The DataHub includes a range of apps which can be enabled to provide the features and services it offers. Generally, the DataHub needs an Internet connection for these apps to work fully as designed, however most apps can also operate either fully locally, or at least temporarily offline.
While offline, apps will continue to either work locally on DataHub Wi-Fi (e.g. Anchor Alert app) or they will store information until the DataHub next connects to the internet, and will upload stored data then (e.g. GPS Tracking, AI Polars, PredictMail).
At PredictWind, we treat your data privacy as a priority and build it into the design of our products. We are open about what data is collected and shared, and we welcome any questions you may have about how your information is handled. We won't use or share your information without disclosure, your knowledge or consent.
1. What data does the DataHub transmit over the internet and how does PredictWind use the DataHub data I share?
Firstly, the DataHub is a Wi-Fi Internet router which allows you to connect to, and share multiple internet sources with any Wi-Fi or LAN-connected devices.
This means that any internet connection you connect to the DataHub e.g. Starlink, Wi-Fi, USB-tether cell phone, Iridium GO! or GO exec can be shared by other devices. Through the Internet > Device Configuration and Firewall pages in the DataHub you can control how those connections can be used by devices connecting to DataHub Wi-Fi.
Important Note: The DataHub does not transfer data from any of its own apps or services unless the service is enabled. It has no hidden “phone home” function.
The only DataHub service enabled by default is GPS Tracking, and this can be turned on or off with two clicks on the Services > GPS Tracking page.
DataHub Apps and Services that transfer data to the internet
GPS Tracking: Sends GPS positions. If N2K is connected, wind data is sent with each position.
AI Polars: Sends instrument data from your N2K network. This builds and updates your AI Polar for weather routing.
AIS to Internet: Sends AIS targets from your N2K bus to PredictWind. These are then passed to Spire.
Anchor Alert App: Sends N2K data for remote monitoring. Sends alerts to your phone when a trigger fires.
PredictMail: Connects only to PredictMail mail servers to send and receive emails.
Remote Assistance: This provides a web-based UI to access the DataHub remotely for configuration, and can also enable streaming NMEA0183 over the internet for shore based crew to monitor onboard conditions using navigation apps like AquaMap, OpenCPN and Navionics.
Account checks
When you log into the Account page on the DataHub, it checks your PredictWind subscription so that Professional features can be unlocked (ie. Over-the-Horizon AIS).
When you turn on Over-the-Horizon AIS, the DataHub checks that you have a Professional plan before it downloads targets.
2. Are you able to opt-out of real-time weather and AIS data sharing?
GPS tracking is enabled by default in the DataHub for ease of setup because that's the device's primary function.
All other services are off by default.
If GPS Tracking or AIS to Internet are not enabled, no tracking or AIS data is sent.
If GPS Tracking is on but the N2K bus is not connected, the DataHub sends only the internal GPS position. It does not send wind data.
3. Does PredictWind put my boat data into the public domain?
GPS Tracking
Your GPS position is visible only to people logged into the PredictWind App or Forecast site, and to anyone who has your private tracking link.
You do not need to share the link.
You can set the vessel name on the tracking page to whatever you like. You could choose a plain name such as “SV Boat” to keep your identity private.
Wind Observations
By default, Observations show as “YourBoat Name – DataHub”.
The vessel name can be edited upon request, so only the data source appears, e.g. "DataHub".
AIS to Internet
The DataHub sends only the AIS targets that appear on your N2K bus.
Many AIS units do not place their own vessel target on the N2K network. In that case, your own MMSI is not sent unless you manually add it.
This means many users do not share their own AIS target unless they choose to.
4. DataHub Weather Observation data collected includes my precise GPS position and is tied to the DataHub serial number. Does PredictWind monetise this data?
PredictWind does not monetise DataHub weather or position data.
The only use today is to display Observations on the Forecast website and app.
If you prefer not to share this data, you can turn off GPS Tracking or change the identifier on your tracking page at any time.
PredictWind shares AIS-to-Internet data with aggregators (i.e. Spire).
5. How much data bandwidth is consumed uploading real-time weather data for sharing with the maritime community?
The amount of data transferred depends on the tracking interval and the number of N2K instruments on your boat.
Typical use is:
15-minute tracking with AI Polars on: about 0.163 MB per day.
60-minute tracking with AI Polars on: about 0.148 MB per day.
Hourly tracking for most boats: under 5 MB per month.
15-minute tracking: about 20 MB per month.
If your N2K network includes engine, temperature, or battery data, usage can be about 25% higher.
The DataHub is optimised for low-bandwidth, metered satellite communications devices such as the GO! and GO! exec. It compresses and manages data so that data use while offshore use stays within a small monthly range.
7. I have a pay-per-GB data plan. Will the DataHub be a hidden drain on this?
On a pay-per-GB plan, the volumes above are small. Even frequent tracking intervals fall well below what most mobile or satellite plans charge at a notable level, including Iridium and Starlink.
8. How much data will AIS-to-Internet use?
The amount depends on the number of AIS targets in view and the sampling period.
A simple way to view it:
About 1 MB per month if you see around 10 targets all day with a 110-second sampling period.
About 10 MB per month if you see around 100 targets all day.
The rough calculation is:
Around 80 bytes per target per sample.
10 targets at 110 seconds gives about 1 MB per month.
You can cut usage by more than 50% by changing the sample period to 170 seconds.
On a pay-per-GB plan, even at 100 targets, 24/7 for a month, these numbers are also small.
Summary
With a DataHub, you have control over managing your privacy and how much data is transferred by the DataHub. To minimise data transfer and maximise your privacy while using GPS tracking, you could:
Turn off GPS Tracking.
Turn off AIS-to-Internet.
Do not use other services such as PredictMail, the Anchor Alert App, Over-the-Horizon AIS or PredictMail.
Use a neutral vessel name for your tracking page.
Ask us to remove your vessel name from Observations.
Keep the N2K bus disconnected if you want to limit data to GPS only.
With all these services turned off, the DataHub would still serve as an N2K to Wi-Fi gateway on your boat for using navigation apps like AquaMap, Navionics or OpenCPN.