Digital Yacht says QtVlm, the free navigation and routing software from Meltemus, now supports raw NMEA 2000 data from two of its interfaces: NavLink, which shares the network over Wi-Fi, and iKonvert USB, which plugs straight into a computer.
What changes
Until now, the usual way to get NMEA 2000 data into a laptop or tablet app was to have the interface translate it into NMEA 0183 sentences first. That works, but 0183 only carries part of what’s on a modern backbone. With this update, QtVlm takes the NMEA 2000 data as it is, so more of your instruments, wind, heading and engine data can reach the software.
Digital Yacht is careful to say that what you actually see depends on which NMEA 2000 messages QtVlm supports and what your own equipment sends. Neither Digital Yacht nor Meltemus gives a QtVlm version number or a list of supported messages in the announcement.
Which interface
- NavLink: Wi-Fi access to NMEA 2000 data, handy for tablets and laptops anywhere on board.
- iKonvert USB: a wired USB link between a computer and the NMEA 2000 network, for a fixed nav-station PC.
Digital Yacht is not the only maker of NMEA 2000 gateways for computers. Yacht Devices, for example, has its own range, and recently updated its CAN Log Viewer and YDVR Converter tools to v1.80. This QtVlm announcement only covers the two Digital Yacht interfaces.
Practical takeaways
- If you already run QtVlm with a NavLink or iKonvert, update QtVlm and look for a raw NMEA 2000 connection option instead of 0183.
- Check that the data you care about (engine, tanks, sailing performance) actually shows up before you rely on it, since support depends on QtVlm’s message coverage.
- QtVlm is free on Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi; the mobile versions are free basic apps with an in-app upgrade (per Meltemus).
Sources
Image: Digital Yacht
