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Talker ID

In the NMEA 0183 standard, a Talker ID is a two-character prefix at the beginning of an NMEA sentence. Its primary function is to identify the type of device or system that is sending the data. This allows a receiving device to correctly interpret the information and determine its source, which is crucial in a multi-device network.

According to the NMEA0183 Standard V4.10, an NMEA sentence always starts with the '$' character, followed immediately by the two-character Talker ID, and then the three-character message formatter or message type.

Here are some common examples of Talker IDs:

  • GP: Used for Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. For example, a $GPGGA sentence indicates that it is a GGA (Global Positioning Data) message from a GPS receiver.
  • GL: Designates a GLONASS receiver.
  • GA: Represents a Galileo receiver.
  • GN: Used for a multi-GNSS receiver, which can process data from more than one GNSS system (e.g., GPS and GLONASS).
  • LC: Refers to a Loran-C system.
  • TI: Identifies a 3D-Trak system.

This systematic approach to naming ensures interoperability between different marine and navigation electronic devices, allowing products from various manufacturers to work together seamlessly within a single network. The Talker ID is a fundamental part of the NMEA 0183 protocol, ensuring clarity and proper data handling in an integrated system.