Marine networks

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

15/11, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Orion XS 1400 firmware v1.13 – More stable control and important fixes

New firmware for the Orion XS 1400 improves control stability in parallel connections and fixes issues in unusual configurations. a { text-decoration:...

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...

17/10, 2025 av Digital Skipper

Catamaran with electric systems in its DNA – The future of boating

Discover how Victron Energy integrates electric propulsion, solar energy, and smart control into the catamaran's design for quieter, greener, and more...

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...

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...

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...

30/09, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Connect Raymarine ST1000/2000 to SeaTalk ng – Complete guide with wiring diagram

Step-by-step instructions for integrating ST1000/2000 autopilot with SeaTalk ng via SeaTalk 1 converter, including wiring diagrams and tips.

How to...

20/06, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Mixed Networks with Seatalk1 & Seatalkng – Complete Guide for Correct Installation

Basic system rules, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid for a stable Seatalk network.

Creating a mixed network with Seatalk1 and Seatalkng...

2/05, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Raymarine RayNet and Ethernet Cables – Installation, Splicing, and Troubleshooting

How to handle RayNet, SeaTalkhs, and Digital Radar cables: proper termination, cable testing, and tips for maximum network performance.

Raymarine high-bandwidth...

10/02, 2024 av Digital Skipper

SeaTalkng and NMEA 2000 – Complete guide with system rules and wiring diagrams

Learn all about SeaTalkng (STng) and NMEA 2000 (DeviceNet): basic network rules, best practices, integration, and examples to avoid.

What are the basic...

9/02, 2024 av Digital Skipper

Troubleshooting Seatalk1 (ST1) Network Problems – Complete Guide

Discover common causes of ST1 communication failures and learn step-by-step how to diagnose and fix problems with the Seatalk1 network.

If nothing has...

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...

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...

2/10, 2022 av Digital Skipper

AXIOM MFD and autopilot integration – How to connect SeaTalkng and NMEA 0183

Learn how Raymarine AXIOM displays integrate with Evolution autopilots, which converters are needed for older systems, and how to gain full control via...

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...

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...

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...

28/09, 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

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

22/06, 2021 av Matthijs Vader, Victron Energy

Venus OS 2.71: New tank overview and improved integration for GX devices

The latest Venus OS update provides a new overview for tank levels, improved user experience, and extended compatibility with Inverter RS, REC BMS, and...

15/02, 2021 av Justin, Victron Energy

Grain de Sail – the sustainable cargo ship sailing with Victron Blue Power

An innovative sailing vessel combining climate-friendly trade with advanced energy solutions from Victron Energy. Discover how solar panels, wind turbines,...

10/12, 2020 av Raymarine

Raymarine YachtSense – the next generation of digital switching systems for boats

A modular and scalable system that gives boat builders and installers full control, a high level of safety and elegant automation via Raymarine Axiom...

9/09, 2020 av Matthijs Vader, Victron Energy

Venus OS v2.60 – ESS, tank monitoring, NMEA 2000 and more new features

The latest Venus OS update introduces improved Energy Storage System (ESS) management, advanced tank monitoring, and extended NMEA 2000 integration, along...

2/09, 2020 av Justin, Victron Energy

My conversion to lithium and Cerbo GX – Stefanie's experiences

Join the journey from traditional batteries to a modern lithium system with Cerbo GX. Stefanie shares her learnings, practical tips, and how the upgrade...

30/06, 2020 av Justin, Victron Energy

Furuno navigation and Victron – compatibility and integration

A practical guide explaining how Furuno systems can be integrated with Victron energy solutions via NMEA 2000 and Ethernet, what components are required,...

10/06, 2020 av Digital Skipper

Marine MFD GX integration with Raymarine – how to connect it all correctly

A practical guide on how to connect Victron GX devices to Raymarine Axiom via Ethernet/RayNet, what is required for compatibility, and which settings...

5/06, 2020 av Justin, Victron Energy

Navetta 68 – Successful integration of Glass Bridge system

This is how a seamless solution was created where Victron energy systems are integrated with advanced Glass Bridge displays on board the Navetta 68, providing...

11/05, 2020 av Digital Skipper

Marine MFD GX integration with Garmin – how to connect it correctly

A complete guide to connecting Victron GX devices to Garmin MFDs via Ethernet, with tips on compatibility, cabling, and settings that give you full control...

26/04, 2020 av Digital Skipper

Marine MFD GX integration with Furuno – connect your energy system

A practical guide on how to connect Victron GX devices to Furuno chartplotters via Ethernet, including compatibility requirements, correct cabling, and...

23/04, 2020 av Digital Skipper

Marine MFD GX integration with Navico (Lowrance, B&G, Simrad)

Step-by-step: how to connect Victron GX devices to Navico MFDs via Ethernet and get a full overview of batteries, loads, and energy systems directly on...

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