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© 2015 Active Research Limited

USB to Serial Gateway - USG-2

Page 5

Features

NMEA 0183, RS422 and RS232 compatible

 - this differential input is fully compliant with the NMEA 0183 

standard specification. 

ISO-Drive

TM

 technology

 - creates a driver unique to Actisense that has 1500 volts of isolation.

Isolated output (1500V)

 - the ISO-Drive™ creates a completely “floating” output, making a safe connection to a 

computer an easy task. The ISO-Drive™ output can safely transfer data to an NMEA 0183 device, or any other RS232/
RS422 device. The output automatically changes between differential, single-ended, RS232 and RS422 depending 
upon the type of instrument it is connected to.

Isolated input (2500V)

 - a floating receiver OPTO-isolated to 2500 volts protects the connected devices even 

during the most extreme fault conditions.

Inputs & outputs fully protected against over voltage, ESD & short circuits

 - electrical isolation makes 

inputs and outputs robust enough to withstand many fault conditions and an electronic fuse will disconnect the USG-2 
from any short-circuit until the fault is removed.

Fully encapsulated electronics

 - the USG-2 PCBA is sealed inside a potted case, giving perfect protection to the 

internal electronics from water and dust ingress.

High retention Type-B receptacle (USB 1.1, 2.0 & 3.0 compatible)

 

- there is naturally a lot of vibration in 

the marine environment which can cause some connections to become loose over time. The High retention Type-B 
receptacle on the USG-2 prevents the USB cable from vibrating loose.

Diagnostic LED’s show both Talker & Listener activity

 

- quickly and easily diagnose potential data  

transfer issues.

Separate power LED

 - immediately identify the power status of the USG-2.

Supports baud rates from 300 up to 230400 bps

 

- meets and exceeds NMEA 0183 baud rate requirements 

while also covering the majority of RS232 or RS422 networking situations.

Bulkhead mount, with optional DIN rail mount kit

 - makes mounting the USG-2 quick and easy in  

professional installations.

Pluggable screwless connector with locking latch

 - the spring loaded wire clamps and the locking latch prevent 

wiring from being accidently pulled out or working loose over time due to vibration. The 2-part connector allows wires 
to be connected quickly and easily, even in hard to reach locations.

Built-in strain relief on screwless connector

 

- maintain the integrity of your NMEA 0183 data wiring connections 

by letting the USG-2 take the strain.

Software updates

The USG-2 does not have built-in firmware so it does not require updates. Actisense provides free access to the latest 

USB drivers on the Actisense website, 

www.actisense.com.

Summary of Contents for USG-2

Page 1: ...Issue 1 00 USB to Serial Gateway User Manual USG 2 ...

Page 2: ...r notice Active Research Ltd cannot accept any liability for differences between the product and this document To check for updated information and specifications please check actisense com Active Research Ltd will not be liable for infringement of copyright industrial property rights or other rights of a third party caused by the use of information or drawings described in this manual Product Reg...

Page 3: ...o serial port 4 Features 5 Software updates 5 NMEA 0183 interfacing 6 The basics 6 The NMEA signals 6 The different NMEA standards 6 Before getting started 7 Connecting to Devices 7 Connecting to NMEA 0183 Devices 7 Bi directional Connections 7 In the USG 2 Box 7 Inserting the Strain Relief Clip 8 Securing Data Wires 8 Power Supply and USB Drivers 8 Using the USB COM Port 9 LED Behaviour 9 Separat...

Page 4: ...systems Because the data signals travel across this isolating barrier as light the signals do not share the same ground safety is assured and no current can flow between the two power systems In addition a built in power isolator completes this comprehensive suite of protection Overcoming issues with different standards Computer serial or COM ports use the RS232 standard This uses a ground and a r...

Page 5: ...m water and dust ingress High retention Type B receptacle USB 1 1 2 0 3 0 compatible there is naturally a lot of vibration in the marine environment which can cause some connections to become loose over time The High retention Type B receptacle on the USG 2 prevents the USB cable from vibrating loose Diagnostic LED s show both Talker Listener activity quickly and easily diagnose potential data tra...

Page 6: ...A and NMEA B connects to NMEA The different NMEA standards The NMEA 0183 specification has slowly evolved over the 30 years since its first inception so connecting one device to another is not always a straightforward matter The early versions of NMEA 0183 before v2 0 as detailed above used RS232 signalling one NMEA data line Tx or Out and ground as the other data line This connection method is re...

Page 7: ... press down on the orange buttons and open the terminal for the wires to be inserted or removed Connecting to NMEA 0183 Devices USG 2 label Connects to Talker A NMEA 0183 Listener RX A or NMEA IN A Talker B NMEA 0183 Listener RX B or NMEA IN B Listener A NMEA 0183 Talker TX A or NMEA OUT A Listener B NMEA 0183 Talker TX B or NMEA OUT B Bi directional Connections If connecting an NMEA 0183 Talker a...

Page 8: ... header from the screwless connector Securing Data Wires To protect against vibration wrap the supplied cable tie around the terminated wires and in line with the groove on the strain relief clip Pull the cable tie tight enough that it secures the data wires to the strain relief clip but not too tight that it begins to crush the wire Power Supply and USB Drivers The USG 2 is powered by the USB con...

Page 9: ...Orange Name Power indicator Receive LED Transmit LED Function Illuminates solid blue when USB driver has successfully loaded and USB port powered Flashes to indicate data is being received on the USG 2 input Flashes to indicate data is being transmitted on the USG 2 output Mounting the USG 2 The USG 2 should be installed in a suitable protected location e g below deck where it will not come in to ...

Page 10: ...d between the USG 2 and the computer The Actisense USB drivers must be installed correctly on the computer before USB power is enabled When an internet connection is available USB driver installation is automatic if not manual installation instructions and USB drivers are available from the Actisense website and on the CD provided Power is present and a Talker is connected but the USG 2 isn t rece...

Page 11: ... 2 0 and 3 0 Electrical isolation 2500V input to ground Speed baud rate 300 to 230400 bps baud Connectivity High retention type B receptacle supplied cable includes a custom USB Type B sealing plug Withdrawal force 1 5Kg Drivers Latest OS Windows XP Vista 7 8 10 MAC OS X supplied on CD Actisense website Mechanical Materials Housing ABS PA 765 flame retardant to UL94 V 0 PCB encapsulant polyurethan...

Page 12: ... 2015 Active Research Limited Page 12 Active Research Ltd Unit 5 Wessex Trade Centre Ringwood Road Poole Dorset UK BH12 3PF Tel 44 0 1202 746682 Email sales actisense com Web www actisense com ...

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