Quark-Elec QK-R041 User manual

QK-R041 Manual
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QK-R041 Manual
WIRELESS 4G LTE ROUTER
Features
Stable and Reliable
◼Industrial design, metal enclosure, protection class IP30
◼Wide input voltage DC 9-36V,with reverse polarity protection
◼ESD, Surge, EFT/Burst protection
◼Hardware and software watchdog, multi-layer link detection mechanism make it self-
recovery from unexpected failure and guarantee reliable communication between remote
devices and data center
◼Provides comprehensive security protections for sensitive business data, including secure
VPN transmission, firewall against network attacks
Flexible Networking
◼Supports 2G/3G/4G network all over the world ,supports APN / VPDN private network
access
◼Supports automatic detection of cellular network , 4G/3G/2G mode automatic switching
◼Supports failover between 4G and WAN, ensures automatic switch to alternative backup

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connection,effectively ensuring uninterrupted data transmission
◼Supports 2.4GHz WiFi, scaling more devices access, support wired and wireless connecting
Internet
◼Compatible with 5.8GHz WiFi(optional)
Powerful Functions
◼Supports PUSR cloud platform to facilitate remote monitoring and central management of
large-scale device networks
◼Supports configuration parameters import/export, greatly improve the efficiency for massive
deployment
◼Support access the built-in web page of the router via PUSR cloud without the need of private
network or public IP
◼Supports DDNS, static routes,easy accessing devices underneath the router
◼Supports firewall, NAT,DMZ,black and white list of access control
◼Supports Port based VLAN separation, allows network administrators to group hosts
together even if the hosts are not on the same network switch
◼Supports Email/SMS/DO alarm,abnormal alert push in time
◼Multi-interface including 4 Ethernet ports, serial port R232/RS485(alternative) , USB, 2*DI ,
2*DO, Wi-Fi, and GPS(optional) further expand your choices
◼Serial modem supports user-defined register & heartbeat packets, transparent TCP/UDP
protocol, multi-center.
◼Supports VPN(PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, OpenVPN,GRE), and VPN encryption function, suitable for
various networking and high-security requirements Scenarios
Contents
1. Introduction .........................................................................................................................................3
2. Mounting .............................................................................................................................................3
3. Connections........................................................................................................................................5
3.1. Power supply..........................................................................................................................5
3.2. 4G SIM card............................................................................................................................5
3.3. Network Connections .............................................................................................................6
3.3.1. WAN ...................................................................................................................................6
3.3.2. LANs....................................................................................................................................6
3.4. Digital Inputs / Outputs ...........................................................................................................6
3.4.1. Digital Inputs.......................................................................................................................7
3.4.2. Digital Outputs....................................................................................................................7
3.5. RS232 Serial interface (NMEA 0183).....................................................................................8

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3.6. WiFi Connections....................................................................................................................8
3.7. 4G antennas...........................................................................................................................8
4. Indication LEDs...................................................................................................................................9
5. Configuration.......................................................................................................................................9
6. Upgrading Firmware .........................................................................................................................13
7. Specification......................................................................................................................................14
8. Limited Warranty and Notices...........................................................................................................15
9. Glossary............................................................................................................................................15
1.Introduction
The QK-R041 is a marine wireless router designed for permanent installation on the boat and yachts. It
provides the Internet connection for WiFi and Ethernet users via 4G/3G network with just a SIM card. It
supports surfing the Internet at high speed, ensuring stable and fast connections up to 20 miles away
from the coast.
The R041 features two MIMO 4G diversity antennas and two omni-Wi-Fi antennas that receive the
Internet signal and redirect it inside the boat, thereby increasing the signal strength, with a secure and
protected Wi-Fi network that can be used simultaneously by up to 32 different connected devices. For
larger yacht where single WiFi Access Point is not enough to cover all areas the second R041 or an
additional WiFi extender can be connected via LAN(RJ45) port.
The R041 is a Plug & play product for its standard operation, it only requires a 12VDC power supply and
one SIM cards for surfing the Internet; all this makes the system particularly easy to install.
2.Mounting
The R041 is aimed at the commercial, leisure, fishing boat and vessel monitoring markets.
It is not waterproof so need to be mounted in a dry place such as behind the instrument panel on a flat
surface or a rack. When deciding on the best installed position, the first factor will be the 3G/4G
reception. Use a mobile phone with a proper APPs(e.g. SignalStrength on Google store) to test various
positions inside the boat to see where the strong and reliable signal is found, usually close to a port
hole, hatch or window. The suggested signal strength is at least 3 bars (-90dBm) shown on the phone.
On fibreglass hulled vessels, it should be easily to find a position that gives good reception but if this is
not achievable or the vessel is made by wooden, carbon fibre or steel hulled, then external fiberglass
antennas are recommended. This will allow the R041 have the best possible receiver range.
Apart from the mobile signal strength, Wi-Fi reception and cable runs are also need to be considered to
find the best position. Please allow 0.5m between the R041 and other WiFi devices. This will help
avoid interference problems.
The R041 can be mounted in any orientation, as the antennas can be rotated and bent for best
reception, although we recommend mounting the R041 on a flat surface with the antennas pointing
upwards, to avoid stress on the cables and to ensure any moisture/condensation falls away from the
connectors.

