Good to know

22/10, 2026 av Digital Skipper

Tank sensors in your boat: float, pressure, ultrasound or radar?

Most tank sensors do not actually measure how many litres are in the tank. Instead, they measure, for example, liquid height, distance to the liquid...

19/10, 2026 av Digital Skipper

When should you stop doing a Factory Reset and actually report a fault with your plotter?

Modern multifunction displays are effectively advanced computers for the boat. They handle charts, radar, AIS, sonar, autopilot, instrument data and...

1/10, 2026 av Digital Skipper

Built-in GPS, external GPS/compass or GNSS compass – what should you choose for your boat?

A modern chartplotter often has a built-in GPS receiver, but it does not always show which direction the boat is pointing when the speed is low or...

20/03, 2026 av Digital Skipper

Correct mounting in fuse blocks: fuses, cable lugs and busbars in high-current systems

Practical guidelines for the correct installation of fuses, cable lugs and busbars in high-current installations for boats, vehicles and energy systems. a...

29/01, 2026 av Digital Skipper

Marine network and navigation terms – a complete, easy-to-understand glossary

Modern boating is more digital than ever. GPS, AIS, radar, echo sounders, networks, apps and sensors all need to work together – but all these terms...

11/01, 2026 av Digital Skipper

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right FLIR Camera for Boats and Ships

Comparison of FLIR M-Series, Ocean Scout Pro and AX8 – find the right camera for safe navigation and surveillance

FLIR is a world leader in thermal...

8/01, 2026 av Digital Skipper

Savvy Navvy launches NMEA Connect – smarter boat navigation with real-time data

Integrate NMEA instruments with the Savvy Navvy app and get AIS visibility, optimal routes, and full control directly on your mobile.

Digitalisation...

7/01, 2026 av Digital Skipper

How the ground plate in the hull works – and why it is crucial for your boat

Optimise the electrical system on board with the right ground plane and correct earthing for safety and performance.

For anyone using advanced electronics...

30/12, 2025 av Digital Skipper

How to sync Navionics app with Raymarine MFD – simple guide for boat owners

Learn step-by-step how to connect the Navionics app on your smartphone or tablet with Raymarine Axiom and Lighthouse MFD for smooth route planning and...

29/12, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Short Circuit Current (Isc) – The Invisible Danger and How Victron Manages It

Learn why short-circuit current is a critical factor in energy systems and how Victron protects your equipment and safety.

Short-circuit current (Isc)...

18/12, 2025 av Digital Skipper

How to troubleshoot your boat electronics – 3 effective methods for NMEA 2000 networks

Save time, money, and avoid costly downtime with three proven methods for troubleshooting NMEA 2000 networks – from multimeter tests to smart diagnostic...

17/12, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Raymarine Apps and Integrations for the Axiom Series – Complete Guide

Discover all the apps and hardware integrations that make your Raymarine Axiom a complete control centre for navigation, safety, and comfort.

The Raymarine...

29/11, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Grounding in boats – Everything you need to know for a safe installation

How to properly ground on board: tips, rules, and best practices to avoid risks and protect your equipment.

Are you looking for information on grounding...

26/11, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Venus OS v3.67 – New update with Ruuvi Air and Gobius C support

The latest version of Venus OS delivers improved diagnostics, wireless tank reading, and integration with Ruuvi Air sensors.

The latest version of Venus...

19/11, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Why does Victron Energy state inverter capacity in VA instead of W?

Learn the difference between VA and Watts, why it's important for your installation, and how it affects the sizing of your electrical system.

When you...

18/11, 2025 av Digital Skipper

System Voltage in NMEA 2000 – Why you should always choose 12V

Understand why 12V is the safest and most compatible choice for NMEA 2000 installations and how it affects your boat's electrical system.

NMEA 2000...

1/11, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Power Surcharge 2025 – What does the change mean for your electricity bill?

Here we provide a clear overview of the new pricing model, how peak power affects costs, and what measures you can take to reduce your electricity consumption.

From...

30/10, 2025 av Digital Skipper

How Wi-Fi is revolutionising marine electronics – the future of boat technology

Discover how wireless connectivity is transforming the boating world with smart features, remote monitoring, and easier installation.

