Cortex Custom sensors and relays
With the Cortex M1 hub you can monitor a variety of internal sensors, NMEA inputs from other
devices on board, as well as hard-wired GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) interfaces
for up to five sensors.
For information on “Getting started with Cortex Monitor app” see https://vespermarine.zendesk.com/knowledge/articles/360001573196/en-us?brand_id=3133456
Two of these can be control interfaces for remotely turning on a relay. For example,
these could be connected to a door opening or motion sensor, a high water or bilge
pump activation sensor or a smoke or heat sensor or AIS stealth button.
Built in Monitoring
The Cortex itself includes its own heading, barometric and battery voltage sensors – all
of which are also available to the monitoring system. (Please note that GPIO cannot
monitor voltages over 17 volts.)
M1 SENSORS
HEADING Internal use only
BAROMETER Update rate 1Hz max (averaged)
BATTERY VOLTAGE Measured at power input
EXTERNAL SENSORS INPUTS 5 Inputs, Digital (0-24V), Analog (0-17V)
NMEA data from other devices can be shared with Monitor, if the Cortex is connected to
NMEA 2000 bus.
Water depth, Water temp, Barometric pressure
Vessel heading, Vessel speed, Wind data
Before the sensors can be used by Cortex, you’ll want to wire up each sensor. This is
covered in the Cortex Hub (M1 & V1) Install Manual.
To understand how to program sensors see Cortex Onboard app https://support.vespermarine.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001720296
or Cortex Handset.https://support.vespermarine.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001720336
Some products that can be used as sensors for GPIO monitoring:
Bilge Pump. If you already have a bilge pump on board which is activated by a float
switch then you can hook up this switch to the GPIO connections of the M1.
If you don't have such float switch of if you prefer to have a dedicated solution (perhaps
at a different location in the boat) then my recommendation is to install a similar float
switch as the Rule A Matic Plus Float Switch https://www.xylem.com/en-us/brands/rule/rule-products/rule-a-matic-plus-float-switch/
An alternative can be by using a high water alarm sensor, such as-
Johnson Water Alarmshttps://www.spxflow.com/johnson-pump-marine/products/high-water-alarms
Door or Hatch Alarm: The easiest solution for a door / entry alarm is to use a magnetic
reed switch. Such a switch will trigger the alarm when the 2 magnets are being moved
away from each other (when the door / hatch is opened)
Magnetic Reed Switches for hatches, doors, etc.
RS PRO Door and Window switch surface mount
https://nz.rs-online.com/web/p/door-sensors-window-sensors/1220719?cm_mmc=NZ-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-PLA_NZ_EN_Security_%26_Ironmongery_Whoop-_-(NZ:Whoop!)+Door+Sensors+%26+Window+Sensors-_-1220719&matchtype=&pla-324939539274&gclid=CjwKCAjwxuuCBhATEiwAIIIz0d4mQbkRkPvLeNK15E4u0oZdhVFpghsGp3nAz-_xU2t482174NBhEBoCKxkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Smoke/heat sensor monitoring can be configured on the GPIO .
Such as ESP 12volt optical smoke detector https://www.electricalworld.com/en/ESP-Fireline-12V-Conventional-Optical-Smoke-Detector/m-2347.aspx
A motion detector can also be wired into the GPIO, such as this low voltage PIR
infrared motion trigger switch. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32805559544.html
Relays to turn on or off devices. Such as lights or refrigeration. Use a relay which is 12
volt and has coil current of >190mA.
Panasonic CB1-12v SPDT Normally open mini relay
https://na.industrial.panasonic.com/products/relays-contactors/mechanical-power-relays/lineup/automotive/series/2822/model/2902
.