Group to add lighting control options to NMEA 2000 standard
SEVERNA PARK, MD—The National Marine Electronics Association is has announced the formation of a new NMEA 2000 Working Group whose purpose will be to develop lighting control and status PGNs into the NMEA 2000 standard. This innovative set of messages will allow the control of brightness and color, along with more dynamic functions, including fade rates, flash frequencies, and the communication of lighting scenes.
“We have seen a huge increase in the amount of lights, LED, or non-LED that are being installed on vessels of all sizes and types”. Noted Mark Reedenauer NMEA President & Executive Director. This includes any light on the vessel, inside or out, below or above the waterline. As the Multi-Function Display more and more becomes the command center of the boat, there is a clear need for a lighting control page on these displays in the not so distant future. This group will pave the way for future lighting control and integration systems that have been not been previously possible in the Marine Environment.” Reedenauer added.
Brian Rogers, President of Shadow-Caster Lighting will chair the Lighting Working Group. Companies that have joined the group (as of February 14 2017) to help develop the new standard include Lumishore Lighting, Lumitec Lighting, Innovative Lighting, 12Systems, and Ideas That Float. All other lighting or Multi-Function Display manufacturers are invited to contribute to this new part of the NMEA 2000 standard.
Interested manufacturers should contact NMEA Director of Standards Steve Spitzer at 410-975-9425 or email sspitzer@nmea.org.
Founded in 1957, the NMEA has led the way in establishing technical standards for data exchange in marine electronics, with the widely accepted NMEA 0183 data protocol, NMEA 2000® and certification standards for marine electronics technicians. NMEA standards and programs focus on ensuring that the boating consumer is provided with reliable products and professional service. For more information, visit the NMEA website at www.NMEA.org or call (410) 975-9425.