We often get asked questions about how/where our PRO products can be used and if a multiplexer or buffer is best. Of course, there are a number of different use cases and scenarios where a multiplexer or buffer can be used, but for the purpose of simple explanation, this article outlines a basic use/scenario for each product.
Multiplexers are typically used to combine multiple instruments’ data output into a smaller number of outputs. As you can’t connect two talkers to one listener directly, a multiplexer allows for the data to be output through one talker connection.
Buffers are typically used to distribute an instrument’s data to multiple connected listeners. Connecting multiple listeners directly to a talker can be problematic, including current drive issues and wiring issues. Using a buffer removes these issues and allows for safe, strong distribution of your data.
PRO-NDC-1E
The PRO-NDC-1E is a powerful and intelligent multiplexer for NMEA 0183 devices. As an example of how this could be used on a commercial vessel with multiple NMEA 0183 GPS, wind, AIS and depth instruments… To get all of this data combined and sent to a display or converted via an NGX-1 to NMEA 2000, a PRO-NDC-1E can be used.
With the PRO-NDC-1E, the data can be filtered, passed or blocked and monitored, giving greater flexibility and control over all instrument data.
The device also carries the ability to stream NMEA 0183 over Ethernet, meaning it can connect to other existing Ethernet Systems and share the 0183 data to various connected applications or devices.
PRO-NBF-1
What if you have a commercial vessel with one GPS and multiple NMEA 0183 displays or 4 display ECDIS? To get all of these displays to receive your GPS data, you can use a buffer to output to each display, whilst being fully isolated.
With the PRO-NBF-1, the data is not checked for validity as the device has no intelligence, so whatever is input is also output. In scenarios where ‘invalid’ or incomplete data needs to be sent, this product is ideal. Proprietary messages also using certain formats and identifiers can be sent using this device.
PRO-MUX-2
On a commercial vessel with multiple NMEA 0183 instruments that exceed the number of inputs on a PRO-NDC-1E, use our larger multiplexer. Get all of this data combined and sent to a display or converted via an NGX-1 to NMEA 2000 with our PRO-MUX-2.
The PRO-MUX-2 also supports Autoswitching, meaning that in a scenario where 2 GPS are installed (which is very common on large vessels), a primary and secondary GPS can be determined. This allows for one GPS to be used as the source of position unless it is turned off or fails, at which point the PRO-MUX-2 will switch over and listen to the secondary GPS.
With the PRO-MUX-2, the data can be filtered, passed or blocked and monitored, giving greater flexibility and control over all instrument data. Alarm function also exists on the PRO-MUX-2, where the device will output a sentence dependent on the state, such as low battery supply or Autoswitching for example.
PRO-BUF-2
On a vessel with GPS and AIS instruments and multiple NMEA 0183 displays or 4 display ECDIS, to get all of these displays to receive your instrument data, you can use a powerful buffer to output to each display, whilst being fully isolated.
With the PRO-BUF-2, much like the PRO-MUX-2, the data can be filtered, passed or blocked and monitored, giving greater flexibility and control over all instrument data. Alarm function also exists on the PRO-BUF-2, where the device will output a sentence dependent on the state, such as low battery supply or Autoswitching for example.
Whilst not required in this scenario, the PRO-BUF-2 can also Autoswitch, allowing for two of the same instruments to be connected and switched between, if required.
The PRO-NDC-1E, PRO-MUX-2 and PRO-BUF-2 also all support the same bi-directional Ethernet streaming of NMEA 0183 data, allowing for connectivity to existing Ethernet networks, other marine networks and applications. Ethernet overcomes the bandwidth and data speed restrictions that are found within NMEA 0183.
Want to discover more?
See how the PRO-NDC-1E and PRO-BUF-2 can be used on an NMEA network in the video below, where our Solutions Engineer, Josh, talks through some typical use cases of our products.