NMEA 2000 PC Interface

(using the Actisense Comms API)

NGT-1-USB
(Hardware revision A)

Installation Manual
Issue 1.00

 Gateway to connect between a PC’s USB port and the NMEA 2000 network

 Uses the Actisense Comms API for bi-directional PC communications

 Complete electrical isolation (of 2500 volts) between USB and NMEA 2000

 Fully configurable via USB port or through the NMEA 2000 network
 NMEA 2000 PC Interface - NGT-1-USB

Contents
Important notices 4
Notices 4
Foreword 4
Introduction 4
Technical features 5
Software updates 5
Connecting devices together 5
The NMEA 2000 standard 5
Connections 6
Connecting to the NMEA 2000 Network 7
NMEA 2000 connections 7
Driver Installation Guide 7
Specifications 8
Troubleshooting guide 9
Status LEDs 9
Product order codes 10
Company Information 10

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 3

Important notices Foreword
Actisense and the Actisense logo are registered At Active Research Limited, we recognise that instructions
trademarks of Active Research Limited. All rights are are often skipped, so we have aimed to write this
reserved. The contents of this manual may not be document in an informative and direct manner that will aid
transferred or copied without the expressed written the user. We have covered all the points a typical user
permission of Active Research Limited. All other needs to know.
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Please read all sections before installing and using the
The Actisense NMEA 2000 PC Interface (NGT-1-USB) NGT-1-USB, and any related software programs.
is intended for use in a marine environment, primarily for
below deck use. If the NGT-1-USB is to be used in a more
severe environment, such use may be considered misuse Introduction
under the seller’s guarantee. The NGT-1-USB allows installers of equipment to adopt
the NMEA 2000 network early, and enjoy the advantages
The NGT-1-USB has been certified to comply with the of a single bus connection to all marine electronic devices
European directive for Electro-Magnetic Compatibility around the entire boat.
(EN60945), and is appropriately CE marked. Operation
of the unit should be in conjunction with appropriate The NMEA 2000 network reduces installation costs of
CE approved shielded connectors and cabling used in marine equipment and greatly reduce a boat’s wiring
accordance with the CE directive EN60945. Any EMC harness complexity, leading to improved reliability and
related issues should be reported to Active Research reduction in unnecessary weight. Now only a single cable
immediately to allow the company to rectify or resolve is required from the bridge to the engines, sensors and all
EMC related problems in accordance with its obligations other NMEA 2000 instruments on the boat
under EN60945.
NMEA 2000 uses the “CAN Bus” system (prevalent in
If the unit is misconnected so that compliance failure most modern cars), to provide the quality and security of
occurs, the company shall not be held responsible for data transmissions that the NMEA 0183 bus can never
compliance failure until suitable EMC guidelines for hope to provide. This enables NMEA 2000 products to
connection are seen to have been taken. achieve better data transmission reliability in the passage
of data through the vessel.

Notices The Actisense ‘Certified Software’ programme offers

PC software manufacturers a quick method of adding
When using this document, please note the following: an NGT-1 interface to their products - allowing them to
share and interact safely on the NMEA 2000 network via
The products described in this manual and the the PC’s USB port. The NGT-1 interface acts much like a
specifications thereof may be changed without prior notice. firewall - preventing illegal operations and maintaining the
To obtain up-to-date information and/or specifications, integrity of the NMEA 2000 network.
contact Active Research Limited or visit the Actisense
website (www.actisense.com). As more PC software manufacturers use the NGT-1
interface to offer NMEA 2000 support to their customers,
Active Research Limited will not be liable for infringement more users will experience the benefits of NMEA 2000.
of copyright, industrial property right, or other rights of a
third party caused by the use of information or drawings Full information on the complete Actisense product
described in this manual. range and a list of all Actisense ‘NGT Certified Software’
products can be found on the Actisense website (www.
Active Research Limited will not be held responsible for actisense.com).
any damage to the user that may result from an accident
during operation of this unit when used in accordance with
this document.

