Actisense PRO-BUF-2 Professional NMEA 0183 Intelligent Buffer
The Actisense PRO-BUF-2 is a Type-Approved, intelligent NMEA 0183 buffer and distribution system
designed for complex marine electronics installations where reliability, isolation, and controlled data flow
are critical.
Built around Actisense’s professional-grade isolation and data-management architecture, the PRO-BUF-2 allows one or two
NMEA 0183 talkers to be safely and reliably distributed to up to twelve isolated NMEA 0183 outputs,
while also supporting Ethernet and serial connectivity for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics.
Why PRO-BUF-2
- Provides full electrical isolation on every input and output to prevent ground loops and equipment damage
- Acts as an intelligent NMEA 0183 buffer, autoswitch, and combiner rather than a passive multiplexer
- Allows priority-based source selection between redundant talkers (e.g. dual GPS or AIS sources)
- Prevents data collisions and overloads common with simple multiplexers
- Ensures each listener receives a properly driven, standards-compliant NMEA 0183 signal
- Meets Type Approval requirements for regulated and commercial installations
- Supports remote configuration and diagnostics over Ethernet without physical access
Core Capabilities
- 2 × OPTO-isolated NMEA 0183 inputs
- 12 × ISO-Drive™ isolated NMEA 0183 outputs
- 1 × bi-directional isolated serial port (RS422 / RS232 compatible)
- NMEA 0183 over Ethernet (TCP / UDP)
- Advanced data filtering, routing, and priority management
- Automatic baud-rate matching on inputs
- Two virtual autoswitch modules for intelligent source selection
- Relay alarm output compatible with onboard alarm systems
The PRO-BUF-2 can operate out of the box using predefined hardware modes for common installations,
or be fully customized using Actisense’s web-based configuration tool.
Configuration & Diagnostics
When placed into User Configuration Mode, the PRO-BUF-2 exposes a powerful web-based configuration interface
accessible from any modern browser and operating system. This allows fine-grained control over:
- Which sentences appear on each output
- Data filtering and rate control
- Source prioritization and autoswitch behavior
- Live data statistics and bus loading
Front-panel LEDs provide immediate visual confirmation of power, data activity, and alarm states, making both commissioning
and troubleshooting significantly easier.
Mechanical & Installation
- 316 stainless steel enclosure for long-term durability
- Bulkhead mounting or DIN rail mounting (DIN kit optional)
- 2-part pluggable screw terminals for fast, serviceable installations
- Optional screwless terminal packs and strain-relief accessories
Applications
- Commercial vessels requiring Type-Approved NMEA 0183 infrastructure
- Large leisure yachts with multiple NMEA listeners
- Systems requiring redundant GPS or AIS source autoswitching
- Mixed-vendor NMEA 0183 systems needing isolation and protection
- Permanent installations where remote diagnostics are required
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