Quark-Elec QK-A026+ User manual

QK-A026-plus Manual
V 1.0 1 of 22 2020
QK-A026-plus Wireless AIS + GPS Receiver
Manual
With SeaTalk1Converter
NMEA 2000/ 0183/ WiFi/ USB output
Multiplexing additional NMEA 0183 input
Built-in NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 Converter
Features
•Two independent receivers monitoring AIS channels (161.975MHz & 162.025MHz) and decoding
both channels simultaneously
•Sensitivity up to -112 dBm@30% PER (where A026 is -105dBm)
•Up to 50 nautical miles receiving range
•SeaTalk1to NMEA 0183 protocol converter
•NMEA 0183 message output through WiFi, USB and NMEA 0183
•Built-in GPS to provide positional data
•Multiplexing NMEA input with AIS+GPS sentences, and outputs as a seamless stream of data
•Convert the combined NMEA 0183 data into NMEA 2000 PGNs
•Ad-hoc/station/standby operating modes on WiFi
•The internal WiFi access point connects up to 4 devices simultaneously
•Plug & Play connectivity with chart plotters and PCs
•Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS (Initial configuration must be completed
using Windows software.)
•This device connects to NMEA 0183 and is compatible with RS422 output devices. NMEA 0183-
RS232 devices can connect to our device by using the Protocol Bridge (QK-AS03)

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Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................3
2. Mounting ..........................................................................................................................................3
3. Connections.....................................................................................................................................4
3.1. Status LEDs.........................................................................................................................6
3.2. Power...................................................................................................................................7
3.3. VHF/AIS antenna.................................................................................................................7
3.4. GPS antenna.......................................................................................................................7
3.5. NMEA input and output connection.....................................................................................8
NMEA 0183 default baud rates ...............................................................................8
NMEA 0183 RS422 / RS232...................................................................................8
3.6. SeaTalk1Input .....................................................................................................................8
3.7. NMEA 2000 Port..................................................................................................................9
3.8. Conversion Lists..................................................................................................................9
NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions ..............................................................10
NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 conversions ..............................................................10
3.9. WiFi connection.................................................................................................................11
WiFi Ad-hoc mode connection...............................................................................12
3.10. USB connection.............................................................................................................12
Will you need a driver to connect via USB? ..........................................................12
Checking the USB connection (Windows).............................................................13
4. Configuration (via USB).................................................................................................................14
4.1. Configuring Baud Rates ....................................................................................................15
4.2. WiFi - Station mode...........................................................................................................16
4.3. WiFi –Standby/Disable.....................................................................................................17
4.4. Filtering..............................................................................................................................17
Configuring filters...................................................................................................17
Routing data away from chosen outputs...............................................................17
4.5. USB - Monitoring NMEA Messages ..................................................................................18
4.6. NMEA 2000 output format.................................................................................................18
5. Upgrading firmware........................................................................................................................18
6. Chart software................................................................................................................................18
6.1. Chart Software USB setup (OpenCPN example)..............................................................19
6.2. Chart Software WiFi Network Setup (OpenCPN example)...............................................19
7. Specification...................................................................................................................................21
8. Limited Warranty and Notices........................................................................................................21
9. Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................................21
10. Document History...................................................................................................................22
11. Glossary .................................................................................................................................22
12. For more info… ......................................................................................................................22

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1.Introduction
The A026+ is a powerful and flexible dual channel AIS receiver with multiple integrated functions. It was
designed to be a hub for on board navigation which is aimed at the commercial, sport, leisure, fishing
boat and vessel monitoring markets.
The A026+ is equipped with a variety of output interfaces including NMEA 0183, USB, WiFi and NMEA
2000. Whether you are using a tablet, iPhone or an onboard computer you can easily setup your
navigation system with most onboard devices via WiFi or USB.
A026+ comes with a standard RS422 NMEA 0183 input. NMEA sentences from other on-board devices,
like wind sensors, depth transductors, autopilots, radars, can all be multiplexed by the A026+ and then
combined with internal AIS and GPS data.
The internal SeaTalk converter allows the A026+ to listen on the SeaTalk bus and convert SeaTalk
data to NMEA messages. These messages then can be combined with other input NMEA data flows.
The A026 model includes an integrated GPS module, which provides GPS data to all outputs when it is
connected to a GPS antenna (TNC connection type).
The A026 built-in NMEA 2000 converter provides a NMEA 2000 network connection. The combined data
can be converted to NMEA 2000 PGNs and visa-versa to USB and WiFi port. With A026+, WiFi data,
USB data, NMEA 0183 input and SeaTalk1 input data can be available on new NMEA 2000
capable instruments, such as NMEA 2000 chart plotters. The WiFi and USB ports are capable of
outputting the converted NMEA 2000 data while allowing users to view the raw or converted data
transmitted on NMEA 2000 backbone.
When connected to an on-board PC running compatible software, or a chart plotter, the AIS data
transmitted from ships within range will be displayed on the screen enabling the skipper or navigator to
visualize the traffic within VHF range. Using your A026+ can enhance safety at sea by providing
proximity, size and directional information from other vessels, improve safety and efficiency in navigation
and help protect the marine environment.
Figure 1: A026+ function diagram
2.Mounting
Although the A026+ comes with an extruded aluminium enclosure to shield it from external RF
interference, it should not be fitted close to generators or compressors (e.g. refrigerators) as they can
generate substantial RF noise. It is designed to be installed in a protected indoor environment.
Generally, a suitable placement of the A026+ is together with other types of navigation equipment and
the PC or chart plotter that will be used to display the output data. The A026+ is designed to be securely
mounted to a suitable bulkhead or shelf in an indoor environment and needs to be placed where it is well
protected from humidity and water. Make sure to ensure there is enough space around the multiplexer to
connect the wirings.

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Figure 2: Dimensions
3.Connections
Figure 3 Typical system connection

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The A26+ NMEA 2000 AIS+GPS receiver has the following options for connection to inputs, outputs and
host devices.
•AIS antenna connector. A SO239 VHF connector for external AIS antenna. Connect external
AIS antenna. An active VHF antenna splitter is required if one VHF antenna is shared by A026+
and VHF voice radio.
•GPS connector. A TNC female bulkhead connector is for external GPS antenna. An integrated
GPS module supplies positional data provided a GPS antenna is connected.
•WiFi. Connectivity in both Ad-hoc and Station Modes on 802.11 b/g/n provides WiFi output of all
messages. WiFi can also be disabled by setup into standby mode.
•NMEA 0183 input/output connectors. A026+ can be connected to other AIS compatible
equipment, like wind/depth or heading sensors, via the NMEA inputs. The NMEA 0183 messages
from these devices can be multiplexed with AIS+GPS messages and then sent out through the
NMEA 0183 output, WiFi, USB and NMEA 2000 backbone to a chart plotter or other on-board
device.
•USB connector. The A026+ is supplied with a type B USB connector and USB cable. The USB
cable can be linked directly to a USB port on the PC. The USB connector provides data input and
output as standard (multiplexed information from all input instruments will be sent to this
connection). The USB port is also used to configure the A026+ and to update its firmware.
•NMEA 2000. The A026+ is pre-fitted with a five-core screened cable for the NMEA 2000
connection, fitted with a male micro-fit connector. Simply connect the cable to the network
backbone using a T-piece connector. An NMEA 2000 backbone always requires two termination
resistors, one at each end.
Figure 4: Pin NMEA 2000 male micro-fit connection
Figure 5 A026+ bottom side view
Figure 6 A026+ top side view

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3.1. Status LEDs
A026+ features eight LEDs which indicate power, NMEA 2000 and WiFi status respectively.
The status LEDs on the panel show port activity and system status.
•SeaTalk1and NMEA IN: LEDs will flash for each valid message received.
•GPS: LED flashes every second while receiving a valid message.
•AIS: LED flashes for each valid AIS message received.
•N2K: LED will flash for each valid NMEA 2000 PGN sent out on NMEA 2000 port.
•OUT (NMEA 0183 output): LED will flash for each valid message send out.
•WiFi: LED will flash for each valid NMEA message sent to WiFi output.
•PWR (Power): LED light is constantly lit in red when the device is powered.
Figure 7 LED indications

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3.2. Power
The A026+ operates on 12V DC. Power and GND are clearly indicated. Ensure these are connected
correctly. The A026+ benefits from reverse polarity protection to protect the device in case of faulty
installation.
Ensure you use a reliable 12V power supply. A poorly designed power supply or battery, if connected
directly with the engine or other noisy devices could result in significantly degraded receiver
performance.
3.3. VHF/AIS antenna
The A026+ is not supplied with a VHF antenna, as the antenna and cable requirements differ from
vessel to vessel. A suitable VHF antenna must be connected before the receiver will operate fully.
AIS communication systems use frequencies in the maritime VHF band, which is considered to be ‘line
of sight’ radio. This means that if an AIS receiver’s antenna cannot ‘see’ the antennas of other vessels,
the AIS signals from vessels will not reach that receiver. In practice, this is not a strict requirement, a few
buildings and trees between may be fine. Large obstacles such as hills and mountains, on the other
hand, will significantly degrade the AIS signal.
To have the best possible receiving range, the AIS antenna should be placed as high as possible with a
relatively clear view of the horizon. Large obstructions might shade the AIS radio communication from
certain directions, giving uneven coverage.
VHF antennas can be used for AIS messages or radio communications. One antenna cannot be
connected to both AIS and VHF radio equipment unless an active VHF/AIS splitter is used. There are
important considerations when deciding whether to use two separate antennas or a combined antenna:
•2 VHF antennas: The best reception is achieved by using two separate antennas, one for AIS
and one for VHF radio. The antennas must be separated as much space as possible (ideally at
least 3.0 meters). A good distance between the AIS/VHF antenna and the radio communication
VHF antenna is required to avoid interference.
•1 shared VHF antenna: If using only one antenna, e.g. Using an existing VHF radio antenna to
receive AIS signals, proper separation equipment (an active VHF Splitter) must be installed
between the antenna and the connected equipment.
Figure 8: AIS (SO239), GPS (TNC), and WiFi(SMA) antenna connections
3.4. GPS antenna
A TNC female bulkhead 50 Ohm connector is for an external GPS antenna (not included).
For best results, the GPS antenna should be located in ‘line of sight’ of the sky. Once connected to a
GPS antenna, the integrated GPS module supplies positional data to the NMEA 0183 output, WiFi and
USB. GPS output can be disabled when an external GPS signal is used.

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3.5. NMEA input and output connection
NMEA 0183 input/output ports allow for connection to NMEA 0183 instruments and a chart plotter.
The built-in multiplexer combines the input NMEA 0183 data (e.g., wind/depth/radar) with the AIS and
GPS data and sends the combined data stream to all outputs, including the NMEA 0183 output port.
NMEA 0183 default baud rates
‘Baud rates’ refer to the data transfer speed. When connecting two NMEA 0183 devices, both devices’
baud rates, must be set to the same speed.
•A026+ input port’s default baud rate is 4800bps as it is usually connected to low speed NMEA
format data instruments, like heading, sounder, or wind/depth sensors.
•A026+ output port’s default baud rate is 38400bps. The connected chart plotter should be
configured at this rate to receive the proper data as AIS data requires this higher speed.
These are the default baud rate settings and are most likely to be the baud rates required, however, both
baud rates are configurable if needed. Baud rates can be adjusted using the Configuration software.
(See Configuration section)
NMEA 0183 RS422 / RS232
This product uses the NMEA 0183-RS422 protocol (differential signal), however some chart plotters or
devices may use the older NMEA 0183-RS232 protocol (single-ended signal).
Check which protocol your connecting NMEA devices (e.g. Chart plotter/wind sensor) use. If you are
unsure whether your connecting devices use the NMEA 0183 RS422 or RS232, the input/output
connections on the device will give you some indication.
Unfortunately, manufacturers who use the older RS232 protocol are not consistent in their product
labelling. The following table may help you identify which protocol your product uses, however always
check the manual to be certain.
If your connecting device uses the older RS232 protocol, use a QK-AS03 Protocol Bridge for your
connection. The QK-AS03 connects and converts RS422 to the older RS232 and visa-versa, through a
simple connection with no configuration needed.
3.6. SeaTalk1Input
The built-in SeaTalk1to NMEA converter translates SeaTalk data into NMEA sentences. The SeaTalk
port has 3-Pin terminals for connection to the SeaTalk bus. Ensure the connection is correct before
powering up. An inaccurate connection could damage the A026+ and other devices on the SeaTalk Bus.
The SeaTalk converter converts the SeaTalk messages as outlined in the conversion table below. When
a SeaTalk message is received the A026+ checks if the message is supported. When the message is
recognized as being supported, the message is extracted, stored and converted to an NMEA sentence.
Any unsupported datagrams are ignored. These converted NMEA messages are filtered and then
combined with NMEA data received on the other inputs.
This function allows the NMEA multiplexer to listen on the SeaTalk bus. Only one SeaTalk input is
needed as the SeaTalk bus is a single-cable system that connects all instruments. The A026+ SeaTalk
to NMEA converter works in one direction only. NMEA sentences are not converted to SeaTalk.
Supported SeaTalk1Datagrams
SeaTalk
NMEA
Description
00
DBT
Depth below transducer
RS422 (Differential)
RS232 (single-ended)
TX+ and TX- / RX+ and RX-
TX+ and TX- (GND) / RX+ and RX- (GND)
TXa+ and TXa- (GND) / RXa+ and RXa- (GND)
Output +Ve and –Ve / Input +Ve and –Ve
Occasionally older NMEA 0183 RS232 devices are labelled like
RS422 (TX+ and TX- / RX+ and RX-) so check the products’ manuals.

