Smart Boat 18: WiFi and Serial NMEA integrations for Home Assistant

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through integrating WiFi and serial NMEA connections into your Smart Boat system, enhancing your boating experience with seamless connectivity and automation. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll learn to set up Smart0183TCP and Smart0183Serial integrations, install them via HACS, and add sensors to your Home Assistant dashboard.

Step 1: Setting Up NMEA WiFi Gateway

To connect to the NMEA network wirelessly, you will need a WiFi gateway. Here’s how to set it up:

• Purchase a NMEA WiFi Gateway. Recommended options include:
  • Digital Yacht WiFi 2000 Gateway: Link
  • Digital Yacht WiFi 0183 Gateway: Link
• Use coupon code SMARTBOAT10 for a 10% discount.
• Connect the WiFi gateway to your boat's power source and ensure it is powered on.

Step 2: Connecting NMEA 2000 to 0183

To bridge the gap between NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183, you will need a USB adapter.

• Purchase a NMEA 2000 to 0183 USB Adapter:
  • Digital Yacht N2K Converter
• Use the same coupon code SMARTBOAT10 for a discount.
• Follow the adapter's manual to connect it to your NMEA devices and power it on.

Step 3: Setting Up Serial Connections

For wired connections, you will need to configure serial adapters.

• Purchase the following adapters:
  • USB to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter: Amazon Link
  • USB to RS422 Serial Adapter: Amazon Link
  • DB-9 Female RS232 Serial Plug: Amazon Link or AliExpress Link
• Connect the adapters according to the specifications in their manuals.

Step 4: Installing Smart0183TCP and Smart0183Serial via HACS

To integrate these connections into Home Assistant:

• Open Home Assistant and navigate to HACS (Home Assistant Community Store).
• Search for the Smart0183TCP and Smart0183Serial integrations.
• Click on "Install" for both integrations.
• Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.

Step 5: Adding Sensors to Your Dashboard

Once the integrations are installed, you can add sensors to your Home Assistant dashboard.

• Go to your Home Assistant dashboard.
• Click on “Configuration” and then “Integrations”.
• Locate the Smart0183TCP and Smart0183Serial integrations.
• Click on “Add” to include the sensors you wish to monitor.
• Customize the dashboard to display the data as preferred.

Conclusion

You have now successfully integrated WiFi and serial NMEA connections into your Smart Boat system. This setup will allow for streamlined data monitoring and a more automated boating experience. As a next step, consider exploring additional sensors and features within Home Assistant to further enhance your setup. Enjoy your smarter, more connected boating adventures!