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 4

 NMEA 2000 PC Interface - NGT-1-USB
Technical features Connecting devices together
High-speed 32-bit ARM processor capable of up to 40
million instructions per second. The NMEA 2000 standard
Flash ROM technology that supports automatic The NMEA 2000 system is a low-cost data network
programming for quick and easy updates, 10,000+ erase operating at 250 kbits/sec utilizing the Controller Area
cycles and a 10-year Data Retention provides carefree Network (CAN). Multiple devices can be connected
user configuration. together on a single trunk cable to simply and easily share
information between themselves.
On-chip memory store allows buffering of short term
NMEA data, allowing the unit to smooth short-term peaks NMEA 2000 uses a shielded cable and a ”differential”
in the NMEA data flow. signalling scheme, whereby two wires are used to transmit
the NMEA data named CAN High and CAN Low. These
Fully configurable via the USB or over the NMEA 2000 connections will be labelled as “NET HI” and “NET LO”
network allowing optimization of the PC interface to better respectively. Power is also supplied through the NMEA
suit the system it is a part of. 2000 cable named NET Supply and NET Common. These
connections will be labelled “NET SUP” and “NET COM”
NMEA 2000 interface, opto-isolated to 2500 volts, respectively on the PCB.
protecting the system even during the most extreme
fault conditions and fully compliant with the NMEA 2000 Please refer to the Connecting to the NMEA 2000
standard for interfacing with the NMEA 2000 network. Network section for an example of these connection
methods.
Separate USB and NMEA 2000 network power offer
easy installation with no need for a direct connection to
the vessels main battery supply. The NGT-1-USB takes
power from the USB connection to power its USB circuitry,
and power from the NMEA 2000 connection to power its
NMEA 2000 circuitry. This creates total isolation between
both power sources to completely eliminate the risk of
ground loop faults occurring.

Software updates
The NGT-1-USB’s built-in firmware is held in “flash”
memory, allowing quick and easy upgrades using either
the latest NGT-1-USB ActiPatch, or alternatively the
NMEA 2000 Gateway Configuration Tool running on a
PC connected to the NGT-1-USB.

It is our policy to provide these updates free on the

Actisense website (www.actisense.com), so that the
NMEA 2000 PC Interface (NGT-1-USB) can become
more sophisticated with time, and should there be any
bugs reported in the firmware, they can be promptly fixed
without the unit requiring to come out of commission.

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 5

Connections

1 3

2 4

Figure 1 – All external connections

Figure 1 shows an internal view of the NGT-1-USB 3. A micro-connector to connect to the supplied
Printed Circuit Board (PCB). USB type A cable
This connector should not normally be removed:
1. NMEA 2000 Interface it is installed at the factory and is not customer
A five way screw terminal block is supplied for serviceable.
connecting the NMEA 2000 cable. The CAN interface
is fully compatible with the NMEA 2000 standard. 4. USB indicator LED
This LED flashes when USB data to be transferred is
Actisense supplies a pre-fitted four-core screened received by the NGT-1-USB. It can be clearly seen
cable for the NMEA 2000 connection, fitted with a through the NGT-1-USB’s translucent lid when the
male micro-fit connector. The colour codes used for case is closed.
this cable are:
To open the NGT-1-USB, remove the two screws in the
Wire colour NMEA 2000 base of the unit, then slide off the top of the case. The
Shield / Screen SHIELD cable glands need to be slid out from the top of the case
in order to access the internal connections. The NGT-1-
Blue NET LO USB circuitry will be left attached to the base of the unit
White NET HI and the two supplied cables attached to their connectors.
Black NET COM
Note: When opening the NGT-1-USB case, be aware
Red NET SUP that the circuitry inside is not 100% protected against
static electricity. Please ensure that, when opening
If you need to use your own NMEA 2000 cable, the the case, you use precautions against static damage
five way screw terminal block is provided within the by only touching the connector block and by holding
NGT-1 to allow easy connection, along with a spare the unit by its plastic base. In this way, the risks of
cable gland that should be fitted on to the new cable static damage will be minimised.
to help maintain the water protection level.

Any such cable is required to conform in full to

the NMEA 2000 specification and be no longer
than 6 metres (maximum drop length).

