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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCopperHill’s PICAN-M is a Raspberry Pi HAT that connects a Pi to both NMEA 0183 marine equipment and an NMEA 2000 network. It provides an RS422 interface for NMEA 0183 and a CAN interface for NMEA 2000, so it can suit a boat with a mix of older and newer instruments. It is an interface board, not a complete computer: you supply the Raspberry Pi and the marine network hardware. The manufacturer lists a base version and an optional SMPS version that changes how the Pi can be powered.
What the PICAN-M does
The PICAN-M combines two marine data interfaces on one Raspberry Pi HAT. Its five-way screw terminal connects NMEA 0183 equipment over RS422; its five-pin Micro-C connector connects to an NMEA 2000 CAN network. On the software side, the serial interface appears as ttyS0, while SocketCAN exposes the CAN interface as can0.
This combination is useful when a system includes both NMEA 0183 devices and an NMEA 2000 backbone. The board provides the Pi with interfaces to those networks; it does not replace the Raspberry Pi, backbone, cables, or other equipment needed to build a working system.
What you need for an installation
- A compatible Raspberry Pi. The manufacturer says the Pi is not included and documents a Pi 4 enclosure option; the available information does not establish fit for every Pi model or enclosure.
- The PICAN-M, in either its base or SMPS version.
- For NMEA 2000, a powered backbone, suitable drop cabling and correct network termination. The PICAN-M is described as 120-ohm terminator ready, but that does not remove the need for a correctly terminated backbone.
- NMEA 0183 equipment and appropriate wiring if you intend to use the RS422 interface.
- A software application or service that can use the corresponding serial or CAN interface.
Choose the power version carefully
The base PICAN-M has no onboard power supply. The optional SMPS version adds a 3A switch-mode power supply and is documented to power the Raspberry Pi and HAT from a 12 VDC onboard source. That is a separate power arrangement from the NMEA 2000 data connection: do not assume the NMEA 2000 backbone powers the Raspberry Pi. Plan Pi power according to the version you buy and your vessel’s supply.
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- 2-Channel Isolated CAN Bus Expansion, Multi Onboard Protection Circuits
- Enable Isolated And Stable CAN Bus Capability For Your Raspberry Pi
- Standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO Header, Customized For Raspberry Pi Series Boards
- MCP2515 CAN Controller + SN65HVD230 CAN Transceiver
- SM24CANB TVS Diode, ESD Protection, Transient Peak Voltage Protection
Connect the marine networks
NMEA 0183 over RS422
Connect NMEA 0183 wiring to the board’s five-way screw terminal. The manufacturer’s documentation identifies the interface as RS422 and says it appears to applications as ttyS0. Confirm the relevant equipment’s wiring requirements before connecting conductors; the information available here does not specify a complete terminal-by-terminal wiring map.
NMEA 2000 over CAN
The NMEA 2000 connection is a five-pin Micro-C connector. The PICAN-M Rev B 3.0 guide gives the pin functions as shield, +12 V, ground, CAN_H and CAN_L. Use a suitable drop connection to a powered, correctly terminated backbone rather than treating the HAT as a substitute for the network’s required power and termination.
Rank #2
- This series of products are LoRa modules using the new generation of SX1262 RF chip, with the features of long communication distance and strong anti-interference ability. This version includes GNSS antenna.
- Suitable for Sub-GHz frequency band network, 850~930MHz frequency band. The new generation SX1262 has higher power efficiency and longer transmission distance than the SX1278.
- Combined with a LoRa gateway, it can be connected to servers such as TTN to build a LoRaWAN network. Onboard L76K module with GPS/BD support, provides accurate clock and location info for node module.
- with Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO header, compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+/Pi3B/2B/Raspberry Pi Zero WH/Zero 2W,etc.
- Onboard button cell holder, supports ML1220 rechargeable cell, for preserving ephemeris information and hot starts. Onboard 4 LED indicators for module operating status.
Bring up the software interfaces
- Connect the HAT and install the Raspberry Pi in your chosen setup. The board is a HAT, while the Pi itself is a separate purchase.
- Check the NMEA 0183 serial interface. The documented application device is
ttyS0. Configure the software that will consume the serial data for the connected equipment and its settings. - Check the NMEA 2000 CAN interface. SocketCAN presents it as
can0. OpenCPN’s documentation shows a native CAN interface configured at a bitrate of250000; select the native CAN interface and use that bitrate where appropriate for this setup. - Choose an application. The manufacturer lists OpenCPN, OpenPlotter, Signal K and CANBoat as part of the supported software ecosystem. Their roles and configuration options differ, so configure the application that matches how you want to view, route or interpret the network data.
The Rev B 2.0 user guide describes the board as having an “Easy to install SocketCAN driver” and says programming can be done in C or Python. That describes the documented interface and programming options; it is not a guarantee that every operating-system image or application will configure itself without additional setup.
