Nmea4Wifi (2021) - SMD, TH and KIT Upgrades

Discussion and support for the Nmea4Wifi multiplexer - a 4-input Nmea 0183 wifi multiplexer.
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Luis Sa
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Posts: 845
Joined: Thu May 04, 2017 4:12 am

Nmea4Wifi (2021) - SMD, TH and KIT Upgrades

Post by Luis Sa » Wed Feb 17, 2021 8:49 pm

Hello,


(please read the following topic because there was an update to the KIT and TH versions in November 2023)


From 2020 to 2021 the Nmea4Wifi multiplexer has gone through significant improvements. The main modification is the use of faster optocouplers. In this post I describe the technical details of the present multiplexer. Normal users do not need to read this as everything concerning the operation of the multiplexer is described in the acknowledgement webpage that you see when you type 192.169.4.1 on the navigation bar of your browser.

The multiplexer is available in versions built with SMD (Surface Mounting Devices) and TH (Through-Hole) technologies. So I am using 3 designations:
  • Nmea4Wifi SMD
  • Nmea4Wifi TH
  • Nmea4Wifi KIT
All versions are identical in terms of functionality and software. The TH and KIT versions are also identical in terms of hardware. The obvious difference is that the KIT version is assembled by the user. In all versions you can use a USB cable to receive and transmit data from and to a computer. This USB cable can also power the multiplexer so that you do not need to supply 12V to the multiplexer. Both the USB cable and the 12V supply from a battery can coexist. If you use an USB cable the top cover box can not be used, except if you cut an hole on top cover in the case of the SMD version. Also note that the SMD version uses a micro USB type B socket strongly soldered to the PCB. All versions use spring type connectors.

SCREW-CON.jpg

The circuit diagram of the multiplexers can be downloaded from the links at the bottom of this post.


NMEA4WIFI KIT - INSTRUCTIONS


The remaining part of this post is addressed to the builders of the Nmea4Wifi KIT. Kits are supplied with the original Instruction Manual for the Nmea2Wifi multiplexer. We advise you to read that manual as there are many common aspects between the Nmea2Wifi and the Nmea4Wifi Kits. Basically the Nmea4Wifi kit uses a different processor. Instead of the ESP8266 module, the Nmea4Wifi kit uses either the ESP32 MH-ET module or a custom ESP32 module.

esp32-new-mhet.jpg

The custom module is now ready and will replace the MH-ET module. The 20 pins of the custom module correspond to the inner 20 pins of the MH-ET module

new-module.jpg

In the following we show the relevant differences to the referred to Instruction Manual. The parts list is as follows:

nmea4-list.jpg

The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and the some parts in this KIT (voltage regulator and resistor arrays) are shown in the following pictures

ESP32-RESISTOR-ARRAY.jpg

pcb-n4.jpg

Note that the diodes, LEDs, type A resistor arrays and ICs need proper orientation. The diodes have a bar that indicates the cathode. You need to insert them so that the bar that exists in the body of the component coincides with that shown on the PCB. The LEDs have 2 terminals (anode and cathode). The cathode terminal wire is shorter than that of the anode and should go on the hole that is next to the connectors. Resistor arrays R2 and R3 have a dot printed in their bodies. The pin near these dots should go on the holes whose pads are quadrangular. Resistor array R1 can be mounted either way. As for the ICs please follow the indications on the referred to Instruction Manual. The following pictures will also give you some ideas on how to assemble ther KIT.

mount1.jpg
mount2.jpg
mount3.jpg
mount4.jpg
mount5.jpg

Finally note that you need to use the Arduino IDE to flash the ESP32 module with the small sketch as described here. Then you can update to the latest firmware using OTA (Over The Air). If you are not familiar with the Arduino IDE you could contact me before buying the KIT to check if I can send you a pre flashed module.

Regards, Luis
Attachments
Schematic_NMEA4WIFI-SMD.pdf
(115.31 KiB) Downloaded 823 times
Schematic_NMEA4WIFI-TH-KIT.pdf
(75.89 KiB) Downloaded 829 times

Luis Sa
Site Admin
Posts: 845
Joined: Thu May 04, 2017 4:12 am

NMEA4WIFI - TH and KIT after November 2023

Post by Luis Sa » Tue Jan 02, 2024 5:15 am

Hello,

There has been few changes since the NMEA4WIFI was initially created. They are are as follows:
  • the CN1 connector is now as 12 pin connector as we removed GND from the P5 output port. Now the list of components include a 3 pin header and a jumper whose normal position is 1. See the website for details about this.
  • there are 2 more resistors: R4 (1K) and R5 (1K2). R4 is to force a greater current on Led L5. R5 makes the input resistance of port P1 about 600R which may be necessary when driving this port from old AIS receivers.
The PCB and the schematics are included here.

nme4wifi-pcb-nob-23.jpg

Regards, Luis
Attachments
Schematic_NMEA4WIFI-Nov23.pdf
(86.64 KiB) Downloaded 138 times

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