NMEA data output refers to standardized text sentences used to transmit data between marine electronic devices, such as ADCPs. All Nortek ADCPs can be configured to output NMEA data for integration with external systems.
For Signature instruments, NMEA output is governed by the telemetry option. For more information about telemetry, please refer to Telemetry chapter in the Integrators Guide.
When enabling telemetry with serial output you can choose between several data formats, including a variety of NMEA formats. These formats are described in detail in the Integrators Guide. While outputting NMEA data, the Signature instrument continues to store raw binary data to the recorder. Additionally, you have the option to output NMEA messages to a telemetry file stored on the recorder.
The most common options of NMEA output - such as serial output of average current data and processed wave data - can be configured directly using the Deployment Wizard in the Signature Deployment software as shown in the screenshots below.
If you require more advanced configurations, for example outputting NMEA data from burst current measurements, you can do so using custom commands. All available commands are documented in the Integrators Guide, and this FAQ provides guidance on how to customize your deployment file: How do I change my Signature configuration (.deploy file) outside of the Deployment software?
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