Actisense PRO-BUF-2 NMEA 0183 Buffer with Ethernet and Serial Ports

PRO NMEA 0183 Buffer - 2 OPTO Inputs, 12 ISO-Drive Outputs, Serial Port, Ethernet Port, Pluggable Screw Terminal

Two OPTO-isolated inputs and twelve ISO-Drive isolated outputs. Offering device protection and excellent flexibility, all in one product - the Actisense PRO-BUF-2, the intelligent, type-approved PRO range buffer.

The PRO-BUF-2 is rugged, with a stainless steel housing, and provides isolation on all inputs and outputs. With two NMEA 0183 inputs, twelve NMEA 0183 outputs, a bi-directional serial port, and an Ethernet port, the PRO-BUF-2 is a perfect solution for larger leisure vessels, commercial shipping, and is a great addition for systems that require type-approved devices.

The PRO-BUF-2 is designed to suit the majority of NMEA 0183 systems and is ready to go out of the box by simply hard-wiring the two-mode inputs as required.

The Intelligent NMEA 0183 Buffers manually configurable basic modes of operation include variations of buffer modes, intelligent auto-switch, and combine modes.

For all other configurations, leaving the mode inputs floating selects the User Configuration Mode. The web-based configuration tool allows full customisation of the PRO-BUF-2, and is compatible across all popular Operating Systems. Using the web-based configuration tool allows for fine-tuning of the data available on each output.

To make installation quick and simple, the PRO-BUF-2 features 2-part pluggable connectors that allow the use of screw terminals*, and a professional DIN Rail mounting system (DIN Rail not included). The device can also be mounted directly to the bulkhead.

Helpful LEDs indicate power, data in, data out, and the alarm status to aid diagnostics.

Data statistics and load indication via the web tool provide a real-time view of data.

Features:

• 2 Opto-Isolated inputs


• 12 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs


• Ethernet Port


• Flexible operating modes


• Automatic Baud Rate matching on inputs


• Alarm output options


• Web-based configuration tool


• Diagnostic LEDs


• Advanced Data Filtering and Routing


• 2 virtual Autoswitch modules


• Data statistics and load indication via a web tool


• Designed for a 12 / 24 Volt supply


• Future-proofing with easily upgradable firmware


• 2-part pluggable connector system


• Stainless Steel Housing with DIN rail mount option


• Type Approved


• Flexible configuration options to buffer autoswitch or combine NMEA data


• ISO-Drive separates the Listener from the Talker to protect both the PRO-BUF and each connected device.


• Fast bi-directional data connection to a monitor and control software application


• PRO-BUF can be configured using any web browser on any Operating system


• Works out-of-the-box without configuration for basic installations, or can be easily user-configured as required


• Relay output is compatible with on-board alarm systems, and the NMEA Alarm sentence can be displayed and actioned on an MFD


• Easy to access via network, doesnt require the device to be moved or have a serial connection to the PC.


• A quick visual check gives the user confidence that each input and output is passing data


• Features can be utilised to fine-tune data, avoiding data overloads on the outputs and connected listeners


• Allows automatic data priority selection between two devices of the same type of data (e.g., GPS)


• Shows the NMEA 0183 on each I/O Port, and how frequently it arrives, great for low-level diagnostics


• Allows use on large vessel 24V DC power supply systems


• Additional features in future firmware revisions are accessed using a simple update process via Actisense Toolkit over Ethernet


• Fast installations and supports both screw and screwless terminal types. Ideal for quick diagnostic swapping


• Increased durability, ease of installation, and high performance


• Can be installed on vessels governed by Class Society Rules


• Type Approved (RINA)

Technical Specifications:

Power Supply

• Input Supply Voltage - 9 to 35 V DC


• Input Supply Current - 325mA max @ 12V DC (all outputs @ full drive into 100 ohm loads)


• Input Protection - Continuous reverse polarity, transient overvoltage, and ESD protection


• Power Indicator - LED, Blue indicates unit is functioning correctly


• Input Supply Connector - Pluggable 2-way screw terminal, 5.08mm pitch

NMEA 0183 Port Listener Talker

• Number of Listener / Input Ports - 2 isolated NMEA 0183 Listeners


• Number of Talker / Output Ports - 12 isolated NMEA 0183 Talkers


• Compatibility - Fully NMEA 0183, RS422 RS232 compatible. RS-485 Listener compatible


• Speed/baud rate - 4800 to 38400 bps


• Talker Output Voltage Drive - >= 2.2V (differential) into 100 ohm


• Talker Output Current Drive - 20 mA maximum per output


• Talker Output Protection - Short circuit and ESD


• Talker Data Indicator - LED, Orange (Flashes at data rate)


• Listener Input Voltage Tolerance - -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)


• Listener Input Protection - Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC, and ESD protection


• Listener Data Indicator - LED, Green (Flashes to indicate valid input)


• Connectors - Pluggable 2/3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch

Serial Port

• Compatibility - RS422 RS232 compatible. RS-485 Listener compatible


• Speed/baud rate - 4800 to 115200 bps


• Output Voltage Drive - >= 2.1V (differential) into 100 ohms


• Output Current Drive - 20 mA max.


