Technical articles
Marine Electronics Knowledge Base
English technical articles, practical guides and real yacht work covering connectivity, navigation electronics, power systems, automation and repairs.
- NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 and CAN: What They Really Mean on BoatsA practical guide for yacht electronics: separate the protocol, electrical layer, topology and connector before connecting NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, CAN or Modbus equipment.
- Starlink Mini vs Standard vs Performance: Which One Is Best for Your Boat?
A practical marine electronics guide comparing Starlink Mini, Standard and Performance for boats, including power use, reliability, Peplink integration and… - How to Extend a Starlink Cable Without Losing Speed or Damaging the Router
A practical guide to extending a Starlink cable on yachts using the right shielded cable, correct pinout, sealed joints and marine-grade installation… - Complete Guide to Victron Cerbo GX Integration for Marine Electronics
A practical 2025 guide to integrating Victron Cerbo GX and Cerbo GX MK2 with batteries, chargers, tanks, NMEA 2000, Modbus, MQTT, Bluetooth sensors and… - Why Install a Victron NG BMS on Marine Lithium Batteries?
How to choose between SmallBMS NG, VE.Bus BMS NG and Lynx Smart BMS NG for safe, reliable Victron Lithium NG battery systems onboard. - Critical Nuvo-5104VTC Industrial Computer Repair for Yacht Monitoring Systems
A marine electronics repair case involving a Nuvo-5104VTC industrial PC running NaviOp monitoring software, diagnosed with thermal imaging, oscilloscope and… - TimeZero Chart Updates: Expert Guide for Safer Navigation
A practical checklist for updating Maxi TimeZero and other onboard navigation charts before the season, including License ID, ChartLog, unlock codes and… - Diagnosing and Repairing NaviOp Touch Button Panels on Marine Control Systems
A professional troubleshooting workflow for erratic NaviOp touch panels controlling navigation lights, horn and bridge functions, including power, PLC… - Choosing the Right Marine Navigation Software: TimeZero and TZ Navigator for Your Yacht
How to evaluate TimeZero and TZ Navigator for a yacht bridge computer, including GPU compatibility, Mediterranean charts, AIS, radar and route planning… - Custom Marine Electronics: Design, Manufacturing and Installation of Advanced Systems
Tailor-made marine electronics for yachts, from circuit design and PCB production to PLC programming, IoT monitoring, installation, commissioning and crew… - Advanced Mastervolt System Installation: Power and Control for Luxury Yachts
A professional Mastervolt energy system with four 24 V ULTRA lithium batteries, 6000 W solar charging, generator and shore power integration, alternator… - Expert Naviop System Calibration: Optimising Marine Automation and Fuel Readings
A Naviop calibration case involving a faulty 4-20 mA fuel pressure sender, tank geometry calibration and accurate fuel level display for safer yacht… - Expert Repair of an Intellian i9 SAT TV Antenna on a Luxury Yacht
A luxury yacht Intellian i9 satellite TV antenna lost Astra 19.2E tracking for Movistar+. The repair involved a faulty stepper motor, control board damage… - Resolving a Furuno NavPilot 500 Autopilot Fault: An Expert Marine Electronics Case Study
How our marine electronics team diagnosed and resolved a dangerous intermittent fault on a Furuno NavPilot 500 autopilot, restoring safe and predictable… - Raymarine Network Optimisation on an 18-Metre Motor Yacht
We optimised the Raymarine network on an 18-metre motor yacht, improving video distribution, system performance, and signal reliability across the onboard… - Electrical System Upgrades and Maintenance for Classic Sailing Yachts
How to modernise the electrical installation of a classic sailing yacht while respecting the original structure and improving safety, reliability, and… - Installation and Optimisation of High-End Marine Audio Systems
Upgrade your yacht’s audio system with leading marine audio brands, professional calibration, and customised sound zones designed for high-fidelity… - Installing OceanLED Underwater Lights on Yachts: Process and Benefits
A professional dry-dock installation of nine blue OceanLED underwater lights operating at 24V DC, with careful hull preparation, sealing, testing, and final… - Expert Guide to Marine Electronics: Equipment, Installation and Maintenance
A practical overview of the key marine electronics systems on board and how professional installation and maintenance help ensure safer, more efficient… - Resolving a PLC-to-Generator Communication Fault on a Perini Navi Sailing Yacht
How a PLC communication issue on a Perini Navi sailing yacht was traced to a faulty rotary sensor and resolved through precise diagnostics, replacement and… - How to Troubleshoot Remote-Control Faults in Marine Engine Systems
A practical case study on diagnosing marine engine remote-control failures, including cable testing, waterproof connector inspection and preventive… - Solving Communication Problems in NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 Networks
How to diagnose and correct communication faults in NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and SeaTalk networks for safer, more reliable yacht operation. - Design and Manufacture of Custom Panels for Yachts and Technical Systems
Precision design and manufacture of custom control panels for yachts and technical systems, using durable materials and professional production methods. - Autopilot Calibration: Essential for Accurate and Safe Navigation
Improve onboard safety and navigation accuracy with professional calibration of your autopilot, wind sensors, speed log, electronic compass and gyros. - Common Mistakes When Installing Marine Weather Sensors
A poorly positioned wind sensor can produce misleading readings. Learn where to install marine weather sensors to improve navigation safety and data accuracy. - Diagnosing and Replacing a Victron Unit on a 12-Metre Yacht
Diagnosis, replacement and configuration of a Victron 2000W, 12V, 80A combined unit on a 12-metre Grand Banks-style yacht with battery charging issues. - Connectivity at Sea: Professional Peplink Installation for Yachts
Improve onboard connectivity with professionally installed Peplink systems. Area Electronica configures reliable, secure networks for owners, guests and crew. - Victron Lithium Battery Installation on a Yacht: More Autonomy and Safety
A Victron lithium battery system installed on a motor yacht to improve autonomy, safety, weight distribution and energy efficiency on board. - Simrad J300X Autopilot Repair: Diagnosing a One-Side Steering Fault
Professional diagnosis and repair of a Simrad J300X autopilot that would steer only to starboard and blew the fuse when commanded to port. - Galvanic Corrosion on Steel-Hulled Sailing Yachts: Prevention, Diagnosis and Repair
A practical guide for owners and captains on identifying, preventing and correcting galvanic corrosion on steel hulls, anodes and underwater metal systems.