NMEA 0183 (National Marine Electronics Association 0183) is a standard protocol used for communication between marine electronic devices and systems. It was developed to allow different marine instruments and navigation equipment to share data and information. Here's a quick explanation of NMEA 0183:
1. Serial Communication Protocol: NMEA 0183 is a serial communication protocol, which means that it uses a simple, two-wire connection for transmitting and receiving data.
2. Data Sentences: Data in NMEA 0183 is organized into "sentences." Each sentence is a string of text that contains specific information. For example, a common sentence might include information about GPS coordinates, speed, course, and time.
3. Standardized Format: The data within NMEA 0183 sentences follows a standardized format. This format typically includes a dollar sign ($) at the beginning, followed by a two- or three-letter device identifier, and then a series of comma-separated data fields. The sentence ends with an asterisk (*) and a checksum to verify data integrity.
4. Common Data Types: NMEA 0183 sentences cover a wide range of data related to marine navigation and can include information about GPS position, speed, heading, depth, and more. These sentences are standardized to ensure compatibility between different devices from various manufacturers.
5. Baud Rate: NMEA 0183 devices typically operate at a baud rate of 4800, though other baud rates are possible. Both the transmitting and receiving devices must be configured to use the same baud rate for communication to occur.
6. Widely Used: NMEA 0183 is widely used in the marine industry, and most marine electronic equipment, such as GPS receivers, chartplotters, radar systems, and autopilots, support this protocol. It allows these devices to share important data for navigation and safety.
7. Interfacing and Compatibility: To connect NMEA 0183 devices, you'll need to use appropriate wiring and connectors, and you may need an NMEA multiplexer or interface to manage data from multiple devices. NMEA 0183 can be used with both older and more modern marine electronics.
8. Upgrade to NMEA 2000: While NMEA 0183 is still in use, the marine industry has also introduced NMEA 2000, which is a newer and more capable networking standard. NMEA 2000 offers advantages like higher data speeds, easier plug-and-play connectivity, and support for more complex systems.
In summary, NMEA 0183 is a widely adopted communication standard in the marine industry that allows various navigation and communication devices to exchange data using standardized sentences and a serial communication protocol. It is essential for ensuring the compatibility and interoperability of marine electronics.
