NavCast NMEA Server & Splitter

Gregor Nelson

About this app

NavCast is an NMEA 0183 server and multiplexer for Android. It receives navigation data from GPS, AIS receivers, and marine instruments, then rebroadcasts it to other devices on your boat network.

Key features:

• Multiple inputs — Device GPS, Bluetooth SPP, USB serial (FTDI, Prolific, CP210x, CH340), and TCP client
• Multiple outputs — TCP server, TCP client, UDP broadcast, and Bluetooth server
• Sentence monitor — live view of NMEA sentences flowing through the router
• Auto-start — optionally start routing when the app launches
• Background service — keeps routing active when the app is minimised
• Zero configuration — sensible defaults, just connect and go

Use cases:

• Share your phone's GPS with a chart plotter or navigation app on another device
• Multiplex a Bluetooth AIS receiver to multiple chart plotters over WiFi
• Bridge USB serial instruments to wireless devices
• Feed NMEA data from a TCP source to Bluetooth or USB outputs

NavCast connects to standard marine electronics via NMEA 0183 over Bluetooth SPP, USB serial, or WiFi/LAN. No account required. No telemetry. All data stays on your device.

What’s new

Map now functions entirely offline — no signal required
Base map expanded from 9 to 36 layers
Ocean depth shading introduced across 12 bathymetric bands
Glaciers and Antarctic ice shelves added
Global and regional rivers included
Lakes added for North America, Europe and Australia, alongside playas and historic lake beds
Marine and land region outlines added
Optional 15° latitude and longitude graticule