Can I use the NBF-3 with data that is not NMEA 0183?

Yes, the NBF-3 will generate an identical copy of the electrical signal it receives on its input port to each of its output ports. The electrical signal must use RS422, RS485 or RS232 voltage levels for its ‘High’ and ‘Low’ data levels.

As the NBF-3 only ‘sees’ the electrical signals, the data protocol used is not relevant and no protocol validation of the data is performed. Each output will be an identical copy of the input data regardless of the data protocol. The output voltage levels are amplified to RS422/RS485 levels when a differential input device is connected and and to voltage levels compatible with RS232 when a single-ended device is connected.

For more information on NMEA 0183 and how it works, please download our free guide to NMEA 0183 networking here: https://actisense.com/everything-to-know-about-nmea-0183-guide/
For more information on NMEA 2000 and how it works, please download our free guide to NMEA 2000 networking here: https://actisense.com/complete-guide-to-building-an-nmea-2000-network/