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Quark-elec Manual

https://www.quark-elec.com

1 of 18

2019

V1.0

QK-A051T Class B AIS Transponder

Manual

Features

Low-cost anti-collision / monitoring system

Receives and processes all AIS message types

Automatic transmission of vessels own position, speed and heading to other vessels within VHF range

A method of monitoring the position, speed and heading to other AIS vessels within VHF range

The ability to plot the progress, changes in heading and speed of other AIS vessels on a PC or Chart Plotter

Transmitter ‘standby’ facility to conserve power, or for privacy.

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

This device can connect to two NMEA 0183 output devices. One NMEA 0183 RS422 and one NMEA0183 RS232.

Can support WiFi connection to 4 devices simultaneously

This device does not come pre-loaded with map data. We can recommend OpenCPN (free to use) for map data.

Some Apps will charge for map use.

Summary of Contents for QK-A051T

Page 1: ...hin VHF range The ability to plot the progress changes in heading and speed of other AIS vessels on a PC or Chart Plotter Transmitter standby facility to conserve power or for privacy Compatible with Windows Mac and Linux optional Configuration must be completed using Windows software This device can connect to two NMEA 0183 output devices One NMEA 0183 RS422 and one NMEA0183 RS232 Can support WiF...

Page 2: ...0 3 4 1 WiFi Ad hoc mode 11 3 4 2 WiFi Station mode 11 3 4 3 WiFi Standby 11 3 4 4 WiFi data check 11 4 Configuration software 12 4 1 Admin Password 12 4 2 Serial port Config 12 4 3 WiFi Config Ad hoc Station mode and Standby 13 4 3 1 Station mode setup 13 4 3 2 Standby mode Disabling WiFi 13 4 4 Ship Information Config 14 4 5 Transmission Config Enable Disable AIS transmission 14 5 Chart Software...

Page 3: ... the safety of life at sea SOLAS convention to certain vessels types including those above 300 gross tons or which carry more than 11 passengers in International waters Many other commercial vessels and some leisure craft also fit Class A units Class A AIS units transmit the radio signal at a power level of 12 5 watts while class B is at 2 watts Class B units are currently not a mandatory fit but ...

Page 4: ...mits and Receives Transmit is optional and only pre configured 1 3 Maritime Mobile Service Identity MMSI IMPORTANT In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included under the vessel s marine VHF license provisions An MMSI number is a unique identifier assigned to a vessel The International Telecommunications Union ITU sets the international conventions for the use of MMSI numbers An MMSI ...

Page 5: ... be used to attach it to a suitable surface It is not waterproof so should be mounted in a dry place on a flat surface Ideally the LEDs need to be visible to the operator at all times The ambient temperature around A051T receiver should be maintained between 25 C and 55 C A051T should not be located in a flammable or hazardous atmosphere such as in an engine room or near to fuel tanks ...

Page 6: ...lay on PC Connect to Windows system for software configuration and information display Configuration Software is on the CD provided and as a free download from http www quark elec com downloads WiFi connection Connect the external WiFi antenna The A051T support WiFi output in both Ad hoc mode and Station mode The module will work in Ad hoc mode by default but it can be easily setup to station mode...

Page 7: ...d to accept NMEA data at 38400 baud sometimes referred to as NMEA HS or NMEA High speed in the plotter configuration menu You may also need to enable the display of AIS targets in the chart options A051T includes two NMEA outputs 1 x NMEA 0183 RS422 1 x NMEA 0183 RS232 Check your chart plotter to select the proper connections Connect either or both outputs to a chart plotter or other device of you...

Page 8: ...2 Type less dev sub 3 The Mac system will return a list of USB devices A051T will display as dev tty usbmodemXYZ where XYZ is a number Nothing further needs to be done if it is listed Linux No driver is required for Linux When plugged into the computer A051T will show up as a USB CDC device on dev ttyACM0 Once the driver is installed if needed run the Device Manager and check the COM number Your c...

Page 9: ...om can be download from https www quark elec com downloads apps To view your raw USB data enter the following parameters into OceanCom or the Com port monitoring software of your choice Com port settings Baud rate 38400bps Data bit 8 Check None and Stop bit 1 Figure 1 OceanCom interface Operators can also use a Windows system to setup and configure the A051T through the USB port More details below...

Page 10: ...hoc mode WiFi Station mode Wifi The A051T supports both In Ad hoc mode WiFi mobile devices connect directly to another device without a router or access point For example your PC tablet or smart phone can connect directly to the A051T to receive marine data In Station mode WiFi wireless devices communicate through an access point AP such as a router that serves as a bridge to other networks such a...

Page 11: ... Ad hoc to the A051T will need the new password 3 4 2 WiFi Station mode Station mode WiFi allows your Access Point router to handle the data and traffic from your device This data can then be picked up through your router anywhere on your local area network This allows your mobile device view AIS and GPS information wirelessly while still receive your other AP functionality including internet if r...

Page 12: ...nfiguration tool can only be used on Windows https www quark elec com downloads configuration tools To Configure the A051T Connect the A051T to a Windows system via USB for Mac users boot camp Close other programs that would connect to the A051T via USB Run the Configuration tool Insert password and check connection to A051T in the bottom row of the tool 4 1 Admin Password On first use the default...

Page 13: ...s they are 6 Click Config in the bottom right hand corner 7 After 60 seconds Click Exit 8 Repower your A051T The A051T will now attempt to connect to your router In your chart software set the protocol as TCP Insert the IP address you assigned the A051T Enter the Port number as 2000 in the chart software You should now be connected and see AIS or GPS targets on your chart software If not check you...

Page 14: ...This refers to the connection you are using between the transponder and the software Find the right COM port for your transponder and click connect This information can be found in the device manager on your PC See chapter check the USB connections A B C D These relates to your size and GPS antenna location Your ships size is determined by the Data input into the transponder under the section A B ...

Page 15: ...ow in the highlighted image 2 In the options at the top of the menu will be a tab button that says Connections Click on this 3 Click on Add Connection button highlighted in the picture below 4 Select Serial 5 Select from the drop down the COM number assigned to A051T See connecting via USB for help finding the Com port in your device manager Adjust the Baud rate accordingly 38400 covers AIS 6 Clic...

Page 16: ...RM 1371 IEC 60945 IEC 61162 NMEA 0183 38400 bps Sensitivity 110 dBm Power 2W Channel A CH87B 161 975MHz Channel B CH88B 162 025MHz Input Level 9 6V 36 0V Transmit Mode CSTDMA Bandwidth 25 KHz Bit ratio 9600 bps Consumption 4 W Working Temperature 15 55 Store Temperature 25 70 Humidity 0 95 RH at 40 Water resistance IPx2 ...

Page 17: ... 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 failure to use this product Quark products may be upgraded from time to time and future versions may therefore not correspond exactly...

Page 18: ...s a combined electrical and data specification for communication between marine electronics MMSI Maritime mobile service identity is a unique 9 digit number that is assigned to an AIS transponder Similar to a cell phone number your MMSI number is your unique calling number for that AIS transponder IMO International Maritime Organization is a unique identifier for ships and for registered ship mana...

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