actisense product catalogue issue 3 (2009)

8/8/2019 Actisense Product Catalogue Issue 3 (2009)

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INTRODUCTION

Actisense intelligent sensors andinterfaces. Smarter connections that

make more sense

Actisense is synonymous with excellence in smart sensors,

underwater acoustics and NMEA interconnections.

With over 20 years of specialist experience in the design of

digital signal processing software and hardware, Actisense

have developed a wide range of products NMEA

interfaces, depth sounders and cables which are unique in

the marine marketplace for their quality and sophistication.

Our enviable world-wide reputation for supplying smarter

marine electronic solutions has been achieved through:

Intelligent design

Exacting manufacturing standards

The highest levels of service

Our innovative design approach, embracing real world

echo capture and simulation, has enabled us to perfect

our unique depth-sounding algorithm. This now forms the

calculating heart of depth sounding devices from many

major international marine electronics brands

across the world.

Actisense. Smarter, safer solutions.

The more sensible choice.

Actisense is a registered trademark

of Active Research Limited.

About Actisense


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NMEA 0183 defines the electrical signalling, data protocol

and sentence formats for a 4800 baud serial data bus.

Established more than 20 years ago, the levels of expertise

required to install NMEA 0183 devices has increased with

the introduction of the AIS compatible NMEA 0183 HS.

Actisense has the know-how to provide products that meet,

and indeed surpass NMEA 0183 specifications, and solve

many of the issues that arise when connecting electronic

equipment together.

Our NMEA Interfaces provide the intelligent interconnection

technology that enables users to get the most out of their

NMEA instruments and related on board PCs or laptops.

All Actisense NMEA products utilise advanced opto-isolation

circuitry that protects both the NMEA talker device and the

Actisense product itself.

All Actisense NMEA products feature high quality screw

connectors, angled to allow easy access to make wiring up

simple and quick.

Critically, our range of NMEA 0183 multiplexers elegantly

overcome the major limitation of the NMEA 0183 system- that there can be only one talker or information source on

any NMEA 0183 data line.

Just connect and relax, knowing that Actisensehas it

secured.

More details on this technology and other innovations can be

found on the Actisense website.

www.actisense.com

NMEA 0183 Interfaces

The NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association)publishes standard communication protocols to

enable a marine electronic device with an NMEA

port to share its data with other NMEA devices.

What is ISO-Drive?

ISO-Drive provides a

galvanically isolated

output, making

installation simple and

free from fear of ground

loops. This substantially

reduces the risk of

damage and hazards in

connected equipment.

The ISO-Drive output is

tolerant of all connection

types (RS422, RS485 &

RS232), making for easy

installation of an NMEA

0183 data bus system.

ISO-Drive outputs are

separately isolated from

each other and the input

(listener) circuit, and can

float safely up to 1500

volts D.C. from system

ground.

By striving to create the

best possible products,

the inclusion of unique

ISO-Drive technology

takes the Actisense

range to the next level.


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Part number: NDC-4

NMEA 0183 Interfaces (cont).

The Actisense NDC-4 and NDC-4-USB bring the same

combination of performance and ease-of-use to your

installation that you expect from all our interfaces. Now

up to five OPTO isolated NMEA 0183 sources can bemultiplexed into a single stream*.

Two flexible ISO-Drive outputs allow two different

downstream talker baud rates to be created, ensuring

maximum system flexibility.

The NDC-4 is flexible and powerful enough to be the

heart of a simple system, or one of many Actisense

products in a more complex system. It provides

complete access to all NMEA 0183 data sources,configurable filters to remove unwanted data, as well

as enabling an on board PC to read and

add to the combined data stream.

*Four inputs on the USB version, as the

USB interface acts as the fifth channel,

overriding the fifth OPTO input.

