NMEAgate

NMEAgate is an NMEA multiplexor/router for Windows PCs. Its purpose is to allow the combination of up to two external NMEA “talkers” and selectively supply up to two “listener” programs running on the PC. It also provides an alternative facility for handling GPS connectivity to the TidePlan2 program.

NMEAgate provides two inputs which use “real” serial ports on the PC. These can be used to connect to navigation equipment with NMEA capability such as GPS receivers, fluxgate compasses, wind instruments, speed logs, etc.

 

The program provides two outputs which use “virtual” serial ports to connect to navigation software running in the PC. It also provides a special link from one of the inputs to the TidePlan2 program, if a registered copy of this is running on the PC.

 

The connection of each input to each, or both, outputs is configureable. Support for NMEA transfer in the reverse direction is included to allow loading of waypoints and routes from the PC to the navigation equipment.

 

NMEA sentences are logged and can be displayed. The sentences are checked for errors and the display can be paused for examination without affecting the ongoing NMEA conversations.

 

If a registered copy of TidePlan2 is running then the NMEAgate program does not require registration. If it is intended to use NMEAgate seperately from TidePlan2 then an NMEAgate registration must be purchased. For demonstration purposes the program will run for a short period without registration.