New Support for NMEA2000

Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) Inc. now has the capability to output NMEA2000 (IEC 61162-1) PGNs as part of our simulator product line. This add-on software module operates with BCG’s Maritime Simulation Tool (MaST) to generate a wide range of ship sensor data utilizing the NMEA2000 data format and interface standard.

NMEA2000 (N2K) is a plug-and-play communications standard used for connecting marine sensors and display units within ships and boats. Utilizing a CAN Bus backbone connection, BCG’s simulation software will deliver N2K PGNs over an Actisense NGT-1 gateway converter that correlate with a vessel’s sensor activity in a simulation scenario being run by MaST. MaST also generates standard NMEA-0183 messages which are still active when N2K is being used. BCG has implemented 30 of the most commonly used messages related to ship navigation, including AIS and DSC messages, and we will continue to grow this PGN capability over time.

This new BCG software, N2KTranslator, can also display, filter on, and log NMEA2000 PGNs generated by other ship devices. By operating as a N2K source and as a receiver, the application can act as a test platform for sensor, radar and ECS manufacturers.

For additional information on this product or any of BCG’s Maritime Simulation Products, please contact BCG at 716-822-8668 or through our website – www.bcgsim.com.