Flexible, low cost multiplexing withup to five NMEA inputs and ISO-

Drive outputs

NDC-4 / NDC-4-USB NMEA Data Multiplexer

NDC-4 Features

5 Opto Inputs (4 HS+)

2 HS+ ISO-Drive Outputs

Intelligent multiplexing

software rules

Flexible NMEA filtering

Configurable baud rates

and port priorities

Full galvanic 1500V isolationPC configuration software

USB PC interfacing option

AIS compatible

EXAMPLE:

INPUTS FROM GPS, COMPASS,

SPEED AND DEPTH TRANSDUCERS

NDC-4-USB NMEA MULTIPLEXER

NMEANMEA

CHARTPLOTTER,

RADAR DISPLAYS,

AUTOPILOTS ETC

PC OR HIGH

SPEED

NMEA

DEVICE

USB 1.1 & 2


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NDC-4 Preconfigured Options

To make things easy for Actisense customers, there is

now the option to have the NDC-4 factory preconfigured

for AIS operation or as an Autoswitch, making it the

most flexible Actisense product yet. This can allow

the NDC-4 to be used straight out of the box, without

needing configuration in the field.

Naturally, any factory preconfigured option can be

changed by the user if required.

When preconfigured for AIS operation (NDC-4-AIS), one

input is set to 38400 baud and the NMEA filter prevents

any AIS data from going out of the low speed output.

Alternatively, the Autoswitch preconfigured option

(NDC-4-ASW) automatically switches data from one of

four NMEA 0183 input devices to the two NMEA 0183

outputs (by default, one at 38400, one at 4800), by

determining the highest priority device with

good data.

Preconfigure the NDC-4 as anAutoswitch or for AIS operation

Part numbers: NDC-4-AIS & NDC-4-ASW

Preconfigured Features

NDC-4-ASW

4 Opto Inputs (3 HS+)

2 HS+ ISO-Drive Outputs

Intelligent automatic

switching software rules

Flexible NMEA filtering

Configurable baud rates and

port priorities

PC configuration software

USB PC interfacing option

AIS compatible

Preconfigured Features

NDC-4-AIS

All NDC-4 features asdetailed on page 4

NDC-4-ASW EXAMPLE:

INPUTS FROM 4 NMEA DEVICES

OUTPUTTING GPS NMEA DATA

NDC-4-ASW NMEA AUTOSWITCH

NMEANMEA

CHARTPLOTTER,

RADAR DISPLAYS,

AUTOPILOTS ETC

PC OR HIGH

SPEED

NMEA

DEVICE


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USB 1.1 & 2

The Actisense USG-1 is the safest way to connect your

boats data network to an on board PC. It converts a

USB port into a bi-directional serial port suitable for

connecting to a marine standard NMEA 0183 data bus.

The USG-1 ISO-Drive output (special feature on page

3) and OPTO input provide full isolation, making

installation simple and free from ground loops. There

are no risks of burning wires or circuits causing damage

to PC equipment.

The input uses the Actisense isolation circuitry to

protect any connected equipment from most common

system faults. This isolator can receive very low leveldifferential signals that are often too small to be

received by a PC serial port.

The Actisense USG-1 overcomes all the problems of

using a low cost USB to RS232 cable from a computer

store: the risk of expensive damage to the PC as there

is no isolation and also such a device may not provide

either the drive current or the correct voltage levels for

NMEA 0183 interfacing.

Connect your boats data networkto your PC with the safety of full

electrical isolation

USG-1 USB to Serial Gateway

Part number: USG-1-422 & USG-1-485

USG-1 Features

1 HS+ Opto Input

1 HS+ ISO-Drive Output

Up to 115200 baud data

transfer rate

Full galvanic 1500V isolation

Full NMEA 0183 compliance

ISO-Drive output compatible

with both NMEA 0183 and

PC Comm port types

Creates a Virtual Comm Port

(VCP) on the PC

Can be used to isolate

between two PC systems

Part numbers:

USG-1 (NMEA 0183)

USG-1-485 (RS485)

USB

NMEA 0183 DEVICE

EXAMPLE:

USG-1 USB TO SERIAL GATEWAY

ISO-DriveOPTO


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NMEA 0183 Interfaces (cont).

