ShipModul released firmware V3.17.1 for MiniPlex-3

ShipModul, a Dutch marine electronics manufacturer, announced that a new firmware, V3.17.1 was released for the MiniPlex-3 Series. This would be used together with a matching MPXConfig3 V3.13.0. It should be noted that this latest MPXConfig3 is only available for Windows and not yet for macOS (a firmware downgrade is required for this). The new firmware update provides the following changes/new features and bug fixes:

Changes/New Features

  • New MCU used in MiniPlex-3

Due to the ongoing shortage on the microcontroller market, we redesigned the MiniPlex-3 series to use a new microcontroller. We will be producing MiniPlex-3 units with both old and new MCU’s, whatever is available on the market. We therefore defined a new firmware file format, which can hold multiple firmware images for both types of MCU. MPXConfig3 V3.17.1 supports this new firmware file format. It will automatically detect the type of MCU used in your MiniPlex-3, and load the correct firmware accordingly. This way, users do not need to worry about choosing the correct firmware file. To the user, the MiniPlex-3 is still the same device.

  • Full Modbus RTU Slave Implemented

All data received from NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 sources is now available through Modbus RTU, when the MiniPlex-3 Modbus Slave mode is enabled.

Bug Fixes

  • SeaTalk Transmission Halting

Fixed a bug that could prevent SeaTalk data from being transmitted.

  • SOG Error in AIS Message 9 from NMEA 2000

The SOG received in AIS Message 9 (Search and Rescue aircraft position report) from an NMEA 2000 source was converted incorrectly to NMEA 0183.

 

Note

These new features and conversions lead to many changes “under the hood”. Although both platforms were tested extensively, the occasional bug may surface. So please contact us if you feel the MiniPlex-3 is not performing as it should; so we can fix this immediately.

ShipModul provides advanced solutions for the reliable communication of NMEA data between multiple talkers and listeners. They are offering several interfacing options (NMEA0183, N2K, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi …) a rich set of features and configurations while eliminating ground loops. This makes the outputs compatible with all sorts of inputs, whether they are isolated or not, differential (RS-422) or grounded (RS-232). Any combination of networks using NMEA 0183, N2K or SeaTalk data integrates seamlessly via the latest MiniPlex-3 Series NMEA multiplexers. They offer the ultimate solution to connect old and new worlds and the perfect gateway to computers and tablets onboard.

 

For further information you may contact the Official Distributor and Support Center for Greece:

 

Aegean Electronics SA

4 Zosimadon Str, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

Tel: +30 210 4123000

E-mail: info@aegeanel.com