Quark-elec QK-A051T WiFi AIS Transponder

Quark-elec’s A051T Class B AIS Transponder is the ideal solution to transmit your ship’s information, including; location, name, course, speed etc..

The ideal transponder to fulfil your local Class B legal requirements, as well as for peace of mind and project tracking,

This is the ideal, compact AIS transponder.

In addition to transmitting your AIS information to local boats and receiving stations, the A051T will also decode incoming AIS messages.

The A051T will receive and decode your GPS location as well as the AIS messages from local ships. Combining the AIS and GPS data, you will be able to view which  other boats and ships are around and your position compared to them and the coastline.

You can view your AIS and GPS data on

• up to two chart plotters
• your laptop, computer or tablet through USB OTG(Android or Linux compatible)
• up to 4 WiFi enabled devices

Straight forward setup.

Features:

• Transmission of vessels own position, speed and heading etc. to other vessels and receiving stations within VHF range
• Receives and processes GPS and all AIS message types
• A method of monitoring the position, speed and heading of other AIS vessels within VHF range
• The ability to plot the progress and changes in heading/speed of other AIS vessels within VHF range on a PC, chart plotter or wireless device.
• AIS Transmitter ‘Standby’ facility to conserve power, or for privacy.
• Low-cost anti-collision / monitoring system
• Complies with all necessary standards under the European R & TTE article
• LED lights give real-time feedback. LEDs flash each time a message is successfully transmitted or received, so you can have confidence the A051T is transmitting your information.
• In addition, you have the option to read the actual ‘raw’ AIS messages received, using our free application “OceanCom”.

Technical Summary:

• AIS transmission rate: 2 Watts
• AIS receiving range: 40nm
• VHF connector port: Standard SO239/UHF Female connector. Connects to an external VHF/AIS antenna (requires standard PL-259/UHF Male Plug)
• GPS connector: TNC female bulkhead connector for connection to an external GPS antenna. The A051T includes a built in GPS module and only requires a GPS antenna to be connected
• POWER connector: 9 pin POWER/NMEA connector
• POWER supply range: 12V – 35V
• 2 NMEA 0183 output ports (1x RS422 and 1x RS232): For connection to chart plotters and other NMEA0183 compatible equipment as desired.
• USB output: Type B USB for easy connecting to your laptop or PC (Data viewing and configuration when required)
• WiFi Output: The NMEA 0183 sentences are also transmitted through WiFi. It support Ad-hoc and Station mode WiFi (with and without a router). No configuration required for Ad-hoc WiFi.
• LED lights confirm incoming and outgoing AIS messages, GPS, WiFi and Power

Find out whether you need a Class A or Class B transponder here.

Perfect for use in all Class B boats (under 300 tonnes etc.): sailing boats or yachts, small fishing boats, etc..

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Easy to install and use…

Step 1 – Decide where to put your transponder on your boat

A key advantage of this Class B Transceiver is that we’ve encased it in aluminium – to minimise interference from other equipment. This opens up many more places you can install the A051T, compared to most other transponders.

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Step 2 – Choose your power source

The A051T Class B Transponder can be powered by a power supply ranging from 12v to 24v. This covers most power sources used on boats, and is a distinct advantage over transponders that are powered only by a 12v power supply.

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Step 3 – What do you want to see?

The Class B Transponder will of course broadcast your location – but in addition it also receives AIS signals from other ships in your area and receives your GPS location.

Your A051T transponder has input ports where you simply connect your aerials.

You will need to install two aerials:

• A VHF antenna – to collect and transmit the AIS data
• (If you want to use the same VHF aerial as your radio communication, simply use a splitter before connection.)
• A GPS antenna – used to pinpoint your accurate location

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Step 4 – Transmitting your location (ON/OFF)

As this is a Class B transponder, you can decide when (or if) you want to transmit your location, using STANDBY mode in the Configuration software.

Step 5 –Which screen/s will you connect your A051T transponder to:

• Chart plotter NMEA 0183 RS422
• Chart plotter NMEA 0183 RS232
• Windows or Linux laptop (using the USB input or WiFi)
• Up to 4 wireless devices (phones, tablets or laptops) in Ad-hoc mode WiFi
• Wireless devices through your Access point/router in Station mode Wifi

This Transponder works in both WiFi modes, Ad-hoc and Station modes:

Who will be able to see my transmitted AIS signal?

Nearby ships will be able to view your details using their AIS receiver, even in bad weather and poor visibility.

Around the world, AIS data from most ports, coastlines and internal waterways is uploaded to the internet by the local community. This means that, if you are in one of these areas; your teammates, partners and loved ones will be able to view your location, using one of the free online AIS websites, from anywhere in the world.

Whether for peace of mind or project tracking, this can be very useful. Find out more here.

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What’s included?

• 1 x A051T AIS Transponder (class B)
• 1x WiFi antenna
• 1 x 9 pin POWER/NMEA cable
• 1 x USB cable
• 1 x CD containing Manuals, Configuration software and drivers

IMPORTANT: Class B Transponder

AIS transponders themselves don’t need to be registered, however, each requires a unique and official 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number assigned to the vessel and its owner.

To obtain an MMSI number, you should contact the relevant authority in your country. Different countries have different authorities responsible for this service. If you are not sure, search ‘how to apply for an MMSI in (country name)’

Please Note: The QK-A051T Transponder will allow you input an MMSI number only once.

Please make sure you input the correct MMSI number before clicking ‘config’, as changes are not permitted after confirming.

Help and Support

For any technical questions regarding this product, you can visit the forum at https://www.quark-elec.com/forum/ and ask your question, it’s regularly checked by the Quark technical team and your question may already have been answered there.

Alternatively, contact us directly, with details of your set up and we will be happy to help.