How it works

Bus systems

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The OBP60 is a data display device for marine applications, capable of reading and displaying a wide range of information from bus systems. Typical marine bus systems that the OBP60 processes include:

  • NMEA0183 (RS485, isolated)

  • NMEA2000 (CAN, isolated)

This allows the OBP60 to be integrated into existing boat networks. It can input and read data itself. Furthermore, the OPB60 processes other sensor networks such as:

  • I2C bus (5V, isolated)

  • 1-Wire bus (3.3V, non-isolated)

These two bus systems originate from the electronics sector. Inexpensive sensors can be connected via these two buses to display their data. Furthermore, custom hardware extensions can be integrated quite easily and securely via the isolated I2C bus.

Gateway

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The OBP60 has an integrated gateway that can exchange data bidirectionally between NMEA0183 and NMEA2000. This involves translating the data from one bus into the data from the other bus. The translation works in both directions.

Note

It should be noted that not all NMEA2000 data can be translated into NMEA0183 data, because suitable telegrams in NMEA0183 do not always exist.

WiFi connection

The OBP60 features WiFi functionality in the 2.4 GHz radio range. This allows for both device configuration and data transfer.

Furthermore, the device can be connected to the internet or other Wi-Fi networks, enabling communication with other devices. This allows, for example, data from the bus systems to be transferred to or received from a laptop, PC, or mobile phone. This makes it possible to use the sensor data in third-party software such as Navionics, NMEA Remote, or WinGPS.

Configuration

The OBP60 has an integrated access point and a small web server, which can be used to configure the device.

Unlike other commercial devices, the OBP60 is configured exclusively via the web. A mobile phone, for example, can be used for this purpose. This makes configuring the device significantly easier and more convenient.

The device allows for the free definition of up to 10 display pages. The user can choose between numeric and graphical display pages. Any data from the bus systems can be displayed on each numeric display page. The data content on the graphical display pages is predefined, as they offer specific functionalities.

Display and operation

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The display uses an e-paper screen. It offers high contrast and good readability even in bright sunlight. It also consumes very little energy. The display can be backlit for nighttime use. The background color is freely selectable, allowing the OBP60 to be easily combined with other display devices for a uniform appearance. A small flashing LED and a buzzer provide visual and audible alerts to the user when limit values are exceeded. These limit values are freely configurable.

The display pages are selected via capacitive touch buttons; a swipe gesture across the buttons navigates to the next page. The sensitivity of the buttons can be adjusted. The buttons can also be locked to prevent accidental activation. Depending on the display page, some settings can also be configured using the buttons. These settings apply only to that specific display page and are saved, ensuring they are retained when switching pages.