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PRO-BUF-2 Intelligent Type Approved NMEA Buffer

Two OPTO-isolated inputs and twelve ISO-Drive™isolated outputs. Offering device protection and excellent flexibility, all in one product.

Introducing the Actisense® PRO-BUF-2, the intelligent, type-approved PRO range buffer.

The PRO-BUF-2 is rugged, with a stainless steel housing, and provides isolation on all inputs and outputs. With two NMEA 0183 inputs, twelve NMEA 0183 outputs, a bi-directional serial port and an Ethernet port, the PRO-BUF-2 is a perfect solution for larger leisure vessels, commercial shipping and is a great addition for systems that require type-approved devices.

The PRO-BUF-2 is designed to suit the majority of NMEA 0183 systems and ready to go ‘out of the box’ by simply hard-wiring the two-mode inputs as required.

The Intelligent NMEA 0183 Buffer manually configurable basic modes of operation include variations of buffer modes, intelligent auto-switch, and combine modes.

For all other configurations, leaving the mode inputs floating selects the ‘User Configuration Mode’. The web-based configuration tool allows full customisation of the PRO-BUF-2, and is compatible across all popular Operating Systems. Using the web-based configuration tool allows for fine-tuning of the data available on each output.

To make installation quick and simple the PRO-BUF-2 features 2-part pluggable connectors that allow the use of screw terminals*, and a professional DIN Rail mounting system (DIN Rail not included). The device can also be mounted directly to the bulkhead.

Helpful LEDs indicate power, data in, data out, and the alarm status to aid diagnostics.

Data statistics and load indication via the web tool provide a real-time view of data.

Ordering Information

(Part number/s)

  • PRO-BUF-2

Buffers are typically used to distribute an instruments data into 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.

An example of this could be on 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-BUF-2, the data can be filtered, passed or blocked and monitored, giving greater flexibility and control over all instrument data.

FEATURES

  • 2 Opto-Isolated inputs
  • 12 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs
  • Ethernet Port
  • Flexible operating modes
  • Automatic Baud Rate matching on inputs
  • Alarm output options
  • Web based configuration tool
  • Diagnostic LEDs
  • Advanced Data Filtering and Routing
  • 2 virtual Autoswitch modules
  • Data statistics and load indication via web tool
  • Designed for 12 / 24 Volt supply
  • Future proofing with easily upgradable firmware
  • 2-part pluggable connector system
  • Stainless Steel Housing with DIN rail mount option
  • Type Approved

BENEFITS

  • Flexible configuration options to buffer autoswitch or combine NMEA data
  • ISO-Drive separates the Listener from the Talker to protect both the PRO-BUF and each connected device.
  • Fast bi-directional data connection to a monitor and control software application
  • PRO-BUF can be configured using any web browser on any Operating system
  • Works out-of-the-box without configuration for basic installations, or can be easily user configured as required
  • Relay output is compatible with on-board alarm systems and NMEA Alarm sentence can be displayed and actioned on an MFD
  • Easy to access via network, doesn’t require the device to be moved or have a serial connection to the PC.
  • Quick visual check gives the user confidence that each input and output is passing data
  • Features can be utilised to fine tune data, avoiding data overloads on the outputs and connected listeners
  • Allows automatic data priority selection between two devices of the same type of data (e.g. GPS)
  • Shows the NMEA 0183 on each I/O Port, and how frequently it arrives, great for low level diagnostics
  • Allows use on large vessel 24V DC power supplies systems
  • Additional features in future firmware revisions are accessed using a simple update process via Actisense Toolkit over Ethernet
  • Fast installations and supports both screw and screwless terminal types. Ideal for quick diagnostic swapping
  • Increased durability, ease of installation and high performance
  • Can be installed on vessels governed by Class Society Rules
  • Type Approved (RINA)

 

 

Download the full list of Features, Advantages and Benefits.

 