Actisense has been manufacturing the successful

OPTO-1 cable since the year 2000.

The new OPTO-3 features as standard, a fully shielded

case and cable, making it even more desirable.

Particularly suited to noisy and/or commercial

environments as it provides a complete solution for

system builders who require all components to

be shielded.

The easy, safe and low-cost way to connect an NMEA

0183 system to a laptop PC (or any other device with

a standard RS232 9-pin port).

Self powered (from the PC) to make installation

trouble-free and quick.

Part number: PC-OPTO-3

PC-OPTO-3 NMEA to RS232 Opto-Isolator

2000 volts protection for vital onboard NMEA devices,

and much more

PC-OPTO-3 Features

1 HS+ Opto input

1 HS+ NMEA Output

(directly connected to PC,

but adds tranzorb spike

protection)

Up to 115200 baud

Self-powered takes power

from PC port

Simple installation

Shielded cable and case


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Breathe new, smart digital lifeinto old or new transducers,

with digital signal processing

technology

DST-2 Features

Depth frequencies of

150kHz, 170kHz, 200kHz or

235kHz

Depth range 0.3 to 200m,

0.01m resolution

Speed/Log sensor 0.5kn to

50kn, 0.01kn resolution

Temperature sensor 0C to

+40C, 0.01C resolution

NMEA 0183 data output

once/second

Flash upgradeable, future-

proof design

Configurable depth, speed

& temperature options

Part numbers:

DST-2-150, DST-2-170,

DST-2-200, DST-2-235

Part number: DST-2

The Actisense Active Depth/Speed/Temperature Module

is the market-leading way to take analogue transducers

into the digital age.

Used with new or existing transducers fitted to a vessel,

the Active DST Module digitises depth, speed and

temperature transducer signals into NMEA data to

deliver best-in-class seabed tracking.

When used with an existing installed transducer,

the frequency of the DST-2 must match that of the

transducer. Typical frequencies used by manufacturers

are 150kHz (common in the UK/EU) and 170kHz &

200kHz (more common in USA).

The module is ideal for operation with any

NMEA 0183 compatible device, such as

chart plotters, radars or an on board PC.

In addition, it can operate with a

bi-directional RS232 interface for

customised applications whereparameters need to be changed.

The DST-2 now offers user configuration of

depth offset, speed calibration curve and

temperature offset - creating a very flexible

system.

DST-2 Active DST Module

Active DST Module


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Actisense understands the transition from NMEA0183 to NMEA 2000 can be complex and costly so

strives to provide simple, straightforward solutions to

interconnection problems. With the advantage of 10

years designing NMEA 0183 interfaces, Actisense has

the knowledge and skill to develop a range of NMEA

2000 interfaces.

NMEA 2000 will lower the overall costs of installing andconfiguring networks. One single network backbone cable

replaces the multiple cables needed with an NMEA 0183

network. Power and data are all shared on the same cable.

NMEA 2000 is an open network system based on CAN

(Controller Area Network), which has been used in the

automotive industry for many years. The network has

bandwidth protection ensuring mission critical data always

gets through.

Capable of self diagnosis, the NMEA 2000 network is

intelligent and can identify a node sending constant error

messages and automatically shuts it down, while the rest of

the network continues sharing data.

NMEA 2000 certified products can communicate with each

other on the NMEA 2000 network. However, Actisense

have developed interfaces to enable NMEA 0183 devices

to continue to be used with the new NMEA 2000 network.

Additionally, Actisense can enable bi-directional transfer of

NMEA 2000 data between a networked device and a PC.

All Actisense NMEA products have opto-isolated inputs and

ISO-Drive technology outputs (special feature on page 3)

making Actisense the safest choice available.

