Actisense PRO-NDC-1 E2K Professional Type Approved NMEA 0183 Multiplexer Instruction Manual

Actisense PRO-NDC-1 E2K Professional Type Approved NMEA 0183 Multiplexer

Product Usage Instructions

Installation

All warnings and notices must be followed to ensure the correct operation of the PRO-NDC-1E2K. Incorrect installation may\ invalidate the guarantee. Before commencing installation, read all installation instructions carefully.

Accuracy Warning

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K accurately transfers data from input to output. It utilizes sentence checksum to remove incomplete and corrupted data. However, the accuracy of data fields in a valid sentence remains the responsibility of the NMEA Talker that generated the data.

Installation and Operation

•  Install and operate the product as per the provided instructions to avoid personal injury, damage to your boat, or poor product performance. Only use the PRO-NDC-1E2K as an aid to vessel monitoring, control, or navigation, not as a replacement for traditional aids and techniques.

FAQ

• Q: What should I do if I suspect a fault in the unit?
• A: Refer to the Troubleshooting Section in the User Manual before contacting support for suspected faults.

Important Notices

• The device to which this manual relates complies with the Electromagnetic Compatibility requirements according to IEC 60945:2002-08, DNVGL-CG-0339:2019 & IACS UR E10 Rev7. The unit should always be used in conjunction
• with appropriately approved, shielded cable and connectors as per NMEA 0400 to ensure compliance. A declaration of conformity is available for download at www.actisense.com.
• If the device to which this manual relates is to be installed within five metres of a compass, please refer to the ‘Compass Safe Distance’ section in the ‘Technical Specifications’ table.

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 is 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 © 2024 Active Research Ltd. All rights reserved.
• Technical Accuracy
• To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this document was 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 specifications thereof may be changed without prior notice. Active Research Ltd cannot accept any liability for differences between the product and this document. To check for updated information and specifications please check
• 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 Registration

• Please register your product via the online form at https://actisense.com/product-registration Your product package includes a unit serial number. The serial number is six digits long and can be found below the barcode on the label.
• Your registration will assist Actisense Support to link your product to your details, simplifying any future assistance you may require.

Product Guarantee

• All Actisense products are provided with a 5-year guarantee upon registration. To register your product, visit https://actisense.com/productregistration.
• 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 specification. 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 dispose of this product under the WEEE Directive. The product should be taken to a registered establishment for the disposal of electronic equipment.

Introduction

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K multiplexer is designed to suit the majority of NMEA 0183 systems and provides a web-based configuration tool for setting the device to suit your requirements. The device is a rugged, robust, Type Approved
• Multiplexer with built-in NMEA 2000 connectivity, high-speed Ethernet streaming of data, flexible configuration, auto-switching, and advanced data routing capabilities.
• The web browser-based configuration tool allows full customization of the PRO-NDC-1E2K, and as it is web-based it is compatible across all popular Operating Systems.
• The PRO-NDC-1E2K supports a direct Ethernet connection to a PC without the need for a specialized Ethernet crossover cable.
• The NMEA 2000 data can be converted bidirectionally into different formats including NMEA 0183, N2K ASCII N2K Actisense (proprietary formats), and NGT Actisense (compatible with our NGT/NGX products).
• The Ethernet Port enables all NMEA data to be sent and received at high speed to connected networks.

Installation Warnings

• All warnings and notices must be followed to ensure the correct operation of the PRO-NDC-1E2K.
• 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: Accuracy

• The Actisense PRO-NDC-1E2K is designed to accurately transfer data from input to output. The PRO-NDC-1E2K uses the sentence checksum (if available) to remove incomplete and corrupted data, however, the accuracy of the data
• fields in a valid sentence still remains the responsibility of the NMEA Talker that generated the data.

Warning 2: 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. The PRO-NDC-1E2K should only be
• used as an aid to vessel monitoring, control, or navigation and should not be used as a replacement for traditional aids and techniques.

Warning 3: Installation Code of Practice

• When wiring the power supply to the PRO-NDC-1E2K ensure the isolation switch is off. Wiring the PRO-NCD-1E2K while the connection is live may damage the PRO-NDC-1E2K and is in breach of the guarantee. Any connection to a
• battery or power supply must meet the mandatory safety requirements that may be imposed by local regulatory agencies.
• All wiring should be in accordance with the requirements of the NMEA 0400 installation specification.

Warning 4: Mounting Requirements

• Select a flat location to mount the PRO-NDC-1E2K. Mounting on a contoured surface may cause damage to the case.
• Do not mount the PRO-NDC-1E2K while the device is powered, or the cable harness is connected.
• Note that the connectors are pluggable for easy disconnection when mounting or removing the PRO-NDC-1E2K.

