ShipModul released firmware V3.29.0 for MiniPlex-3

ShipModul B.V., a Dutch marine electronics manufacturer, announced that a new firmware, V3.29.0 was released for the MiniPlex-3 Series providing the following changes and new features:

Behaviour of $MXPGN changed

In the past, option Generate $MXPGN From All PGN’s would simply instruct the MiniPlex-3 to convert every received PGN into one or more $MXPGN sentences without any further processing. In this version, the MiniPlex will now:

  • Also transmit a $PSMDNC sentence when an Address Claim Message (PGN 60928) is received.
  • Also transmit $PSMDNP sentences when a Product Information PGN (126996) is received.
  • Process a Request/Command Group Function PGN (126208) correctly according to NMEA 2000 specifications.

This ensures that if this option is enabled, MPXConfig3 will still detect all other devices and that the MiniPlex-3 behaves correctly on the NMEA 2000 netowrk.

Automatic Heading Reversal

For many years the MiniPlex-3 has been able of reversing a received heading (HDG, HDM, HDT) using option Reverse Heading.

Option Auto Reverse has been added to this existing option to reverse the received heading automatically if the MiniPlex-3 detects that the vessel is going backward. For this function to work, the MiniPlex-3 requires COG from a GPS (RMC or VTG). The converted heading is available from the virtual Conversions input and will be reversed only if the vessel is going backward. When going forward, the converted heading is not reversed.

This latest firmware update would be used together with a matching MPXConfig3 V3.17 which was also released today adding tabs for:

Conversions Tab – Added a checkbox to enable the Auto Reverse option. This option can only be enabled if the Reverse Heading is enabled.

Options Tab – Added a checkbox to enable the High speed HDT/VBW option. This option, under certain conditions, repeats a HDT sentence at 10/50 Hz and a VBW sentence at 2 Hz.

 

 

It should be noted that this latest MPXConfig3 is only available for Windows and not yet for macOS. To use a MiniPlex-3 on a Mac, firmware V2.3.17 must be loaded using MPXConfig3 V2.4.1 for MacOS. The V2.3.17 firmware, however, can only be loaded if the fourth digit of the MiniPlex-3 is either 0 or 2. If the fourth digit of the serial number is 1, MPXConfig3 for Windows must be used, which can be run in a virtual machine on the Mac.

Notes:

  • The latest Wi-Fi firmware V1.5.0.3 is recommended to be used for the MiniPlex-3Wi and the MiniPlex-3Wi-N2K, improving some stability issues of the WiFi access point.
  • These new features and updates also implement 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