Serial to WiFi
Below is the maker with a link to the manufacturer's website and the model with a link to that unit. The unit can be purchased directly on that website, but more likely in bulk only. However, it is also available via other resellers. Google the make and model and purchase at a convenient place.
Wiring:
USR-DR164 adopts a push-type terminal connector, which allows for convenient and quick wiring. Terminal wiring definitions are shown below.
No. | Pin | Type | Description |
1 | DC 5-36V + | P | Positive input of the power supply |
2 | DC 5-36V - | P | Negative input of the power supply |
3 | RX/A | I/O | Serial signal |
4 | TX/B | I/O | Serial signal |
5 | GND | P | The digital ground |
Installation:
The unit uses DIN rail mounting.
Login to the device:
Power on the USR-DR164 device and connect the PC or mobile phone to USR-DR164-xxxx via Wi-Fi; users can log into the device via Chrome or another browser. When using a mobile phone, temporarily disable the mobile data (the phone might “look” for the device's IP address on the internet, and you will not be able to access the login page. When the mobile internet is off, it will access the IP address on the WiFi connection. Hence, you will access the config page)
When connected to the device, the config page is on 10.10.100.254.
The default network parameters are shown in the table below:
Parameter | Default value |
SSID | USR-DR164-xxxx |
LAN IP | 10.10.100.254 |
Username | admin |
Password | admin |
WiFi password | None |
Work mode:
Set the Work mode to “AP+STA mode.” This way, you can connect the device to the internet and simultaneously log in to make changes.
Serial settings:
Select the baud rate for the interfaced serial input. The AIS baud rate is 38400. Leave everything else as default.
STA settings:
Enter the WiFi access point name manually or click “scan” to find your network. Then, type in the password. Most likely, the router will give you the IP address, obtaining an IP address automatically. If not, type the IP addresses manually. In the case of commercial vessels, ask your ship’s IT department.
Net settings:
Below are the necessary settings to send the AIS to Marine Traffic.
Socket A | Setting |
Protocol | HTTP |
Port ID | provided via email after MarineTraffic registration |
Server Address | provided via email after MarineTraffic registration |
HTTP request type | POST |
HTTP message type | Serial data as the body |
HTTP Protocol header path | empty |
HTTP Protocol version | default |
HTTP Protocol message content | default |
HTTP Disconnect time | default |
Socket B | Setting |
Protocol | UDP-Client or TCP-Client |
Port ID | default |
Server Address | default (it will be given automatically when connected to router/internet) |
Reset to factory default:
While the unit is powered on, press and hold for 4~15 seconds to reset to factory settings.
Verify the forwarding:
Check the PWR LED - it should be lit, indicating the converter is powered on
Check the LINK LED - it should be lit, confirming the Ethernet cable is connected and there's a network link
Check the ACT (or COM) LED - it should blink, indicating that AIS data has been received from the AIS. Constantly lit indicates the wrong serial input polarization