The Actisense NMEA 2000 range exceeds all NMEA 2000

requirements and provides simple solutions to ensure users

get the most from their NMEA instruments.

NMEA 2000 Interfaces


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QNB-1 Quick Network Block

The Actisense Quick Network Block (QNB-1) provides a

flexible alternative to multiple connectors, reducing the

cost of an NMEA 2000 cable installation.

As a multi-drop NMEA 2000 network backboneconnection block, the QNB-1 adheres to the barrier

strip connection type detailed in the NMEA 2000

specification.

To protect the power hook-up, a double fused

connection is provided to the network backbone,

limiting the current to the safe level for the network. LED

indicators show power status, detect power reversal

and show whether the fuses are still intact.An additional LED indicates NMEA data on the bus.

The Actisense QNB-1 has an alternative

use as an NMEA 0183 junction box to

connect multiple NMEA 0183 listener

devices together and distribute power to

all devices.

Fault-free backbone networkingconnections made easy on NMEA

2000 buses and networks

QNB-1 Features

Eight 5-way connection

points, allowing up to

six NMEA 2000 network

drops & two backbone

connections

Compatible with all

baud rates from 4800

to 250 kBaud

Fused power connection

option

4 power & 1 data LEDS

Compatible with NMEA

0183 & NMEA 2000

networks

Simple installation

Part number: QNB-1

EXAMPLE:

POWER

NMEA

2000

BUS

NMEA

2000

BUS

6 NMEA 2000 DEVICES

QNB-1


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NMEA 2000 Interfaces (cont)

NGW-1 Features

1 HS+ Opto Input

1 HS+ ISO-Drive Output


transfer rate




on both inputs and outputs

Upgrade your NMEA 0183

equipment to NMEA 2000

Allow NMEA 0183 devices

to receive vital data from the

NMEA 2000 bus

Use the NMEA 2000 bus

to multiplex several NMEA

0183 signals together

Part numbers NGW-1-ISO &

NGW-1-USB

NGW-1-ISO / NGW-1-USB NMEA 2000 Gateway

Hook up to NMEA 2000 nowusing your current NMEA 0183

equipment

The ActisenseNGW-1 provides an uncomplicated way

to link between a boat's data networks. The NGW-1

makes it possible to convert NMEA 0183 data into

NMEA 2000 data and vice-versa.

Using the advanced configuration software provided, it

is straightforward to set up which data conversions are

required for both directions.

Multiple NGW units can be used to multiplex numerous

NMEA 0183 devices onto the NMEA 2000 network,

using the network as a means of combining and

transferring all data items from one place to another.

The high reliability of NMEA 2000 data transfer ensures

effective communication even in the presence of

interference. The data can then be picked up from the

data bus wherever required, reducing wiring complexity.

The NGW-1 features an ISO-Drive output (see special

feature on page 3) and an OPTO isolated input. These

features ensure the NGW-1 is free from ground loop

installation issues, and meets all isolation requirements

for NMEA 2000 networks.

NMEA 0183 DEVICE

EXAMPLE:

NGW-1 NMEA 2000 GATEWAY

NMEA 2000 NETWORK

ISO-DriveOPTO

USB 1.1 & 2 option available

Part numbers: NGW-1-ISO & NGW-1-USB


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PC

NGT-1-USB / NGT-1-ISO NMEA 2000 PC Gateway

Interface your PC to the NMEA2000 bus with a fully functional

firewall gateway

NGT-1 Features

Provides a rule-enforcing

firewall between the PC &

NMEA 2000 bus


transfer rate



on both input and output

Allows configuration &flash updating of Actisense

products on the 2000 bus

USB version - HS+ isolated

USB input/output

ISO version - HS+ OPTO

input & ISO- Drive output

Part numbers NGT-1-USB &

NGT-1-ISO

Part numbers: NGT-1-USB & NGT-1-ISO

USB 1.1 & 2

EXAMPLE:

NMEA 2000 NETWORK

NGT-1

ISOLATION BARRIER

SOFTWARE

PC

The Actisense NGT-1 is the only intelligent NMEA 2000

gateway available to precisely transfer messages to and

from the NMEA 2000 bus.

