Quark-Elec QK-A031 Technical manual

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QUICK START SET-UP GUIDE
QK-A031 - NMEA 0183 Multiplexer with SeaTalk* Converter
SET UP
In the box you should have:
1 x QK-A031
1 x USB-B cable
1 x CD with manuals and drivers
Location: Select where your QK-A031 is to be sited. Ideally, 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-A031 is together with other types of
navigation equipment and the PC or chart plotter that will be used to display the output data. QK-A031 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.
Pre- Power up Checklist
Double-check the specifications of ALL devices before connecting them. (see Connections
section)
Check unit is placed where it is well protected from humidity and water. (see Location section)
Check power supply is connected +ve 12V (e.g.) and –ve to GND or permanent damage will
be caused to the QK-A031. (see Power Up section)
Check the + and - terminals of the NMEA output on the QK-A031 are connected to the + and -
terminals of the input on the instrument . (see Connections section)

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Check the LED lights. LEDs indicate power (LED8), NMEA In (LED 2, LED 3, LED 4), NMEA out
(LED 5) and SeaTalk (LED 1) status respectively. LED6 & LED7 are not used on this model.
Configure with GUI Configuration APP. Ensure all other APPs and programs are closed before
using the GUI.
CONNECTIONS
QK-A031 has the following electrical connections/indicators:
SeaTalk input connector. The SeaTalk port has 3-Pin terminals for connection to the SeaTalk bus, i.e.
(+, D, - ). Ensure the connection is correct before powering up. An incorrect connection could damage
the QK-A031 and other devices on the SeaTalk Bus. 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
NMEA input. QK-A031 has three NMEA inputs called IN1 to IN3. Each input should be connected to
one output only. These inputs are galvanically isolated from QK-A031 multiplexer, as specified by the
NMEA 0183 standard. QK-A031 performs serial combining of these three NMEA-0183 serial inputs into
one NMEA-0183 serial output. Input baud rates are switch selectable through the GUI Configuration
APP. The default baud rate of the NMEA 0183 inputs is 4800 bps (NMEA standard) but it can be set to
any value from 4800 to 38400 bps.
NMEA 0183 output. The NMEA 0183 Out is capable of driving the combined data from the inputs. The
default baud rate is 4800bps, however it can be set to from 4800 to 38400bps using the configuration
APP. Connect the + and - terminals of the NMEA output on the QK-A031 to the + and - terminals of the

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input on the instrument. These terminals may also be labeled as A/B, Data+/Data-, RX+/RX-, In +/In -
on the instrument itself.
NMEA Warning. Although the NMEA 0183 standard specifies the signal names, voltage levels and
connection methods very clearly, in reality, this standard has been interpreted with quite a bit of
variation between manufacturers. So to ensure QK-A031 is not damaged please double-check the
specifications of the devices before connecting them.
WiFi Interface. 15 seconds after QK-A031 is powered up, the operator should be able to scan and find
a WiFi network (SSID) similar to ‘QK-A031xxxx’ using WiFi enabled devices such as computers, mobile
phones or tablets.
Connect the device(s) to ‘QK-A031xxxx’ with ‘88888888’ as the default password. Set the protocol as
follows in the chart software.
Item
Setting
SSID
Similar to ‘QK-A031xxxx’
Protocol
TCP
IP address
192.168.1.100
Port
2000
With the above settings, the wireless connection should be set and the operator will be able to
receive the output messages through the chart software. The wireless connection can always be
checked with TCP/IP port monitoring software as shown in the application notes and the SSID and
password can be changed through QK-A031 configuration APP, increasing security and memorability.
QK-A031 can connect in Ad Hoc (peer-peer mode) or Station Mode (through the ‘Cloud’ via a router)
by selecting the mode and specifying the SSID and Password. This allows for greater range and
remote access, as well as multi-device access so your telemetry can be monitored from wherever you
are as long as the instruments are powered.
Check the LED lights. QK-A031 features eight LEDs which indicate power(LED8), NMEA In(LED2,LED3,and
LED4), NMEA out(LED5) and SeaTalk(LED1) status respectively. LEDs 6 & 7 are not used on this model.
NMEA In, NMEA out and SeaTalk: LEDs flash for each valid message received or sent.
Power: LED light is constantly on when powered up.
SeaTalk, NMEA input/output and power connectors (left), USB connector (right)

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USB connector. A USB-B cable outputs the NMEA messages. It can also be used for adjusting
parameters using the GUI Configuration software. The GUI software cannot be used at the same time
as other software or At the same time as outputting NMEA messages.
QK-A031 Function diagram
POWER UP
QK-A031 runs on 9-35VDC (+/- 0.2V) and needs an average supply current of 80mA. The power supply must
be connec ted +ve 12V (e.g.) and –ve to GND or permanent damage will be caused to the QK-A031.
CONFIGURATION
QK-A031 is supplied with a USB-B connector. 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:
https://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).
Application notes for the GUI can be found here: https://www.quark-elec.com/download/manuals
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Full QK-A031instructions and troubleshooting details can be found in the full QK-A031Application Note
here: https://www.quark-elec.com/download/manuals/28-qk-a031-1
For additional 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: inf[email protected]

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SPECIFICATION
Item
Specification
DC supply
9-35V(+/-0.2V)
Average supply current (typical
quiescent)
80mA
NMEA data format
ITU/ NMEA 0183 format
NMEA input data rate
4.8k to 38.4kbps, RS-422 galvanically isolated
NMEA output data rate
4.8k to 38.4kbps, RS-422 galvanically isolated
Seatalk1 data rate
Default 4.8kbps, can be set up to 38.4kbps.
WiFi mode
Ad Hoc or Station mode on 802.11 b/g/n
Security
WPA/WPA2
Operating temperature
-25°C to +80°C
Storage temperature
-25°C to +85°C
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