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Dust covers should be applied all times if no cables connected.
The default settings of the R041 have been chosen for optimum performance and we do not
recommend users make any changes to them, except to change the default wireless network
name (SSID) and wireless password.
Figure 1: R041 Dimension in mm

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3.Connections
The R041 wireless marine 4G router multiplexer has the following options for inputs, outputs and host
devices.
•Power supply
•1x 4G SIM card slot
•2x digital inputs and 2x digital outputs
•1x RS232 interface supports NMEA 0183 protocol
•4x LAN interfaces
•1x WAN interfaces
•2x SMA WiFi antennas
•2x SMA 4G/UMTS/GSM antennas
•1x USB port(reserved) and 1x SD card slot(reserved)
Power off all the devices before connecting!
3.1. Power supply
The R041 can work by 12V to 35V DC power supply. Power(V+) and GND(V-) are clearly indicated on
the side terminal block. Ensure these are connected correctly. The R041 is equipped with reverse
polarity protection to protect the device in case of faulty installation.
3.2. Reset
TBC
3.3. 4G SIM card
To get the Internet connection via a 3G/4G mobile network, the R041 should have a 3G/4G data SIM
inserted which is registered to a valid mobile operator account.
Two screws on the right side of the R041 should be unscrewed and then remove the cover and find the
SIM card slot. Get the SIM card that fits the slot. A nano or micro-SIM card adaptor (not included, this
normally come with the data SIM card ) maybe needed, if your SIM card isn’t the standard type.

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When inserting a SIM card, make sure the SIM card is in the correct orientation. Do NOT insert at an
angle or use force. You will also see there is a SD card slot next to the SIM slot. It was reserved design
for the future. The current software doesn’t support this.
After insert the SIM card, power on the R041 to make sure the SIM works well before fit the cover back.
4G SIM will automatically dial-up after powering up, the 4G indicator steady on, then blinking, it means
the device already connect with Internet. Signal strength status LED’s
Do not remove or insert the SIM card when the R041 is powered up, doing so will affect the
performance of the R041 and data stored on the SIM card may be lost.
3.4. Network Connections
The R041 has five RJ45 Ethernet connectors; four of LANs and one WAN.
3.4.1. WAN
WAN port on the R041 is used to connect the router to a wired Internet connection. For example, your
boat could have the second Internet connection (via Satellite, or long-range WiFi router), then connect
the R041 with it via a normal network cable, your R041 can have two independent Internet connection.
You can setup the priority of the Internet connection via the configuration webpage. Once the R041
connected with the external Internet devices, The R041 expects to receive an dynamic IP address
automatically and start working.
3.4.2. LANs
The R041 provides four local Ethernet ports for connecting the devices on the boat. The devices like
Smart TV, desktop, VOIP phone can be connect to the LANs to get a reliable Internet connection. The
R041 provides IP addresses automatically to any devices that connected to the LAN socket.
3.5. Digital Inputs / Outputs
The R041 employs two digital inputs and two digital outputs, used for switching external digital levels
(DO1 and DO2) from the Router and accepting external digital level (DI1 and DI2) to the Router. All
digital outputs are dry contact and can only be used for switching, rather than driving other inputs.

