Working on a new marine data display — looking for feedback re open-source versions

[GerhardMalan]

I’ve been following SignalK and the broader open marine tech ecosystem for a while, and I’m hoping to get some input from this community.

I’m the developer of the MDD400, a modern, compact marine data display that grew out of a multi-year circumnavigation aboard Sunny Spells, our 20-year old Bavaria 44.

Frustrated by outdated and unreadable instruments, I started building something better for my own use. Over the last few years, the project evolved from personal tool to polished hardware — and now I’m exploring ways to make it open-source friendly.

⚙️ About the MDD400

• 4" square TFT display with touch interface (readable in all light conditions)
• Native NMEA 2000 interface (with DeviceNet connector)
• Optional legacy serial support (NMEA 0183 / SeaTalk-style)
• Built-in Wi-Fi and BLE

Developed and tested during an ocean passage from the Med back to Australia — prototypes sailed >20,000 miles continuously powered on. Here we are at the start of our Panama Canal transit.

💡 Why I’m Posting Here
I’d love to understand:

• Would a SignalK-integrated version of this device be valuable to the community?
• What would matter most: open firmware, a published API, MQTT/SignalK WebSocket client support, etc.?
• Are there any known integration approaches or architectural considerations I should align with?

I’ve set up a minimal landing page for the open-source segment to gauge interest:
👉 https://kickofflabs.com/waitlist/mdd400-opensource-signup

At this point I’m not pushing a product — just doing a market sounding and trying to get things right from the start. I’d genuinely appreciate your insights or feature ideas.

There’s also a broader discussion happening on Cruisers Forum — feel free to jump in there if you’re also interested in the cruiser's perspective.

[vkuehn]

the kickoflabs link is dead here and in the forum thought