• Output Protection - Short circuit and ESD


• Input Voltage Tolerance - -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)


• Input Protection - Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC, and ESD protection


• Data Indicators - LEDs: Green = Receive, Orange = Transmit


• Connectors - Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch

Ethernet Port

• Host Interface - 10/100BaseT, automatic polarity detection


• Supported Protocols - TCP/IP for configuration and firmware updating, TCP/IP and UDP for NMEA 0183 comms


• Indicators - Green = Link/Activity, Yellow = 100 Mbps


• Connector - RJ45

Isolation

• NMEA 0183 Listener - OPTO-Isolated, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V


• NMEA 0183 Talker - Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V


• Serial Port - Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V


• Alarm Relay - Hi-Pot tested to 1000V


• Ethernet Port - 2kV for 60s

Mode Inputs

• Input Voltage Range - 0 to 35V DC


• Protection - Transient overvoltage and ESD protection


• Connectors - Pluggable 2-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch

Alarm Output

• Contacts - Common, Normally Open and Normally Closed


• Alarm Indicator - LED, Red indicates a valid alarm condition


• Contact Ratings - 35VAC / 50VDC


• Connectors - Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch

Mechanical

• Housing Material - 316 Stainless Steel


• Dimensions - 210mm (W) x 128mm (H) x 27mm (D)


• Weight - 530g


• Mounting - Bulkhead mount or DIN rail mount (DIN kit 1)

Approvals and Certifications

• EMC - IEC 60945:2002-08, DNVGL-CG-0339:2019 IACS UR E10 Rev7


• Compass Safe Distance - 750mm


• Type Approval Certificate - RINA


• Operating Temperature - -25 to +70C


• Storage Temperature - -40 to +85C


• Relative Humidity (RH) - 95% @ 55C


• Environmental Protection - IP40


• Guarantee - 5 Years

The Actisense PRO-BUF-2 is a professional-grade NMEA 0183 buffer designed for advanced marine communication systems. Featuring two OPTO-isolated inputs and twelve ISO-Drive isolated outputs, it provides robust device protection and flexible data routing suitable for large leisure vessels and commercial ships. Its stainless steel housing ensures durability in harsh marine environments, and all inputs and outputs are fully isolated, enhancing system reliability and safety. The device includes two NMEA 0183 inputs, twelve outputs, a bi-directional serial port, and an Ethernet port, making it an ideal solution for integrating multiple navigation and communication devices seamlessly.
The PRO-BUF-2 is versatile and easy to install, with pluggable screw terminal connectors for quick wiring and a professional DIN rail mount system for space-efficient setup. It supports automatic baud rate matching on inputs, advanced data filtering, and routing capabilities, which can be customized via a web-based configuration tool compatible across all major operating systems. The device also features helpful diagnostic LEDs for power, data transmission, and alarm status, enabling quick troubleshooting and system monitoring. Data statistics and load indications are accessible through the web interface, providing real-time insights into system performance.
Designed to operate on 12 or 24-volt power supplies, the PRO-BUF-2 is certified for use on vessels governed by class society rules, including RINA approval. It includes an alarm output with relay contacts compatible with onboard alarm systems, and the Ethernet interface supports TCP/IP and UDP protocols for remote configuration and firmware updates. Its comprehensive protection features include Hi-Pot tested isolation up to 1000 volts, transient overvoltage, and ESD protection across all ports. The durable stainless steel housing, combined with IP40 environmental protection, ensures longevity and reliable operation in demanding maritime conditions. Overall, the Actisense PRO-BUF-2 delivers high performance, ease of installation, and future-proof features, making it a vital component for sophisticated marine navigation and communication systems.

Features:

• 2 Opto-Isolated inputs for device protection

• 12 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs for reliable data transmission

• Ethernet port supporting TCP/IP and UDP protocols

• Flexible operating modes including auto-switch and combine

• Automatic baud rate matching for seamless communication

• Alarm output with relay contacts for onboard systems

• Web-based configuration tool compatible with all operating systems

• Diagnostic LEDs for quick system status checks

• Advanced data filtering and routing features

• Supports two virtual Autoswitch modules for data prioritization

• Real-time data statistics and load indication via web interface

• Designed for 12/24 Volt power systems with type approval (RINA)

• Durable stainless steel housing with DIN rail or bulkhead mounting options

• Hi-Pot tested for high-voltage isolation up to 1000V

• IP40 rated environmental protection for marine environments

• Future firmware upgrades easily applied via Ethernet