Feel free to reach out to us!
Find quick answers to common questions
Press & drag to view
PRO NMEA 0183 Buffer - 2 OPTO Inputs, 12 ISO-Drive Outputs, Serial Port, Ethernet Port, Pluggable Screw Terminal
Two OPTO-isolated inputs and twelve ISO-Drive™ isolated outputs. Offering device protection and excellent flexibility, all in one product - the Actisense® PRO-BUF-2, the intelligent, type-approved PRO range buffer.
The PRO-BUF-2 is rugged, with a stainless steel housing, and provides isolation on all inputs and outputs. With two NMEA 0183 inputs, twelve NMEA 0183 outputs, a bi-directional serial port, and an Ethernet port, the PRO-BUF-2 is a perfect solution for larger leisure vessels, commercial shipping, and is a great addition for systems that require type-approved devices.
The PRO-BUF-2 is designed to suit the majority of NMEA 0183 systems and is ready to go ‘out of the box’ by simply hard-wiring the two-mode inputs as required.
The Intelligent NMEA 0183 Buffer's manually configurable basic modes of operation include variations of buffer modes, intelligent auto-switch, and combine modes.
For all other configurations, leaving the mode inputs floating selects the ‘User Configuration Mode’. The web-based configuration tool allows full customisation of the PRO-BUF-2, and is compatible across all popular Operating Systems. Using the web-based configuration tool allows for fine-tuning of the data available on each output.
To make installation quick and simple, the PRO-BUF-2 features 2-part pluggable connectors that allow the use of screw terminals*, and a professional DIN Rail mounting system (DIN Rail not included). The device can also be mounted directly to the bulkhead.
Helpful LEDs indicate power, data in, data out, and the alarm status to aid diagnostics.
Data statistics and load indication via the web tool provide a real-time view of data.
Features:
- 2 Opto-Isolated inputs
- 12 ISO-Drive NMEA 0183 outputs
- Ethernet Port
- Flexible operating modes
- Automatic Baud Rate matching on inputs
- Alarm output options
- Web-based configuration tool
- Diagnostic LEDs
- Advanced Data Filtering and Routing
- 2 virtual Autoswitch modules
- Data statistics and load indication via a web tool
- Designed for a 12 / 24 Volt supply
- Future-proofing with easily upgradable firmware
- 2-part pluggable connector system
- Stainless Steel Housing with DIN rail mount option
- Type Approved
- Flexible configuration options to buffer autoswitch or combine NMEA data
- ISO-Drive separates the Listener from the Talker to protect both the PRO-BUF and each connected device.
- Fast bi-directional data connection to a monitor and control software application
- PRO-BUF can be configured using any web browser on any Operating system
- Works out-of-the-box without configuration for basic installations, or can be easily user-configured as required
- Relay output is compatible with on-board alarm systems, and the NMEA Alarm sentence can be displayed and actioned on an MFD
- Easy to access via network, doesn’t require the device to be moved or have a serial connection to the PC.
- A quick visual check gives the user confidence that each input and output is passing data
- Features can be utilised to fine-tune data, avoiding data overloads on the outputs and connected listeners
- Allows automatic data priority selection between two devices of the same type of data (e.g., GPS)
- Shows the NMEA 0183 on each I/O Port, and how frequently it arrives, great for low-level diagnostics
- Allows use on large vessel 24V DC power supply systems
- Additional features in future firmware revisions are accessed using a simple update process via Actisense Toolkit over Ethernet
- Fast installations and supports both screw and screwless terminal types. Ideal for quick diagnostic swapping
- Increased durability, ease of installation, and high performance
- Can be installed on vessels governed by Class Society Rules
- Type Approved (RINA)
Technical Specifications:
Power Supply
- Input Supply Voltage - 9 to 35 V DC
- Input Supply Current - 325mA max @ 12V DC (all outputs @ full drive into 100 ohm loads)
- Input Protection - Continuous reverse polarity, transient overvoltage, and ESD protection
- Power Indicator - LED, Blue – indicates unit is functioning correctly
- Input Supply Connector - Pluggable 2-way screw terminal, 5.08mm pitch
NMEA 0183 Port – Listener & Talker
- Number of Listener / Input Ports - 2 isolated NMEA 0183 Listeners
- Number of Talker / Output Ports - 12 isolated NMEA 0183 Talkers
- Compatibility - Fully NMEA 0183, RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS-485 Listener compatible
- Speed/baud rate - 4800 to 38400 bps
- Talker Output Voltage Drive - >= 2.2V (differential) into 100 ohm
- Talker Output Current Drive - 20 mA maximum per output
- Talker Output Protection - Short circuit and ESD
- Talker Data Indicator - LED, Orange (Flashes at data rate)
- Listener Input Voltage Tolerance - -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
- Listener Input Protection - Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC, and ESD protection
- Listener Data Indicator - LED, Green (Flashes to indicate valid input)
- Connectors - Pluggable 2/3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Serial Port
- Compatibility - RS422 & RS232 compatible. RS-485 Listener compatible
- Speed/baud rate - 4800 to 115200 bps
- Output Voltage Drive - >= 2.1V (differential) into 100 ohms
- Output Current Drive - 20 mA max.
