Actisense USG-1 USB to NMEA 0183 Adapter

The Actisense™ USG-1 interface is an easy, safe and low-cost method of connecting a marine NMEA 0183 system to a USB equipped PC. Whilst protecting the most vital and expensive devices in the NMEA 0183 system, it also creates a virtual serial port that allows connection to an NMEA 0183 (RS422) marine bus link. Total galvanic isolation is assured using an ISO-Drive output and the use of the trusted Actisense OPTO isolated input circuitry.

The USG-1 provides comprehensive isolation of the expensive PC hardware when connecting to an NMEA 0183 (RS422) bus that may have picked up potentially hazardous voltages around the electrically noisy environment of a vessel or factory, and makes installation simple due to the isolation of the PC ground from the NMEA 0183 data network ground, often the biggest cause of data errors and one of the biggest safety hazards in any electronic installation.

Using a low cost USB to RS232 cable from a computer store risks expensive damage to the PC, as there is no isolation and also such a device may not provide either the drive current or the correct voltage levels for NMEA 0183 interfacing. Just connect the USG-1 and relax, knowing that Actisense has it secured.

No external power supply is required as the cable takes all necessary power from the USB port. Simple installation using plug & play USB drivers supplied on CD allows the PC to start sending and receiving data to the NMEA 0183 data network within minutes of installation.

Applications

• Create a safe serial port connection to an NMEA 0183 system that may be on a different power circuit from the PC
• Connect two PCs together that are on different power circuits
• Provide a fully compliant NMEA 0183 port from a USB port
• Receive low level differential signals that are too small to be received by a PC serial port
• Free up PC serial / COM port for other uses

Product Features

• Full electrical isolation - safe against the number one marine electronic fault condition (ground loops)
• Full USB compliance
• Can connect to either PC COM port or marine NMEA 0183 interfaces
• Up to 115.2 kbps data transfer rate