Quark-Elec QK-A032 User manual

Quark-elec Manual
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V1.0
QK-A032 NMEA 2000/0183 Bi-directional Converter
Features
Converts the most common NMEA 0183 sentences into NMEA 2000 PGNs
Converts the most common NMEA 2000 PGNs into NMEA 0183 sentences
Galvanic Opto-isolation on NMEA 0183 input
Galvanic isolation on NMEA 0183 / output
Galvanic Opto-isolation on NMEA 2000 CAN bus connection
Compatible with all NMEA 0183 versions without configuring
Configurable baud rate
Free Firmware updates provided when new features and conversions are added. (Update
via USB from Windows PC)
Pre-fitted cables for ease of installation
NMEA0183 messages output through WiFi/USB
NMEA 2000 PGNs output through WiFi/USB (in PCDIN format)
WiFi supports Ad-hoc and station mode

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Contents
1. Set-up Overview............................................................................................................................................3
2. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 5
3. NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183..................................................................................................................... 5
4. Mounting.........................................................................................................................................................6
4.1. Connecting to the NMEA 2000 Network......................................................................................7
4.2. Connecting to a NMEA 0183 Device............................................................................................7
5. Connection through WiFi............................................................................................................................. 8
5.1. Ad-hoc mode (peer to peer).......................................................................................................... 8
5.2. Station mode (access point)........................................................................................................10
6. Connecting To a USB Port........................................................................................................................11
6.1. USB Driver Installation................................................................................................................. 11
6.2. Windows Port Number Configuration........................................................................................ 11
7. Configuration............................................................................................................................................... 13
7.1. Baud rate setting........................................................................................................................... 13
7.2. WiFi setup...................................................................................................................................... 13
8. Status LEDs.................................................................................................................................................14
9. Upgrading Firmware...................................................................................................................................14
10. Conversion List.......................................................................................................................................15
10.1. NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions..............................................................................15
10.2. NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 conversions..............................................................................15
11. Specification............................................................................................................................................17
12. Limited Warranty and Notices..............................................................................................................18
13. Glossary.................................................................................................................................................. 18

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1. Set-up Overview
Before you leave your home: Will you be connecting to the A032 through USB or WiFi?
Consider if you have CD reader/ internet access onsite: ensure you can load the driver and
configuration software through the CD or through internet access (Download any software to your
Windows laptop before travelling to your boat if needed)
Drivers: Will automatically install to your device if it is running Windows 10. If not, it is included on the
FREE CD and to download from our website.
Configuration Software: is optional. It is needed to configure USB and WiFi connections or adjust
baud rates (if not 4800 baud). The software is included on the FREE CD and to download from our
website.
Mounting: Consider your location…
Dry, sturdy location 0.5m from other WiFi equipment
Ensure you have the correct length of wires needed
Connect to you NMEA 2000 backbone You will need a backbone, 2 termination resistors (1 on each
end) and a T piece connector per device.
Connect your NMEA 0183 device following the colour code in the manual.
Need to connect wirelessly?
On your device (phone, laptop etc.): 15 seconds after the QK-A032 has powered up, you can scan
for a WiFi network with an (SSID) to looks similar to ‘QK-A032xxxx’. Connect the device to ‘QK-
A032xxxx’ with the default password: ‘88888888’.
Chart software: set the protocol as ‘TCP’, IP address as ‘192.168.1.100’ and the port number as
‘2000’ in the chart software.
Need to Configure baud rates, USB or WiFi settings?
The device is set to connect wirelessly in Adhoc mode (with no need for a router or access point) If
you want to change to station mode or adjust other setting, see the configuration section.
(This is an overview only; familiarize you with the manual before installation.)

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Fig 1: Multiple QK-A032 connections to backbone
Fig 2: Combining NMEA 0183 devices through QK-A031 to Backbone
NMEA OUT