2. NMEA 2000 indicator LED

This LED flashes when NMEA 2000 data to be
transferred is received by the NGT-1-USB. It can be
clearly seen through the NGT-1-USB’s translucent lid
when the case is closed.

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 6

 NMEA 2000 PC Interface - NGT-1-USB
Connecting to the NMEA 2000 Network

Network CAN Lo
CAN Hi
CAN

Shield
NET COM
NET SUP

Figure 2 – NMEA 2000 connections

NMEA 2000 connections Driver Installation Guide

The Actisense NGT-1-USB is designed to be connected
The NGT-1-USB makes use of a virtual serial port driver
to the vessel’s NMEA 2000 network using the supplied,
(know as the ‘Virtual COM Port’ (VCP) driver) to interface
pre-fitted Actisense cable.
between the USB port on the PC and the Actisense
product (NGT).
If a different length cable is required, an NMEA 2000
certified cable of the required length (maximum 6 metres)
This driver allows software running on a computer to
should be connected to the vessel’s NMEA 2000 network
communicate with the NGT-1-USB as if it was connected
using a standard male NMEA 2000 connector.
to a standard serial port on the computer, when in fact all
communication is done over the USB connection.
The standard wiring connection can be seen in Figure 2.

Please read the “USB Driver Install Manual”

document that accompanies this NGT Install
Note: Manual for full details on how to install the
1. Wire colours are for guidance only. The colours given NGT-1-USB drivers.
relate to the supplied Actisense cable and the NMEA
2000 standard cable definition.

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 7

Specifications
Parameter Conditions Min. Max. Unit
Supply
Supply voltage 8 35 V
Supply voltage = 12v 26 30 mA
Supply current (see note 1)
Supply voltage = 24v 16 18 mA
NMEA 2000 CAN Bus line (CAN-H; CAN-L) Transmitter
Recessive bus voltage VTXD = VDD; no load. 2.0 3.0 V
Dominant bus voltage CAN-H VTXD = 0.8V 2.75 4.5 V
Dominant bus voltage CAN-L VTXD = 0.8V 0.5 2.25 V
Recessive differential output voltage VTXD = 2V; no load -500 50 mV
Dominant differential output voltage 40Ω < RL < 60Ω 1.5 3.0 V
Short circuit output current CAN-H VCAN-H = -5V - -200 mA
Short circuit output current CAN-L VCAN-H = -40V, +40V. (see note 2) - 200 mA
NMEA 2000 CAN Bus line (CAN-H; CAN-L) Receiver
CAN-H, CAN-L common-mode input
5 50 KΩ
Resistance
Differential input resistance 20 100 KΩ
USB Comms Input/Output
Input to Ground Full Galvanic Opto-isolation protection - 2500 V
Baud rate Configurable Baud rate 4800 230400 bps
General
Ambient operating temperature -20 +70 °C

Table 2 – NGT-1-USB specifications

All specifications are taken with reference to an ambient temperature (TA) of +25°C.

Note:
1. Current consumption measured under no-load conditions
2. This parameter is periodically sampled and not 100% tested.

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 8

 NMEA 2000 PC Interface - NGT-1-USB
Troubleshooting guide
This guide will concentrate on all relevant troubleshooting issues above simple cable connection faults. Therefore, the
cables between the NGT-1-USB hardware and any other devices should be checked as a matter of course, before
continuing with this guide.

Status LEDs
The NGT-1-USB hardware has two bright LEDs that can be seen through the case to indicate when data is received
from either the USB device or NMEA 2000 network connection. It is an important point to note that these two LEDs can
only show when their respective data is RECEIVED; it is not possible to show both transmit and receive simultaneously
on a single colour LED.

These LEDs can be used to debug potential problems. If both an NMEA 2000 ‘talker’ and a ‘listener’ are connected, it is
possible to analyse which is working by disconnecting one of them or by stopping the PC software from sending data.

