
Actisense has released a guide to its NGX-1, W2K-1, and WGX-1 gateways, helping users to determine the most suitable choice for specific setups.
Selecting the right NMEA conversion gateway can be challenging with three distinct options available, each designed to meet specific requirements.
Whether users aim to integrate legacy equipment affordably, require a wireless connection for mobile devices, or need a versatile gateway offering both wired and wireless capabilities, Actisense’s guide simplifies the decision-making process.
NGX-1
The NGX-1 serves as a dual gateway, functioning as either a bi-directional NMEA 0183/NMEA 2000 converter or an NMEA 2000 PC Gateway.
This device is often used to connect older NMEA 0183 equipment, enabling the conversion of data into NMEA 2000 format for use with modern systems and multifunction displays (MFDs).
For instance, on a vessel equipped with NMEA 0183 GPS, wind, and depth sensors alongside an NMEA 2000 network with MFDs, the NGX-1 converts the NMEA 0183 data and outputs it as NMEA 2000 PGNs for use on the MFD.
The NGX-1 supports bi-directional data conversion and transmission between NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000. A significant advantage is its cost-effectiveness, as it provides a fraction of the expense compared to replacing legacy equipment like an NMEA 2000 GPS. This saves money, time, and space while preserving trusted existing equipment.
Another common application involves onboard computers running software such as TimeZero. The NGX-1 acts as an interface between the NMEA 2000 network and the PC, ensuring data transfer while offering full isolation for added safety.
The NGX-1 can also configure network devices when specified by the manufacturer, including Actisense products like the EMU-1, NGW-1, and NGX-1 itself, using Actisense Toolkit software.
This hard-wired device supports serial and CAN connections but does not include wireless functionality. It replaces the older NGW-1 and NGT-1 models, combining their capabilities into a single configurable unit. Configuration is performed using Actisense Toolkit or NMEA Reader, allowing the device to function as either a converter or a transfer gateway.
It’s important to note that the NGX-1 cannot operate simultaneously as both a bi-directional converter and an NMEA 2000 PC gateway; it must be configured for one role at a time.
W2K-1
The W2K-1 is a plug-and-play NMEA 2000 Wi-Fi Gateway featuring data logging and diagnostic capabilities.
This device requires only a physical connection to a drop cable on the NMEA 2000 network, with all other operations managed via Wi-Fi. It can output data in various formats over Wi-Fi, including NMEA 0183 over TCP and UDP, allowing easy connectivity to phones, tablets, laptops, and similar devices.
The W2K-1 doubles as a cost-effective data logger with an internal 8GB SD card that can be upgraded to 128GB. It logs every NMEA 2000 PGN, providing a comprehensive data history for post-journey analysis.
The marine industry’s growing demand for wireless solutions spans data streaming to secondary devices, remote vessel monitoring, and log access. The W2K-1 excels in these applications. For example, it can connect to mobile applications like Navionics by setting up NMEA 0183 output via TCP on one of the data servers. Once the IP address and port number are entered into the app, the connection is established.
The W2K-1 also functions as a client, connecting to existing IP networks with automatic IP address assignment via DHCP. Leveraging this capability, the device can be remotely accessible, enabling users to monitor battery status, device lists, and other information through the comprehensive Actisense-i diagnostics tools.
WGX-1
The WGX-1 combines features of the NGX-1 and W2K-1, offering bi-directional NMEA 0183/NMEA 2000 conversion, NMEA 2000 to PC interfacing, and wireless data conversion and output in various formats.
It shares the W2K-1’s logging capabilities, though the SD card is not included. Users can insert any industrial standard SD card up to 128GB for data logging.
The WGX-1 supports data output via Wi-Fi in formats like NMEA 0183 over TCP and UDP, simplifying connectivity to devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops. Its ability to convert, transfer, and wirelessly stream data makes it a comprehensive and cost-effective solution, eliminating the need for multiple products.
For example, on a vessel with a legacy NMEA 0183 GPS, an NMEA 2000 network with MFDs, and an iPad running a charting application, the WGX-1 integrates all components seamlessly. It connects physically to the GPS and NMEA 2000 network, converting data to NMEA 2000 PGNs for the MFD. Additionally, its wireless capabilities allow instrument data to be streamed to applications like OpenCPN.