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Step 2: How to set up DataHub GPS tracking
Step 2: How to set up DataHub GPS tracking

GPS tracking is a great safety feature for all boats

Jon Bilger avatar
Written by Jon Bilger
Updated today

DataHub how to set up GPS tracking

Before you start

  • The DataHub is shipped with a GPS patch antenna on a 1.8m cable and a black stubby antenna. Please connect the GPS patch antenna to the gold male connector labelled GPS on the DataHub. Position the patch antenna as high or as close to a window as you can.

  • If your vessel has an NMEA 2000 (N2K) network, please follow these instructions first and connect one of the GPS antennas provided with the DataHub. You can change your DataHub configuration to use your vessel's N2K system later. The short black stubby GPS antenna provided may be valuable as a backup in case your patch antenna breaks or the N2K network stops working.

Step 1) Setting up GPS tracking using the DataHub

  • Connect to the DataHub using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable plugged into the LAN port.

  • Open a Chrome or Safari browser and type 10.10.10.1 in the URL bar

  • Log in using admin as the username and admin as the password.

Check or configure the GPS Feed

  • Click NMEA to check or configure the GPS Feed from the left menu.

  • Next to Source, check that the Built-in GPS is already selected.

  • If it is not, click the drop-down box next to Source, select Built-in GPS, and then click Save & Apply. (this is now using the GPS patch antenna)

  • Later, if you connect your N2K network to the DataHub, you can update this setting to use NMEA2000 on CAN0 to connect your boat instruments.

  • Click the GPS menu from the top menu to see if you have GPS data available.

    If you see Status VOID this means there is no GPS data available yet. The GPS patch antenna and black stubby antenna must have a good view of the sky to achieve a GPS fix. You may need to reposition the patch antenna to receive a GPS signal.

  • When a GPS signal has been received to the DataHub on the GPS page it will display Status: ACTIVE as shown below, along with full details of your GPS position.

Important Note: If you do not see a GPS position within 10-15 minutes, and you are sure the GPS patch antenna is fully screwed with a good view of the sky, please try the black stubby antenna. If this does not work after repositioning the antenna, please contact PredictWind Support.

Activate GPS Tracking on the DataHub

To activate GPS Tracking on your DataHub:

  • Click on the Services -> Tracking menu.

  • Tick Enable Tracking.

  • Click Save & Apply.

Below the Enable Tracking button, the default Interval is set at 60 minutes, so your DataHub will record its GPS position every hour and attempt to upload it via the Internet. The Interval setting can be reduced to as low as 15 minutes or increased to a higher value.

Step 2) Set up a PredictWind GPS Tracking Web Page for your boat using the DataHub

PredictWind provides a customised tracking page that allows friends and family to follow your travels. The tracking and blogging service also requires a Standard or Professional Forecast subscription.

Setup GPS tracking on your phone or tablet

To set up your own PredictWind GPS tracking web page on your phone or tablet:

  • Connect your device to high speed Internet, e.g. home Wi-Fi.

  • Open your device's camera and scan the QR code on the back of your DataHub device. Please note this is NOT the QR code on the DataHub box.

  • To scan, hold your phone camera over the QR Code and tap the pop-up window to open your browser when a yellow box appears. This link will open the PredictWind Satellite Portal tracking set-up page for your DataHub.

    If the QR code does not detect please move or refocus the camera.

  • Log in to the PredictWind Satellite Portal using the email address and password you used to create an account when you purchased the DataHub.

  • The MAC address will be auto-filled. Check the DataHub Mac address to ensure it matches the MAC address on the bottom of your DataHub, then tap Continue.

Important Note: Unfortunately, some DataHub QR codes will scan incorrectly. Please check it, and adjust it if incorrect before you continue.

  • You will be offered an Onboarding Service. This is highly recommended; one of our Support Agents will assist with setting up your DataHub, tracking and any other questions you may have. You can add this service or continue without Onboarding.

Select your Customer Type

  • Tap New Customer or Existing Customer, then tap Continue.

  • If you have not set up a tracking page before:

    • Select I am a new customer.

    • Enter your PredictWind Forecast login email address.

    • Select your Vessel Type and add your Boat Name.

    • Tap Continue.

  • If you have an existing tracking page:

    Enter your PredictWind Forecast login email address to link the DataHub to your existing page, then tap Continue.

  • Review your activation and tap Confirm. In the example below, an Onboarding Service has been selected. If you chose Continue without Onboarding Service there will be no fee.

  • You will receive a confirmation that your GPS Tracking page has been successfully set up and an email with further instructions. Check your junk or promotional email folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.

Important Notes about your GPS Tracking Page

  • Until we receive a position report from your Datahub, your tracking page will show the default position off the coast of Africa. You can see an example of a tracking page here: http://tracking.predictwind.com/MV_Bliss

  • You could add this tracking page link to your website or blog, or email it to friends and family so they can follow your voyages.

  • You must also have an active PredictWind Standard or Professional Forecast subscription to use GPS Tracking. To upgrade your PredictWind Forecast account, click here and select your preferred package.

Your GPS tracking page is also available for you in the PredictWind App under the Tools menu and in the PredictWind Forecast website.

Move on to Step 3

After completing Steps 1 and 2 of the DataHub set-up, if you have not already done so, we recommend taking the DataHub to the boat to complete the boat installation. Step 4 includes a diagram and recommendations for installing the DataHub on your vessel.

You are now ready to move on to Step 3: How to set up PredictMail.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can't use my phone or tablet. Set up using your desktop or laptop.

If you cannot set up GPS tracking using your mobile or tablet, you could use your laptop or desktop as an alternative. To do this, please:

Troubleshooting

For further assistance with the tracking page setup, or if your GPS tracking is not working, please see the article DataHub GPS tracking not working.

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