4G-Wifi-Axiom

[Fabrice-Erta]

Hello All,

I imagine that almost everyone has already an idea / view on what are the   best options to build an internal  / external network. Things should be simple but the implementation may become a   nightmare.


1) My current equipment 2 Axiom Pro 9" +VHF / AIS (B) + autopilot + I70 all raymarine. + Quantum II radar

2) I would like to connecte a laptop ( OpenCpn)  or an iPad  or both to display alll  NMEA DATA, AIS as well to use them with Wheather4D and connect the iPad to the MFD.
3) I am considering as well  a 4G router mainly, the Axiom pro solid be able to connect to the 4G to get updates and grib files

I was thinking of having : 
- A base 4G router : TP-Link Routeur 4G M7350, this will allow both MFD and iPad + Laptop to connect to the local network
- To display NMEA on the wifi network i can have :
    a) a YDWG-02N Nmea gateway

or
    b) a navlink2 nmea gateway.

the B option its 100€ more expensive but could give more flexibility


Does anyone has implemented such a configuration, is there some limitation to consider ?

Fabrice

[petros42]

Hi Fabrice:  We have pretty much the same boat electronics (Axiom 9, AIS (b), raymarine autopilot and quantum II).

I use OpenCPN as well as a bunch of other software systems (software backbone is SignalK).

I use a Ubiquiti Nanostation for the Boat to Dock connection.  This unit is mounted to a strut that supports the bimini.  
I use a TP-link EAP-110, mounted inside the lazarette to provide wifi for everything on the boat.
I have a Yacht Devices YDWG-02R gateway that bridges the boat network to the WIFI network.

I have helped a few friends with this same basic configuration and it has worked well.

Let me know if you have any questions.  

Cheers,
...Peter

[shenandoah]

Fabrice,
This is interesting. You obviously know more about technology systems than I. I have not even considered doing what you are talking about and now wonder if I should. I don't mean to side track this, but I am truly curious. 

I have a similar set up with Axiom, except my AIS is Vesper. Everything else is Raymarine. I primarily use Navionics for navigation and simply link the iPad to the Raymarine system through the built in wifi network. Raymarine has an app which turns the iPad into a MFD if I wish. All NMEA data links with Navionics, Vesper, Raymarine etc. 

What is the advantage of building your own network on top of what is already there?

Warm regards,

Chuck

[Fabrice-Erta]

Feb 7, 2022 16:55:49 GMT petros42 said:

Hi Fabrice:  We have pretty much the same boat electronics (Axiom 9, AIS (b), raymarine autopilot and quantum II).

I use OpenCPN as well as a bunch of other software systems (software backbone is SignalK).

I use a Ubiquiti Nanostation for the Boat to Dock connection.  This unit is mounted to a strut that supports the bimini.  
I use a TP-link EAP-110, mounted inside the lazarette to provide wifi for everything on the boat.
I have a Yacht Devices YDWG-02R gateway that bridges the boat network to the WIFI network.

I have helped a few friends with this same basic configuration and it has worked well.

Let me know if you have any questions.  

Cheers,
...Peter

Hi Peter,

Thanks a lot, this is pretty similar in terms of design.


May be I need to check if i   need a 02R or  02N.
 Does your Ubiquiti have a 4G functionality. As I am   not often in marinas, having a 4G connexion, is useful   ( 15€/month ) covering main Med /EU area's.


Regards
Fabrice

[Fabrice-Erta]

Feb 7, 2022 21:10:28 GMT shenandoah said:

Fabrice,
This is interesting. You obviously know more about technology systems than I. I have not even considered doing what you are talking about and now wonder if I should. I don't mean to side track this, but I am truly curious. 

I have a similar set up with Axiom, except my AIS is Vesper. Everything else is Raymarine. I primarily use Navionics for navigation and simply link the iPad to the Raymarine system through the built in wifi network. Raymarine has an app which turns the iPad into a MFD if I wish. All NMEA data links with Navionics, Vesper, Raymarine etc. 

What is the advantage of building your own network on top of what is already there?

Warm regards,

Chuck

HI Chuck,

Connected to a 4G router will allow whether (software ) updates and grib download directly to the Axiom. This is also a way   to connect a laptop, with and external GPS antenna as backup of all integrated systems
I Have tried to connect the MFD via the apps even Navionics but I have some issue   with the    Wifi configuration.  I will retry as this could be a first step.

thanks for   you answer,  as   owner of a   SO 440 , i could  ask some more questions   :-)
Regards
Fabrice

[shenandoah]

Interesting. Once you have sorted it out please let us know how it went. That would be useful information. 

Good luck. 

And yes, the SO440 owners have to look out for one another. :-) 

Warm regards,

Chuck

[petros42]

Hi Fabrice:  Sorry for the very delayed reply.  No, my system doesn't include 4G, it is WIFI only.
There used to be a company "Wirie" that made an all in one system that supported 4G and WIFI, but sadly they are no longer in business.

[bitsailor]

I use a raspberry PI running open plotter connected to a antisense NGT-1 to get my NMEA data into my network. The raspberry PI running open plotter does a good job of getting the NMEA data onto the wifi network and is very customizable, but also requires some technical knowhow.

I also got a yachdevices interface to get my yanmar engine data onto my NMEA network which works a charm, and a Maretron 
DCM100 to monitor voltage and amps.  The DCM100 is much munch more accurate than the built in jeanneau system and plugs right into the NMEA system - you can then use your axiom or other systems to monitor and even give you estimates of how much battery power you have left.

On a side note, I ditched my 4G setup since it was getting expensive to have a separate data plan just for sailing, but we have unlimited data on our cell plan. I have found that setting my phone to hotspot and hauling it to the top of the mast in a drybag is an extremely effective way of getting a solid 4G signal at anchor.

If anyone wants any more detailed info on any of these let me know and I am happy to help.

Thx
G

[sitara]

Hi Bitsailor, My 4G data plan for the boat tripled in price this year so like you I have ditched it. I do like your solution with a halyard and dry bag! Will be trying it next season.

Rob

[Don Reaves]

May 1, 2022 17:15:54 GMT bitsailor said:

...I have found that setting my phone to hotspot and hauling it to the top of the mast in a drybag is an extremely effective way of getting a solid 4G signal at anchor...

Might make answering a call rather difficult.