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MiniPlex-41USB
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The
MiniPlex-41USB is the ideal
solution for computers and laptops without a
serial port. The functionality of this NMEA
multiplexer is the same as the MiniPlex-41.
It features 4 NMEA inputs, 2 NMEA outputs
and a USB interface.
The
MiniPlex-41USB can be connected directly to
the USB port of the computer, without an
additional Serial <-> USB converter. The
supplied driver creates a virtual COM port
on the computer, allowing all existing
navigation software to be used with this
multiplexer.
The two NMEA
outputs (talker ports) allow distribution of
the NMEA data to up to eight instruments.
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Where to Buy
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The
combination of the MiniPlex-41USB and it's
virtual COM port driver is a dedicated NMEA
solution, as opposed to a generic Serial <->
USB converter. It therefore does not exhibit
the well known problems of these generic
converters like false detection of mice when
the GPS is switched on or sudden drop-outs
in the NMEA data stream. |
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Any attempt of Windows to detect Plug & Play
devices on our virtual COM port is blocked.
The result is that the MiniPlex-41USB is a
real trouble-free Plug & Play solution. Just
plug in the USB cable, load the driver disk,
a few clicks and you're up and running!
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The
MiniPlex-41USB is completely transparent to
NMEA data. Incoming data is simply stored
and forwarded as complete NMEA sentences to
the connected instruments and/or PC. |
Operating modes
The MiniPlex-41USB has three
modes of operation, which affect the routing
of NMEA data:
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Server:
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Data
received on the NMEA inputs is sent to
the computer. Data received from the
computer is sent to an NMEA ouput.
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| Hub:
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All
received data (on the NMEA inputs and
from the computer) is sent to an NMEA
output. |
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Auto:
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Automatic selection between Server
and Hub mode. This is a useful
feature for people who have a GPS and an
autopilot connected to the multiplexer,
and sometimes wish to sail without
taking their laptop on board. When the
laptop is not connected, the multiplexer
is in Hub mode and crosstrack-
and waypoint information from the GPS is
directly sent to the autopilot. When the
laptop is connected and sending data,
the multiplexer automatically switches
to Server mode and the autopilot
will receive crosstrack- and waypoint
data from the laptop instead.
This mode also serves as an emergency
backup: when the laptop or computer
crashes, the multiplexer will fall back
to Hub mode after a timeout of 10
seconds. |
Seatalk®
Conversion
When the
SeaTalk -> NMEA option is selected,
NMEA In 4 becomes a SeaTalk®
compatible input, offering conversion of
the most common SeaTalk data on a
RayMarine® network into NMEA
sentences. |
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Specifications |
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Supply
voltage: |
8-30VDC,
secured against reversed polarity.
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Current
consumption: |
40mA
(70mA max. with fully loaded talker
ports) |
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Inputs:
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4 x
NMEA-183/RS-422, galvanically isolated
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Outputs:
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1 x
RS-232, 2 x NMEA-183/RS-422
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Operating
modes: |
Hub,
Server and Auto |
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Buffers:
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5 buffers
of 1000 characters (4 x NMEA, 1 x
RS-232) |
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Speed
NMEA in: |
4800 Baud
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Speed
NMEA/RS-232 out: |
4800,
9600, 19200 or 38400 Baud |
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Dimensions: |
138 x 62
x 30mm |
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