check for updated information and specications please go to www.actisense.com.
Active Research Ltd will not be liable for infringement of copyright, industrial property rights, or other rights
of a third party caused by the use of information or drawings described in this manual.
Product 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. It should be disposed of according to
the European WEEE Directive, or according to the applicable local regulations for the disposal of electrical
equipment
The product packaging is recyclable.
All features and specications may change without notice.

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
Page 6 Page 7
W2K-1 Intro & Features
The W2K-1 is a compact and low-power NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi Gateway with data logging.
It transfers data from an NMEA 2000 backbone to any compatible device (e.g. laptop, tablet or smartphone)
connected to it via Wi-Fi.
It has built-in conversion of NMEA 2000 messages into NMEA 0183 sentences thus allowing a wide variety
of vessel data (e.g. position, speed, course, wind speed, depth, engine data, AIS messages etc.) to be
shared with NMEA 0183 compatible software applications running on connected devices.
All the data received can be logged to its internal micro SD card for later downloading to use for analysing
the voyage. This is very useful for analysing race data, generating logbooks, diagnosing problems or even
sharing your voyage details. Approximately 16 days* of data can be stored on the pre-installed industrial
grade micro SD card, which can be upgraded should the user require more storage.
The W2K-1 has the legendary Actisense “Reliability Built In” along with useful diagnostic LEDs, internal
antenna, enhanced password security, full certication and all packaged in an extremely rugged IP67 case.
• NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi Gateway and data logging in one device
• Converts NMEA 2000 to / from NMEA 0183 (streamed over Wi-Fi)
• Supports both TCP and UDP and streams data using up to three separate data servers
• Compatible with a huge range of navigation software and Apps
• 8GB high reliability industrial micro SD card is pre-installed
• Approximately 16 days data logging*
• Remote rmware upgradability
• Diagnostic LEDs for NMEA 2000 bus activity and Wi-Fi status
• IP67 rated ruggedized case
• Works as an access point and connects to existing Wi-Fi networks in client mode
• Low power – 70mA at 12 VDC (2 LEN) from NMEA 2000 bus
• 2.4GHz radio with integrated internal antenna (up to 150Mbps)
• Automatically measures and reports the NMEA 2000 bus voltage
• Embedded user manual – accessible via browser
• Unique default SSID and password for enhanced security
• Diagnostics and vessel monitoring via Actisense-I**
* between 4 days and 100 days dependent on number of devices on the network and ltering options selected
** Actisense-I is a new feature that is under continuous development currently. New features will be added in future releases
Regulatory & Safety Notices
USA: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement
This device complies with FCC part 15 FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
FCC Warning
Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment o󰀨 and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit di󰀨erent from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device meets the FCC and IC requirements for RF exposure in public or
uncontrolled environments.
Canada: Industry Canada (IC) Statement
IC Notice to Users English/French in accordance with RSS GEN Issue 3:
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Cet appareil est conforme avec Industrie Canada RSS standard exempts de licence
(s). Son utilisation est soumise à Les deux conditions suivantes:
1. cet appareil ne peut pas provoquer d’interférences et
2. cet appareil doit accepter Toute interférence, y compris les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais
fonctionnement du dispositive
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
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NMEA 2000 Network Basics
Minimum Requirements
A correctly powered and terminated NMEA 2000 network is required before installing the W2K-1. The
minimum requirements for any NMEA 2000 network are:
Either
An Actisense SBN-1/2 (a NMEA 2000 self-contained network)
Or
Power insertion point, or ‘Power T’ (Actisense A2K-MPT-2)
2x T-Pieces (Actisense A2K-T-MFF)
2x Termination resistors. One at either end of the NMEA 2000 Network (Actisense A2K-TER)
And
2x NMEA 2000 Devices (The W2K-1 is one of these devices)
NMEA 2000 Network Cable Limitations
Powering the W2K-1
The W2K-1 receives its power from the NMEA 2000 backbone and is compatible with 12VDC and 24VDC
supplies typically using 70mA (2 LEN) at 12 VDC. Once powered, the LEDs inside the case will illuminate.
Refer to the ‘Troubleshooting’ section of this manual for a full description of the W2K-1 LED behaviour.
Power Tap
(A2K-MPT-1)
T-Peice
(A2K-T-MFF)
T-Peice
(A2K-T-MFF)
Terminator
(A2K-TER-F)
Terminator
(A2K-TER-M)
12v
Maximum
6 metres
Maximum
6 metres
Example Device
W2K-1
Maximum backbone length cannot exceed 100 metres
A 3 amp fuse should be used
for each positive power feed
when using micro cables.
All wiring should be in accordance with the regional code of practice for installations.