Sequence Description

NMEA 2000 LED does not Check that the NGT-1-USB is connected to the NMEA 2000 network, that the NMEA
flash when the data is received 2000 network is operational, and that the required PGN messages are selected for
from the NMEA 2000 network transfer by using the NGT Configuration Tool.

Check that the NGT-1-USB is connected to a PC USB port, that the device
USB LED does not flash when is recognised in the Windows Control Panel with the correct COM port (refer to
the USB data is received USB Configuration section in USB Install User Manual) and that the required
messages are selected to be transferred by using the NGT Configuration Tool.

Indicates that the NGT-1-USB is powered but no data is received from either
Both LEDs flash together,
connection. If data should be being transferred through then check that the required
once every 10 seconds
PGN messages are selected by using the NGT Configuration Tool.

If the error persists, please contact Actisense support to help trace the issue
before considering the return of the product. If Actisense support concludes
that the NGT-1-USB unit should be returned to Actisense (refer to the Company
Information section), a Returns Number will be issued by the support engineer.

The Returns Number must be clearly visible on both the external packaging
and any documentation returned with the product. Any returns sent without a
Returns Number will incur a delay in being processed.

Table 3 – Diagnostic LED

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 9

Product order codes
NGT-1-USB NMEA 2000 ↔ USB Interface
Standard version required to connect the NMEA 2000 network to a USB port
(on a computer running Actisense certified software)
NGT-1-ISO NMEA 2000 ↔ Serial Interface with ISO-Drive
Special version required to connect the NMEA 2000 network to a serial port
(on a computer running Actisense certified software)

Company Information

Active Research Limited

Unit 5 Wessex Trade Centre
Ringwood Road
Poole
Dorset. UK
BH12 3PF

Telephone: 01202 746682 (International : +44 1202 746682)

Fax: 01202 746683 (International : +44 1202 746683)

Actisense on the Web: For advice, support and product details

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.actisense.com

“Actisense” is a registered trademark of Active Research Limited.

© 2009 Active Research Limited Page 10

The NGT-1-USB enables software Benefits
certified to work with the Actisense • All NMEA 2000 instruments on the
interface standard to talk to devices network can receive data sent from
on an NMEA 2000 network. compatible PC software
• Compatible PC software can receive
NMEA 2000 network data is freely data from any NMEA 2000 instrument
available to any Actisense certified • Electrical isolation separates the two
PC software to display. networks, protecting against ground
loop faults. This creates a protected
computer and a safe installation
As an NMEA certified firewall, the
• Free Actisense diagnostic software
NGT-1 allows NMEA 2000 data to be shows what data and devices are on
sent from the PC to control any the NMEA 2000 network
NMEA 2000 devices on the network.

The NGT-1-USB’s isolated USB

connection makes it one of the best
and safest ways to connect your
computer to an NMEA 2000 network.

Just connect and relax, knowing that

Actisense has it secured.

Specifications
NMEA 2000 Connection System Requirements Certifications
• NMEA 2000 network is • Supported OS’s: Windows • CE (EN60945)
opto-isolated from the USB (2000, XP and Vista) and • Tested and certified NMEA
connection to offer 2500 volts MAC OS X (check website for 2000 compliant
of protection other versions)
• NMEA 2000 current draw • USB drivers included on CD
20 mA typical
Environmental
• Terminal block available for
user cable connection • Recommended operating
temperature: -20°C to +70°C
• Cable length 1.5 metres
• Splash proof plastic casing
USB Specification provided with sealing cable ®

• v1.1 and v2.0 compliant glands certified to IP54

• Up and downstream buffers • Stainless steel case screws
for smoother data transfer • Humidity: 0-80% RH
• Current draw 30 mA typical Guarantee
• Baud rates 4800 to 230400
• 3 years return to base USB 1.1 & 2.0
• Cable length 1.8 metres

Active Research Limited, Unit 5 Wessex Trade Centre, Ringwood Road, Poole, Dorset, UK, BH12 3PF
Telephone: +44 (0)1202 746682 Fax: +44 (0)1202 746683

Actisense on the Web: For advice, support and product details

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.actisense.com
“Actisense” is a registered trademark of Active Research Limited.