How can I simulate data streams from NMEA-2000 for testing?

[pransil]

I have a new RPI system with the 'Bare boat necessities OS' system that I am setting up at home before moving it onto my boat mid-February where I have an NMEA 2000 system with Airmar and B&G components. When on my boat, I want to read in streams from an Airmar DST 800 (depth, water temp, boat speed, heel angle), and wind data (and maybe other things) putting those on my SignalK Instruments Dashboard.

At home, I have the new RPI system running Linux and BBN-OS with SignalK, OpenCPN, InfluxDB, Grafana, etc. I have a few NMEA-2000 backbone cables, connectors and a Yacht Devices NMEA 2000 WiFi Gateway at home, but nothing sending NMEA 2000 data streams.

Is there some way to simulate data streams coming from my NMEA 2000 system via the Yacht Devices YDWG-02N so I can get things running here at home before going to the boat (I'm in San Diego, Boat is in Tahiti) next month? I also have a BU353S4 GPS puck plugged into the RPI but I'm indoors and not seeing any GPS data. I ultimately will want to collect GPS data into the InfluxDB and have a cron job that sends it to my WordPress blog to automatically update my position on a map.

I can program in python but not very well....

thanks,
Pat

[tkurki]

The server includes two sample data files, one with NMEA 0183 data and another with NMEA 2000 data. You can start the server so that it plays back data from a sample data file. You'll probably need to stop the server instance that is automatically started by BBN. See instructions at https://github.com/SignalK/signalk-server/blob/master/docs/src/installation/raspberry_pi_installation.md

[sbender9]

We should start a repository for log files?

[tooluser]

I came here looking for exactly this, so I agree!
I'm looking for long-term data showing some real-world situations to test some applications I'm thinking about.

[mgrouch]

You can build your own n2k sensors using m5stack atom. Example

https://github.com/bareboat-necessities/bbn-nmea200-m5atom/tree/main/bbn-nmea2000-env-m5atom

As benefit you will have hardware to add your own n2k sensors to the boat.

More examples
https://github.com/bareboat-necessities/bbn-nmea200-m5atom/tree/main

[sandman507th]

I thought I'd give the n2k sensors using m5stack atom a try. It is not working out. There are 3 .ino files, each with their own setup() and loop() calls, specific to the devices they were designed for. Reading the internet, it seems I need to put those three .inos in tabs in the Arduino IDE and then have some "main" .ino that makes calls in turn to the setup1,2,3 and loop1,2,3 in the other .ino files. But I am skeptical I will get the order of operations correct when I do so! But am I at least on the right track?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[mgrouch]

Each .ino is a separate sketch for a different separate device.

You do not call one .ino from another.
Where did you come up with the idea that you need to create another .ino to call others?

[sandman507th]

From here:
https://forum.arduino.cc/t/creating-sketch-with-multiple-ino-files/889603
My understanding is that a sketch can have only one void setup() and one void loop(). So to run all the code in the 3 sketches, the other
void setup()s and void loop()s need to be removed and their functions be placed into a main sketch (or tab - apparently the compiler can pull in source from multiple tabs).
Is that not correct? What is the general outline of what I need to do to get this working? ...and Thanks for any assistance!

[mgrouch]

Each .ino is a separate sketch for different device with different hardware attached to its own m5atom esp32. Two of the sketches for i2c devices to nmea2000 and another one for n2k to usb gateway.
You kind of can combine i2c sketches into one with i2c hub. i2c accelerometer is I’d say only proof of concept stage sensor. It requires calibration process too (it’s in the code). Others are environmental and n2k gateway you would need to do some coding and testing.

[sandman507th]

Ahh! That is the missing link! I will figure out next steps. Thank you!

[sberl]

i've been trolling the shelves in the used gear consignment store (plug for Blue Pelican in Alameda, CA, USA) for a few months now and have not come up with any working N2K devices yet for my home test network. Still hopeful though. Someday, someone will want to sell some.

…

On Sun, Jan 7, 2024 at 10:04 AM Teppo Kurki ***@***.***> wrote: Because 1. using your first ever DIY NMEA 2000 sensor provides very little certainty about things working as you want when you take your RPi to Tahiti 2. you'd need extra hardware 3. you'd need to learn how to flash the m5, create an n2k network and wire the m5 to it - if you enjoy that kinda stuff sure, but as a means to an end a lot of extra stuff — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#93 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAHXLEOIIOL6KPLKP6767P3YNLPSVAVCNFSM6AAAAABBPDYK5OVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43SRDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHM4DAMZZGIZTC> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

-- -steve

[mgrouch]

I had same issue as OP with need to have NMEA 2000 streams for testing at home. I solved it by creating 4 NMEA devices with esp32. 3 are using m5stack atom and one is with ESP32 sailor hat. I also have one commercial NMEA 2000 rudder position sensor. All are working fine. During testing some of SignalK bugs were reported and some were subsequently fixed by SignalK team.

Making esp32 sketches wasn’t difficult and I learned something useful

[tooluser]

@mgrouch Have you written up your setup anywhere? I'd be interested to see it.

Edit: Found it!

[sandman507th]

Where'd you find the write-up?
I got the m5stack parts @mgrouch lists. Got Aduino IDE installed and the M5Atom board set as "the board". I just plug the sucker in, compile and upload? Any tips appreciated.

[bradharley]

Your understanding is correct. You will need to merge the various sketches and modify the program to work appropriately. It's not that hard, however if it's your first time it can be daunting. You may find someone willing to help, and/or if you want to dig in, there are near infinite tutorials online about programming with arduino (which is applicable to the espressif boards). You may want to start a new topic on how to merge the functionality as I don't believe this discussion topic reflects what you're trying to do. Good luck!

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On Sat, Feb 24, 2024, at 1:06 PM, sandman507th wrote: From here: https://forum.arduino.cc/t/creating-sketch-with-multiple-ino-files/889603 My understanding is that a sketch can have only one void setup() and one void loop(). So to run all the code in the 3 sketches, the other void setup()s and void loop()s need to be removed and their functions be placed into a main sketch (or tab - apparently the compiler can pull in source from multiple tabs). Is that not correct? What is the general outline of what I need to do to get this working? ...and Thanks for any assistance! — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#93 (reply in thread)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAEHFXF4EB7JXMNCCKNRE3TYVJB3TAVCNFSM6AAAAABBPDYK5OVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43SRDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHM4DKNZZGI4DQ>. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>