Minimum NMEA 2000® Micro Cable Network (2 devices)
Cable Type Max Length Max Amp Power Pair Data Pair
Drop Cable 6m
Sum of all drop cables 78m
Micro backbone
(terminator to terminator) 100m 3 Amps 22 AWG 24 AWG
Mid backbone
(terminator to terminator) 250m 4 Amps 18 AWG 20 AWG
Mini backbone
(terminator to terminator) 250m 8 Amps 15 AWG 18 AWG
The W2K-1 has been designed to connect directly to an Actisense “T” piece (A2K-T-MFF) without the need
for a drop cable, however a drop cable (A2K-TDC) can be used to improve the installation.
The maximum length for any instrument drop from the NMEA 2000 backbone is 6 metres. The NMEA 2000
network should always be fused according to the maximum capacity of the cable used. See ‘NMEA 2000
Network Cable Limitations’ above.
The W2K-1 measures the bus voltage at its micro connector and reports this via:
• The NMEA 2000 bus using PGN : 127508 : Battery Status.
• The Web Interface status page
• The Actisense-i gauge and graph
Set Up
The W2K-1 has a built in, web based conguration tool compatible with the latest versions of all popular web
browsers. To access it, a Wi-Fi connection is required between a compatible device and the W2K-1.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
The initial connection to a W2K-1 must use the Access Point Method, and it will broadcast it’s SSID as
“w2k-<serial number>”. This ensures that, by default, every W2K-1 has a unique Access Point.
The serial number of your device can be found printed on labels, both on the front and rear of the case.
(e.g. If your serial number is 123456, then your the SSID for your W2K-1 will be w2k-123456)
The default Wi-Fi password is printed on the rear of the device.
Note : the password is 8 characters consisting of 1...9, A...Z (excluding I & O), a...z (excluding l)
A spare password sticker is also provided which can be kept in a safe & convenient location to avoid having
to physically access the W2K-1.(e.g. if more devices need to be connected to the W2K-1)
This Wi-Fi password can be changed at any time, but if it’s lost or forgotten, the W2K-1 password can be
reset back to its default after gaining physical access to the unit, see Password Recovery.
The W2K-1’s SSID will be visible using the network settings (show available networks) of your PC, or usually
under settings / connections / Wi-Fi on your mobile device. Selecting it will prompt a connection and request
the user to enter the Wi-Fi password listed on the rear of the device. Once the password is entered, the
Wi-Fi enabled PC or device should connect within a few seconds (dependant on operating system).
Note: The connection manager will report “No Internet” which is correct as your device is now connected
directly to the W2K-1 Access Point which does not provide internet access.
The W2K-1’s built-in conguration can always be accessed by typing in the IP address:192.168.4.1 into the
address bar of your Wi-Fi enabled PC or devices web browser.
Wi-Fi Modes
The W2K-1 can be used in either Access Point Method or Client Method (also referred to as Station or
STA mode) Both modes can also be used simultaneously.
Access Point Method
This method can also be used where other Wi-Fi devices need to connect to / exchange data with the W2K-
1 in the absence of an existing Wi-Fi network. The W2K-1 will, by default, use channel 1 in this mode.
Client Method
This is where the W2K-1 will become a “client” on an existing Wi-Fi enabled network, enabling the W2K-1 to
connect to / exchange data with other devices connected to that existing network. The W2K-1 will switch to
the Wi-Fi channel of the client network in this mode. See Wi-Fi Client settings.
Note: Log les will download faster if only a single access point is connected to the W2K-1.

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
Page 10 Page 11
The W2K-1 default channel for access point mode is channel 1, however when the W2K-1 is used in client
mode, the Wi-Fi channel of the client (e.g. Wi-Fi router) will be adopted by the W2K-1 for all modes.
The device which is browsing will need to re-connect to the access point or connect via the client using the
client IP address. The W2K-1 remembers client status, so even on a power cycle it will then automatically
join the client on its channel.
Conguring the W2K-1
Make sure you have connected the W2K-1 Access Point via Wi-Fi with your PC or device. You can now
access the W2K-1 conguration page from any web browser. Enter the IP address : 192.168.4.1 into the
address bar and you will be presented with the W2K-1 home page.
Note: Pages which allow conguration changes are password protected and will prompt the user to “Login”.
Note: The web browser will automatically test its connection to the W2K-1 and display a warning if the
connection is lost.
Information Page
Use this page to access important product information such as device status, serial number, MAC address
and rmware version. Client and access point status are also available from this page.
Settings Menu Page
Login Page
The default login details for the W2K-1 conguration tool are:
Username : admin Password : admin
Wi-Fi Access Point Setting
The Wi-Fi Password can be changed here. It needs to be a minimum of 8 characters, and a max of 50.
Note: If the password is forgotten, it can be re-set back to the default after gaining physical access to the
unit, to remove and restore the micro SD card. See Password Recovery.
