The Smart Multiplexer is a powerful device with five NMEA 0183 ports and one SeaTalk port, featuring auto detection of port speed and easy configuration with a simple click of a button. Originally conceived as the "Simple Multiplexer" in our lab, it evolved to encompass a range of advanced features while retaining a user-friendly installation process that requires nothing more than a paperclip.
This Multiplexer stands out for its simplicity and flexibility, offering six configuration presets with different port speeds and routing schemes. The presets, easily selectable with a hidden button, provide convenient setups for various scenarios. In Preset #1, for instance, three of the five ports are set to "AUTO" speed, eliminating concerns about the speed compatibility of connected NMEA 0183 equipment. The fourth port is configured for 4800 bps, ensuring seamless handling of AIS messages from Port #5 based on the predefined routing scheme.
The Multiplexer supports auto-detection of port speed and can route ports to themselves, enabling multiplexing of data from SeaTalk and five different NMEA 0183 talkers to three or more different listeners. Users can modify any setting of any preset, including speed, routing, data filters, or tunnel mode, with a command sent to any port of the Multiplexer. Additionally, settings can be locked to prevent accidental preset switching.
Key Features:
- 5 x NMEA 0183 ports (2 x TX/RX, 1 x TX/RX with galvanic isolation 2500 VRMS, 2 x RX only)
- 1 x SeaTalk port (supports multiple devices)
- Supports both "single ended" (RS-232) and "differential" (RS-422) NMEA 0183 connections
- NMEA ports configurable for speeds from 300 to 115200 bps, with AUTO speed option
- Bi-directional data conversion between SeaTalk and NMEA 0183, including autopilot support
- Individual filters on all ports for incoming and outgoing messages based on datagram number, sentence formatter, or talker ID
- Individual routing rules for all ports, supporting routing of NMEA 0183 ports to themselves
- "Tunnel" mode for connecting old, non-standard, and Navtex equipment
- Firmware updates from the serial port are supported
When selecting a mounting location for the Multiplexer, it's recommended to choose a dry location. Although the case is waterproof, open terminals are susceptible to seawater, which can lead to a short circuit. The Multiplexer is designed to be fixable in any orientation using the two screw holes provided (4 mm diameter, 72 mm between centers) and supplied screws.
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