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3.5.1. Digital Inputs
DI1 and DI2 are two digital inputs. Digital Inputs allow the R041 to detect logic states (low or high) when
GND is connected or disconnected to the DI1/2 terminals of the router. Enter the R041 configuration
interface, the operator can setup the input parameters and specify what actions should be taken after
triggering event of input.
The digital inputs are non-isolated and set as dry connect by default. The following is the typical
connection recommended. The R041 also support the wet connection but please make sure the
maximum input voltage is 5.0V, higher than that could permanently damage the device.
Figure 2 Digital input connections
3.5.2. Digital Outputs
Digital Outputs allow the R041 to output logic states. It can be used to turn on other devices such
as sensors, alarms. The DO function can be accessed and configured on the router by navigating
to the configuration interface.
Not like Digital inputs, the outputs are wet connections. The follow is a typical connection with
external devices. Make sure the GND of the external devices are connect to the COM. Improper
connection could damage the device. The DO port can stand up to 36VD and 300mA as the
maximum current.
Figure 3 Digital output connections

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3.6. RS232 Serial interface (NMEA 0183)
The R041 features of connecting with terminals through industrial RS232 serial interface. Since the
most marine NMEA 0183 devices supports RS232 or RS485, the R041 can be used to communicate
with these connected devices on the RS232 interface.
To connect with NMEA 0183 interface devices, these wires need to be connected.
R041 interface
Connection needed on
RS232 device
Connection needed on
RS422 device
Transmit
TX/B
NMEA RX
*[1] NMEA input-
GND
GND
NMEA input+
Receive
RX/A
NMEA TX
*[1] NMEA output-
GND
GND
NMEA output+
*[1] Swap the differential NMEA data wires if the R041 does not work.
3.7. WiFi Connections
The R041 can be used out of box without any settings. The default SSID is similar to ‘QK-R041-xxx’ and
the password is ‘QE88888888’. We strongly suggest setting your own network name (SSID) and
wireless password via the configuration interface. This ensures that only the users who know the
network information can connect.
3.8. 4G antennas
The R041 comes with two SMA 5 dBi external indoor 4G/3G antennas. It has a magnet base so can be
attached on a metal surface. The two 4G antennas should be placed with minimum distance as 20
inches(50cm) to maximise the positive effect of the MIMO technology. There is no need to placing the
two antennas further apart since the field tests show the signal quality doesn’t significantly change with
the distance increasing.
The 4G antennas should be placed avoid being blocked by other metal objects and do not place them
close to other high-power transmitting antennas like VHF, HF and SSB antennas. It is recommended to
place the 4G antennas 40inches (1.0 meter) away from these high-power transmitting antennas on the
boat.
For these low power antennae or not near frequency band antennas (e.g. WiFi, GPS, TV), its
recommend to keep minimum as 20 inches(50cm).
To get better possible 4G signals, the external 4G fiberglass antennas can be used. The following
image show the wiring example. If extra cables are used to connect the antenna to the router it must be
a high-quality low loss cable. The cable and any connectors used should have 50 Ohms impedance.

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4.Indication LEDs
The R041 features indicator LEDs which shows power, system, WiFi and 4G/3G network strength
status. It also provides one extra LED which reserved for the users to programme it customized using.
Power: LED light is constantly lit in red when the device is powered.
System: LED light flashes every one second when it is working properly.
WiFi: LED will flash for each data transaction via WiFi. It will keep steady on when idle.
Reserved: Users can define this LED to show specific status/events via the configuration interface.
4G/3G signal strength: There are four LED indicators. Each lit up LED represents a different value of the
router's current signal strength. More lit up LEDs means stronger signal.
5.Configuration
After you’re complete with the installation as described in the section above, you are ready to start
logging into the router and start configuring it.
1. Connect your tablet, iPad, Mac or desktop to the default WiFi network using the default password which
is ‘QE88888888’ .
2. Start a web browser on the device connected to the router, and input 192.168.1.1 at the address bar
and then click enter.
3. You will be asked the login in ID and password, which both are ‘admin’.

