Transform NMEA data from Elfin EW10 to Wi-Fi effortlessly
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Ready to take your sailing game to the next level? In this post, we'll walk you through how to turn NMEA 0183 data from your boat's AIS gear and other devices into a WiFi signal using the budget-friendly Elfin EW10. This bad boy is a powerful, industrial converter that's versatile like the HF2211. With the Elfin EW10, you'll be able to view real-time navigation data on your tablet or smartphone with applications like Navionics, OpenCPN, and more. Compatible with devices such as AMEC Camino, Em-Trak, Matsutec HA-102, and others, this setup will save you cash and streamline your installation. No more fussing with cables—it's time to simplify!
Before we dive in, let's clarify what we're dealing with:
NMEA 0183 is a popular serial communication protocol in marine electronics for transmitting navigation and sensor data. It uses RS-422 (differential) or RS-232 (single-ended) electrical signaling at a 4800 baud rate.
The Elfin EW10 is a WiFi module designed for embedded applications. It supports WiFi connectivity and can interface with UART/serial ports. In essence, it acts as a bridge between serial data inputs and WiFi networks and usually requires firmware or configuration scripts to manage data forwarding.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's tackle the task at hand!
The Plan in Action
Goal: Capture NMEA 0183 data from your boat (e.g., GPS, sonar, AIS), transmit it wirelessly via WiFi, so other devices (laptops, tablets, or smartphones) can receive and interpret the data over WiFi.
Step-by-Step
1. Interface NMEA 0183 Physical Layer with the Elfin EW10
- NMEA 0183 outputs differential RS-422 signals, and the EW10’s UART port is TTL-level serial, so you need a level converter.
- Use an RS-422 to TTL serial converter module. This converts the NMEA 0183 differential signals into standard UART TTL signals compatible with the EW10.
2. Connect the Converter Output to the Elfin EW10 UART
- Connect the TTL serial output (TX and RX) from the converter to the EW10’s UART pins.
- Ensure proper voltage levels (usually 3.3V for the EW10).
- Provide power and ground common to both devices.
3. Configure the Elfin EW10 as a WiFi Serial Bridge
- The EW10 firmware may need to be configured to:
- Initialize UART with 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (NMEA 0183 standard)
- Act as a transparent serial-to-WiFi bridge (TCP server or UDP broadcaster)
- Set up a WiFi Access Point (AP) or connect to an existing WiFi network on the EW10.
- Set up a socket to send the serial data received via UART over WiFi.
Got it? Great! Now let's talk more about the space-saving EW10.
Upgrade Benefits
The Elfin EW10 opens up a world of possibilities by converting serial NMEA 0183 data to a WiFi signal. Not only can you view navigation data on your tablet or smartphone, but you could also use this setup as an NMEA output to power devices like an autopilot, all driven by data from your Raspberry. Plus, if you need additional parsing or message manipulation, you might introduce a microcontroller like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi before the EW10.
Ready to get started? Here are some items you'll need:
Required Items
| Component | Purpose ||----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|| Elfin EW10 | WiFi module to bridge serial data || RS-422 to TTL Serial Converter | Converts NMEA 0183 differential signals to TTL serial || Power Supply | Powers the EW10 and converter || NMEA 0183 Source Device | GPS/AIS/sensor providing NMEA data || Client Device (phone/PC) | Receives WiFi broadcast and decodes NMEA || Configuration Software | Firmware/config on EW10 for bridging |
With these pieces in your arsenal, you're ready to tackle the seas like never before! Don't miss out on this opportunity to streamline your sailing experience and make the most of your data. Happy navigating!
P.S. If you need help finding specific RS-422 converters or would like an example firmware snippet, just ask! I'm here to help.
With the Elfin EW10, not only can you view navigation data on your tablet or smartphone, but you can also leverage this setup to power devices like an autopilot, all driven by data from your Raspberry. This transformation from NMEA 0183 data to WiFi signal not only boosts the functionality of gadgets like the Elfin EW10, but it also opens up opportunities for data-and-cloud-computing. For instance, you might choose to use an Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi for additional parsing or message manipulation before the data is sent to the EW10 for broadcast.