Wi-Fi has changed...

21/10, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Thank you to our customers – over 500 reviews on Trustpilot

We are proud to have surpassed 500 customer reviews and continue to deliver service and quality that makes a difference. Read more about what our customers...

20/10, 2025 av Digital Skipper

How to register your Ocean Signal PLB1 – country by country

A complete guide showing you how to register your personal locator beacon (PLB1) in different countries, what rules apply, and what steps you need to...

1/10, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Future standards for marine Ethernet networks

A clear overview of why onboard networks are becoming Ethernet-based, what standardisation means for interoperability between navigation, radar, and AIS...

13/06, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Venus OS 3.60 – Switching panel, boat mode, and more improvements

The latest update to Venus OS 3.60 introduces a new switching panel for easier control, a dedicated boat mode for optimised energy management, and several...

28/03, 2025 av Digital Skipper

NMEA 0183 – Complete guide to marine communication and integration

Explore NMEA 0183 – How the standard works, common sentences, and its importance for modern marine electronics.

NMEA 0183 is an international standard...

25/03, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Which marine electronics should you buy? Complete guide for boat owners

The most important systems for safe and efficient navigation – VHF radio, GPS, MFD, and sonar.

The question "what should I buy?" is common in the...

24/03, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Raymarine Radar – Guide to radome and open array antennas

Explore the differences between radome scanners and open array antennas, their functions, and which radar suits your boat.

Raymarine offers a wide range...

24/01, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Actisense PRO-NDC-1E2K – The complete solution for marine data and network integration

Integrate NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet for secure and efficient data distribution on board.

The ultimate solution for distributing navigation...

11/12, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Upgrade from Raymarine C-Series Classic to Axiom MFD – Complete Installation Guide

Step-by-step guide to upgrading your C-Series Classic to Axiom MFD with the correct adapter plates, cables, and networking solutions.

Replacing a C-Series...

4/12, 2024 av Digital Skipper

The difference between dynamic and static IP addresses – what you need to know

Learn what an IP address is, how dynamic and static IP addresses work, as well as their advantages and applications.

In today's connected world, the...

30/10, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Maintaining and upgrading NMEA 2000 networks – Complete guide for marine electronics

How to keep your NMEA 2000 network in top condition: tips, upgrades, and best practices for reliable operation.

Regular maintenance prevents communication...

23/10, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Victron Toolkit – Powerful app for smart energy management

Discover how Victron Toolkit helps you with status definitions, voltage drop calculations, temperature derating and QR scanning – all in one user-friendly...

17/10, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Raymarine instructional videos – Quick guides for installation and updating

Learn calibration, software updates, and settings for Raymarine equipment with our collected video guides.

Learning through video has become increasingly...

1/10, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Polar diagrams for sailboats – Complete guide to optimisation and import into Raymarine LH4

How polar diagrams work, why they are important, and how to import POLARs via CSV in LightHouse .

Polars are diagrams that show how fast a sailboat...

2/09, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Heading vs. Course Over Ground (COG) – Differences and why it's important for navigation

Understand the difference between heading and COG, how Raymarine systems handle this data, and why accurate heading sensors are crucial for features like...

2/09, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Understanding Wind Data on Raymarine Displays – Apparent, True, and Ground Wind for Sailing

Learn the difference between Apparent Wind, True Wind, and Ground Wind, why they are important, and how Raymarine displays calculate them.

Raymarine...

2/07, 2024 av Digital Skipper

GPS Week Number Rollover – What it is and how it affects your GPS

Learn why GPS Week Number Rollover occurs, how it affects the date and functions in GPS devices, and which Raymarine products are affected.

GPS Week...

12/06, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Raymarine Wind Transducer Troubleshooting – Complete Guide for Wind Vane and Rotavecta

How to test your wind transducer with a multimeter and identify common faults on wind instruments .

If your wind transducer is not working at all and...

16/04, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Calibrating analogue wind instruments – ST60, ST60+ and i60 step by step

Detailed guide for adjusting the pointer with self-test procedure and ensuring correct wind angles on Raymarine instruments.

