NMEA Data Multiplexer NDC-4 For all variants: NDC-4, NDC-4-USB, NDC-4-ASW NDC-4-AIS, NDC-4-AIS-USB Install User Manual Issue 1.07 Multiple talker interface for use with the NMEA 0183 standard. Serial data networking of marine electronic devices / instruments. RS232 & USB 1.1 & 2.0 PC interfaces to the NMEA 0183 standard. Actisense ISO-Drive technology for a fully isolated serial data system. Intelligent NMEA filtering on all inputs allows smart removal of NMEA data.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 Contents Important Notices Notices Foreword Introduction General Features Technical Features Software Updates Connecting devices together 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 Connections Connecting to NMEA Devices 7 8 Other Connections 9 The Basics The NMEA Signals The Different NMEA Standards OPTO Inputs ISO-Drive Outputs Connecting to the Battery Supply Connecting to a Personal Computer 6 6 6 8 8 9 9 USB Driver Installation 10 USB Configuration 12 Actisense PC Software suites 14
Important Notices Foreword Actisense and the Actisense logo are registered trademarks of Active Research Limited. All rights are reserved. The contents of this manual may not be transferred or copied without the express written permission of Active Research Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Actisense recognises that instructions are often skipped, so we have aimed to write this document in an informative, yet direct manner that will aid the user.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 General Features million instructions per second. 4/5 Opto-isolated Input Ports The NMEA 0183 inputs are galvanically opto-isolated differential inputs, protecting against common mode voltage differences of up to 2500v. Fully compliant with the NMEA 0183 standard specification and compatible with RS232, RS422 and RS485 signal levels. The typical operating voltage is 2.0v to 15.0v and can withstand +/35v continuously and +/- 40v transients.
Connecting devices together The Basics NMEA data is transmitted from an information source such as GPS, depth sounder, gyro compass etc. These data sending devices are called “Talkers”. Equipment receiving this information such as a chartplotter, radar or NMEA display is called a “Listener”. Unfortunately, only one Talker can be connected on to a single NMEA 0183 system at any one time.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 Connections NDC-4-A-USB NMEA DATA COMBINER 99999 Figure 1 – All external connections The NMEA Data Multiplexer (NDC) has screw-terminal “Phoenix” type external connections for: 1. Five Opto-isolated Inputs. All inputs are of the differential opto-isolated type and use the unique Actisense low current drain circuitry (2mA @ 2.
Connecting to NMEA Devices NMEA Talker 4 NMEA + Listener A G G + NMEA Talker 3 B A NMEA Talker 2 + NMEA Talker 1 + - NMEA A Listener C B NDC-4-A-USB NMEA Listener B NMEA DATA COMBINER G D 99999 Personal Rx Computer G Figure 2 – NMEA 0183 connections OPTO Inputs ISO-Drive Outputs The differential opto-isolated inputs are designed to handle a variety of NMEA 0183 device output specifications.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 Other Connections + - Tx Rx G USB Battery / Power Supply PC or Laptop PC or Laptop Figure 3 – RS232, USB and Battery connections ! USB Warning! USB power and battery power are NOT isolated from each other. Consult a qualified installer to ensure there is no ground loop hazard when connecting both. Disconnecting a single battery lead or turning off the supply does NOT prevent this ground loop hazard. Ground loop damage is NOT covered by the guarantee.
USB Driver Installation When using an NDC-4 with a USB cable it is necessary to install the USB drivers. Any NDC-4 variant without a USB cable can be ‘upgraded’ by purchasing a USB Upgrade Kit from your dealer. Follow these steps to manually install the drivers from the Actisense CD or a copy downloaded from the Actisense website. 1. Open ‘Device Manager’ (from the start menu type ‘device manager’ in the search box, open it from the list).
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 4. Click the ‘Browse’ button and locate the folder that the USB driver is saved (containing “ftdibus.inf”). Once the folder is selected click ‘Next’. Windows XP and Windows NT/2000 The following instructions are for Windows XP. Although not the same, Windows NT/2000 users will be able to use this information as well. 1. Connect the USB cable and Windows will automatically open the ‘Found New Hardware Wizard’.