The NGT-1 diagnostic software allows viewing of NMEA2000 messages with full configuration options, enabling

setup of all Actisense products on the NMEA 2000 bus.

With Third Party Gateway status, leading chartplotter

software is also being certified to work with the NGT-1.

The firewall feature of the NGT-1 enforces the NMEA

2000 bus rules so software manufacturers can create

NMEA 2000 compliant software at a fraction of the

direct certification costs. The supplied ActisenseSoftware Development Kit (SDK) also helps to greatly

reduce the required development time.

Actisense welcomes enquiries from software

manufacturers who would like to incorporate NMEA

2000 and the Actisense NGT-1 into their software.


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Technical Information

Product dimension diagrams

132 mm

26 mm

80 mm

26 mm

82 mm

55 mm

NDC-4

NBF-2

179.0mm

139.0mm

46.0 mm

64.0mm

37.5mm

28.5 mm

USG-1

NGW-1

NGT-1

ISO-Drive4 DST-2 OPTO-3 NMEA 20002 Units

Output Current 20 20 Port dependant - mA

Output Voltage5 2.1-5.1 2.1-5.0 Port dependant - V

Ground Isolation 1500 0 0 2500 V

Baud Rates 4800-115200 4800 4800-57600 250000 bps

Product Specifications

NBF-2 NDC-4

NDC-4-ASW

USG-1 USG-1-485 NGW-1

NGT-1

NGW-1-USB

NGT-1-USB

PSU Type Switched Switched/USB USB Switched Switched USB

Power (typical) 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

Guarantee 3 3 3 3 3 3

Temperature -20/+70 -20/+70 -20/+70 -20/+70 -20/+70 -20/+70

IP Rating IP66 IP66 IP54 IP54 IP54 IP54

ISO-Drive

4

RS485 (ISO)

6

OPTO inputs4 RS485 (ISO)6

USB port Optional1 Standard Standard Standard

NMEA 20002

RS232 Out

Output Types


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106 mm

80 mm

26 mm

82 mm

55 mm

DST-2

106 mm

26 mm

80 mm

26 mm

160 mm

55 mm

QNB-1

Notes

1 - The USB Connection on the NDC-4 is not isolated from thebattery ground.

2 - All NMEA 2000 connections are fully isolated from ground

3 - The DST-2 has full output protection and is both RS232 andNMEA 0183 compliant

4 - All ISO-Drive Outputs and OPTO inputs are fully compatiblewith RS422, RS232 and RS485 voltage levels

5 - Minimum output voltage given at 100 ohm load6 - Isolated RS485 in/out specification in Input Types table

CE Status : All products are designed to meet or exceedIEC 60945 CE mark tests, and provide full protection againstinterference and static discharge risk

Switched USB Linear Special

Input Voltage Range 10-35 4.75-5.25 10-28 7-25

PC-OPTO-3 DST-2 Units

Special Linear

0.02 0.5 W

3 2 Years

-20/+70 -20/+70 C

IP44 IP66

End 2008

3

OPTO in4 RS485 (ISO)6 RS232 Units

Voltage Tolerance -15 to +15 -8 to +15 -25 to +25 V

Sensitivity 1.8 -0.2 to +0.2 2.0 V

Ground Isolation 2500 1500 0 V

Baud Rates 4800-115200 4800 4800-57600 bps

Input Types

Power Supply Types


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www.actisense.com

Head Office

Actisense, Unit 5, Wessex Trade Centre, Ringwood Road, Poole, Dorset UK BH12 3PF

t:+44 (0)1202 746682 f:+44 (0)1202 746683 e: [email protected]

actisense product catalogue issue 3 (2009)

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