Quark-elec Manual
5 of 13
2019
V2.0
4. NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183
NMEA 0183 is a serial data interface operating at 4800 bit/second utilizing standard asynchronous
communications.
NMEA 2000 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.
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 to100 NMEA 0183 data streams.
5. Mounting
A028 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.
Although A028 comes with an extruded aluminium enclosure to shield it from external RF interference,
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 A028 is together with other types of navigation equipment and the PC or chart
plotter that will be used to display the output data. The following Figureure shows an overview of the
QK-A028.
Figure 3: Dimensions of case.