If your instruments display...

13/02, 2024 av Digital Skipper

How to format a microSD card on Mac – Complete guide with video

Step-by-step instructions for formatting microSD cards on macOS Big Sur with Disk Utility. Perfect for iMac and MacBook users.

In this video guide,...

5/02, 2024 av Digital Skipper

How to format a microSD card on Windows – Step-by-step guide

Simple video guide showing how to format a microSD card on your Windows laptop or desktop computer, with tips for the correct file system and safe formatting.

In...

11/01, 2024 av Digital Skipper

NMEA 2000 PGN – Understanding messages and data communication in marine networks

A complete guide to NMEA 2000 PGN: message types, structure, and how to interpret data with the right tools.

NMEA 2000 data is sent as messages, called...

7/12, 2023 av Digital Skipper

Victron Energy warranty – 5 years as standard, extendable to up to 10 years

Learn all about Victron Energy warranty conditions, cost of extension, and how you can easily extend the warranty on your products.

Victron Energy has...

2/11, 2023 av Digital Skipper

GPS and GNSS – How the technology works and how to use it on board

Discover how GPS and GNSS improve navigation, safety, and efficiency at sea through integration with autopilot, VHF radio, AIS, and PC applications.

GPS...

29/06, 2023 av Digital Skipper

Why isolation is crucial in NMEA networks – Protect your marine electronics

Learn how isolation prevents ground loops, protects equipment, and improves performance in NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 systems.

When designing DC-powered...

31/05, 2023 av Digital Skipper

What does an NMEA 2000 network cost? Complete guide to prices and components

Learn how much an NMEA 2000 network costs to build, maintain, and upgrade – including GPS, AIS, MFD, and engine data.

A common question we receive...

18/05, 2023 av Digital Skipper

J1939 vs NMEA 2000 – Differences and similarities between two CAN-based protocols

A complete guide to J1939 and NMEA 2000: applications, network architecture, message formats, and connection types.

Communication protocols for marine...

10/05, 2023 av Digital Skipper

NMEA 2000 – Complete guide to installation, features, and benefits

Learn all about NMEA 2000: history, key features, components, and best practices for installation

NMEA 2000 is a robust and reliable communication protocol...

6/12, 2022 av Digital Skipper

The basics of building an NMEA 2000 network – Cable types, device limits, and termination

Learn the three most important principles for a stable NMEA 2000 network: correct cables and connectors, correct number of devices, and correct termination...

6/11, 2022 av Digital Skipper

How to manage large NMEA networks – Planning, cable management, and monitoring

A complete guide to installing and maintaining complex NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 networks. Learn best practices for planning, cabling, and real-time monitoring...

6/10, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Guide for new boat owners – How to choose the right electronics and plan the installation

Learn how to choose the right MFD, plan your NMEA 2000 network, and avoid common installation problems. Tips for a safe and cost-effective installation.

Boat...

10/08, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Raymarine Autopilot controllers - Compatibility and limitations

How to connect existing autopilots to new controllers and AXIOM units for optimal function.

Do you have an existing autopilot that needs to be integrated...

6/08, 2022 av Digital Skipper

NMEA 2000 Standard Version 3.000 – New PGNs and improved certification

Discover what's new in NMEA 2000 version 3.000: more PGNs, better interoperability, and upgraded certification tool for marine electronics.

NMEA has...

30/07, 2022 av Digital Skipper

How to connect the NMEA 2000 network to PC with Actisense NGT-1 and TimeZero

A complete guide to connecting your NMEA 2000 network to your computer with NGT-1-USB. Learn about plug-and-play installation, compatibility, and best...

23/06, 2022 av Sjöfartsverket, Digital Skipper

Registration of emergency beacons – EPIRB and PLB

How to register EPIRB and PLB with the Swedish Maritime Administration and use Cospas-Sarsat for secure communication in emergencies.

If you find yourself...

7/06, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Common installation mistakes on boats – How to avoid problems with NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183

Learn best practices for NMEA 2000 termination, proper network design, and secure cabling for NMEA 0183. Avoid common mistakes and create a stable boat...

