Quark-elec Manual
6 of 13
2019
V2.0
6. Connecting
A028 has the following electrical connections/indicators and outputs:
Figure 4: Data flow diagram
AIS antenna connector
. Standard BNC female 50 Ohm connector. An active VHF antenna splitter
is required if one VHF antenna is shared by A028 and VHF voice radio.
GPS antenna connector
. Standard powered SMA female 50 Ohm connector to connect with an
active GPS antenna.
NMEA 2000 output BUS connectors
. A028 can be connected to the standard NMEA 2000
network through NMEA 2000 output connector.
NMEA 0183 output connectors.
A028 can be connected to other AIS compatible equipment, like
chatter plotter, via the NMEA 0183 RS422 output. The A028 outputs 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 ‘+’ and ‘-‘ terminals works for your device. Alternatively,
connect it using a Quark-elec Protocol Bridge (QK-AS03 https://www.quark-elec.com/product/qk-
as03-nmea0183-to-garmin-bridge-board/).
Figure 5: NMEA 0183 connector
1.
Brown
: NMEA 0183 OUT-
3.
Blue
: NMEA 0183 OUT+
4.
Black
: NC
USB connector
. A micro USB connector outputs the NMEA messages. A028 sends out NMEA
0183 messages via USB. Windows PCs may require you to install a driver (on CD and www.quark-
elec.com). Once the driver is installed simply input the COM port number from your Device
Manager into your chart software (see chapter Connection via USB port).
If wishing to connect to a tablet or phone, this device will have to have USB OTG technology. Not
all Phones and tablets have ‘USB on the Go’ functionality.
A028 is
not
supplied with a VHF or GPS antenna as the type of antenna and cable requirements differ
from vessel to vessel. A suitable VHF or GPS antenna will need to be connected before the receiver will
operate fully.
6.1.Power up
A028 runs on 12.0V DC and is powered through the NMEA 2000 network, this allows a much
cleaner supply and an improvement in signal reception.