Software Updates

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K units have built-in firmware which is held in flash memory, allowing quick and easy upgrades Via the Web browser configuration tool or the latest Actisense Toolkit. It is highly recommended that the firmware is
• kept up to date in the PRO-NDC-1E2K.  The current PRO-NDC-1E2K firmware version can be viewed on the configuration tool ‘Home’ page, in the ‘Main Application’ section. Details of the latest PRO-NDC-1E2K firmware version can be viewed on the Actisense website’s  PRO-NDC-1E2K  ‘Downloads’ page.

Features

• Type-Approved (RINA)
• 5x Configurable Opto-isolated inputs.
• 2x Configurable ISO-Drive™ isolated outputs.
• 1x Bi-directional, configurable, isolated serial port.
• 1x Bi-Directional NMEA 2000 Connection (M12 Male A Coded)
• Automatic baud rate matching on inputs
• Advanced data filtering/routing.
• Free firmware updates making the device “future-proof”
• Diagnostic LEDs on all inputs and outputs.
• Bi-colour status LED.
• Panel and DIN rail mountable with DIN kit.
• Using the configuration tool, each NMEA 0183 output can be configured to communicate at independent baud rates.
• Data statistics and load indication via the web tool.
• Designed for 12 and 24 Volt supply.
• The pluggable connector system supports both screw and screwless terminals.
• Double Galvanic isolation between all inputs and outputs. Galvanic isolation to battery supply.

NMEA wire color coding

The wire colors used in this manual are in accordance with the NMEA 0183 specification (v.4.10, June 2014) and are for illustration purposes only. Please ensure you check the wiring colours given in the installation instructions for any devices you wish to interface with the PRO-MUX-2. Not all manufacturers follow this standard colour coding which can lead to confusion.Currently, the specified NMEA0183 signal color coding for individual wires is as follows:

• Talker A – White
• Talker B – Brown
• Listener A – Yellow
• Listener B – Green

PRO-NDC-1E2K Overview

PRO-NDC-1E2K Connections Terminals

The PRO-NDC-1E2K comes supplied with high-quality 2-way and 3-way rising clamp connectors which are tightened with screws. Screwless spring-loaded connectors are also available as an optional extra and are available via your distributor.

Power Supply Connections

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K requires a power source providing between 10 to 35 Volts DC.
• The PRO-NDC-1E2K “+” terminal should be connected to the vessel power supply “+” terminal via the correctly rated fuse (in accordance with the NMEA 0400 installation standard).
• The PRO-NDC-1E2K “-” terminal should be connected to the vessel’s DC ground plate.
• The input supply connection has continuous reverse polarity and ESD protection.

Red and Black wires are shown here as they are the most common designation for power and ground.

Standard Serial Port Connections

N.B Wire colors may vary between 3rd party cables/adapters ( Pin numbers refer to a standard DB9 connector )

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K serial port connector allows a serial device/adapter to be connected easily.
• The Standard RS-232 wiring designation is as shown below;
• Connect the Tx (pin 3) terminal from your serial device to the “IN” terminal
• Connect the Rx (pin 2) terminal from your serial device to the “OUT” terminal
• Connect the GND (pin 5) terminal from your serial device to the “COM” terminal

USB – Serial Port Connections

Should you require to connect your PRO-NDC-1 to a PC via a USB connection, Actisense have provided a way to achieve this using our USBKIT-PRO (Universal Serial adaptor) which contains a USB-SERIAL converter with the necessary Rx/Tx and GND connections.

Ethernet Connection

An Ethernet port is provided as a means of correctly configuring your PRO-NDC- 1E2K as well as providing high-speed data streaming via the data servers. Use either a standard Ethernet patch cable with an RJ45 plug to connect directly to a PC. Alternatively, the PRO-NDC-1E2K can be connected to an Ethernet switch. Insert the RJ45 plug into the PRO-NDC-1E2K “Ethernet” terminal until a click is heard. To remove the RJ45 plug, push down on
the locking clip and gently pull the cable away from the “Ethernet” terminal.

RF Ground Connection

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K must be properly grounded using the grounding stud provided.
• This connection should be made using a robust crimped connection if possible and routed back to the vessel’s ‘boat’ ground.

NMEA 2000 Connection

• An NMEA 2000 M12 Male Connector is available for connecting the PRO-NDC-1E2K to the NMEA 2000 bus.
• Connect the M12 port to an NMEA 2000 drop cable (max 6m in length), ensuring the key lines up. Hand tighten until connector is mated.

NMEA 0183 Talker and Listener Designations

• The NMEA have updated the NMEA 0183 specifications to ensure a consistent naming convention is used for labelling ports. The designation follows the same rules as used for Rx and Tx labelling but uses the terminology “Talker” and “Listener” instead.
• The Input / Receiving (Rx) port will be labelled as a LISTENER port.
• The Output / Transmitting(Tx) port will be labelled as a TALKER port.