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2. Introduction
The QK-A032 is intended for use in a marine environment. It provides an easy way to link between
your boat’s old and new data networks. The QK-A032 allows the user to connect NMEA 0183
equipment to a NMEA 2000 network and vice versa. It has a bi-directional converter with wide
support of message types. This will let the boat adopt a NMEA 2000 network, whilst connecting any
existing NMEA 0183 devices to the new bus standard.
Please refer to the QK-A032 Conversion List for details of conversions that can be performed
by the QK-A032 (and just as importantly those that cannot).
The QK-A032 has one NMEA 2000 connection and one NMEA 0183 port which transmit and receive
data lines. The configurable baud rate from 4800 to 38400 allows connection of AIS transceivers
(38400 baud) and standard NMEA 0183 equipment (generally 4800 baud). The QK-A032 is powered
by your NMEA 2000 power supply and provides high voltage galvanic isolation between your NMEA
2000 and NMEA 0183 ports.
3. NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183
NMEA 0183 is a serial data interface operating at 4.8 Kbit/second utilizing standard asynchronous
communications.
NMEA 2000 is a low-cost serial data network operating at 250 Kbit/second utilizing the Controller
Area Network (CAN). The CAN bus was originally developed for the automotive industry but is now
used in numerous industrial applications.
The key difference, apart from the obvious one of operating speed, is that NMEA 0183 is an
interface while NMEA 2000 is a network.
The NMEA 2000 network allows multiple Electronic devices to be connected together on a common
channel for the purpose of easily sharing information. Because it is a network, and because multiple
devices can transmit data, a more comprehensive set of rules is required that dictate the behaviour
of the members of the network. The CAN automatically provides some of these rules – mostly for
control of access to the network, packet transmission, and for error detection.
Similar to NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 defines standard data formats and definitions, but in addition
provides more extensive network management rules for identifying nodes on the network, sending
commands to devices, and for requesting data. Besides the greater amount of control and
integration provided, NMEA 2000 replaces with a single cable the wiring of up to 50 NMEA 0183
interconnections and can handle the data content of 50-100 NMEA 0183 data streams.

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4. Mounting
The QK-A032 is aimed at the small-commercial, leisure, fishing boat and vessel monitoring markets.
It is not waterproof so should be mounted in a dry place such as behind the instrument panel on a flat
surface. Please allow 0.5m between the A032 and other WIFI devices. This will help avoid
interference problems.
Fig 3: casing dimensions in mm
Fig 4: QK-A32 technical drawing

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4.1. Connecting to the NMEA 2000 Network
Please note the main communication channel of a NMEA 2000 network is a backbone to which
NMEA 2000 devices connect. Each NMEA 2000 device connects to the backbone with a T- piece
connector. A NMEA 2000 backbone must be connected to power and two termination resistors
are required at each end of the backbone.
QK-A032 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.
Fig 5: 5 pin NMEA 2000 male micro-fit
4.2. Connecting to a NMEA 0183 Device
A pre-fitted five-core screened cable is provided for connecting to the NMEA 0183 devices.
The user can use the configuration tool to setup NMEA 0183 input and output baud rate. The
standard 4800bps or 38400bps can be selected.
Fig 6: 5 loose cables for NMEA 0183 connection
Wire Colour
Wire Name (Function)
Blue
NMEA out-
White
NMEA out+
Black
NMEA in-
Grey
NMEA in+
Brown
GND

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5. Connection through WiFi
QK-A032 allows users to view their data through WiFi or USB port on a PC, laptop or tablet. Users
can access marine network data including vessel course, speed, position, wind speed, direction,
water depth and AIS messages from vessels. These can be viewed in applications like OpenCPN.
QK-A032 supports both
Ad-hoc mode: (Ad-hoc is your device connecting straight to the A032, without a router
or access point)
Station mode: Station mode is when you want to use another device (middle man device) to
connect and pass through. For example going from your A032 to your ships router and then to your
mobile or chart plotter over WIFI.
The A032 is set to Ad-hoc mode as a default setting, but can be easily setup to station mode
through the configuration tool (GUI).
Through USB and WiFi, QK-A032 can output NMEA 0183 format messages as well as converted
NMEA 2000 PGN data into NMEA 0183 sentences. The following is a typical PCDIN message
outputted through WiFi and USB. Your chart software converts this into 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
5.1. Ad-hoc mode (peer to peer)
Fig 7: Working in Ad-hoc mode

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ON YOUR DEVICE (phone, laptop etc.):
15 seconds after the QK-A032 has powered up, you will be able to scan for a WiFi network with an
(SSID) similar to ‘QK-A032xxxx’.
Connect the device to ‘QK-A032xxxx’ with the default password: ‘88888888’.
Device SSID
Similar to ‘QK-A032xxxx’
WiFi password
88888888
IN YOUR CHART SOFTWARE:
Set the protocol as ‘TCP’, IP address as ‘192.168.1.100’ and the port number as ‘2000’ in the chart
software.
Protocol
TCP
IP address
192.168.1.100
Port
2000
With the above settings, wireless connection should be established and the user will be able to
receive the data through the chart software. Note: In Ad-hoc mode, the IP address should not be
changed and the password should be between 8 to 12 characters.
The user can always check the wireless connection with TCP/IP port monitoring software as shown
below:
Fig 8: TCP/IP setting check