Expansion and physical fit
A Qwiic I2C connector provides an expansion path for compatible sensors. The manufacturer illustrates a BME280 and a Yacht Devices NMEA 2000 thermometer in example systems. These examples show possible system components, not included accessories.
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Rank #3
- This is a SX1262 LoRa HAT for Raspberry Pi, 915MHz Frequency Band, for America, Oceania, Asia.It allows data transmission up to 5km through serial port.By utilizing the new generation LoRa spread spectrum modulation technology, the communication distance of the module is as long as 5km, also supports auto repeating to transmit longer. Other features include Wake on Radio, wireless config, carrier sensing, communication key, and so on.
- Comparing with normal LoRa modules, the SX1262 LoRa HAT achieves longer communication distance, higher rate, lower consumption, better safety and anti-interference. It is suitable for various applications such as industrial control, smart home, data collection, etc.
- Features: Standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO extension header, supports Raspberry Pi series boards.Onboard CP2102 USB TO UART converter, for serial debugging.Brings the UART control interface, for connecting host boards like Arduino/STM32.4x LED indicators, easy to check the module status.
- Features:LoRa spread spectrum modulation technology, up to 81 available signal channel, longer communication distance, more robust to interference.Auto multi-level repeating, suit for ultra long range communication, allows multi network on the same region.Low power consumption features like deep sleeping and Wake on Radio, ideal for battery-powered applications.Customizable communication key which won't be retrieved, greatly improves the security of user data.
- Supports LBT, monitoring the signal channel noise before transmitting, greatly improves the success ratio under extreme environment. Supports RSSI signal intensity indicating, for evaluating signal quality, tuning the network. Supports wireless parameter configuration, by sending wireless command/data packet, remotely configure or retrieve the module parameter. Supports fixed-point transmission, broadcast, signal channel monitor.
The manufacturer documents a Pi 4 enclosure, but the available information does not give a universal enclosure-compatibility list or confirm fit for other Raspberry Pi models. Check the exact Pi model, HAT clearance and enclosure dimensions before choosing a case.
Manufacturer-listed prices and availability
| Version | Price shown by Copperhill Technologies / SK Pang Electronics | Power arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Base PICAN-M | $89.95 (manufacturer page accessed 2026) | No onboard power supply |
| PICAN-M with SMPS | $99.95 (manufacturer page accessed 2026) | Includes a 3A switch-mode supply documented to power the Pi and HAT from a 12 VDC onboard source |
These are prices shown on the manufacturer’s page in 2026, not a guarantee of current price or stock. The same page says the board usually ships within one business day; verify availability and shipping details with the manufacturer when ordering.
Rank #4
- Unterstützt einspurige PCIe 2.0-Schnittstelle (500 MB/s Spitzenübertragungsrate)
- Unterstützt Geräte, die den M.2-M-Key-Edge-Anschluss verwenden. Unterstützt Geräte mit dem Formfaktor 2230 oder 2242
- Kann angeschlossene M.2-Geräte mit bis zu 3 A versorgen. Inklusive Power- und Aktivitäts-LEDs
- Entspricht der Raspberry Pi HAT+ Spezifikation
- Lieferung mit Flachbandkabel, 16 mm Stapelkopf, Gewindeabstandshalter und Schrauben und gerändelter Doppelflanschschraube zur Sicherung und Unterstützung des M.2-Peripheriegeräts
Is the PICAN-M a good fit?
The PICAN-M is a practical candidate when a Raspberry Pi installation needs both NMEA 0183 RS422 and NMEA 2000 CAN interfaces on one board. Before buying, check whether you need the SMPS power option, confirm that your Pi and enclosure fit the intended arrangement, and make sure the boat’s NMEA 2000 backbone has its own correct power, drop cabling and termination. Its documented SocketCAN interface and named marine software ecosystem make it relevant to Pi-based navigation and data projects, but it remains one component of a larger system.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Sense HAT (B) is specially designed for Raspberry Pi, integrates multi powerful sensors such as gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, barometer, temperature and humidity sensor, etc. It is communicated via I2C interface, and allows to connect more external sensors if you need.
- Trying to make the Pi become a robot that can detect movement and orientation? Or using the Pi to collect environmental temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure data? This HAT would be your ideal choice.
- Standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO extension header, supports Raspberry Pi series boards Onboard ICM20948 (3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer), detects movement, orientation, and magnetic
- Onboard SHTC3 digital temperature and humidity sensor, allows monitoring the environment Onboard LPS22HB barometric pressure sensor, allows monitoring the environment Onboard TCS34725 color sensor, identifies the color of nearby object
- Onboard ADS1015 ADC, 4-ch 12-bit precision, AD expansion to support more external sensors Brings I2C control pins, for connecting other host boards like STM32 Comes with development resources and manual (examples for Raspberry Pi/STM32)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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