MacSailing.net

Hello:

I recently installed a Simrad NX40 and would like to exchange data wirelessly between it and my Mac using MacENC and/or possibly my iPhone. I've seen NMEA Bluetooth multiplexers but I wonder if this could be done cheaply using a simple RS-232 connection and an adapter such as this. I know MacENC supports connections through serial port as wells as Bluetooth enabled GPS; however, I don't know if these adapters show up as a simple com port on the Mac and, if not, if MacENC will connect to these. Has anybody tried this? Any input would be highly appreciated.

Later,
Camuyano

I did it with an italian product www.eikonsite.it - BLUEMAX05. It took a large amount of time to master the bluetooth communication and create a recognizable virtual serial port. Now, it's working fine with MacSea, and GPSNavX; although, amazingly, it doesn't transmit the AIS (Ciel et Marine), may be a problem with shipmodul multiplexer. I could not manage to get it working with openCPN. you can send me an e-mail to Francois@dugast.org if you need more help.

Some of the older (a couple years ago) Shipmodul multiplexer did not support the high speed NMEA that AIS outputs.

The specs state the baud rate is between 9600 and 921600. Standard NMEA 0183 is 4800 and this may cause a problem unless your device can handle 9600 or faster.