Quark-Elec QK-A015-TX User manual

QK-A015-TX Manual
V1 1 of 5 2020
QK-A015-TX Manual
Active VHF/AIS Antenna Splitter
Features
•12V-24V powered, low power consumption
•Allows use of a single VHF antenna installation shared between AIS transponder, VHF radio
telephone and FM/AM radio
•VHF failsafe function - VHF radio has full priority and will remain functional, even in the unlikely
case that the Splitter would fail or lose power
•Built-in preamplifier provides AIS signal gain (12dB), maximising AIS reception range.
•Automatic routing of AIS and VHF transmission
•Uses standard SO239 connector for VHF, AIS and antenna connections
•LED power and status indicator
•Compact & easy to install. No configuration required

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Contents
Contents 2
1. Introduction 3
2. Connections 3
3. Installation 4
4. Status LEDs 4
5. Specifications 4
6. Limited Warranty and Disclaimer 5

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1.Introduction
The QK-A015-TX splitter allows one VHF antenna to be shared between,
•VHF radio
•AIS transponder and
•AM/FM radio
The A015-TX allows the one VHF antenna to provide the following functions:
•Reception of VHF radio, AIS messages and AM/FM radio.
•Transmission from VHF radio and AIS transponder
•Straight forward connection to all relevant devices, with no configuration required.
•VHF radio always has priority and can always transmit in the case that the power to the
splitter fails
•Low power consumption.
The A015-TX is an active splitter. This is an important feature, as unlike many splitters that cause
signal loss, the active splitter actually provides a signal gain. The A015-RX’s built-in pre-amplifier
amplifies the AIS, VHF, AM/FM signals, thereby increasing the AIS transponder’s reception range.
Please note: The A015-TX is compatible with AIS transponders/transceivers. (Though the A015-TX
could be also be connected to AIS receivers, the A015-RX is sufficient for ‘receive only’ applications.)
2.Connections
The A015-TX has five connections:
•Power cable: 12V-24V DC power
•VHF Antenna: SO239 connector for VHF antenna
•VHF radio: SO239 connector for VHF radio
•AIS: BNC SO239 connector for the AIS transponder
•FM/AM: BNC connector for the output of the FM/AM radio signal

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3.Installation
The A015-TX is a plug and play device, with no configuration required.
IMPORTANT: Connect the VHF antenna BEFORE connecting any other devices!
Do not connect powered devices to a splitter until the other steps below have been followed in the
correct order. Connecting powered devices to a splitter before the other steps will damage your devices.
1. Remove power source from the A015-TX
2. Remove power source from all devices to be connected.
3. Connect the VHF antenna to the Splitter before adding power or any devices.
4. Connect all other devices (unpowered) to the A015-TX (ie. VHF radio, AIS transponder and
FM/AM radio)
5. Power the A015-TX
6. Power all connected devices (ONLY do this AFTER following the above steps in the correct
order).
7. Checking status LEDs light up when expected.
4.Status LEDs
The A015-TX has four LEDs that indicate power and working status.
The ERR LED will illuminate if the antenna has short or open circuit. If this happens, de-power the
A015-TX immediately. Disconnect all connected devices and check if the VHF antenna is well
connected. Then re-follow the steps above. Contact a local installer for a professional help if needed.
For safety purposes, the A015-TX has an automatic VHF fail-safe. This means that the VHF
radio has full priority and will remain functional, even in the unlikely case that the Splitter
would fail or lose power.
5.Specifications
Item
Specification
DC supply
9.0V to 35V
Average supply current
175mA
VHF and AIS frequency range
156MHz to 163MHz
AIS receive gain
Typical 12dB
AIS transmit insertion loss
≤1.2dB
VHF receive insert loss
≤3.0dB
- VHF TX: Transmitting VHF radio
- AIS TX: Transmitting AIS
- ERR: Indicates an error (check your Antenna connection)
- PWR: indicates power

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VHF transmit insertion loss
≤3.0dB
FM/AM receive insert loss
≤0.5dB
FM/AM frequency range
88-108/0.5-1.6Mhz
Max input power from VHF port
25W. The VHF antenna must be connected before the
VHF radio.
Max input power from AIS port
12.5W. The VHF antenna must be connected before
the AIS transponder
FM port impendence
75 Ohms
AIS, VHF and antenna port impedance
50 Ohms
Switching time, receive to VHF transmit
< 100 us
Switching time, receive to AIS transmit
< 100 us
Operating temperature
-10°C to +55°C
Storage temperature
-25°C to +85°C
6.Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
Quark-elec warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and manufacture for two years
from the date of purchase. Quark-elec will, at its sole discretion, 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 obtained before any unit is sent back
for repair.
The above does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer. 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-, nor their distributors or dealers
accept responsibility or liability either to the products 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- products 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.
Document history
Issue
Date
Changes / Comments
1.0
22-11-2020
Initial release
08-04-2021
Manual revision
For technical support and other enquiries, please go to the Quark-elec forum at https://www.quark-
elec.com/forum/ or email [e-mail]
Quark-elec (UK)
Unit 7, the Quadrant, Newark close
Royston, UK, SG8 5HL
[email protected]m