How to Connect NMEA 0183 & 2000 to a PC (DIY Guide)

If you’re outfitting your boat with modern navigation capabilities, getting data from your onboard NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 network to a PC is a game-changer. Whether you’re using QTVLM, Seaplot, OpenCPN, TimeZero, or Coastal Explorer, integrating marine sensor data like GPS, AIS, depth, and wind can vastly improve situational awareness. In this article, we will discuss how to connect NMEA 0183 & 2000 to a PC (DIY Guide).

The same applies to applications running on phones and tablets; Navionics, Timezero iBoat, Aqua Map Marine, etc., and accessed via WiFi. WiFi interface devices are covered in this article, but I won’t cover WiFi setup as there are too many variables.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of interfacing both NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 networks with a PC, ideal for a DIY marine electronics setup. I’ll also list a selection of reliable and affordable interface hardware, so that you can build your system with confidence. This is the ultimate guide on how to connect NMEA 0183 & 2000 to a PC (DIY Guide).

Why Connect NMEA Data to a PC?

Modern navigation software on a laptop or tablet can offer chart-plotting, AIS collision avoidance, anchor watch, race data, and weather overlays—all powered by real-time data from your boat’s sensors.

By tapping into your NMEA network, you can:

Display AIS targets on chart software.
Show GPS position and speed.
Monitor depth and wind data.
Measure performance against polars.
Log trip data for analysis or logs.
Control your autopilot and follow routes.

What do I need?

You need an adapter to convert the physical interface of NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 to something that your navigation computer can handle, USB, RS232 (the old school 9-pin serial port), Ethernet or WiFi. The simplest device is a lead that converts NMEA 0183 to serial. You can make up a NMEA 0183 to RS232 lead yourself, or buy a ready-made RS232 to USB lead.

I recommend buying an interface with galvanic isolation (opto isolation) built in; most do. This will help to protect your PC from any nasty voltages that may be induced on the instrument network and protect the network from noise generated by the PC.

If you need to connect your PC to an NMEA 2000 network, you’ll need a compatible interface device. While DIY options exist, they require confidence with a soldering iron and a solid understanding of electronics. The most straightforward and affordable solution is a basic NMEA 2000 to USB adapter. From there, more advanced devices offer a wider range of features, including the ability to bridge between NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi—sometimes all within a single unit.

Raw NMEA 2000 or converted to NMEA 0183

Some NMEA 2000 to USB interfaces convert the NMEA 2000 data to NMEA 0183 sentences, which are widely supported by most navigation software. However, if your software can directly support NMEA 2000, such as Timezero and the latest versions of OpenCPN, for example, then a native (or raw) mode NMEA 2000 device is preferable. Examples of such devices include the Actisense NGT-1 , Yacht Devices YDNU-02 or Digital Yacht’s iKonvert.

What to look for when buying a NMEA network to PC interface adapter

Isolated – marked as galvanically isolated or opto-isolated.
Compatibility – NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000, depending on your network.
PC interface – USB or RS232 serial port, Ethernet and WiFi.
Configuration options – software, dip switches or none.
Moisture resistance – what IP rating does it have?
Price.

		NMEA network				PC interface
Manufacturer	Product	0183	N2k	Iso**	N2k Format	USB	RS232	Ethernet	Wifi
Quark-elec	NMEA0183 to USB	yes				yes
Digital Yacht	NMEA 0183 to USB	yes				yes
Actisense	OPTO-4	yes		yes			yes
Actisense	USG-2	yes		yes		yes
Actisense	NGT-1		yes	yes	Raw	yes
Digital Yacht	iKonvert NMEA200 gateway		yes	yes	Raw or 0183	yes
Yacht Devices	YDNU-02		yes	yes	Raw or 0183	yes
Quark-elec	QK-A032	yes	yes	yes	0183	yes			yes
Quark-elec	QK-A034B	yes	yes	yes	0183	yes			yes
Rosepoint	Nemo Gateway	yes	yes	yes	0183			yes
Digital Yacht	Lanlink	yes	yes*		Raw or 0183		yes	yes
Shipmodul	MiniPlex-3USB	yes		yes		yes
Shipmodul	MiniPlex-3Wi-N2K	yes	yes	yes	0183	yes			yes

* When used with the iKonvert gateway

** Galvanically isolated (opto-isolated)

Most manufacturers produce this type of product in several variations. Find the link that is nearest to what you want and study the manufacturer’s website to hone in on your exact requirements.

Data loggers

A couple of the manufacturers listed above also produce data logging devices, either stand-alone or incorporated in another of their devices. This can be useful on ocean passages where you don’t want to run your PC all the time to save power. Leave your instrument network switched on, and all data will be logged for later download into your software for analysis or to make nice charts of your route to post on your blog.

Interfacing NMEA 0183 to a PC

Step-by-Step:

Identify the Talker/Listener: Determine whether your device is sending (talker) or receiving (listener) NMEA data.
Wire the Adapter: Connect the device’s output wires to your adapter.
Install USB Driver: Most adapters use a standard FTDI or Prolific chip; install drivers if required.
Configure your software: In your plotter software, set the COM port number and the Baud rate.
Verify Data Flow: Use a terminal like CoolTerm or your plotter’s serial port monitor to confirm you’re receiving data.

Interfacing NMEA 2000 to a PC

Step-by-Step:

Add a T-connector to Your NMEA 2000 Backbone.
Connect a USB Gateway.
Plug the Gateway into the PC and install any necessary drivers.
Configure Your Software: Select the COM port and input type (NMEA 2000 or converted 0183).

Note: NMEA 2000 data often appears on the PC as standard NMEA 0183 sentences after translation by the USB gateway, see that table above.

Optional: Bridging Between NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000

Have both networks on board? See part 4 of this series for more information on bridging between the types of network.

Troubleshooting Tips

No Data? Check wiring polarity, baud rate and COM port selection.
No Data? Ensure that only one application is trying to use the COM port¹
Garbage Characters? Mismatched baud rate or protocol (0183 vs N2K).

Note 1: You can share a serial port between multiple applications by using a software multiplexer such as the excellent GpsGate-Splitter, which I have been using for many years.

Final Thoughts

Interfacing your NMEA 0183 or 2000 network with a PC is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make, whether you’re coastal cruising, fishing or offshore voyaging. With a few tools, some affordable hardware, and a bit of DIY spirit, you’ll have real-time AIS, GPS, and sensor data running on your favourite nav software in no time.

Got questions or need help with a specific setup? Leave a comment below, or check my earlier articles in this series for a deeper dive into each network type.

Recommended Books

There are very few books that cover marine electronics, but a few include some information alongside electrical information. These two are both good.

Charlie Wing’s “Boatowners Illustrated Electrical Handbook” is excellent.

Nigel Calder’s “Boatowners Mechanical Electrical Handbook” is not as good on the electrical and electronics side, but it is still a great reference to have aboard.

Note: These are Amazon associate links. If you buy via these links, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll get a small fee that helps me to maintain the site and put more time into generating content. Thank you.

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