New NMEA0183 to Wi-Fi Gateway Device launching on Kickstarter
A NMEA0183 to Wi-Fi gateway device allows a boat’s instrument data to be transmitted over Wi-Fi, for use by apps on phones and tablets, or software on PCs. This enables apps to use all of the boat’s instrument data, rather than just the GPS built into the device, so the app can act as a full MFD or offer a wider range of navigation functions. It also allows laptops to be used more flexibly, without a wired USB connection to the instruments.
Starting at £50 (about US$65 or €55), our device is significantly cheaper than existing products, many of which sell for four times the price or more. With the low cost of apps, many users have been put off connecting their boat’s instruments to their phone or tablet, due to the high cost of the interface. By running as a Kickstarter campaign, we can be assured of a healthy number of initial orders, which enables us to manufacture in volume to keep the costs down.
As well as being at an attractive price, the device is not short on features, with all of the network settings easily adjustable through a web browser interface:
– Bi-directional, opto-isolated NMEA0183 interface
– Robust power supply operating over 7 – 32V DC
– Operates as an Access Point (AP) or as a client to a router
– User settable Wi-Fi channel, SSID and WEP2 security password
– IP address fixed or dynamically allocated by the router
– Can operate over UDP and TCP simultaneously
– Manufactured of marine grade materials
For app developers, there is also a specification for apps to be able to automatically detect the device and connect to it, as well as to change its settings remotely.
Those interested in backing the campaign can go to www.nmeatools.com for full details, and also sign up for news and updates – this also gives them a chance to win a device for their boat. It will also link through to the Kickstarter campaign when it launches (at the end of May).