31/05, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Configure multiple SmartSolar controllers – How to do it with VE.Smart network

Step-by-step guide to configuring multiple SmartSolar controllers in a VE.Smart network for synchronised charging of solar chargers and battery bank.

There...

27/05, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Battery monitoring – How to set the correct values for Lead and Lithium

Learn the optimal settings for battery monitors: discharge floor, tail current, Peukert exponent and charge efficiency for different battery types.

We...

15/05, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Power over Ethernet (PoE) for boats – Simple, safe, and cost-effective installation

Learn how PoE technology simplifies marine network installations by combining power and data in one cable. Discover the benefits of the OneNet standard...

30/04, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Digitise boat data – Increase safety and efficiency on board

Discover how Actisense EMU-1 and DST-2 make it easy to convert analogue signals to digital, improve engine monitoring, and avoid grounding with smart...

16/03, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Why NMEA 2000 certified devices are crucial for your boat network

Learn why certification guarantees compatibility, safety, and stability in NMEA 2000 networks. Avoid the risks of uncertified products and protect your...

28/01, 2022 av Justin, Victron Energy

Victron Energy – Quick tips and guides for smart energy management

Discover the "Did you know?" series with short videos demonstrating features, settings, and solutions for solar cells, battery chargers, and inverters

Our...

27/01, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Install Victron Energy multi-output battery chargers – complete guide

Step-by-step instructions for correct installation, cable sizing, and configuration of Victron chargers for AGM, GEL, and Lithium batteries.

Victron...

27/01, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Protect your boat from galvanic corrosion with shore power – complete guide

How galvanic currents work and how a galvanic isolator or isolation transformer provides safe protection against corrosion.

Corrosion on boats is a...

25/01, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Troubleshoot touch screen on Raymarine Axiom – correct grounding for optimal function

Common installation errors, grounding problems, and solutions for proper connection of your Raymarine Axiom plotter.

Are you having problems with the...

20/01, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Raymarine fishfinder & sonar – complete guide to RealVision, SideVision & CHIRP

Explore Raymarine's sonar technologies – RealVision 3D, SideVision, DownVision, and CHIRP – and learn how to choose the right transducer for your...

15/01, 2022 av Digital Skipper

Frequently asked questions about Actisense, Raymarine and NMEA – Complete guide to compatibility

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about EMU-1, W2K-1, SeaTalkNG, NMEA 2000, and other popular marine network solutions. We help you choose...

26/12, 2021 av Digital Skipper

What are DSC and MMSI? – Complete guide for maritime safety communication

DSC – Digital Selective Calling for VHF radio: How it works, its benefits, and why it is key to increased maritime safety

DSC, or Digital Selective...

12/12, 2021 av Digital Skipper

VHF radio for boats – Everything you need to know about frequencies, channels, and safe communication

A complete guide to VHF radio: how it works, what types are available, and why it is crucial for maritime safety

VHF radio (Very High Frequency) is...

11/11, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Battery monitoring - State of Charge, Discharge floor, Time remaining etc. We explain the terms!

Learn why advanced battery monitoring is crucial for boats, motorhomes and off-grid systems. We explain key concepts like State of Charge, Discharge Floor,...

2/11, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Voltage drop calculations in NMEA 2000 networks – How to do it right from the start

Learn what voltage drop is, why it affects your network, and how to calculate it correctly for stable and safe operation.

For your NMEA 2000 network...

28/10, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Batteries on board the boat – Types, battery banks, and safe installation

A complete guide to marine batteries: AGM, GEL, and wet-cell batteries, how to build battery banks, and connect them correctly for maximum safety and...

27/10, 2021 av Digital Skipper

AIS Class B with SOTDMA – Advantages and differences from CSTDMA

Learn why SOTDMA provides better range, higher priority, and increased safety compared to older CSTDMA technology. Perfect for recreational boats and...

7/10, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Fine-tune your battery monitoring with Peukert's exponent

Learn how discharge rate affects battery capacity, what C-values mean, and why Peukert's exponent is important for battery monitoring.

