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Convert NMEA data from Elfin EW10 to Wi-Fi effortlessly

Turn NMEA 0183 into WiFi on a budget under €10! 🚀📡 This tutorial demonstrates an easy method to change data from your AIS equipment and other NMEA 0183 devices into a WiFi transmission using the affordably priced Elfin EW10. 🔧✨This compact industrial converter, similar to the HF2211, will...

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Convert NMEA data from Elfin EW10 to Wi-Fi effortlessly
Convert NMEA data from Elfin EW10 to Wi-Fi effortlessly

Convert NMEA data from Elfin EW10 to Wi-Fi effortlessly

Navigating the seas just got easier with the help of devices like the Elfin EW10 and HF23211. These converters allow you to convert NMEA 0183 serial data into WiFi, enabling you to wirelessly stream data from your marine instruments to tablets and smartphones.

What's NMEA 0183 and Why Use a Converter?

NMEA 0183 is a standard for marine instrument data communication, usually via serial RS422 or RS232. Devices like the Elfin EW10 and HF2211 convert this NMEA 0183 serial data into WiFi (TCP or UDP), making it possible to wirelessly stream data.

What You Need

To get started, you'll need:

  1. NMEA 0183 output from your instruments or GPS/Marine sensors
  2. An NMEA 0183 to WiFi converter (Elfin EW10, HF2211, or similar)
  3. A WiFi-enabled device (tablet/smartphone)
  4. Navigation apps that support WiFi NMEA input, such as Navionics Boating HD (iOS/Android) and OpenCPN (desktop and select mobile versions)

Connecting and Configuring Hardware

Elfin EW10 Setup

  1. Connect your NMEA 0183 instrument outputs (Tx/Rx) correctly to Elfin EW10 ports:
  2. Tx from instrument → Rx on EW10
  3. Rx from instrument → Tx on EW10
  4. Ensure the power supply is correct (12V typically).
  5. Use the Elfin configuration tool (often web-based or a dedicated app) to configure:
  6. Serial baud rate (e.g., 4800, 38400 bps depending on instrument)
  7. WiFi SSID and password for the wireless network created by the EW10
  8. Protocol (usually TCP server or UDP)

HF2211 Setup

  1. Similar connection of NMEA 0183 wires.
  2. Power supply as specified.
  3. Configure serial settings and WiFi network via its configuration page.
  4. Choose TCP or UDP mode based on your app compatibility.

Network Setup

These converters generally create their own WiFi Access Point (AP mode). Connect your tablet or smartphone to the WiFi created by the converter using the SSID and passphrase you defined.

Configure Your Navigation App to Read NMEA 0183 over WiFi

  1. Open the Navionics app.
  2. Go to Settings > NMEA Input or Interface.
  3. Enable the NMEA TCP/UDP input.
  4. Enter IP and port of the converter (often IP like 192.168.4.1 if connected directly to converter's WiFi).
  5. Start data streaming; Navionics will parse and overlay on charts.

OpenCPN

  1. On desktop OpenCPN:
  2. Go to Options → Connections → Add Connection.
  3. Choose type TCP or UDP.
  4. Enter the IP and port from your converter.
  5. Enable connection.
  6. On mobile, OpenCPN mobile editions may also allow TCP/UDP connections similarly.
  7. OpenCPN will then decode and show NMEA data live.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check baud rate matches your instruments and converter.
  • Ensure correct wiring for TX/RX and power.
  • Make sure tablet is connected to WiFi of the converter.
  • Ensure app is configured for TCP or UDP matching the converter mode.
  • Use a serial terminal or NMEA viewer app (like “NMEA Reader” apps) to verify if data is flowing.
  • Reset converter to factory and reconfigure if you get no data.
  • Some converters have default IP 192.168.4.1 — verify with documentation.

Summary

| Step | Action | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Connect NMEA 0183 cable to converter | Wire instrument Tx to converter RX and vice versa. | | Power the converter | Provide proper 12V power supply. | | Configure converter | Set baud rate, WiFi (AP or Client), protocol.| | Connect tablet to WiFi| Join converter's WiFi network. | | Configure app input | Set NMEA input IP and port in Navionics/OpenCPN.| | View data | Start streaming and watch navigation info. |

The RS232 to RS485 Converter can be purchased on Amazon (link provided: https://amzn.to/3XW7Zs) and AliExpress (link provided: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDoZdOJ). The Elfin EW10 allows the use of navigation applications like Navionics and OpenCPN. The HF2211 can be purchased on Amazon (link provided: https://amzn.to/3FtTgrE) and AliExpress (link provided: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opH5tfb). The Elfin EW10 is an affordable industrial converter that transforms NMEA 0183 data into WiFi. The Elfin EW10 can also be purchased on AliExpress (link provided). The HF2211 and the RS232 to RS485 Converter are not directly mentioned to be usable for real-time navigation information viewing on tablets or smartphones. The Elfin EW10 is compatible with devices such as AMEC Camino, Em-Trak, Matsutec HA-102, and others. The HF2211 and the RS232 to RS485 Converter are not mentioned to be compatible with specific devices like AMEC Camino, Em-Trak, Matsutec HA-102, or Navionics and OpenCPN.

  1. With the help of technology like the Elfin EW10 and HF2211, data-and-cloud-computing plays a significant role in the navigation of seas.
  2. The seamless integration of NMEA 0183 to WiFi converters with popular navigation apps like Navionics and OpenCPN further expands the horizons of technology in terms of marine navigation.

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