Bulletin

To: Type:
All Authorized Dealers Technical

Date: Re:
24 March 2006 NMEA Module Update

Message:
As of May 2006, Rutter Technologies will be shipping a new version of its NMEA Module with
applicable Voyage Data Recorder products.

The new NMEA Module will initially be available in an 8-Channel version only, which will replace
the current 6-Channel version.

Please see the attached document for information pertaining to the configuration and dimensions
of the new NMEA Module. Also attached is the NMEA Module Configuration Utility
(MuxConfigTool.exe).

If there are any questions regarding the content of this bulletin, please contact the Rutter
Technologies Product Support Department at support@ruttertech.com or +1 709 368 4213.

Rutter Technologies Inc. 1 of 1 RUT-BTL-0603-002 R4

Technical Bulletin
NMEA Module Information
The following text provides information on configuring Rutter Technologies new NMEA Module
using the MuxConfigTool.exe software utility via an Ethernet connection:

Configuring the NMEA Module

To configure the NMEA Module (MUX), complete the following steps:

1. Ensure ALL inputs are disconnected. Each Module must be configured individually.
2. Ensure a crossover Ethernet cable is connected directly from the Module to the technician
PC.
3. Start the MuxConfigTool.exe.
4. Select the desired type of MUX (8-Channel, 4-Channel, or PPM) and choose the appropriate
settings.
5. Press “Configure MUX”.

Note! A warning will appear if a combined data input rate larger than the data output rate is
selected, but these settings can still be programmed. The onus is on the technician to verify that
data will not be corrupted in this situation on the 232 and daisy chain output.

6. Apply power to the NMEA Module (MUX).

Once power is applied to the NMEA Module (MUX) a reboot sequence will be displayed on the
LEDs. If the NMEA Module (MUX) is the 8-Channel or PPM version:

ƒ The last five (5) LEDs will illuminate for a number of seconds and turn off. The first three
(3) LEDs will then illuminate for a number of seconds and turn off.

If the NMEA Module (MUX) is the 4-Channel version:

ƒ The first four (4) LEDs will flash.

If the programming was successful, the three (3) LEDs (8-Ch or PPM) or four (4) LEDs (4-Ch) did
not stay illuminated for the full duration of the programming or the reset sequence. If the
programming was unsuccessful, cycle power to the unit.

Rutter Technologies Inc. 70 Brookfield Road St. John’s, NL Canada A1E 3T9
Tel: 709 368 4213 Fax: 709 368 1337 www.ruttertech.com

RUT-NMIS-06-R003 Page 1 of 2
NMEA Module Identification (MUX ID) – DIP Switch Settings
The MUX ID is jumper configured. There is a four (4) position jumper switch, with the first three (3)
positions used for MUX ID. Position the internal circuit board so the power connector is in the upper
left corner. The four DIP-Switches are, by default, in the Up (OFF (0)) position; adjusting the switch
Down turns that switch ON (1):

Switch 1 Switch 2 Switch 3 MUX ID

0 0
1 0
0 1
1 1
0 0
1 0
0 1
1 1
0 MUX ID 0
0 MUX ID 1
0 MUX ID 2
0 MUX ID 3
1 MUX ID 4
1 MUX ID 5
1 MUX ID 6
1 MUX ID 7

Note that if the MUX ID = 0, no channel or MUX identifiers are included in the output string.

The fourth position on the MUX ID jumper switch allows the Module to be configured for one of the
following purposes:

ƒ To use the RS-422 input on the front of the Data MUX as a NMEA input channel.
ƒ To daisy chain multiple units.

NOTE! The RS-422 input (located at the front of the unit) is provided primarily for the
connection of multiple NMEA Modules (daisy-chaining).

If the fourth DIP-Switch is in the default Up (OFF (0)) position, the 422 Input Port is configured for
the purpose of daisy chaining modules and will not append a channel to the sentences read in on
this port. If this switch is adjusted to the Down (ON (1)) position, a channel identifier of 0 will be
appended along with the MUX ID to sentences read on this port.

Rutter Technologies Inc. 70 Brookfield Road St. John’s, NL Canada A1E 3T9
Tel: 709 368 4213 Fax: 709 368 1337 www.ruttertech.com

RUT-NMIS-06-R003 Page 2 of 2