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5.2. Station mode (access point)
QK-A032 can also be connected in Station mode by changing these parameters to those of your
Wireless Access Point as illustrated below:
Fig 9: Station mode settings
Fig 10: Station mode connection
The Configuration Software (GUI) can be used to adjust these settings; including NMEA input/output,
baud rates and WiFi settings. You can download the software here:
https://quark-Elec.com/doc/QE_MUX_configTool.zip
Detailed instructions on how to use the Configuration software are available here:
https://www.quark-Elec.com/doc/QK-A0xx_GUI_application_note.pdf

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6. Connecting To a USB Port
QK-A032 outputs the data stream synchronously via WiFi and USB. Users can
observe the data from USB port on a PC, laptop or tablet.
6.1. USB Driver Installation
Windows 10 will automatically install the drivers from a Windows Update. As long as there is an active
Internet connection the first time the QK-A032 is plugged in.
If the Windows PC is not connected to the Internet or if the USB driver does not install automatically
on the first installation of the QK-A032; please use the following link to install the USB drivers
manually.
https://www.quark-Elec.com/downloads/drivers/
For Mac OS X the QK-A032 will be recognized and shown as a USB modem. The ID can be checked
with the following steps:
1. After plugging QK-A032 into a USB port, launch Terminal.app.
2. Type ls /dev/*usb*
3. Mac system will return a list of USB devices. QK-A032 will display as -
“/dev/tty.usbmodemXYZ” where XYZ is a number. Nothing further needs to be done if it is listed.
4. If it is not listed then a restart may be required
5. No driver is required for Linux. When plugged into the computer, QK-A032 will show up as a
USB CDC device on /dev/ttyACM0.
6.2. Windows Port Number Configuration
The port number is the number that Windows assigns as an input device. These can be generated
randomly by your computer.
The port number for the QK-A032 can be found in Windows ‘Control Panel->System->Device
Manager’ under ‘Ports (COM & LPT)’. Find the QK-A032 in the list for the USB variant. To change this
number, double click the QK-A032 and select the ‘Port Settings’ tab. Click the ‘Advanced’ button and
change the port number to the one required.

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Fig 11: Check COM port
If the driver and the port number are set up correctly, similar messages to the examples below should
be shown (when using TCP/IP net assist to check output).
Fig 12: USB port output
QK-A032 is in COM5

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7. Configuration
Quark-Elec Windows configuration tool can be used to setup the NMEA 0183 baud rate and WiFi
settings for station mode. To download the configuration tool manual please follow the link provided
below.
http://www.quark-elec.com/doc/QK-A0xx_GUI_application_note.pdf
When QK-A032 is connected to a computer (Windows system) and powered up, ‘A032 connected’ will
be shown at the centre of the bottom and the software version shows at the bottom right.
Fig 13: Configuration
7.1. Baud rate setting
NMEA 0183 input and output baud rates can be setup from dropdown menu. So QK-A032 can work
with the standard NMEA 0183 devices (4.8kbps) or the high-speed NMEA 0183 devices (38.4kbps).
7.2. WiFi setup
The WiFi can be set up in either Ad Hoc (p2p) or Station mode (AP). User can setup the SSID,
password, IP address and Port number. Reset QK-A032 is needed to make the setting active.

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8. Status LEDs
A032 features three LEDs which indicate power, NMEA 2000 input and NMEA 0183 input status
respectively. Three LEDs turn on and then off after initialization. When operating, these LEDs flash as
below:
Power: Top LED (red) flashes at 3 second intervals.
NMEA 2000 input:Middle LED flashes for each valid message received.
NMEA 0183 input:Bottom LED flashes for every valid message received.
Please note: the two LEDs can only show when their respective data is received. It is not possible to
show both the transmit and the receive data simultaneously on a single LED.
Fig 14: LED indication
9. Upgrading Firmware
Quark-Elec keeps updating the firmware to support more NMEA 2000 PCN and NMEA 0183
messages. Users can update the software on the device to the latest available version.
The firmware can be upgraded through the following process.
1. Power off the QK-A032.
2. Short connected NMEA 0183 NMEA IN – (black cable) and NMEA OUT – (blue cable)
3. And Short connected NMEA 0183 NMEA IN + (Gray cable) and NMEA OUT + (White cable)
4. Power up the QK-A032.
5. Connect QK-A032 to a Windows PC via USB cable. On ‘my computer’ a new drive called
similar as ‘STM32’ pops up
6. Copy the upgrade firmware to the ‘SMT32’ drive.
7. Once the copy is done, power off the QK-A032, remove the short connections.
8. Reset QK-A032, wait at least 10 seconds. And then reset QK-A032 again.
9. The upgrading process finished.

