vYacht NMEA User Manual

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vYacht NMEA Wifi Router

The vYacht's Wifi Router brings GPS and instrument data to your iPad and on-board
computer. Simply attach the NMEA 0183 output of your charting plotter to the router
and the position is automatically broadcasted in a secure way via WiFi and ethernet.
All instrument data can be used in marine charting software like iNavX on the iPad or
most PC based navigation software.

The standard and cheaper iPad Wifi does not come with a GPS. If you still want to use it for
navigation the Wifi router is the perfect option. In addition to GPS it can even transfer AIS or
instrument data.

If you purchased the version with additional ethernet then you can even route internet through
the same wireless network.

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Features

The new vYacht's WiFi Router comes as a kit: board and case. The main reason is to keep
the costs even lower for those who want the option.

Hardware

NMEA Interfaces Two isolated NMEA 0183 interfaces

WiFi for wireless network to iPad, PC and Mac

WiFi / internet interfaces

Powersupply

Size(l x w x t) 92.4 mm * 78 mm * 1.6 mm (board only)

Wireless range

Temperature range

Power consumption

Available Colors blue, white or mixed body/lock

Size(l x w x h) 102 mm * 96 mm * 29 mm

Material

Water resistance

OS openWrt firmware

NMEA GPS & AIS processing GPSD

Two optional 10/100Mbps-LAN/WAN-Port for cable network
to PC and Mac and internet

12V DC (standard on-board)
For fixed installations attach to navigational instrument
switch/fuse

Dependend on the location of the router. Installed centrally and
close to the nav corner the router works well everywhere on
sailing vessels measuring 40 feet. Please provide feedback
about experiences on much larger vessels.

Most components are rated -40 to +85 °C. However the
RT3050 chip on the actual wireless module is rated -10 to +55
°C operating temperature.

The FCC certified wireless module on this board consumes the
vast amount of power. But even if used for heavy duty
downloads it will consume max. 1.5W.

Case

Printed PLA. PLA as a base material is often used for through
hull fittings.
Printed PLA is very stable and has good UV (ultra-violet)
tolerance.

The router should be installed into a dry place. The WiFi only
version can be made watertight by using marine sealant.

Software

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NMEA WiFi Router Board Layout

1 Wireless module running NMEA processing software on a Linux (openwrt) kernel.

1a Integrated chip WiFi antenna

2 Power supply based on an efficient TPS54231 step down converter

3

4a Ethernet module/jack by default configured for cable bound LAN access to NMEA data.

4b

5 12 V power connector

6 NMEA input I

NMEA 0183 module with isolated power supply and signal isolation for ground loop and
overcurrent protection

Ethernet module/jack by default configured for WAN access. Connect this jack to an active
internet connection. The vYacht WiFi Router will automatically share internet and NMEA
data via wireless.

Board components and modules

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7 NMEA input II

8 LED status indicators

9 Reset button

Ethernet connections

Board components and modules

Illustration 1: Ethernet connectors

Status LED (top view)

Illustration 2: Status LED