On this page you will find tips for using LOGBOOK and answers to frequently asked questions.
NMEA Connection: Tips and Tricks
Experience shows that most of our customers' questions concern connecting the Primary Device to the ship's NMEA network. Therefore, we have compiled some tips and notes here.
Using USB-connected NMEA data sources under Windows
With USB connections under Windows, in most cases it is not possible to activate devices that are already being used by a navigation program for Logbook as well, since the navigation programs permanently occupy the device's port and do not release it for other programs.
Some navigation programs offer a virtual port splitter that allows the port to be used by two programs. If not, corresponding additional software is required. This problem does not exist with WiFi connections.
Important Note for Owners of Chart Plotters with WiFi
Unfortunately, plotters from Raymarine, Furuno and Garmin do not transmit standard NMEA data via the integrated WiFi. The WiFi only sends specially prepared information for the brand's own apps.
In order to access the NMEA data with another device or application, an NMEA multiplexer with WiFi function must be present in the ship's network despite the plotter's WiFi function.
Plotters from B&G, Simrad and Lowrance: Connect LOGBOOK with GoFree
The plotters from B&G, Simrad and Lowrance are among the few that actually deliver NMEA data via integrated WiFi (GoFree). So you don't need a separate gateway to receive NMEA data with LOGBOOK.
The connection is a TCP connection. For the IP address, you must enter your plotter's IP. It is displayed on the info screen. GoFree uses the standard port for NMEA data (10110).
But note: If your Primary LOGBOOK is connected to GoFree, there is no way to simultaneously establish an internet connection via your device's WiFi. If both are desired, you must still use a separate gateway.
Allow GPS data reception on iPad for LOGBOOK
For LOGBOOK to receive GPS data on the iPad, location services for LOGBOOK must be activated in the iOS Settings app under Privacy, Location Services.
GPS Jamming in the Baltic Sea and Eastern Mediterranean
Several media outlets have reported massive GPS disruptions in recent years, particularly in the Baltic Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. The cause is presumably targeted interference (GPS jamming) related to the war in Ukraine.
If you are traveling in this area and receive NMEA error messages while using LOGBOOK, this GPS jamming may be the reason. LOGBOOK compares positions with each data capture and reports an NMEA error if they are too far apart. Erroneous positions are not used further.
If the GPS disruption is only temporary (as we have mostly seen with the disruptions reported by our customers in the past years), this also has no impact on your logbook entries.
See also: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/Ostsee-Raetselhafte-GPS-Stoerungen-behindern-Schiffs-und-Flugverkehr,balticjammer100.html and https://skipper.adac.de/gps-stoerungen-im-ostseeraum-und-mittelmeer/
Hardware Tip for NMEA Connection with LOGBOOK
We have tested several WiFi multiplexers in practice and can give you a very special recommendation here.
Small, easy to install and fully compatible with LOGBOOK: the NMEA 2000 WiFi Gateway YDWG-02 from Yacht Devices.
The device is less than 6 cm long and has a diameter of only 20 mm. You can find technical information here: http://www.yachtd.com/products/wifi_gateway.html.