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10. Conversion List
The following tables list the supported NMEA 0183 PGN’s (parameter group numbers) and NMEA
0183 sentences.
10.1. NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions
The NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions that is currently available.
NMEA 0183
sentence
Formatter
Description
NMEA 2000 PGNs that are sent
when this sentence is received
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
*please note: some PGN sentences that received require additional data before being send.
10.2. NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 conversions
NMEA 2000
PGN
PGN HEX code
Description
NMEA 0183
Sentences that are sent
when this PGN is
received
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
128267
1F50B
Water Depth
DBT, DPT
128275
1F513
Distance Log
VLW
129025
1F801
Position, Rapid Update
GLL

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129026
1F802
COG & SOG, Rapid Update
VTG
129029
1F805
GNSS Position Data
GGA, GLL, GSA, RMC, ZDA
129033
1F809
Time & Date
ZDA
129044
1F814
Datum
DTM
129283
1F903
Cross Track Error
APB, RMB, XTE
129284
1F904
Navigation Data
RMB
129291
1F90B
Set & Drift, Rapid Update
VDR
129539
1FA03
GNSS DOPs
GSA
129540
1FA04
GNSS Sats in View
GSV
130306
1FD02
Wind Data
MWV
130310
1FD06
Environmental Parameters
MDA, MTW
130311
1FD07
Environmental Parameters
MDA
130312
1FD08
Temperature
MDA, MTW
*please note: some of the NMEA 0183 sentences that are received require additional data before
being sent.
It is very important to check the table on the Technical Information tab to check the A023 will convert
the sentences/PNGs that your equipment requires.
Please note: AIS messages are not currently converted from NMEA 0183 to 2000 or from NMEA
2000 to 01832.
Please be aware
You can still connect your AIS receiver to the A032, but if you want to view AIS
(on a mixed 0183/2000) system.
Either – Both your AIS receiver and chart plotter should support NMEA 2000, and connect to
the NMEA 2000 backbone
Or – You can view all combined data (including AIS) on your laptop, tablet or smart phone
(via USB or WiFi).
Fig 15: Internal data flow diagram

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11. Specification
Item
Specification
DC supply
12V (+/-10%)
Average supply current
55mA
Maximum supply current
95mA
NMEA data format
ITU/ NMEA 2000 and 0183 format
NMEA 0183 port baud rate
4800bps to 38400bps baud
NMEA 2000 port baud rate
250kbps
WiFi mode
Ad Hoc and Station modes on 802.11 b/g/n
Security
WPA/WPA2
Network Protocols
TCP
Cable Length NMEA 2000
1.0m
Cable Length NMEA 0183
0.5m
Operating Temperature
-20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature
-30°C to +70°C
Recommended Humidity
0 - 93% RH

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12. Limited Warranty and Notices
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.
The above 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 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.
Accuracy of this manual
Quark-Elec 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
27-02-2018
Initial release
2.0
25-07-2018
Update to document
13. Glossary
Backbone – used with NMEA 2000, the backbone is your main cable supplying data and
power to all your devices on your boat. The cable uses t-piece connectors so devices can attach
themselves to it.
Baud rate – This determines the speed at which the devices are communication at. Devices
need to be at the same baud rate to be able to process information correctly.
NMEA – National marine Electronics association – sets standards and protocols for electronic
marine equipment.
p2p – Stands for peer to peer – connecting to a device wirelessly without having to use a
router or another device to pass through.
PGN – Packet group number – used in the NMEA 2000 protocol

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Station mode – Station mode on the device is used for allowing the device to connect to a
router or access point.
For more technical information and other enquiries, please go to the Quark-Elec forum at:
https://quark-Elec.com/forum/
For sales and purchasing information, please email us: info@quark-Elec.com
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