Connecting to Marine Instrumentation

The app can connect to an external GPS or NMEA data stream using WiFi (TCP/IP or UDP). Gateway devices are available for marine instrumentation, and allow you to connect AIS, wind, depth and boat speed instruments.

Note, a professional license is required to use this feature. You are prompted to upgrade when you use the feature and you can get a free evaluation period

Under GPS Settings, tap the Data Connection button.

The app can connect to a specific IP address and/or port number using TCP or UDP, and is compatible with most NMEA to WiFi adaptors or AIS units with built-in WiFi. Compatible WiFi gateway devices include Vesper, Digital Yacht, Yakbitz and others.

NMEA 0183 data

The app processes most NMEA sentences commonly used in marine instrumentation, such as water depth, boat speed, wind speed and direction. It can display any of this data on the Navigation data screen. You will need to customize the Navigation data screen to select the information. When connected via TCP, the app will also output the Autopilot RMB sentence if you are following a route or navigating to a waypoint.

If connected to a DSC equipped marine radio, the app will display the location of DSC position reports and DSC Distress signals, as a mark on the screen. It also sends a system Notification when a distress signal is received.

AIS is a powerful system for avoiding collision at sea that works by radio transponders on commercial ships. See the next page for details.

Simulation File

The app can replay raw NMEA data stored in a txt file. When the replay reaches the end of the file, it automatically restarts at the beginning.

Next: AIS