Wireless repeaters / instruments

[Wynand N]

Anyone with some experience with wireless instruments (repeaters). Are they reliable and how would a steel hull affect their performance?

[westlawn5554X]

repeater consist of 2 main unit radio, one for TX another for RX. The function of repeater is communication for radio usage within a range depend on the height of the antenna.

example, I need a team to talk within a radius of 20 km with small radio, with a repeater u need only run the power low, instead without repeater, u expect no signal or poor signal.

I myself have 2 repeater sitting in my shelf, one is motorola model .

[TerryKing]

Originally Posted by Wynand N

Anyone with some experience with wireless instruments (repeaters). Are they reliable and how would a steel hull affect their performance?

Wynand, what kind of instruments are you considering here? Navigation? Engine/system monitoring? NMEA-based?

[Wynand N]

Terry, the package consists of the speed and depth system, the wind system, compass, dual data display and NMEA interface. The brand name in this instance is "Tactick" and all is wireless.

Another question, can this be linked to navigation equipment and radar?

[Fanie]

Hi Wynand, NMEA is a standard protocol, use by GPS receivers to transmit data. NMEA output is EIA-422A but for most purposes you can consider it RS-232 compatible. Uses a slow 4800 bps, 8 data bits, no parity and one stop bit ( 8N1 ).

If your 'instruments' are raw ie the windspeed meter outputs the reed switch switching rate (ie it that type you use), you will need an interface to measure the rate and sends the serial data out to your Tactick via the rf link. Applies to all instruments. If they are all NMEA compatable your Tactic must either be able to distinguish (programmable) between the various data's received (again protocol id data sent to Tactick) or Tactic must have a dedicated input with a receiver for each instrument.

The metal hull will shield TX /RX range. If you have a temp sensor with it's TX module in the hull and the RX antenna is outside you may run into some difficulties.

The ideal for most antennae is line of sight, but not always achievable.

[TerryKing]

Originally Posted by Wynand N

..(snip).. The brand name in this instance is "Tactick"

Wynand, I have no direct experience yet...

TacTic seems to be aimed mostly at cruising / racing sailboats, with composite hulls. You probably should ask them what steel-hull experience they have..

The 'wireless' approach, especially for aftermarket / DIY installations is attractive, but I wonder a bit about reliability and ElectroMagnetic Compatibility
issues. What happens when you fire up a 200 watt SSB rig connected to the backstay, for example???

I will be researching the Wireless possibilities but right now I'm also looking at low-cost fibre-optic NMEA links which might be a good solution in the onboard environment.

Let us know what you find out!!

[SteelTrawler]

ZigBee and mesh networks seem well suited to marine applications. Particularly audio and low-bit rate video.

[westlawn5554X]

Originally Posted by TerryKing

I will be researching the Wireless possibilities but right now I'm also looking at low-cost fibre-optic NMEA links which might be a good solution in the onboard environment.

fiber optic for radio? what type and model? I havent seen one, thx

[TerryKing]

Originally Posted by westlawn5554X

fiber optic for radio?

No, I just mean using Fibre Optic link to replace a wired RS432/422 NMEA link. The hardware is low cost, this low-speed application can use low-cost plastic fibre that's easy to cut and connect. It's more physically robust than most wiring, and eliminates the shielding/grounding issues. But it's not 'standard', and there are no direct-to-radio or GPS options that I know of. There are external serial-port-to-fibre adapters though.

I'll be trying this out in a few weeks....

(Headed for Vermont in the RAIN..) TK

[TerryKing]

Originally Posted by SteelTrawler

ZigBee and mesh networks seem well suited to marine applications. Particularly audio and low-bit rate video.

True. I really want to find some data about performance in high-RF environments like cruising SSB etc.