Power Supply
Input Supply Voltage 9 to 35 V DC
Input Supply Current 325mA max @ 12V DC (all outputs @ full drive into 100 ohm loads)
Input Protection Continuous reverse polarity, transient overvoltage and ESD protection
Power Indicator LED, Blue – indicates unit is functioning correctly
Input Supply Connector Pluggable 2-way screw terminal, 5.08mm pitch
NMEA 0183 Port – Listener & Talker
Number of Listener / Input Ports 2  isolated NMEA 0183 Listeners
Number of Talker / Output Ports 12 isolated NMEA 0183 Talkers
Compatibility Fully NMEA 0183, RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS485 Listener compatible
Speed / baud rate 4800 to 38400 bps
Talker Output Voltage Drive >= 2.2V (differential) into 100 ohm
Talker Output Current Drive 20 mA maximum per output
Talker Output Protection Short circuit and ESD
Talker Data Indicator LED, Orange (Flashes at data rate)
Listener Input Voltage Tolerance -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
Listener Input Protection Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC and ESD protection
Listener Data Indicator LED, Green (Flashes to indicate valid input)
Connectors Pluggable 2/3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Serial Port
Compatibility RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS485 Listener compatible
Speed / baud rate 4800 to 115200 bps
Output Voltage Drive >= 2.1V (differential) into 100 ohm
Output Current Drive 20 mA max.
Output Protection Short circuit and ESD
Input Voltage Tolerance -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
Input Protection Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC and ESD protection
Data Indicators LED’s: Green = Receive, Orange = Transmit
Connectors Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Ethernet Port
Host Interface 10/100BaseT, automatic polarity detection
Supported Protocols TCP/IP for configuration and firmware updating
TCP/IP and UDP for NMEA 0183 comms
Indicators Green = Link/Activity, Yellow = 100 Mbps
Connector RJ45
Isolation
NMEA 0183 Listener OPTO-Isolated, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
NMEA 0183 Talker Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Serial Port Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Alarm Relay Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Ethernet Port 2kV for 60s
Mode Inputs
Input Voltage Range 0 to 35V DC
Protection Transient overvoltage and ESD protection
Connectors Pluggable 2-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Alarm Output
Contacts Common, Normally Open and Normally Closed
Alarm Indicator LED, Red indicates a valid alarm condition
Contact Ratings 35VAC / 50VDC
Connectors Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Mechanical
Housing Material 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions 210mm (W) x 128mm (H) x 27mm (D)
Weight 530g
Mounting Bulkhead mount or DIN rail mount (DIN kit 1)
Approvals and Certifications
EMC IEC 60945:2002-08, DNVGL-CG-0339:2019 & IACS UR E10 Rev7
Compass Safe Distance 750mm
Type Approval Certificate RINA
Operating Temperature -25 to +70°C
Storage Temperature -40 to +85°C
Relative Humidity (RH) 95% @ 55°C
Environmental Protection IP40
Guarantee 5 Years
  • Ethernet port – for configuration, diagnostics and data streaming
  • 2 OPTO-Isolated NMEA 0183 inputs
  • 12 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs
  • Advanced Data Filtering/Routing
  • Configurable Input and output baud rates
  • Serial port – for configuration, diagnostics or as an additional NMEA 0183 input/output.
  • Free firmware updates make the device future-proof
  • Alarm output relay (N/O and N/C contacts available)
  • Mode inputs to provide manual selection of operational mode
  • Diagnostic LEDs on all inputs and outputs
  • Alarm status LED
  • Mode LED
  • Bi-colour status LED
  • DIN rail or Panel mountable
  • Pluggable connectors for quick and easy installation

Actisense is dedicated to providing up-to-date software and resources for our products. Here are some useful tools and documentation to help you make the most of your product:

The Intelligent NMEA 0183 Buffer manually configurable basic modes of operation include variations of buffer modes, intelligent auto-switch, and combine modes.

For all other configurations, leaving the mode inputs floating selects the ‘User Configuration Mode’. The web-based configuration tool allows full customisation of the PRO-BUF-2, and is compatible across all popular Operating Systems. Using the web-based configuration tool allows for fine-tuning of the data available on each output.

To make installation quick and simple the PRO-BUF-2 features 2-part pluggable connectors that allow the use of screw terminals*, and a professional DIN Rail mounting system (DIN Rail not included). The device can also be mounted directly to the bulkhead.

Helpful LEDs indicate power, data in, data out, and the alarm status to aid diagnostics.

Data statistics and load indication via the web tool provide a real-time view of data.

Ordering Information

(Part number/s)

  • PRO-BUF-2

Buffers are typically used to distribute an instruments data into 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.

An example of this could be on 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-BUF-2, the data can be filtered, passed or blocked and monitored, giving greater flexibility and control over all instrument data.

FEATURES

  • 2 Opto-Isolated inputs
  • 12 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs
  • Ethernet Port
  • Flexible operating modes
  • Automatic Baud Rate matching on inputs
  • Alarm output options
  • Web based configuration tool
  • Diagnostic LEDs
  • Advanced Data Filtering and Routing
  • 2 virtual Autoswitch modules
  • Data statistics and load indication via web tool
  • Designed for 12 / 24 Volt supply
  • Future proofing with easily upgradable firmware
  • 2-part pluggable connector system
  • Stainless Steel Housing with DIN rail mount option
  • Type Approved

