PC Active (NMEA/RS232) Interface Cable

If your system has a standard NMEA interface cable (9 pin D type connector and flying leads), then in all probability it will work well. However in noisy electrical environments or with long cable runs problems might be encountered. A solution is to use an active opto-isolated cable, this also reduces the risk of damage to your laptop during electrical storms (but can never fully protect)

Most personal computers communicate with the outside world via a protocol called RS232. NMEA and RS232 operate on slightly differing signal voltage levels and with some older equipment there is a danger of unreliable communication and possible damage to the computer serial port unless a suitable interface cable is used. Some GPS manufacturers supply suitable cables with their devices – if you have one of these, do check that it is fully opto-isolated and that it protects against reverse polarity before using it.

The active interface cable allows bi-directional transfer between NMEA and RS232 protocols, typically allowing data to come in to the PC from a GPS receiver or other instrument system, and simultaneously be transmitted to another device, such as an autopilot. As well as converting voltage levels between NMEA and RS232 levels, and protecting against reversed polarity, the listener (input) side is opto-isolated as per the NMEA specification. The electronics may be powered from the PC’s serial port, or from the boat’s 12V DC power supply (if your PC is unable to provide sufficient power or the software doesnt support setting the pins).

The electronics are housed in a 9-pin "D" connector, ready to connect to the serial port of most PCs; the 1m shielded cable has wires at the other end to connect to your NMEA device(s) and to a 12V power supply (if required).

Note: You will still need the appropriate cable to connect to the NMEA cable to your GPS,as this is specific to each GPS model.

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Specifications