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4. Once the proper ID and password input, click ‘login’ then the following page will appear.

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This page shows the main status of the router. On the left side of the page, it’s the main menu bar,
which will take you to various status, configuration, tools, and services menus.
The default R041 settings have been carefully selected to work well in most situations/installations,
commonly found on pleasure boats. We strongly suggest that don’t change any settings except those
specifically mentioned in this manual or you fully understand the changes.
The key settings that the user should check and set if needed are as below:
1) The APN settings. Access Point Name (APN) is a configurable network identifier used by a
mobile terminal when connecting to a 4G/3G/GSM network. Not like most of smart phone which
can automatically detect the APNs, the R041 need manually setup the APNs for most of data
SIM. Please use the left side menu bar, and follow: Interface -> Mobile, then you should be able
to access the Mobile (WAN_4G) settings.
The most common three parameters for the APN need to be setup are: APN, username, and
password. For most cases, the reast setting can be kept as default.

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Once the setup completed, click ‘Save & Apply’and wait couple of minutes you should be able to
see the Network signal turns on. For some SIM cards, you probably need to re-power the R041 to
get the new settings active. If you still have issue with it, please contact your Data SIM provider to
get further help.
2) The WiFi Network settings (SSID and Password) . From the left side menu bar, follow: Interface
-> WLAN, then you should be able to access the WLAN(WiFi) interface as below.

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The SSID name and the password can be changed in ‘General Settings’ tab. Don’t change any settings
in ‘Advnaced Settings’ tab, if you know what is that mean.
6. Upgrading Software
The current software version can be verified from Status menu on the left side bar. If you were been
asked to upgrade the software please follow: System-> Backup/Upgarde -> Upload new firmware.

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Wait about 5 mins until, the working LED start flashing every one second, then the new software should
be starting work. The upgrading process is complete by now.
7.Specification
Item
Specification
DC supply
12.0V (+/-10%)
Average supply current
45mA
Maximum supply current
95mA
NMEA data format
ITU/ NMEA 2000 and 0183 format
NMEA 2000 port baud rate
250kbps
NMEA 2000 Compatibility
Fully NMEA 2000 certified
LEN
2
WiFi mode
Ad-hoc, Station modes on 802.11 b/g
Security
WPA/WPA2
Network Protocols
TCP
Cable Length NMEA 2000
1.0m
Operating Temperature
-20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature
-30°C to +70°C
Recommended Humidity
0 - 93% RH

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8.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-, 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
03-06-2022
Initial release
9.Glossary
•Ad-hoc WiFi, also known as ‘peer-to-peer’: devices communicate directly with each other without
a router.
•IP: internet protocol (ipv4, ipv6)- explains which version
•IP Address: is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network.
•NMEA 0183: is a serial data interface operating at 4.8 Kbit/second utilizing standard asynchronous
communications. It is an electrical and data standard for communication between marine electronics.
•NMEA2000 / N2K: is a 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. It is a communications standard used for connecting marine
sensors and display units within ships and boats and is generally plug-and-play.
•NMEA2000 / N2K backbone: Used with NMEA 2000, the backbone is the main BUS supplying data
and power to all the devices on the boat.
•PGN: Packet group number –used in the NMEA 2000 protocol instead of sentences
•Router: A routerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_(computing) - cite_note-2 is a networking
device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing
functions on the Internet.
•Sentences: Used in NMEA 0183 protocol to transfer data between marine equipment.
•Station mode WiFi: devices communicate by going through an Access Point (AP) or router. This
allows the user to view data while accessing other router functions such as other devices or internet.
•USB: cable for communication and power supply between devices.

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Quark-elec (UK)
Unit 7, the Quadrant
Newark Close
Royston, UK
SG8 5HL