The Access Point can be set to “Hidden” in which case the SSID will not be broadcasted. If it is set to
”Hidden”, you will need to use the “join hidden network” function on your PC or device in order to connect to
the W2K-1. The SSID of the W2K-1 will then need to be manually typed in when prompted.

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
Page 12 Page 13
Data Server Settings
The W2K-1 has three separate data servers – “Server 1”, “Server 2” and “Server 3” which can work
concurrently and can be enabled independently. The Data Server Settings need to be congured to
correspond to that of the connected application software. To congure a data server for your application, you
can setup the “Protocol”, “Format”, “Direction” and “Port”. There is also an independent “Check box” which
can enable or disable a data server. This will not cause the W2K-1 to forget the other settings – it is an on/o󰀨
switch which will start or stop that server.
Protocol
This is the “IP” protocol. Both TCP and UDP are supported, and this should be set according to the
connected applications’ capabilities. TCP is recommended as it has built-in error correction.
Note: The W2K-1 currently only supports UDP transmit, (Not UDP receive). If a client network has been
joined, then UDP will be available via both client network and Access point because UDP connections only
require a Port Number.
Direction
This sets whether this data server will transmit, receive, or both receive and transmit data.
Format
Several data formats are provided. If the format required for your application is not currently available,
please contact Actisense support to check availability – we might already have it on our development road
map or be able to add it specically for a customer application. The current formats are:
NMEA 0183
As most applications support the NMEA 0183 format, this provides universal compatibility, however please
note that this involves conversion from NMEA 2000 PGNs to NMEA 0183 sentences and not every NMEA
2000 PGN eld has a corresponding NMEA 0183 sentence eld. Conversions for all popular sentences
and PGNs are provided, please refer to the current W2K-1 Conversion List.
ASCII RAW
This allows the W2K-1 to send and receive raw CAN packets to and from the NMEA 2000 bus. Caution
should be exercised when sending unformatted CAN data to the NMEA 2000 bus. It is supported by some
other manufacturers as a means for receiving and sending CAN information in its simplest “Raw” form.
ASCII Raw has the advantage of being human readable.
Actisense RAW
Like ASCII raw, this format allows the W2K-1 to send and receive raw CAN packets to and from the NMEA
2000 bus. Similar caution should be exercised as for ASCII Raw when sending unformatted CAN data
to the NMEA 2000 bus. This format is not currently widely supported and will be used by Actisense data
logging and simulation technology in due course. For user applications, this format is more bandwidth
e󰀩cient than ASCII formats and will be fully documented for use by third party software.
The authentication mode can be set by “Authmode”. By default this is “WPA2-PSK”, which is supported by
most modern PCs and devices.
Warning: It is NOT recommended to set this to “Open” as this will allow any Wi-Fi enabled PC or mobile
device to access the W2K-1 without entering a password.
The Access Point uses Wi-Fi channel 1 be default, however when a client is joined, the Wi-Fi channel of the
client will be adopted for all modes. If a user is connected to the W2K-1 Access Point and then joins a Client
network, the link to the Access Point will be dropped if the Client network is set to a di󰀨erent Wi-Fi channel.
In this case, simply reconnect to the Wi-Fi Access Point if needed, and your PC or device will adopt the
correct Wi-Fi channel.
The maximum number of simultaneous connections to the Access Point is 4.
Wi-Fi Client Settings
Scan for Client networks and then either join or disconnect from these networks.
Note: The connection will be interrupted during a scan.
This page shows the current connection status and Client SSID (if connected) in the top status bar. When
a Client network is joined, the Wi-Fi channel of the Client will be adopted for all modes. The W2K-1 will be
issued with an IP address by the Client network, and this IP address should then be used to connect to and
access the W2K-1 via the Client network.
The W2K-1 Access Point will still be active and you can nd out the IP address allocated to the W2K-1
by connecting to the Access Point and entering the default IP address 192.168.4.1 in a web-browser and
checking the Information Page.
Note: The W2K-1 remembers the Client’s connection details and will use those to automatically join the
Client after a power cycle, or when the connection is dropped for some reason. Click the “Forget” button to
remove a client’s connection details from the W2K-1’s memory.

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
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ASCII N2K
This is a new Actisense proprietary encoding technique for transferring complete NMEA 2000 PGNs. This
format can be sent and received by the W2K-1. If viewed on “IP port monitor” software such as https://
www.aggsoft.com/serial-port-monitor.htm, the N2K “PGNs” are easy to read as a scrolling text display. The
advantage of this format is that all PGN data is “assembled” from the raw CAN packets into an easier to
use format for user applications. This format will be fully published on the Actisense website.
Actisense N2K
For transferring complete NMEA 2000 PGNs. This format can be transmitted and received by the W2K-1.
This is a pure binary format used by the future versions of Actisense Toolkit software to allow data logging
and analysis of N2K data. It is more bandwidth e󰀩cient than ASCII N2K format. This format will be fully
published on the Actisense website.