NMEA “Talker” Input Connections

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K has 5 input connections, labelled IN-1 to IN-5.
• Inputs are labelled ‘A’ and ‘B’ in line with the NMEA specification for labeling NMEA0183 signal pairs.
• If your “talker” follows the NMEA wire colour convention, the wires should be coloured as follows:
• TALKER ‘A’/+ : WHITE
• TALKER ‘B’/- : BROWN
• If your wire colours do not follow the NMEA convention, you will need to consult your device manual and find which wire colours correspond to ‘A’/+ and ‘B’/- and attach accordingly.
• If your “talker” device has only ‘A’ and ‘GND’ output wires, connect the ‘GND’ wire to ‘B’/-.

NMEA “Listener” Output Connections

• The PRO-NDC-1E2K has 2 output connections, labeled OUT-1 & OUT-2.
• Outputs are labeled ‘A’ and ‘B’ in line with the NMEA specification for labeling NMEA0183 signal pairs.
• If your “listener” follows the NMEA wire colour convention, the wires should be coloured as follows:
• LISTENER ‘A’/+ : YELLOW
• LISTENER ‘B’/- : GREEN
• If your wire colours do not follow the NMEA convention, you will need to consult your device manual and find which wire colours correspond to ‘A’/+ and ‘B’/- and attach accordingly.
• The shield from each listener should be connected to the ‘GND’ connector on the output terminal. Note: Shield should only be connected at the Talker end.

Web Browser Configuration

• The web-based configuration tool for the PRO-NDC-1E2K is built in, and can be accessed using the ethernet configuration port
• As it is web-based, the configuration tool is compatible with all popular web browsers and operating systems.
• NOTE: An internet connection is not required to access the configuration tool.

Standard Ethernet Networks

• If the PRO-NDC-1E2K is connected to an ethernet network containing both DHCP and DNS servers, launch any of the popular web browsers.
• Replacing ‘xxxxxx’ with the serial number of your PRO-NDC-1E2K, type the following command into the address bar: http://prondc-xxxxxx
• The following web page will now be displayed allowing configuration of the PRO-NDC-1E2K:

Direct connection or basic ethernet networks

• If the PRO-NDC-1E2K is connected directly to a PC, or the ethernet network does not have a DHCP server, the PRO-NDC-1E2K will communicate using the auto-IP by default.
• A standard Ethernet cable can be used for the connection to your PC. The PRO-NDC-1E2K will automatically detect this. You do not require a cross-over cable.
• The auto-IP process can take up to 60 seconds to complete.
• The PC’s ‘Local Area Connection’ must also be set up to use auto-IP in order tocommunicate on this network. Most PCs are set up to do this by default. If needed, instructions on how to do this using Windows 10 are detailed overleaf (other Windows operating systems will be similar).

NOTE: Administrator privileges are required to carry out these modifications.

• Once the PC and PRO-NDC-1E2K are using the same IP address range, launch any popular web browser.
• Replacing ‘sex’ below with the serial number of your PRO-NDC-1E2K, type in the following command into the address bar: http://prondc-xxxxxx
• The web page shown above will now be displayed allowing configuration of the PRO-NDC-1E2K.

Configuring ‘Local Area Connection

Search for ‘Network Status’ on your PC and open the ‘Network Status’ menu

In the ‘Network Status’ menu, under ‘Advanced Network Settings’, select ‘Change Adapter Options’

Right-click’ on your ‘Local Connection’ and select ‘Properties’;

• Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)’ and leave the box on the RHS checked.
• Click on ‘Properties’

Configuring ‘Local Area Connection’ (contd)
Under the ‘General’ tab in ‘Properties’ ensure:

• ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’ is selected.
• ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ is selected. Under the ‘Alternate Configuration’ tab make sure that:
• ‘Automatic private IP address’ is selected
• Click ‘ OK ’ to accept these changes, and close the ‘local connections window’

Setting a Static IP

• A static IP address can be assigned to the PRO-NDC-1E2K, meaning that the IP address will not change.
• Unlike DHCP where the IP address will be assigned by the host and can change, once a static IP address is set, this will always be
• the address of the device until it is manually changed or switched back to dynamic.
• Please be aware that setting a static IP address may require you to log in and change settings on your router, particularly if it utilizes DHCP as default.
• Only change settings in your network/router if you feel confident in doing so, as misconfiguration can cause a number of issues.
• Ensure you make note of the IP address you assign, as you cannot recover the device if the IP address is forgotten and you are unable to perform an arp -a network scan or log into the router to locate the device again.

Password and Device Recovery

• The device will be shipped with a unique password which can be found on the label, located on the side of the product.
• To log into the device and make changes to the configuration, this password is required, along with the username of ‘admin’. This password can be changed, should you wish.
• If the password is lost or forgotten, then the device can be reset and it will default back to the original password.

