This is an overview only. Familiarize yourself with the manual and the manuals of
any connecting devices before installation. It is always recommended that
electronic equipment be installed by an experienced installer.
QK
-
A026+
BEFORE LEAVING HOME:
12V power required, the A026+ isn
’
t powered by the NMEA 2000 backbone.
Configuration software is optional and only needed for specific features.
To use any of the following features, you will require the Configuration Software:
•
Changing WiFi mode from Ad
-
hoc to Station mode or Standby
•
Adjusting baud rates from their default settings (NMEA 0183 input as 4.8kbps, output as
38.4kbps)
•
Filtering unwanted or excess data
•
Routing data away for certain output devices
•
Full diagnostics monitoring of the data streams
Configuration software (Windows) will be required to adjust these settings. (see back of this guide
for more information). Driver may be required for older Windows PCs. This may install
automatically to Windows 10 systems (if not, it is on the free CD and at quark
-
elec.com)
INSTALLATION
1. Mounting: Consider your location
…
•
Dry, sturdy location 0.5 meter from other WiFi/VHF equipment.
•
Ensure you have the correct length of cables needed. If drilling holes for your cabling, seal
2. Disconnect power from NMEA 2000 Backbone and disconnect power from all NMEA and
SeaTalk
1
devices to be connected.
3. Connect your Antennas: VHF and GPS
•
Connect VHF:
If you want to use one VHF antenna for both A026+ and VHF radio (for any
another application), then you will need an active splitter. An active splitter will protect the
A026+ and other VHF equipment (such as a VHF radio). If not, the two signals will significantly
damage each device connected as well as reducing the signal.
If using two VHF antennas, place them as far away as possible from each other (min 3 metres).
•
Connect GPS if desired:
The GPS antenna should be located outside where the sky is visible for
best results.
4. Connect any input/output devices.
•
NMEA 0183 input/output:
Connect the
‘+’
and
‘
-
‘
terminals of the NMEA input/output on the
A026+ to the
‘+’
and
‘
-
‘
terminals of the output/input on the instrument.
The A26+ uses NMEA 0183
-
RS422. If your connecting device uses the older NMEA 0183
-
RS232
and you are having issues with your NMEA connection, you may find swapping these terminals
works
for
your
device. Alternatively, connect it using a Protocol Bridge (QK
-
AS03).
•
SeaTalk
1
input:
Take care to connect the
‘+’, ‘
Data
’
and
‘
-
’
correctly. Swapping and incorrect
application of any of these wires can cause permanent damage the A026+.
5. Connect the A026+ to your un
-
powered NMEA 2000 backbone.
6. Connect the un
-
powered 12V cable to the A026+, then power up.
7. Re
-
Connect power to your connected devices and NMEA 2000 backbone.
8. Check LED lights are working as expected.
•
SeaTalk
1
and
NMEA IN
LEDs
will flash for each valid message received on the respective
•
GPS
: LED flashes every second while receiving a valid message.
•
AIS
: LED flashes for each valid AIS message received.
•
N2K
: LED flashes for each valid NMEA 2000 PGN sent out on 2000 port.
•
OUT:
LED flashes for each valid message send out on the NMEA 0183 output.
•
WiFi:
LED flashes for each valid NMEA message sent to WiFi output.
•
PWR (Power)
: LED light is constantly lit in red when the device is powered.
QK
-
A026+
