www.quark-elec.com
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2017
QUICK START SET-UP GUIDE
QK A021 - AIS Receiver Dongle with Auto-hopping
SET UP
In the box you should have:
1 x QK-A021 v.2.0
1 x SMA-BNC coaxial adapter
1 x USB extension cable
1 x CD with manuals and drivers
Location:
Select where your QK-A021 is to be sited, it will need to be close to a device to plug into but it
should also not be used close to generators or compressors (e.g. refrigerators) as they can generate
substantial RF noise. It is designed to be used 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 type of antenna and cable requirements
differ from vessel to vessel. A suitable VHF antenna will need to be connected before the receiver will
operate fully. AIS communication system frequencies are close to the duplex VHF channels used for marine
communication, so the antenna should be separated as much as possible (ideally at least 3 meters) from
the voice communication VHF antenna to avoid unnecessary adjacent channel interference. Best
separation is achieved by installing the antennas over each other or on separate sides of the mast. If an
existing VHF transmitting antenna is used to receive AIS signals, proper separation equipment (e.g., an
active VHF antenna splitter) should be applied.
