How much would it cost to replace a laptop, or the NMEA 0183 instrument that has worked dutifully for years and is still humming along? If a boater connects these devices together without knowing the risks involved, this could be a cost that s/he ends up facing sooner than expected or desired.
Here are some useful facts about the Actisense USB to NMEA 0183 Gateway (USG-2) to protect expensive devices and cost-effectively transfer NMEA 0183 data to a PC.
- OPTO-Isolation – A unique and an important built-in feature of USG-2 – It is easy to create ground loops in an NMEA 0183 network and they can exist for months at a time without being detected then suddenly, instruments stop working. The resultant damage from ground loop is often irreparable and costly. The USG-2 has built-in electrical OPTO-isolation that will protect not only the PC from ground loop damage, but also the NMEA 0183 devices plugged into it.
- No Firmware – Absence of any firmware inside the USG-2 means no need to set a specific baud rate or enable/disable sentences and never being out of date. The only thing to do before using USG-2 is installing the USB drivers.
- Pluggable Connectors – Once mounted, the USG-2 can be left where it is. To change the device connected to USG-2, simply remove the pluggable connector, change the wires over and plug it back in o the USG-2 electrically isolated input/output sockets.
- IP 67 Rating – USG-2 is rated to IP67 and even the USB socket comes with a rubber ‘O’ ring to provide watertight integrity against dust and effects of immersion in water up to a depth of 3 feet (1m) – an important feature in the inclement marine environment.
- Diagnostic LEDs – Helpful diagnostic LED indicators provide a quick visual check to ensure that USG-2 is operating as expected. USG-2 is such a solid product that Actisense has not received any units (or its predecessor USG-1) back for repair over the last 3 years.
- Size Matters – The USG-2 measures only 4.5” x 1.5” x 1.2” (115mm x 36mm x 30mm) and weighs less than 5 Oz. (140g), taking up little space on board.
- USB Lead Included – A USB lead is included to make the USG-2 truly plug-and-play.
The USG-2 with a 3-year warranty is listed at USD $119/ CAD $125. For more information visit fugawi.com.
Fugawi (Northport Systems Inc.) was founded in 1995 in Canada and distributes charts, connectivity solutions and hi-tech marine products from leading manufacturers. The assets of Northport Systems Inc. were purchased by Johnson Outdoors Canada Inc. in 2016.
Actisense (Active Research Limited) was formed in 1997 in England, by Phil Whitehurst, who as a Chartered Electronics Engineer recognized the need for innovative and reliable marine electronic equipment.