vYacht WiFi Router mk III

New in April 2015

  • NMEA 2000 with additional NMEA 0183/Seatalk options!
  • Hardware ready for user selectable Seatalk or NMEA input.
  • Support for multiple wireless clients
  • Seatalk bridge, NMEA 2000 gateway and multiplexer
  • Galvanically isolated inputs
  • Multiplexing data from all inputs
  • Optional ethernet ports and internet routing

Wireless marine data

The new vYacht's Wifi Router is the 3rd generation of this popular device. The router brings marine instrument data to iPad and on-board computer. It creates a wireless network via a shared access point to distribute your GPS position, AIS and other information. Multiple clients can connect to the same wireless network.

Seatalk and NMEA 0183 inputs data will be combined (multiplexing). Seatalk and NMEA 2000 data is automatically converted to NMEA 0183 sentences understood by most iPad, Android and PC software such as iNavX or iRegatta.

The data provided by these devices is automatically distributed in a secure way via WiFi using a TCP connection. Optionally cable bound ethernet is The vYacht's Wifi Router III supports marine charting software like iNavX on the iPad or PC based navigation software.

GPS/AIS, depth, log and wind in iNavX and iRegatta

iNavX and iRegatta are only two out of many applications that are supported by the vYacht Router.
The standard and cheaper iPad Wifi does not come with a GPS. If you still want to use it for navigation the Wifi router is the perfect option. Even if your iPad supports GPS: AIS or depth, wind and speed displayed in one place increase security and allow faster and better decisions.

Inputs to the vYacht's Wifi Router III are isolated to avoid ground loops and signal noise. They also provide over-voltage protection. NMEA data or NMEA and Seatalk data from both inputs are multiplexed.
Many sailors have internet available on board already. Via an optional ethernet input internet connection can be routed as well. This means that you connect the router, continue using the internet while receiving instrument data without changing the network connection.

NMEA 2000 Gateway

The NMEA 2000 Gateway will translate all known NMEA 2000 sentences to NMEA 0183. These are then available via Wifi. This way iNavX, iRegatta and all the other software will continue to work even when you upgrade your system to NMEA 2000.

Seatalk to NMEA 0183 Bridge

If you choose the Seatalk version of the vYacht Router a Seatalk to NMEA 0183 bridge is already included. Seatalk sentences will be converted to the corresponding NMEA 0183 sentences. NMEA 0183 is then available via Wifi and on the NMEA 0183 output.

Control your boat from iPad

Many users of the vYacht Wifi Router use iNavX. iNavX allows to transfer waypoints from iNavX via the vYacht Router back into the boat network.

Just plan your route relaxed on deck and feed them back into your plotter for further navigation.

Different versions for different needs

Choose between

  • 2 x isolated NMEA inputs
  • 1 x isolated NMEA and 1 x isolated Seatalk input
  • 1 x isolated NMEA 2000

Features

Many boat owners are handy and appreciate the hackability. The source code of the routers operating system and other software components are open.

The new router has many more features while coming at a cheaper price. You will only need a screw driver to attach the wiring and connect the router to the 12V on-board power.

Hardware
Interfaces Two isolated NMEA 0183 & Seatalk interfaces or 1 x NMEA 2000.
Each NMEA 0183 is separately configurable to 4800 (standard) or 38400 (AIS) baud.
WiFi / internet interfaces WiFi for wireless network to iPad, PC and Mac
Two optional 10/100Mbps-LAN/WAN-Port for cable network to PC and Mac and internet
Protocol TCP connection secured with WPA.
Powersupply 12V DC (standard on-board)
For fixed installations attach to navigational instrument switch/fuse
Board size (l x w) 100mm x 100mm
3.94in x 3.94in
Wireless range Dependend on the location of the router. Installed centrally and close to the nav corner the router works well everywhere on sailing vessels measuring 40 feet. Please provide feedback about experiences on much larger vessels.
Temperature range Most components are rated -40 to +85 °C. However the RT3050 chip on the actual wireless module is rated -10 to +55 °C operating temperature.
Power consumption The FCC certified wireless module consumes the vast amount of power. If used for heavy duty downloads it will consume max. 1.5W.
Case
Color Black. White front when ordering ethernet.
Mounting Wall mount option.
Size(l x w x h) 110 mm x 110 mm x 33 mm
4.3in x 4.3in x 1.3in
Material ABS.
Water resistance The router should be installed into a dry place. The WiFi only version can be made watertight by using marine sealant.
Software
OS openWrt firmware (Linux optimized for embedded devices and routers.
NMEA & Seatalk processing Modified gpsd
Configuration From any web browser with build in web server.

Downloads

Manual mk III (manual last updated 19. May 2014)
Manual Version II (older boards pre Nov 2013)
Software and schematics