X
WHERE TO BUY
August 7, 2025

As marine electronic systems become more complex, the need for intelligent devices becomes more apparent. A common scenario we see now is a ship that has both NMEA 0183 systems and an NMEA 2000 network onboard, with the requirement for type-approved equipment.

Fortunately, Actisense’s range of PRO products all carry RINA type approval, ensuring they meet rigorous maritime standards.

Multiplexing and Bridging Data with PRO Series Devices

Combining and Converting NMEA 0183 Data

In the diagram above, we are utilising both a PRO-NDC-1E2K and a PRO-BUF-2.

  • The PRO-NDC-1E2K multiplexer is used to combine data from a GPS, Compass, AIS, and Wind Instrument.

  • This combined data is then output to both the PRO-BUF-2 and the NMEA 2000 network.

Visualising Data on the NMEA 2000 Network

On the NMEA 2000 side, chartplotters and MFDs may be used to display this data with map overlays, giving the captain a real-time view of ship position and AIS targets.

When combined with:

  • A Compass for vessel heading

  • Sensors for speed and environmental data

… the system can enable collision avoidance and alerting functions, keeping the vessel safe.

Commercial Marine eBook, Actisense

Feeding Multiple Devices with the PRO-BUF-2

Input and Output Configuration

In this setup:

  • Input 1 on the PRO-BUF-2 receives data from the PRO-NDC-1E2K

  • Input 2 receives data from a PC application via the USG-2

This data is then distributed to:

  • ECDIS

  • Autopilot

  • Ethernet socket

Intelligent Sentence Filtering

While the ECDIS uses all available data, the Autopilot only needs certain NMEA 0183 sentences. Here, sentence filtering plays a crucial role.

  • All PRO devices (except the PRO-NBF-1) allow sentence filtering

  • This helps save bandwidth and reduce unnecessary data traffic

Example: Input 1 may be receiving wind data, but if the Autopilot doesn’t need this, those sentences can be blocked from the output, ensuring it only receives the essential information.

High-Speed Ethernet Streaming for Data Sharing

Finally, the NMEA 0183 data is also being streamed via the Ethernet port to an onboard network.

  • This allows integration with systems like Voyage Data Recorders or Data Loggers

  • Ethernet enables high-speed, reliable transmission, making it easy to share data across connected devices with minimal delay or concern for bandwidth limitations

By intelligently combining Actisense PRO devices, vessels can seamlessly integrate NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 systems, ensuring reliable data sharing, efficient device communication, and enhanced navigational safety—all with the confidence of RINA type approval.