3. When using the drivers downloaded from the Actisense website, it is important to unzip them to an easy to find location. Make sure the ‘Include this location in the search’ option is ticked, and use the ‘Browse’ button and Now both drivers are installed see “USB Configuration” on page 12 for details on how to find out which COM port number has been allocated to your Actisense device as well as how to change to a different COM port.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 2. Expand the ‘Ports (COM & LPT)’ list by clicking on the ‘+’ sign (Windows XP and Vista) or the white arrow (Windows 7). You will find the ‘Actisense NDC’ in the list, followed by the allocated COM port number. 3. Double click on the icon for the ‘Actisense NDC’ and the properties window will appear. Click on the ‘Port Settings’ tab. There is no need to change any of the settings here, the software package that opens the port will specify the required values. 4.
Actisense PC Software suites The Actisense NMEA Data Combiner hardware can be configured, monitored and tested using its own dedicated software suite, ‘NDC Control Centre’. The NDC-4 can be updated / upgraded using the latest ActiPatch software suite. This section provides a complete users guide to installing and uninstalling these two software suites.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 Uninstalling Actisense PC software Replace the generic “” text below with the name of the actual software you are installing: “NDC Control Centre”, or “ActiPatch”. 1. To uninstall the program, from the ‘Start Menu’ navigate to the ‘Actisense’ directory and double click on the ‘Uninstall’ icon (refer to “Figure 7 - ‘Start Menu’ Shortcuts” on page 14 and “Figure 8 – ‘Start Menu’ Shortcuts” on page 14). 3.
Configuration of AIS + NMEA Talker 4 + G NMEA Talker 3 38400 Baud B A AIS Talker 4800 Baud B NMEA A Talker 1 38400 Baud 4800 Baud NMEA DATA COMBINER 38400 Baud NDC-4-A-USB A B A B 99999 Chart Plotter In Out 4800 Baud Figure 11 – AIS Configuration with 38400 Baud Rate Setting up the Hardware for AIS Control Centre, supplied on the CD (or available for download from Actisense website), allows a quick set-up for AIS using the configuration file included.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 The NDC-4-ASW Autoswitch The Actisense NMEA Data Multiplexer / Combiner / Autoswitch (NDC) has been designed with the ability to operate as a Multiplexer / Combiner OR an Autoswitch. Setting the NDC-4 as an Autoswitch The NDC-4 can easily be changed between being a NMEA Data Multiplexer / Combiner and an NMEA Autoswitch using Control Centre. For systems that have multiple NMEA devices of an identical type (e.g.
Troubleshooting Guide This guide will concentrate on all relevant troubleshooting issues above simple cable connection faults. Therefore, the cables between the NDC-4 hardware and any other devices should be checked as a matter of course, before continuing with this guide. Diagnostic LED The NDC-4 hardware supports a tricolour diagnostic LED that indicates the current operating mode of the hardware, or if an error has been detected during the self-test initiation process.
NMEA Data Multiplexer - NDC-4 Specifications The NDC-4 ISO-Drive output is a very flexible output that is RS485, RS232, RS422 and NMEA 0183 compatible. Parameter Conditions Min. Max. Unit Supply Supply voltage External power supply 8 35 V Supply current from external source (see note 1) Supply voltage = 12v 30 40 mA Supply voltage = 24v 15 20 mA Supply voltage USB powered 4.75 5.25 V Supply current from USB (see note 1) Supply voltage = 5v 67 75 mA -15.0 0.
Order Codes NDC-4 5 isolated inputs (4 NMEA HS), 2 ISO-Drive outputs NDC-4-USB 4 isolated inputs (3 NMEA HS), USB In & Out and 2 ISO-Drive outputs NDC-4-AIS NDC-4 base unit pre-configured for AIS NDC-4-AIS-USB NDC-4-USB unit pre-configured for AIS NDC-4-ASW NDC-4 base unit pre-configured as an Autoswitch Returns Procedure Actisense prides itself on having a very low product return rate. In the unlikely event that you need to return a unit for repair, it is important to follow these steps. 1.