Actisense NGT
This format has been in use by the Actisense NGT-1 since 2007. Currently this format can only be
transmitted from the W2K-1. This is also a pure binary format encoded in the same binary format as the
Actisense NGT. For software applications that have been previously designed to be compatible with the
NGT-1, this format will work directly with that software. There are third-party applications which can use
this NMEA 2000 binary format now.
Filtering
For an enabled data server set to use an NMEA 2000 data protocol, you may click on the ellipses icon
to open the ltering options page for that particular data server. Within this page you will nd a list of
all available PGNs with individual check boxes to enable them. The Tx (Transmit) Rate displays (in
milliseconds) either the default Tx rate of a given PGN, “non-periodical” for “triggered” PGNs, and “0” for Tx
disabled PGNs.
Once congured, you may “Save” your selection to return to the Data Server page and then click “Update” to
apply your settings
Port Number
By default, the W2K-1 uses Ports 60001 - 60003, but can be set to any value corresponding to that of the
application software. IP Ports can be set in the range 1-65535, although ports 1-1024 should be avoided, as they
are used by special internet services. Setting a data server to use those ports could result in network problems.
Note: Some applications use the default setting for NMEA 0183 over Wi-Fi as port 10110, so in this case the
W2K-1 data server settings should be set to 10110. Other vendors such as Navionics use port 2000 for the
default NMEA Wi-Fi gateway.
To get an application to work with the W2K-1, the IP Address of the W2K-1 (see Wi-Fi Access Point and Client
Settings) and the port settings need to correspond. For UDP, often only the port number is used, and it is
possible to merge data across multiple applications by sending to the same UDP port. Thus, care should be
exercised, as not all data formats are compatible.
The W2K-1 has been tested with many popular PC and Device applications and conguring the connection and
data format is similar across the di󰀨erent software applications.
Below shows an example of connecting to the popular OpenCPN application.

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NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
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Firmware Update
Upload and install new rmware from a “.zip” le. Note: Do NOT extract les prior to upload. Firmware
updates in the correct ‘.zip’ le format for the W2K-1 are available at www.actisense.com. The version of
rmware currently installed in the W2K-1 can be found in the “Information” menu on the W2K-1 home page.
Note: Do not disconnect the unit from the NMEA 2000 bus or remove power until the rmware update
process has completed and the unit has re-booted such that the PWR LED is pulsing. See LED Behaviour.
Remember, you need to re-connect to the device after the rmware upgrade.
Logging Settings
The W2K-1 ships with an internal 8GB industrial rated micro SD card specied with a C10 continuous writing
speed. Enable logging of data to that SD card via the ‘Logging setup’ button. The length of time before the
SD card becomes full depends on the amount of data on the NMEA 2000 network. When the SD card is full,
it will begin to write over existing log les, starting with the oldest.
The amount of data which can be logged on the 8GB micro SD is dependant on exactly how “busy” the bus
is. On a “busy” bus, (approximately 50% loading), the user can expect at least 6 days of continuous data
logging. On a “lightly loaded” bus, (approximately 5% loading), the user can expect in excess of 30 days
continuous data logging.
If the W2K-1 is restarted or power cycled, it will create a new log le and the previous log le size will be
dependant on when restart occurred.
The SD Card within the W2K-1 can be replaced by one with a larger storage space, up to 128GB.
Note: A GPS source on the NMEA 2000 bus needs to be used in order to provide UTC time stamps for the
log les. If no GPS is available, default date and time will be used.
Log les can be downloaded using the ‘Download logs’ button. Each le is approximately 5MB in size and
multiple les or an entire directory can be selected.
Administration
The Admin (Login) password can be changed here to a new one that’s between 2 and 30 characters long.
If the password is mislaid or forgotten, it can be reset back to the default after gaining physical access to the
unit by opening the blank end-cap and ejecting the SD card, see Password Recovery.
Warning: Actisense strongly recommends changing the default password to reduce the chance of
unauthorised access to the N2K network and the vessels systems.
The W2K-1 device can be conveniently restarted by clicking the ‘Restart’ button.

© 2022 Active Research Limited
NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi - W2K-1
© 2022 Active Research Limited
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Mounting the W2K-1
The W2K-1 has an internal antenna which is located on the end opposite to the NMEA 2000 connector and
should not be mounted on a metal surface. To ensure best range it should be mounted vertically and located
centrally on the boat as high as possible, avoiding other metallic objects.
Warning: The W2K-1 should not be mounted within 5m of a compass or operated within 20cm of a human
body. To avoid potential injury it should be mounted at a height of less than 2m from oor level.
Bulkhead Mounting
The W2K-1 can be secured to a bulkhead using the two screw holes on the side of the W2K-1 shown in the
picture below.
Internal antenna is
located at this end
of the W2K-1.
Keep clear of metal
objects.