Battery capacity...

28/09, 2021 av Digital Skipper

How to plan power supply for your NMEA 2000 network

Learn how to create a network diagram, calculate LEN, and choose the right power insertion points for a stable and safe installation.

Powering an NMEA...

14/09, 2021 av Digital Skipper

How to securely connect NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 data to your PC

Discover the best methods and Actisense products for transferring vessel data to your computer – with isolation, diagnostics, and full compatibility.

Computers...

14/09, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Understanding marine data formats: SeaTalk, SeaTalk ng, NMEA 0183, and NMEA 2000

A complete guide to the most common communication protocols in the marine industry – differences, compatibility, and how to integrate them.

In the...

1/09, 2021 av Digital Skipper

NMEA 0183 basics – How the marine communication standard works

Learn how NMEA 0183 transfers data between marine devices, the installation rules that apply, and how to convert to NMEA 2000 with Actisense.

NMEA 0183...

27/08, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Build an NMEA 2000 network – Everything you need to know for a safe installation

Learn what NMEA 2000 is, the benefits of the standard, the minimum network requirements, and how to test and diagnose your installation.

Who are NMEA?
NMEA...

20/08, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Autopilot for boats – Types, function, and best choice

Learn how autopilots work, the difference between Above-Deck and Under-Deck, and how to choose the right system for your boat.

Installing an autopilot...

10/08, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Multifunction displays (MFDs) – The heart of your NMEA 2000 network

Learn why MFDs are crucial for modern boats, what functions they offer, and how they integrate with NMEA 2000 and Actisense products.

Multifunction...

1/08, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Using Wi-Fi on your boat – How to do it safely and efficiently

Discover the benefits and risks of wireless communication at sea and learn why NMEA 2000 is crucial for secure data transfer.

Wi-Fi on board a boat...

1/08, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Transducers for boats – Types, function, and mounting tips

Learn the difference between transom-mount, thru-hull, and in-hull transducers, and how to choose the right one for your boat.

A transducer is a device...

1/08, 2021 av Digital Skipper

AIS for boats – How Automatic Identification System works

Learn why AIS is crucial for maritime safety, the difference between Class A and B, and how to integrate AIS with NMEA 2000 and modern navigation systems.

AIS...

27/07, 2021 av Digital Skipper

GPS and GNSS for boats – How satellite navigation works at sea

Learn the difference between GPS and GNSS, how the system works, and why it is crucial for safe navigation and integration with NMEA 2000.

GPS stands...

24/07, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Radar for boats – Installation, function, and best choice

Learn how radar works, the difference between Dome and Open Array, and how to install radar for maximum range and safety.

Radar stands for radio detection...

29/06, 2021 av Digital Skipper

How to make the most of your boat's electronics network – NMEA data and smart solutions

Learn how to analyse NMEA data, connect to PC, and use popular boat apps. Discover the future standard with OneNet.

Your boat's electronics network...

27/06, 2021 av Digital Skipper

Winter storage of your boat: how to get your batteries through the winter

When the boat is laid up ashore for the winter, the batteries can be damaged. A discharged lead-acid battery can freeze, and a lithium battery must...

22/09, 2020 av Justin, Victron Energy

Off-grid Reggae Studio – Creative freedom with its own energy solution

Discover how a music studio was built completely off-grid with solar panels, battery storage, and smart energy management – an inspiring solution that...

14/04, 2020 av Digital Skipper

Why aren't you getting full power from your charger or inverter?

An in-depth explanation of the most common causes of power losses – from cable size and voltage drop to battery status and temperature – as well as...

6/04, 2020 av Digital Skipper

What does the LED indicator on your Victron Energy product mean?

A practical guide explaining the colours, flashing patterns, and symbols on the LED indicator – so you can quickly interpret status, identify faults,...

26/03, 2020 av Digital Skipper

Which cable size should you use for which load?

A practical guide to help you choose the right cable size based on current draw, length, and safety requirements – with tips to avoid voltage drop and...

Welcome to the Digital Skipper blog – your guide to smart, connected solutions for boats, motorhomes and off-grid living!