gps splitter

[1611]

The trouble with getting more fancy gear is that you need fancier gear to run it.
I have just acquired DSC VHF radio, an AIS class B transponder and a laptop plotter.They all require an NMEA gps imput. I have a navigator giving an NMEA output and need a splitter box .
Having googled the problem I came across plenty of solution from USA, Aus and Norway but none from the UK. I would prefer to buy UK for service and delivery. Does anyone have any UK contacts.

 

[Amphitrite]

I cannot help you with local UK service, but have a remark to offer: AIS Class B absolutely needs its own GPS antenna and will not work with GPS NMEA input. So it is down to connecting the DSC and the Laptop to the NMEA output. Normally, an NMEA output can drive 2-3 NMEA inputs, so you would only connect the units properly. If the output is not strong enough or the installation more complex, I would recommend a small Multiplexer, for example from Shipmodul.

 

[Seagreen]

Chase up "Malthouse" who posts here - he's very helpful.

 

[qetoo]

A single NMEA 0183 "talker" can supply at least three "listeners" without using a splitter. I have my Garmin 128 GPS 'talking" to both the laptop and the Autohelm without a splitter.

 

[qetoo]

You should only need a splitter if you need to connect two "talkers" together. Am I missing something here?

 

[sailorman]

a block connector works 4 me /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[wotayottie]

Before you go out and buy expensive splitters, simply try wiring up the gps nmea output to the three inputs in parrallel ie split each gps output wire into three and connecte each gadget toa pair of outputs.

If that doesnt work, then best cheap answer could well be a usb gps engine which you can get off ebay for £30 to £40. max. This will work better into your lappy than the usual serial gps output.

 

[alan]

Have a look at JGTECH website they have multiplexers e.t.c. but can't remember if they have an NMEA driver. But as already said you should be able to drive at least three devices from one NMEA talker. A multiplexer is only needed to "connect" multiple talkers together.

EDIT:
JGTECH do have one:

NBF 1 NMEA Buffer Actisense™ NMEA Buffer module is the best solution for buffering weak NMEA sources, allowing each output to drive many (up to 20, typically 8) NMEA inputs such as chart plotter's, radar's, and/or an on-board PC / Laptop. 6 outputs with two RS232.


Alan.

 

[1611]

Many thanks to all who contributed to my solution.
As usual the forums are the best sourse of information available
Paul

 

[Deleted member 478]

Paul

Someone else has already suggested that you PM Malthouse. He is very knowledgeable. IIRC, with that combination of NMEA requirements, you will have a conflict in the NMEA baud rates. A multiplexer is the only solution.

Hope this helps

John