Troubleshooting Guide

First-level PRO-NDC-1E2K diagnostics/fault finding can be performed by observing the LEDs.The normal behavior of the PRO-NDC-1E2K LEDs is described on the table below. If the LEDs are not behaving as expected, this will indicate a fault in either the device connected to the PRO-NDC-1E2K, the wiring/connections, or the PRO-NDC-1E2K itself. Some common checks to perform on all terminals of the PRO-NDC-1E2K if the correct LED behaviour is not displayed:\

• Connectors are fully inserted
• All pins of the connector are in the correct location (not overlapping into another port position)
• Wires are terminated firmly and correctly (check polarity)

IN (INCLUDING ‘SERIAL IN’)

| Green| Flashing| Data are available on input indicated by LED.| No action required
–| Off| No data available on this input or autobaud detection in progress (up to 20 seconds)| Check if the connected Talker is sending data.

If it is, review the configuration.

OUT (INCLUDING ‘SERIAL OUT’)

|

Orange

|

Flashing/ solid

| Flashes at a rate determined by baud rate and data length. If the available bandwidth is

nearly full, the LED may appear solid instead of flashing

|

None required

STATUS

| Red| Flashing / solid| Buffer Full – Overload condition, sentences are being dropped.| Use a web browser to review configuration and correct overload conditions.

Yellow

|

Flashing / solid

| Warning, buffer is filling. Duplicate deletion is managing to maintain output capacity by deleting older copies of sentences| Review configuration to understand the required rates of sentences which is acceptable to any connected device
Green| Flashing / solid| Normal operation. No data issues.| No action required

–

|

Off

| No data passing through outputs. Either no input data, or if IN LED is active it means all data is blocked.| Check if the connected Talker is sending data. If it is, review the configuration.

Ethernet

| Green| Flashing| Data activity on the Ethernet port| No action required

Yellow

| On| Indicates line speed at 100Mbps|

No action required

Off| Indicates line speed at 10Mbps
–| Off| No data available| Check that the Ethernet network is operational.
NMEA2000 – RX| Green| Flashing| Indicates data is being received from the NMEA2000 bus| Confirm there is another device transmitting on the NMEA2000 bus
NMEA2000 – TX| Amber| Flashing| Indicates data is being transmitted on the NMEA2000 bus| Confirm there are at least two NMEA2000 devices present on the bus
PWR and STATUS

(Combined)

| Power = blue Status = red| Power = on (solid) Status = on (solid)| Critical HW Error Both Power & Status LEDs are solid| Return to the manufacturer if this persists after a power reset

Technical Specification

Power Supply

Input supply voltage| 9 to 35 V DC
Input supply current| 150mA 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 the unit is functioning correctly
Input Supply connector| Pluggable 2-way screw terminal, 5.08mm pitch (12 to 30 AWG)
NMEA 0183 Port – Listener & Talker
Number of Listener / Input Ports| 5 isolated NMEA 0183 Listeners
Number of Talker / Output Ports| 2 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 with 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 with data rate)
Connectors| Pluggable 2/3 way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch (12 to 30 AWG)
Serial Port
Compatibility| RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS485 Listener compatible
Speed/baud rate| 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 (12 to 30 AWG)
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
Connector| RJ45
Indicators| Green – Link, Yellow – 100 Mbps
NMEA 2000 Port
Compatibility| NMEA 2000 Certification Pending
Speed/baud rate| 250 kbps
Connectivity| M12 male (A-coded) connector
Isolation
NMEA 0183 Listener| Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
NMEA 0183 Talker| Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Serial Port| Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Ethernet Port| 2kv for 60s
NMEA 2000 Port| OPTO-Isolated, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
Mechanical
Housing Material| 316 Stainless Steel
---|---
Dimensions| 139mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 26mm (D)
Weight| 360g
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| 300mm
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| 3 years (5 Years if registered)

PRO-NDC-1E2K Dimensions

Technical support and the returns procedure

• The first point of contact for all technical inquiries should be the vendor/supplier where the device was originally purchased.
  All warnings in this manual must be adhered to and installation instructions followed prior to any support requests.

• If the troubleshooting guide or the supplier is not able to help resolve the problem and an error persists, please visit the Actisense help center at www.actisense.com/support where you will find useful articles to aid further troubleshooting in our FAQ’s and Knowledge Base.

• You will also find a link to the support center where you can register and raise a support ticket.

References

• Actisense | Marine Network Technology & Vessel Monitoring
• Actisense | Marine Network Technology & Vessel Monitoring
• Support | Actisense Product Support | Making You Voyage Safer
• Product Registration - Actisense Award-Winning NMEA Specialists

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