Industrial Modbus RTU Converters to NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183

Industrial Modbus RTU to NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 Converters

In this section of our store, you will find converters from the Modbus RTU to the NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 interface. Modbus RTU is a communication bus used in industrial automation, for example, for communication with control, HVAC, heating, BMS, and many other systems. Converters allow for the integration of Modbus RTU devices with the NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 network (e.g., with liquid level sensors, and for managing heating and cooling).

Industrial Modbus RTU to NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 converters are key devices that bridge two distinct communication worlds: the industrial Modbus protocol and marine NMEA standards. Modbus RTU is dominant in terrestrial automation, while NMEA 2000 and its older version, NMEA 0183, are standards in marine electronics and recreational boating. Our converters fill this gap, allowing for seamless data exchange between devices that previously could not interact. This opens up new possibilities for monitoring and control by connecting reliable sensors and control systems with popular navigation and monitoring networks on vessels.

Key Applications and System Integration

Thanks to Modbus RTU to NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 converters, it is possible to integrate industrial sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow sensors) with onboard monitoring systems. For example, fuel level sensors in tanks, which normally communicate via Modbus, can transmit data directly to a navigation plotter or a display on the captain's bridge. This provides the crew with full insight into critical engine operating parameters and the technical condition of the vessel. Converters are also ideal for use in heating and cooling management systems (HVAC) on ships and drilling platforms, allowing for remote control and monitoring through the existing NMEA network. Our solutions are also a response to the needs of professional fleets and recreational vessels. They ensure reliability and safety, and they reduce modernization costs by allowing the use of standard industrial components in a specific marine environment. Each device comes with a complete set of tools and documentation, which makes installation and configuration intuitive, even for less experienced users.

Why Choose Our Modbus RTU to NMEA Converters?

Every Modbus RTU to NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 converter in our offer features easy DIN rail mounting, resistance to electromagnetic interference, and the ability to be installed in outdoor enclosures and environments with a wide operating temperature range from -40°C to 85°C. Our Modbus RTU to NMEA 2000 converters are versatile devices adapted for work in diverse industrial conditions. They were designed to handle RS-232, RS-485, and NMEA connectors. Thanks to the free software included with each device, the converters are very easy to configure.

The physical and technical properties of our converters have been carefully selected for demanding working conditions. DIN rail mounting allows for quick and secure installation in control cabinets. Electromagnetic interference (EMC) resistance is crucial in industrial and marine environments where strong magnetic fields are common. The wide operating temperature range from -40°C to 85°C guarantees reliability, whether the converter is used in a cold store or on a ship in a tropical climate. The devices are also equipped with galvanic isolation, which protects them from surges and potential differences.

The NMEA Protocol – How It Works?

To fully understand the value of our converters, it is worth knowing the specifics of the NMEA protocols. NMEA 0183 is an older standard based on serial communication (RS-422), where data is transmitted in the form of simple, text-based sentences. The modern standard, NMEA 2000, is much more advanced. It is based on the CAN bus and uses binary packets, which significantly increases the speed and reliability of data transmission. This allows for the simultaneous transmission of many types of information from various devices, such as GPS data, depth, wind speed, or engine status. Our Modbus to NMEA converters are able to precisely translate data from Modbus devices into the appropriate NMEA 2000 packets or NMEA 0183 sentences, ensuring full compatibility and data integrity in the marine system.

For example, a converter can read data from an oil pressure sensor (Modbus) and convert it to the appropriate PGN (Parameter Group Number) of the NMEA 2000 protocol. As a result, this information can be displayed on any compatible device on board, such as a multifunction display. This eliminates the need for separate, often more expensive, NMEA sensors.

Versatility and Ease of Configuration

All of our Modbus RTU to NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 converters come with intuitive configuration software. Advanced programming knowledge is not required. The software allows for easy mapping of Modbus registers to specific NMEA parameters. The user can define which data from the Modbus device (e.g., register address) should be transmitted to the NMEA network and in what form. This makes configuration quick and hassle-free, significantly reducing implementation time. Clear and concise documentation, available online, supports the entire process, guiding the user step-by-step.

Choose the Modbus RTU to NMEA 2000/NMEA 0183 converter that interests you and check out the detailed technical description: