We're often asked if the DataHub can connect to a chartplotter / MFD or multi-function device, what's the best way, and what can it do when it is connected. This article includes answers to all the Frequently Asked Questions about connecting the DataHub with chartplotters/MFDs.
What's the best way to connect my chartplotter / MFD / multi-function to the DataHub?
The best way to connect your chartplotter / MFD / multi-function device to the DataHub is via NMEA2000 (N2K). Below are the steps to connect the DataHub to your boat's N2K network.
Connecting the DataHub to your boat's N2K network allows it to receive all your NMEA instrument data, and to publish targets for Over the Horizon AIS onto the N2K bus for display on your chartplotter/MFD.
Connecting your chartplotter/MFD to the DataHub via Wi-Fi is not necessary and usually counterproductive.
The only good reason we know to connect your chartplotter/MFD to the DataHub via Wi-Fi is if you do not have an N2K network, so it can act as a source of NMEA0183 to provide GPS and instrument data to the DataHub. For more information about this, see DataHub how to receive NMEA0183.
Can I export a route from the PredictWind App or Offshore App to import on my chartplotter?
Yes. You can export weather routes from the PredictWind App and Offshore App to load into your chartplotter. In most cases this is done by saving the route to an SD card, and inserting this into the chartplotter/MFD. Some Navigation apps allow you to directly export a route to your chartplotter if they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
How to export a route from the PredictWind App or Offshore App
Can I connect my chartplotter/MFD to the DataHub to view PredictWind Weather GRIBs?
No, the DataHub cannot connect to your chartplotter/MFD to share or provide weather GRIBs directly.
If your chartplotter/MFD can connect to the internet and download weather GRIBs from an internet service supported by your MFD manufacturer, it could use the DataHub to connect to the Internet.
Most chartplotters/MFDs only have a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi radio, so to connect to the DataHub, you must swap Wi-Fis on the DataHub. This makes the 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi available for your devices to connect to the DataHub, and sets the 5Ghz Wi-Fi as being available to connect to the Internet. See how to Swap Wi-Fi on the DataHub.
Raymarine: If you have a Raymarine charplotter, here is how to install PredictWind and the Offshore App using Lighthouse 3 and Lighthouse 4.
B&G: While B&G does have a PredictWind integration on its older chart plotters, there are many usability issues and bugs that B&G has been unable to resolve. PredictWind is very keen for our software to work on B&G chartplotters. We have been assisting B&G with these issues for some years, without success. The main issue is that B&G has not updated the PredictWind Offshore App version for B&G MFD devices.
B&G has shared that it is testing the new Zeus S Series MFDs, which have an Android operating system that will fully support both the PredictWind and Offshore App. They expect this to be available by Q4 2025.
How can I view GRIB files on my chartplotter / MFD?
If your chartplotter can display weather GRIB1 type files, these can be exported from the Offshore App. See how to export GRIB files to other software.
How to connect the DataHub to NMEA 2000 (N2K)
The DataHub has an optional N2K cable and T-connector you can buy to connect the DataHub to the boat's instruments to receive all N2K data, including GPS position, True Wind Speed/Direction, Depth and AIS data if available.
Receiving this GPS data from a marine GPS installed on decks will guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the DataHub's GPS for your GPS tracking page.
The True Wind Speed/Direction data displayed on your GPS tracking page is a great safety feature, so friends and family can see you in real-time weather conditions.
Connect the N2K cable to the Datahub and insert the T-connector into the N2K network backbone. You have now completed the physical installation.
It is also recommended to connect the supplied GPS patch antenna to the DataHub as a backup in case of an N2K instrument failure, such as by a lightning strike. Using the Internal GPS as a fallback can be enabled in the settings below.
1. DataHub N2K setup and configuration
Once connected, you must change the settings in the DataHub to take advantage of this N2K data. To enable NMEA on the DataHub to use your N2K network for GPS, Wind Speed/Direction, Depth & AIS data:
Connect your laptop or desktop device (recommended) to the DataHub Wi-Fi network. It will look like PW-Hub-XXXX in the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
Open a Chrome or Safari browser, and type 10.10.10.1 in the URL bar.
Log in with the default username admin and password admin.
On the left menu under Services, click NMEA.
Beside Source, click on the dropdown box to select NMEA2000 on CAN0.
Click Advanced, then tick Internal GPS.
Click select Save & Apply.
2. Configure DataHub N2K Filters
If you have multiple devices on your N2K network outputting data for GPS position, heading, depth or wind it is strongly recommended to use DataHub N2K filters to ensure the DataHub uses the best available instrument data on your boat.
On the DataHub NMEA Setting page, click on Advanced.
Tick the checkbox to Enable N2K filters.
Click the drop-down boxes and select the correct GPS address, Heading, Depth and Wind sensors for the DataHub. Leave the drop-down box blank to use all available sensors.
Optionally, it is recommended to tick Internal GPS so the supplied GPS patch antenna on a 1.8m cable can act as a backup to your boat's GPS when it is powered off. With N2K filters applied, the internal GPS will only be referenced when the boat's GPS is unavailable.
Click SAVE & APPLY.
3. Enable Over the Horizon AIS
Now your DataHub and chartplotter/MFD are connected, you're ready to setup Over the Horizon AIS so you can see AIS targets on your chartplotter up to 300NM away. Please see Over the Horizon AIS - DataHub setup guide.
What does Over the Horizon AIS look like on my Chartplotter/MFD?
Over the Horizon AIS works in the same way and targets look almost the same as regular AIS targets on your chartplotter/MFD, except for the target metadata, which indicates the Callsign as DataHub instead of the boat's regular AIS callsign.
Below are pictures from Raymarine Axiom and Zeus B&G chartplotters displaying Over the Horizon AIS (OHA).
Note the B&G AIS Vessel Details shows the Target callsign of DataHub, indicating it's an OHA target:
