This multiplexer box aggregates information provided by onboard instruments (GPS, depth sounder, wind vane-anemometer, loch-speedo) and AIS, and sends it to various onboard screens (PCs, tablets, smartphones). It works with NMEA 0183 and NMEA2000 instrumentation. It is also Seatalk compatible.
The Miniplex-3E-N2K is the Ethernet version of the Miniplex-3Wi. It shares most of its features, but replaces wifi with a wired link (Ethernet).
The advantage of this version is that it can be connected to a network router. Network routers are increasingly present on board, either as computer network nodes on large units, or more commonly as Internet access points, such as the Nexux from Digital Yacht, or Starlink.
Once the Miniplex-3E-N2K is connected to the router, NMEA data flows freely over the network. Each connected device can access it in the same way as other data. So, for example, you can access the Internet with your tablet and simultaneously consult NMEA data while connected to the same wifi network (i.e. that of the router). You no longer have to change connections between anchoring and navigation, which is particularly practical when you have a number of devices on board (PC, tablet, smartphone).
The Miniplex-3E-N2K is bidirectional, i.e. it gathers and sends information from instruments to receivers (tablet, PC, plotter), but it can also receive commands, for example to take control of the autopilot (see below)
It incorporates :
All incoming signals are filtered and converted if necessary, and retransmitted on all outputs.
The Miniplex-3E-N2K features an Override mode that can be activated to take control of the driver via the router, and therefore via a tablet or PC.
For example, with a tablet equipped with a compatible navigation application (Weather4D, iNavX, Sailgrib WR...):
Note for NMEA2000 connection:
