Quark-Elec QK A027 User manual

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QUICK START SET-UP GUIDE
QK A027 - Wireless AIS+GPS Receiver with SeaTalk*Converter
SET UP
In the box you should have:
1 x QK-A027
1 x USB cable
1 x CD with manuals and drivers
Location: Select where your QK-A027 is to be sited. Ideally, although QK-A027 comes with an extruded
aluminum 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 QK-A027 is together with other types of
navigation equipment and the PC or chart plotter that will be used to display the output data. QK-A027 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.
Antenna: QK-A027 is not supplied with a VHF antenna as the type of antenna and cable requirements
differ from vessel to vessel. A suitable VHF antenna will need to be connected before the receiver will
operate fully. AIS communication system frequencies are close to the duplex VHF channels used for marine
communication, so the antenna should be separated as much as possible (ideally at least 3 meters) from
the voice communication VHF antenna to avoid unnecessary adjacent channel interference. Best
separation is achieved by installing the antennas over each other or on separate sides of the mast. If an
existing VHF transmitting antenna is used to receive AIS signals, proper separation equipment (e.g., an
active VHF antenna splitter) should be applied.

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CONNECTIONS
QK-A027 has the following electrical connections/indicators:
AIS antenna connector. Standard BNC female 50 Ohm connector. An active VHF antenna splitter is
required if one VHF antenna is shared by QK-A027 and VHF voice radio. (We recommend separate
antennas ideally.)
SeaTalk input connector. The SeaTalk port has 3-Pin terminals for connection to the SeaTalk bus.
Ensure the connection is correct before powering up. An incorrect connection could damage the QK-A027
and other devices on the SeaTalk Bus. Input and power from the SeaTalk bus is a hard-wired
connection(mean?). This connection is uni-directional, the multiplexer listens on the SeaTalk bus and
integrates the messages with AIS and GPS for output via WiFi, NMEA output or USB connection. A list of
recognised messages is available on the application notes. *Seatalk™ is a family of proprietary maritime communications
protocols developed by Raymarine
GPS antenna connector. Standard powered SMA female 50 Ohm connector to connect with an
active GPS antenna.
USB connector. A micro USB connector outputs the NMEA messages. It can also be used for
adjusting parameters using the GUI Configuration software.
NMEA 0183 output connectors. QK-A027 can be connected to other AIS and SeaTalk compatible
equipment (eg. wind/ depth or heading sensors) via the SeaTalk bus. QK-A027 sends out NMEA 0183
messages via WiFi, USB and NMEA outputs simultaneously.
Check the LED lights. QK-A027 features three LEDs which indicate power (top, red), AIS (middle,
green) and GPS (bottom, green) status respectively. The AIS LED will flicker at a fast rate when signals are
received, the GPS at a steadier rate.
SeaTalk and NMEA output connector (left), SMA and BNC connectors (right)

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QK-A027 Function diagram
POWER UP
QK-A027 runs on 12.0V DC and is designed to be powered by the SeaTalk bus not USB. When the USB
alone is connected, the LEDs may come on but the unit is NOT fully powered by this and will not function.
CONFIGURATION
QK-A027 is supplied with a micro USB connector. The NMEA 0183 data can output through it. This USB
connector can be linked directly to a USB port on the PC or other mobile devices via the supplied cable.
The module can then be configured using the Quark-elec GUI Configuration Application:
http://www.quark-elec.com/download/apps/38-quark-elec-generic-mux-and-wifi-configuration-gui which
is free to download and very straightforward.
This enables the user to specify baud rates for SeaTalk and NMEA interface. The most common settings
are 4800 input and 38400 output. It also enables WiFi set-up in both Ad Hoc and Station Mode (p2p or
router).
GPS should not need configuring.
Application notes for the GUI can be found here: http://www.quark-elec.com/download/manuals
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Full QK-A027 instructions and troubleshooting details can be found in the full QK-A027 Application Note
here: http://quark-elec.com/download/manuals/41-qk-a027-application-note-latest-version
For additional technical information and other enquiries, please go to the Quark-elec forum at:
http://quark-elec.com/forum/
For sales and purchasing information, please email us: inf[email protected]

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SPECIFICATION
Item
Specification
Frequency bands
161.975MHz &162.025MHz
Operating temperature
-25°C to +80°C
Storage temperature
-25°C to +85°C
DC supply
12.0V(+/-0.5V)
Average supply current (typical
quiescent)
120mA
Maximum supply current(during SMS
transceiver activity)
160mA
AIS receive sensitivity
-105dBm@30%PER
GPS receiver sensitivity
-162dBm
NMEA data format
ITU/ NMEA 0183 format
SeaTalk input data rate
4.8kbps
NMEA output data rate
38.4kbps
WiFi mode
Ad Hoc and Station modes on 802.11 b/g/n
Security
WPA/WPA2
Network Protocols
TCP
Limited warranty
Quark-elec warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and manufacture for one year from the date of
purchase. Quark-elec will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or
replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts and labour. The customer is, however, responsible
for any transportation costs incurred in returning the unit to Quark-elec. This warranty does not cover failures due to
abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs. A returns number must be given before any unit is
sent back for repair. This does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer.
Disclaimer
This product is designed to aid navigation and should be used to augment normal navigational procedures and
practices. It is the user’s responsibility to use this product prudently. Neither Quark-elec, nor their distributors or
dealers accept responsibility or liability either to the product user or their estate for any accident, loss, injury or
damage whatsoever arising out of the use or of liability to use this product.
Quark-elec AIS receivers may be upgraded from time to time and future versions may therefore not correspond
exactly with this manual. The manufacturer of this product disclaims any liability for consequences arising from
omissions or inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation provided with this product.
Quark-elec (UK)
www.quark-elec.com