BENEFITS

  • Flexible configuration options to buffer autoswitch or combine NMEA data
  • ISO-Drive separates the Listener from the Talker to protect both the PRO-BUF and each connected device.
  • Fast bi-directional data connection to a monitor and control software application
  • PRO-BUF can be configured using any web browser on any Operating system
  • Works out-of-the-box without configuration for basic installations, or can be easily user configured as required
  • Relay output is compatible with on-board alarm systems and NMEA Alarm sentence can be displayed and actioned on an MFD
  • Easy to access via network, doesn’t require the device to be moved or have a serial connection to the PC.
  • Quick visual check gives the user confidence that each input and output is passing data
  • Features can be utilised to fine tune data, avoiding data overloads on the outputs and connected listeners
  • Allows automatic data priority selection between two devices of the same type of data (e.g. GPS)
  • Shows the NMEA 0183 on each I/O Port, and how frequently it arrives, great for low level diagnostics
  • Allows use on large vessel 24V DC power supplies systems
  • Additional features in future firmware revisions are accessed using a simple update process via Actisense Toolkit over Ethernet
  • Fast installations and supports both screw and screwless terminal types. Ideal for quick diagnostic swapping
  • Increased durability, ease of installation and high performance
  • Can be installed on vessels governed by Class Society Rules
  • Type Approved (RINA)

 

 

Download the full list of Features, Advantages and Benefits.

 

Power Supply
Input Supply Voltage 9 to 35 V DC
Input Supply Current 325mA max @ 12V DC (all outputs @ full drive into 100 ohm loads)
Input Protection Continuous reverse polarity, transient overvoltage and ESD protection
Power Indicator LED, Blue – indicates unit is functioning correctly
Input Supply Connector Pluggable 2-way screw terminal, 5.08mm pitch
NMEA 0183 Port – Listener & Talker
Number of Listener / Input Ports 2  isolated NMEA 0183 Listeners
Number of Talker / Output Ports 12 isolated NMEA 0183 Talkers
Compatibility Fully NMEA 0183, RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS485 Listener compatible
Speed / baud rate 4800 to 38400 bps
Talker Output Voltage Drive >= 2.2V (differential) into 100 ohm
Talker Output Current Drive 20 mA maximum per output
Talker Output Protection Short circuit and ESD
Talker Data Indicator LED, Orange (Flashes at data rate)
Listener Input Voltage Tolerance -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
Listener Input Protection Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC and ESD protection
Listener Data Indicator LED, Green (Flashes to indicate valid input)
Connectors Pluggable 2/3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Serial Port
Compatibility RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS485 Listener compatible
Speed / baud rate 4800 to 115200 bps
Output Voltage Drive >= 2.1V (differential) into 100 ohm
Output Current Drive 20 mA max.
Output Protection Short circuit and ESD
Input Voltage Tolerance -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
Input Protection Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC and ESD protection
Data Indicators LED’s: Green = Receive, Orange = Transmit
Connectors Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Ethernet Port
Host Interface 10/100BaseT, automatic polarity detection
Supported Protocols TCP/IP for configuration and firmware updating
TCP/IP and UDP for NMEA 0183 comms
Indicators Green = Link/Activity, Yellow = 100 Mbps
Connector RJ45
Isolation
NMEA 0183 Listener OPTO-Isolated, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
NMEA 0183 Talker Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Serial Port Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Alarm Relay Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Ethernet Port 2kV for 60s
Mode Inputs
Input Voltage Range 0 to 35V DC
Protection Transient overvoltage and ESD protection
Connectors Pluggable 2-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Alarm Output
Contacts Common, Normally Open and Normally Closed
Alarm Indicator LED, Red indicates a valid alarm condition
Contact Ratings 35VAC / 50VDC
Connectors Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Mechanical
Housing Material 316 Stainless Steel
Dimensions 210mm (W) x 128mm (H) x 27mm (D)
Weight 530g
Mounting Bulkhead mount or DIN rail mount (DIN kit 1)
Approvals and Certifications
EMC IEC 60945:2002-08, DNVGL-CG-0339:2019 & IACS UR E10 Rev7
Compass Safe Distance 750mm
Type Approval Certificate RINA
Operating Temperature -25 to +70°C
Storage Temperature -40 to +85°C
Relative Humidity (RH) 95% @ 55°C
Environmental Protection IP40
Guarantee 5 Years
  • Ethernet port – for configuration, diagnostics and data streaming
  • 2 OPTO-Isolated NMEA 0183 inputs
  • 12 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs
  • Advanced Data Filtering/Routing
  • Configurable Input and output baud rates
  • Serial port – for configuration, diagnostics or as an additional NMEA 0183 input/output.
  • Free firmware updates make the device future-proof
  • Alarm output relay (N/O and N/C contacts available)
  • Mode inputs to provide manual selection of operational mode
  • Diagnostic LEDs on all inputs and outputs
  • Alarm status LED
  • Mode LED
  • Bi-colour status LED
  • DIN rail or Panel mountable
  • Pluggable connectors for quick and easy installation

Actisense is dedicated to providing up-to-date software and resources for our products. Here are some useful tools and documentation to help you make the most of your product:

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