Maretron launches NMEA 2000® software interface: creates clear communication path between PC programs & NMEA 2000® networks

Boaters to benefit from seamless interface between PC and instrument systems Industry software developers will save time with single programming pathway.

Giving the NMEA 2000® open standard yet another boost, Maretron, a leading developer and manufacturer of marine electronic networked instrumentation, today announced the release of an application programming interface (API) for use with its USB gateway product (USB100). Maretron's API allows PC applications, such as charting software, to communicate directly with NMEA 2000® networks, thus eliminating the need for NMEA 0183 multiplexers and converters that introduce wiring complexities, information loss, and ambiguities associated with translations.

"Maretron is committed to providing the marine community with all the flexibility, convenience and
streamlining the NMEA 2000® standard has to offer. With the programming interface, Maretron is the first marine electronics company to give boaters, and programmers, a seamless path between PC software applications and NMEA 2000® networks," says Larry Anderson, vice president of marketing for Maretron.

Maretron is working with some of the marine industry's largest PC software companies to integrate the new application interface. "We believe that this may be the tipping point for NMEA 2000®, says Rich Gauer, president of Maretron. "Software companies are starting to move away from the older NMEA 0183 interface and towards NMEA 2000® and all of its benefits. Maretron's interface is another critical step in helping drive innovation and value in marine electronics for all boaters."

NMEA 2000® Technical Background Up until now, application programs generally communicated with marine instruments via the NMEA 0183 protocol, developed in the early 1980's. The older NMEA 0183 technology is limited in data throughput (4,800 bits per second) and requires the use of multiplexers or multiple ports on a mariner's PC. The new NMEA 2000® protocol, on the other hand, is 50 times faster with an initial speed of 250,000 bits per second and a capability of 1 million bits per second. Additionally, NMEA 2000® protocol coupled with Maretron's USB100 gateway requires only a single connection between the PC and networked instruments eliminating the need for multiplexers or multiple ports on the PC.

Maretron is leading the way in the innovative design, manufacture and marketing of marine electronics for recreational and commercial boating. Maretron designs its products to the open industry NMEA 2000® standard, which allows electronic equipment from different manufacturers to network and share information throughout the vessel. Maretron's "plug and play" environment seamlessly integrates instrumentation electronics, significantly increases component reliability and greatly reduces wiring complexity. Maretron is headquartered in Phoenix with offices in Oregon and Maine. For detailed product information visit www.maretron.com.