- Output Protection - Short circuit and ESD
- Input Voltage Tolerance - -15 V to +15 V continuous, -35 V to +35 V short term (< 1 second)
- Input Protection - Current limited, overdrive protection to 40 VDC, and ESD protection
- Data Indicators - LED’s: Green = Receive, Orange = Transmit
- Connectors - Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Ethernet Port
- Host Interface - 10/100BaseT, automatic polarity detection
- Supported Protocols - TCP/IP for configuration and firmware updating, TCP/IP and UDP for NMEA 0183 comms
- Indicators - Green = Link/Activity, Yellow = 100 Mbps
- Connector - RJ45
Isolation
- NMEA 0183 Listener - OPTO-Isolated, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
- NMEA 0183 Talker - Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
- Serial Port - Uses IsoDriveTM, Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
- Alarm Relay - Hi-Pot tested to 1000V
- Ethernet Port - 2kV for 60s
Mode Inputs
- Input Voltage Range - 0 to 35V DC
- Protection - Transient overvoltage and ESD protection
- Connectors - Pluggable 2-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Alarm Output
- Contacts - Common, Normally Open and Normally Closed
- Alarm Indicator - LED, Red indicates a valid alarm condition
- Contact Ratings - 35VAC / 50VDC
- Connectors - Pluggable 3-way screw terminals, 5.08mm pitch
Mechanical
- Housing Material - 316 Stainless Steel
- Dimensions - 210mm (W) x 128mm (H) x 27mm (D)
- Weight - 530g
- Mounting - Bulkhead mount or DIN rail mount (DIN kit 1)
Approvals and Certifications
- EMC - IEC 60945:2002-08, DNVGL-CG-0339:2019 & IACS UR E10 Rev7
- Compass Safe Distance - 750mm
- Type Approval Certificate - RINA
- Operating Temperature - -25 to +70°C
- Storage Temperature - -40 to +85°C
- Relative Humidity (RH) - 95% @ 55°C
- Environmental Protection - IP40
- Guarantee - 5 Years
Specifications:
- Data Interface: NMEA 0183
- Box Dimensions: 2"H x 6"W x 10"L WT: 1.5 lbs
- UPC: 5060998710522
Quick Guide (pdf)
Owner's Manual (pdf)
Brochure (pdf)
FAQs
Product & Usage
1. Is your gear authentic and warranty-backed?
Yes — we are an authorized US dealer for 300+ marine electronics brands. Every order ships with the manufacturer’s full warranty.
2. Are these products beginner-friendly?
Yes. Our products are designed for both seasoned boaters and first-time owners. Each unit ships with a manufacturer manual, and we’re happy to answer setup questions over email.
3. Are these products built for marine conditions?
Yes. Marine electronics are engineered for saltwater spray, vibration, and weather. Check the product specs for IPX waterproof rating and saltwater certifications.
Maintenance & Accessories
1. What maintenance does marine electronics require?
Rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure, store in a dry place, and follow your manufacturer’s cleaning and storage instructions.
2. Can I buy replacement parts and accessories separately?
Yes — we carry replacement parts, mounts, transducers, cables, and accessories for the brands we stock.
3. Do you provide product manuals or installation guides?
Every product ships with the original manufacturer’s manual. Digital copies and detailed installation guides are typically available on the brand’s website.
Warranty & Guarantee
1. Does my purchase include a warranty?
Yes — every order includes the full manufacturer warranty. Coverage length varies by brand (typically 1–3 years for Garmin, Lowrance, Raymarine, Simrad, Humminbird, Furuno, and others).
2. How do I register for warranty coverage?
Register directly with the manufacturer using your unit’s serial number. Manufacturer registration is the fastest path to warranty support if you ever need it.
3. What does the manufacturer warranty cover?
Defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Damage from impact, improper installation, or saltwater corrosion (without protection) may be excluded. Check brand-specific terms in your unit’s documentation.
4. Can I extend the warranty?
Some manufacturers offer extended-coverage programs through their registration portals. We don’t sell third-party warranty programs.
Purchasing & Support
1. How fast does my order ship?
Orders placed before 4pm EST Monday–Friday ship the same business day via UPS from our NJ or FL warehouses. Continental US delivery typically takes 3–7 business days for Economy.
2. Do you offer bulk or fleet pricing?
Yes — we offer volume pricing for fleet operators, marinas, dealers, and commercial customers. Email support@marineelectronicsdepot.com with your needs.
3. How can I contact support?
Email support@marineelectronicsdepot.com or call during business hours (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm ET). We’re happy to help with pre-purchase questions, order status, or post-sale support.
Can’t find your answer?
Recently viewed
Last seen items
