Multiplexers - Connect AIS to Raymarine and Instruments to PCs

Shipmodul Miniplex-41

TThe MiniPlex-41 is our basic model NMEA multiplexer, offering 4 galvanically isolated NMEA inputs, 2 NMEA outputs and one RS-232 interface.
The MiniPlex-41 can be connected to a computer through the RS-232 interface for computerized nagivation. Stand-alone operation is also possible, in which case the RS-232 interface is only used to configure the MiniPlex-41. This configuration is stored permanently.

The two NMEA outputs (talker ports) allow distribution of the NMEA data to up to eight instruments.

The MiniPlex-41 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-41 has three modes of operation, which affect the routing of NMEA data: Server:  Data received on the NMEA inputs is sent to the computer. Data received from the computer is sent to an NMEA ouput. 
Hub:  All received data (on the NMEA inputs and from the computer) is sent to an NMEA output. 
Auto:  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. 

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Shipmodul Miniplex-41BT

The MiniPlex-41BT is the first Bluetooth® enabled NMEA multiplexer, offering 4 galvanically isolated NMEA inputs, 2 NMEA outputs, a Bluetooth and an RS-232 interface.
The MiniPlex-41BT communicates with a computer or a PDA through its' Bluetooth interface for computerized nagivation. No cables need to be attached. Just placing your laptop at the chart table, or just being on board for that matter, is enough to communicate with your navigation system.
Both NMEA outputs (talker ports) allow distribution of the NMEA data to up to eight instruments.

The RS-232 port can be used in the same way as the Bluetooth interface. Data from the instruments is available on both interfaces simultaneously. Data from connected computers is received on both interfaces, combined and sent to the NMEA Output.
This is very useful when a fixed computer is permanently connected to the RS-232 port, while a PDA with a Bluetooth interface is used as a portable system or a repeater. When the multiplexer is set to Hub mode, it will even pass information from the computer to the PDA and vice versa.

Price includes carriage and VAT

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Shipmodul Miniplex-42

The MiniPlex-42 is our advanced model NMEA multiplexer, offering 4 galvanically isolated NMEA inputs, 2 NMEA outputs and one bi-directional RS-232 interface.
The MiniPlex-42 can be connected to a computer through the RS-232 interface for computerized nagivation. Stand-alone operation is also possible, in which case the RS-232 interface is only used to configure the MiniPlex-42. This configuration is stored permanently.

in stock

Shipmodul Miniplex-42BT

The MiniPlex-42BT communicates with a computer or a PDA through its' Bluetooth wireless interface for computerized nagivation. No cables need to be attached. Just placing your laptop at the chart table, or just being on board for that matter, is enough to communicate with your navigation system.
Both NMEA outputs (talker ports) allow distribution of the NMEA data to up to eight instruments.

The RS-232 port can be used in the same way as the Bluetooth interface. Data from the instruments is available on both interfaces simultaneously. Data from connected computers is received on both interfaces, combined and sent to the NMEA Output.
This is very useful when a fixed computer is permanently connected to the RS-232 port, while a PDA with a Bluetooth interface is used as a portable system or a repeater. When the multiplexer is set to Hub mode, it will even pass information from the computer to the PDA and vice versa.

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Shipmodul Miniplex-42USB

The MiniPlex-42USB is the ideal solution for computers and laptops without a serial port. The functionality of this NMEA multiplexer is the same as the MiniPlex-42. It features 4 galvanically isolated NMEA inputs, 2 NMEA outputs and one bi-directional USB interface.
The two NMEA outputs (talker ports) allow distribution of the NMEA data to up to eight instruments.

The MiniPlex-42USB 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 combination of the MiniPlex-42USB 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.
Any attempt of Windows to detect Plug & Play devices on our virtual COM port is blocked. The result is that the MiniPlex-42USB 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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ShipModul Miniplex-AIS

AIS and Raymarine® C/E-Series displays

Raymarine has added AIS support to their Raymarine C/E-Series displays.  Since these displays only have one NMEA port, selecting AIS mode sets the NMEA input and output to 38,400 baud which is incompatible with other devices such as the widely used Raymarine Smart Heading Sensor on the input and autohelms on the output.  To overcome this problem, the MiniPlex-AIS from ShipModul was developed.  Connected to a C/E-Series display running in AIS mode, it provides four NMEA inputs. One operates at 38400 baud and is dedicated to be connected to an AIS receiver while three other inputs operate at 4800 baud (NMEA standard), thus allowing a Smart Heading Sensor or other device to be used at the same time.  Devices such as autohlems can be connected to the output.

The RS-232 output from the MiniPlex-AIS operates in parallel with the NMEA 38,000 baud output and can be used with a PC or laptop for transmission of AIS data simultaneously to the chart plotter.

The MiniPlex-AIS has 4 galvanically (optically) isolated NMEA inputs, 2 NMEA outputs and one RS-232 interface.

The MiniPlex-AIS does not require any software or set up - just connect it and away you go! 

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ShipModul Miniplex-Lite

Connecting intruments to your PC 

The MiniPlex-Lite is a trouble-free entry level NMEA multiplexer. Based on the proven technology of the existing range of multiplexers, ShipModul has taken the fundamental elements of a multiplexer and created a basic pre-configured, easy to install unit.
No configuration is needed, no baud rates to select. Just plug in the MiniPlex-Lite into a free USB port of your computer, a PC or a Mac, enter the driver CD and after a few clicks the unit is up and running. It needs no further configuration. Just connect the cables of your instruments to the clamp-connectors with the factory-supplied tool and your computer-based navigation system is complete.

The MiniPlex-Lite will operate with any navigation software package through the virtual COM port created by the driver. It provides three galvanically isolated NMEA inputs to connect your GPS and other instruments like a speed log or wind meter.

A unique feature of the MiniPlex-Lite is the autosensing NMEA input on channel 3. This input will automatically detect the high speed data from a connected AIS receiver, which runs at 38400 bps as opposed to standard NMEA equipment which runs at 4800 bps (Bits Per Second).

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