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10
MWV
Wind angle, (10 and 11 combined)
11
MWV
Wind speed, (10 and 11 combined)
20
VHW
Speed through water, includes heading when
present
21
VLW
Trip mileage (21 and 22 combined)
22
VLW
Total mileage (21 and 22 combined)
23
MTW
Water temperature
25
VLW
Total and Trip mileage
26
VHW
Speed through water, includes heading when present
27
MTW
Water temperature
50
---
GPS latitude, value stored
51
---
GPS longitude, value stored
52
---
GPS speed over ground, value stored
53
RMC
Course over ground. RMC sentence is generated from stored
values from other GPS related datagrams.
54
---
GPS time, value stored
56
---
GPS date, value stored
58
---
GPS lat/long, values stored
89
HDG
Magnetic heading, including variation (99)
99
---
Magnetic variation, value stored
AS the table shows, not all datagrams result in an NMEA 0183 sentence. Some datagrams are only
used to retrieve data, which is combined with other datagrams to create one NMEA 0183 sentence.
3.7. NMEA 2000 Port
The A026+ converter provides a NMEA 2000 network connection. The A026+ combines all the NMEA
0183 data inputs and then converts them to be NMEA 2000 PGNs. With the A026+ all WiFi data, USB
data and NMEA 0183 input and SeaTalk1 input data can be available on more modern NMEA 2000
capable instruments, such as NMEA 2000 chart plotters.
NMEA 2000 networks must at least consist of, a powered backbone with two terminators (termination
resistors), to which the multiplexer and any other NMEA 2000 devices must be connected.
Each NMEA 2000 device connects to the backbone. It is not possible to simply connect two NMEA 2000
devices directly together.
The A026+ is supplied with a spurred five-core screened cable for the NMEA 2000 connection, fitted with
a male micro-fit connector. Simply connect the cable to the network backbone.
3.8. Conversion Lists
The conversion tables on the following pages list the supported NMEA 2000 PGN’s (parameter group
numbers) and NMEA 0183 sentences. It is important to check the tables to confirm that the A026+ will
convert the sentences/PGNs required.
Through USB and WiFi, the A026+ will output in NMEA 0183 format, including all NMEA 0183 messages
received and NMEA 0183 messages converted from the NMEA 2000 network.
WiFi/USB inputs are NMEA 0183 messages and are converted to NMEA 2000 for the NMEA 2000 bus.
The following is a typical PCDIN message format outputted through WiFi and USB. The chart software
will convert this into more meaningful information.
---Received message: $PCDIN, 01F119, 00000000, 16,0064050800FFFF0C*5B---
Header
PGN
Time Stamp
Source ID
Data
Termination
Check Sum
$PCDIN
01F119
00000000
16
0064050800FFFF0C
*
5B

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NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions
The following NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions are currently supported.
NMEA 0183
sentence
Function
Converted to NMEA 2000 PGN/s
DBT
Depth Below Transducer
128267
DPT
Depth
128267
GGA
Global Positioning System Fix Data
126992, 129025, 129029
GLL
Geographic Position Latitude/Longitude
126992, 129025
GSA
GNSS DOP and Active Satellites
129539
GSV
GNSS Satellites in View
129540
HDG
Heading, Deviation & Variation
127250
HDM
Heading, Magnetic
127250
HDT
Heading, True
127250
MTW
Water Temperature
130311
MWD
Wind Direction & Speed
130306
MWV
Wind Speed and Angle (True or relative)
130306
RMB
Recommended Minimum Navigation Information
129283,129284
RMC*
Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data
126992, 127258, 129025, 12902
ROT
Rate Of Turn
127251
RPM
Revolutions
127488
RSA
Rudder Sensor Angle
127245
VHW
Water Speed and Heading
127250, 128259
VLW
Dual Ground/Water Distance
128275
VTG*
Course Over Ground and Ground Speed
129026
VWR
Relative (Apparent) Wind Speed and Angle
130306
XTE
Cross Track Error, Measured
129283
ZDA
Time & Date
126992
VDM
AIS Message 1,2,3
129038
VDM
AIS Message 4
129793
VDM
AIS Message 5
129794
VDM
AIS Message 9
129798
VDM
AIS Message 14
129802
VDM
AIS Message 18
129039
VDM
AIS Message 19
129040
VDM
AIS Message 21
129041
VDM
AIS Message 24
129809. 129810
Please note: some PGN sentences that are received require additional data before being sent.
NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 conversions
The following NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 conversions are currently supported. The A026+ only outputs
the converted NMEA 0183 messages via WiFi and USB, not NMEA 0183. The messages can be set as
PCDIN (raw NMEA 2000 data) or NMEA 0183 format via the configuration tool.
NMEA 2000 PGN
HEX code
Function
Converted to NMEA 0183Sentences
126992
1F010
System Time
ZDA
127245
1F10D
Rudder
RSA
127250
1F112
Vessel Heading
HDG, VHW
127251
1F113
Rate of Turn
ROT
127258
1F11A
Magnetic Variation
HDG
128259
1F503
Speed, Water referenced
VHW