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Introducing the Actisense® PRO-BUF-2, the type-approved smart buffer from the PRO range.
Two OPTO-isolated inputs and twelve ISO-Drive™ isolated outputs. It offers device protection and excellent flexibility, all in a single product.
The PRO-BUF-2 is robust, with a stainless steel enclosure, providing isolation on all inputs and outputs. With two NMEA 0183 inputs, twelve NMEA 0183 outputs, a bidirectional serial port, and an Ethernet port, the PRO-BUF-2 is a perfect solution for large recreational vessels, commercial transport, and a great addition to systems requiring type-approved devices.
It is designed to fit most NMEA 0183 systems and is ready to use “out of the box” simply by connecting the inputs in two modes as required.
The Smart NMEA 0183 Buffer
The basic manually configurable operating modes include variations of buffer modes, smart auto-switch, and combined modes.
For all other configurations, leaving the mode inputs floating selects “User Configuration Mode”. The web-based configuration tool allows full customization of the PRO-BUF-2 and is compatible with all popular operating systems. Using this tool enables fine-tuning of the data available on each output.
For quick and easy installation, the PRO-BUF-2 features two-part pluggable connectors that allow the use of screw terminals*, and a professional DIN rail mounting system (DIN rail not included). The device can also be mounted directly on a bulkhead.
LED indicators show power, incoming data, outgoing data, and alarm status for easy diagnostics.
Data statistics and load indication via the web tool provide a real-time view of the data.
Use Case
Buffers are typically used to distribute an instrument’s data to multiple connected listeners. Connecting multiple listeners directly to a talker can be problematic, including current drive and wiring issues. Using a buffer removes these issues and allows for safe, robust data distribution.
An example could be a commercial vessel with a single GPS and multiple NMEA 0183 displays or four ECDIS displays. To ensure all these displays receive GPS data, you can use a buffer to output to each display while maintaining full isolation.
With the PRO-BUF-2, data can be filtered, passed, or blocked and monitored, providing greater flexibility and control over all instrument data.
• 2 OPTO-isolated inputs
• 12 NMEA 0183 ISO-Drive outputs
• Ethernet Port
• Flexible operating modes
• Automatic input baud rate adjustment
• Alarm output options
• Web-based configuration tool
• Diagnostic LEDs
• Advanced data filtering and routing
• 2 virtual Auto-switch modules
• Data statistics and load indication via web tool
• Designed for 12 / 24 Volt power supply
• Future-proof with easily upgradable firmware
• Two-part pluggable connector system
• Stainless steel enclosure with optional DIN rail mounting
• Type-approved (RINA)
• Flexible configuration options for buffer, auto-switch, or NMEA data combination
• ISO-Drive separates the Listener from the Talker to protect both the PRO-BUF and each connected device
• Fast bidirectional data connection to monitoring and control software
• PRO-BUF can be configured from any web browser on any operating system
• Ready-to-use out of the box for basic installations, or easily user-configurable as needed
• Relay output is compatible with onboard alarm systems, and the NMEA alarm sentence can be displayed and triggered on an MFD
• Easy network access, no need to move the device or connect it via serial to a PC
• Quick visual verification gives confidence that each input and output is transmitting data
• Functions can be used to fine-tune data, avoiding information overload on outputs and connected devices
• Allows automatic priority selection between two devices of the same type (e.g., GPS)
• Displays NMEA 0183 data on each I/O port and arrival rate, ideal for low-level diagnostics
• Suitable for 24V DC power systems on large vessels
• Additional functions in future firmware versions can be accessed via a simple update process through the Actisense Toolkit via Ethernet
• Quick installation and support for terminals with or without screws, ideal for rapid diagnostic swaps
• Greater durability, ease of installation, and high performance
• Can be installed on vessels regulated by classification society rules
Power Supply
• Input Supply Voltage: 9 to 35 V DC
• Input Supply Current: 325mA max @ 12V DC (all outputs @ full drive into 100 ohm loads)
• Input Protection: Continuous reverse polarity, transient overvoltage and ESD protection
• Power Indicator: LED, Blue – indicates unit is functioning correctly
• Input Supply Connector: Pluggable 2-way screw terminal, 5.08mm pitch
NMEA 0183 Port – Listener & Talker
• Number of Listener / Input Ports: 2 isolated NMEA 0183 Listeners
• Number of Talker / Output Ports: 12 isolated NMEA 0183 Talkers
• Compatibility: Fully NMEA 0183, RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS485 Listener compatible
• Speed / baud rate: 4800 to 38400 bps
• Talker Output Voltage Drive: >= 2.2V (differential) into 100 ohm
• Talker Output Current Drive: 20 mA maximum per output
• Talker Output Protection: Short circuit and ESD
• Talker Data Indicator: LED, Orange (Flashes at data rate)
• Listener Input Voltage Tolerance: -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
• Listener Input Protection: Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC and ESD protection
• Listener Data Indicator: LED, Green (Flashes to indicate valid input)
• Connectors: Pluggable 2/3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Serial Port
• Compatibility: RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS485 Listener compatible
• Speed / baud rate: 4800 to 115200 bps
• Output Voltage Drive: >= 2.1V (differential) into 100 ohm
• Output Current Drive: 20 mA max.
• Output Protection: Short circuit and ESD
• Input Voltage Tolerance: -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
• Input Protection: Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC and ESD protection
• Data Indicators: LED’s: Green = Receive, Orange = Transmit
• Connectors: Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Ethernet Port
• Host Interface: 10/100BaseT, automatic polarity detection
• Supported Protocols: TCP/IP for configuration and firmware updating, TCP/IP and UDP for NMEA 0183 comms
• Indicators: Green = Link/Activity, Yellow = 100 Mbps
• Connector: RJ45
Isolation
• NMEA 0183 Listener: OPTO-Isolated, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
• NMEA 0183 Talker: Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
• Serial Port: Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
• Alarm Relay: Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
• Ethernet Port: 2kV for 60s
Mode Inputs
• Input Voltage Range: 0 to 35V DC
• Protection: Transient overvoltage and ESD protection
• Connectors: Pluggable 2-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Alarm Output
• Contacts: Common, Normally Open and Normally Closed
• Alarm Indicator: LED, Red indicates a valid alarm condition
• Contact Ratings: 35VAC / 50VDC
• Connectors: Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Mechanical
• Housing Material: 316 Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 210mm (W) x 128mm (H) x 27mm (D)
• Weight: 530g
• Mounting: Bulkhead mount or DIN rail mount (DIN kit 1)
Approvals and Certifications
• EMC: IEC 60945:2002-08, DNVGL-CG-0339:2019 & IACS UR E10 Rev7
• Compass Safe Distance: 750mm
• Type Approval Certificate: RINA
• Operating Temperature: -25 to +70°C
• Storage Temperature: -40 to +85°C
• Relative Humidity (RH): 95% @ 55°C
• Environmental Protection: IP40
• Guarantee: 5 Years
