Multiple COM ports simultaneously

[nilespf]

Hello,
Can I stream two data sources into a USB hub and configure OpenCPN to see both of them simultaneously. One source is Nav/wind/speed from a Raymarine E80 (running at 38.4K bd) and the other is a USB GPS puck (like the infamous BU-353 if I remember runs at a different speed). I'm changing the architecture due to addition of AIS and have been backed into a corner having to use a hub.

Thanks for any help.
Phil

[AedanC]

Yes you can. I did that all last summer. One usb connection was to a Vesper AIS transponder and the other was RS422 from a NEMA feed of all the instruments.

[nilespf]

Thanks for the help and advice AedanC,
The spending of money continues

Phil

[Moo]

You can install some multiplexer (mux) software. I have used GpsGate Splitter on many installations with great success. I also use it to log all NMEA data.

[AedanC]

If you are planning to use OpenCpn it has all you need build in apart from USB drivers for the various NMEA sources, which generally come with the hardware.

[RaymondR]

Yep, worked well for me using a USB hub to input multiple sources into a Win 8 tablet with only one USB socket.

[nilespf]

Thanks all for the advice,
Time to start the wiring. The more I look at this forum the more impressed I am with OpenCPN

Thanks again

[rgleason]

Made an FAQ

https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...from_a_usb_hub

[Moo]

Originally Posted by AedanC

If you are planning to use OpenCpn it has all you need build in apart from USB drivers for the various NMEA sources, which generally come with the hardware.

True.. I misread the questions and was having a brain fart. I was thinking of actual COM ports . My boat computer is an small industrial PC and has 8 COM ports that I can connect NMEA directly to. I also have virtual (USB) COM ports and mulitplex all of those with GPSGate .

Mainly because I send it out to multiple programmes and log all of the data. OCPN is not running all of the time but I still want to log weather data for example.

[rgleason]

Thanks Moo, its ok to have those. Its really not as bad as you think. As a result I got more verbal and tried to explain the USB Hub.
https://opencpn.org/wiki/dokuwiki/do...from_a_usb_hub
Please take a look if you would? -anything to add/change?

[AedanC]

Originally Posted by Moo

Mainly because I send it out to multiple programmes and log all of the data. OCPN is not running all of the time but I still want to log weather data for example.

Yep, that makes perfect sense. I do similar on Linux for data logging.