wrote in message
oups.com...
- 6 serial ports is a little tough to do with current PC platforms,
most users don't use them (although we all know that we do!). Not
impossible by any means though.

If those serial ports are to be used for nav instruments, it would be safer
to use a multiplexer, connected to the PC through USB. If the PC fails (OS
crash or nav software crash) all NMEA data is still routed and combined
through the external multiplexer and available for repeaters, GPS and
autopilot, so you don't lose your entire navigation system when the PC is
down.

Meindert

Meindert Sprang wrote:
.... so you don't lose your entire navigation system when the PC is
down.

and of you're using Windows...you know it's not if but when it goes down

Gee - Meindert,
Where do you think that might come from?
(Actually, that is a real good idea, but with the number of boats out
there that have one circuit for "radio" and the VHF and the stereo are
both on the same fuse, I'm not sure it would be easy to sell.)
Matt Colie

Meindert Sprang wrote:

wrote in message
oups.com...

- 6 serial ports is a little tough to do with current PC platforms,
most users don't use them (although we all know that we do!). Not
impossible by any means though.


If those serial ports are to be used for nav instruments, it would be safer
to use a multiplexer, connected to the PC through USB. If the PC fails (OS
crash or nav software crash) all NMEA data is still routed and combined
through the external multiplexer and available for repeaters, GPS and
autopilot, so you don't lose your entire navigation system when the PC is
down.

Meindert