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Quark-elec Manual

https://www.quark-elec.com

1 of 10

2018

V1.0

QK-A021 AIS Receiver Dongle

Features

Receiving on dual channels (161.975 MHzand162.025 MHz) alternately

Auto-hop channel algorithm improves 4% of captured message rate

Manually adjustable hopping interval rates (0.25 sec, 1 sec, 30 sec and auto-hopping)

Sensitivity up to -105 dBm@30% PER

Up to 45 nautical miles receiving range

USB 2.0 powered (<26mA@5.0V)

Serial output: 38400 bps baud rate over USB

Message output in NMEA-0183 format

SMA connector for 50 Ohm VHF antenna

SMA to BNC coaxial adaptor included

Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux (optional Configuration must be completed using

Windows software.)

This device does not come pre-loaded with map data. We advise using OpenCPN for map

data. Some iOS apps may charge for map use.

Summary of Contents for QK-A021

Page 1: ...and auto hopping Sensitivity up to 105 dBm 30 PER Up to 45 nautical miles receiving range USB 2 0 powered 26mA 5 0V Serial output 38400 bps baud rate over USB Message output in NMEA 0183 format SMA connector for 50 Ohm VHF antenna SMA to BNC coaxial adaptor included Compatible with Windows Mac and Linux optional Configuration must be completed using Windows software This device does not come pre l...

Page 2: ...ww quark elec com 2 of 10 2018 V1 0 Contents 1 Setup overview 3 2 Setup 4 3 Connecting 7 4 Using QK A021 with OpenCPN 7 5 Hopping interval 8 6 Status LED S 8 7 Specification 9 8 Warranty 9 9 Additional information and support 9 ...

Page 3: ...sed in a protected indoor environment and is NOT waterproof Generally a suitable placement of QK A021 is together with other types of navigation equipment and the PC that will be used to display the output data QK A021 is designed to be ultra portable and convenient but should only be used where it is well protected from humidity and water Antenna QK A021 is not supplied with a VHF antenna as the ...

Page 4: ...IS system works on the marine VHF band which is considered to be line of sight radio What this means is that if the QK A021 antenna cannot see the antenna of the vessels the AIS signals from vessels will not reach the QK A021 Practically this is not strictly a requirement few buildings and trees between them will still be fine Larger obstacles such as hills and mountains on the other hand will sig...

Page 5: ... be recognized and shown as a USB modem The ID can be checked with the following steps After plugging QK A021 into a USB port launch Terminal app Type ls dev usb Mac system will return a list of USB devices QK A021 will display as dev tty usbmodemXYZ where XYZ is a number Nothing further needs to be done if it is listed If it is not listed then a restart may be required No driver is required for L...

Page 6: ...s Ensure that the COM port is set at 38400bps 8 N and 1 If all the above is set up correctly users will see the following information The red LED light turns on once QK A021 powered up and the yellow green LED flashes to indicate valid AIS messages received 6 Run any AIS NMEA 0183 compatible chart software such as OpenCPN or SeaClear and then start to view the displayed AIS information ...

Page 7: ...justing hopping parameters using the GUI Configuration software 4 Using QK A021 with OpenCPN OpenCPN is free software that can be used to view concise chart plotter and navigation information It is available for use on both PCs MAC and Linux systems The following is a sample setting for the OpenCPN plotter Go to the options tab at the top of OpenCPN and click on the connections tab Fill in the dat...

Page 8: ...www quark elec com latest field test of patented autohopping algorithm 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 Please check that no other APPs or programs are open when using the Configuration GUI 6 Status LED S A0...

Page 9: ...ct 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 damag...

Page 10: ...Quark elec Manual https www quark elec com 10 of 10 2018 V1 0 Document history Issue Date Changes Comments 1 0 27 02 2015 Initial release 2 0 13 07 2017 Release V2 0 hardware ...

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