Quark-elec QK-A027 Wireless AIS Receiver with GPS + SeaTalk Converter

The A027 combines dual channel AIS data with GPS and Seatalk* information, allowing you to view wirelessly from anywhere on your boat via your mobile phones, tablets and laptops (with the added option to connect to a NMEA chart plotter).

• Compact dual channel AIS receiver
• Multiplexer: combines AIS, GPS and Seatalk*
• SeaTalk* to NMEA converter
• Can be used wirelessly (WiFi) and through the USB or NMEA ports
• Integrated GPS module that can track up to 22 satellites on 66 channels
• Compatible with chart plotters, Windows, Mac OS X, Linux systems, Android and iOS

View AIS, GPS and SeaTalk through WiFi, wired USB and NMEA 

Features

• Two independent receivers monitoring AIS channels (161.975MHz &162.025MHz) and decoding both channels simultaneously
• Sensitivity down to -104 dBm@30% PER
• Up to 20 nautical miles receiving range
• Powered by the Seatalk bus (<120mA @12.0V)
• NMEA-0183 message output through WiFi, USB, and RS422
• Configurable baud rates: (4.8, 9.6, 38.4k input and output)
• Simultaneous wireless and USB output
• The internal WiFi access point connects up to 4 devices simultaneously
• Ad hoc and station operating modes
• SeaTalk to NMEA 0183 protocol converter
• Built-in GPS to provide positional data
• Combines GPS and AIS messages with NMEA 0183 and outputs as a seamless stream of data
• BNC connector for 50 Ohm VHF antenna
• Powered SMA connector for 50 Ohm GPS antenna
• Compatible with Windows XP,7,8,10, Mac OS X, Linux systems, Android and iOS
• Plug & play connectivity with chart plotters and PCs
• Can connect to older RS232 products through optional Protocol Bridge (AS03). For more information, read below

Connections

QK-A027 has the following electrical connections/indicators:

• AIS antenna connector – standard BNC female 50 Ohm connector. An active VHF antenna splitter (e.g. QK-A015-RX) is required if one VHF antenna is shared by QK-A027 and VHF voice radio.
• GPS antenna connector – standard SMA female 50 Ohm connector to connect with an active GPS antenna.
• SeaTalk input connector – the SeaTalk port has 3-Pin terminals for connection to the SeaTalk bus. Ensure the connection is correct before powering up as an incorrect connection could damage the QK-A027 and other devices on the SeaTalk Bus. The QK-A027 runs on 12.0V DC and is powered through the Seatalk interface. This allows a much cleaner supply and improvements in signal reception.
• LED lights – the QK-A027 features three LEDs which indicate power, AIS and GPS status respectively.
• NMEA 0183 output connector – the QK-A027 can be connected to other AIS compatible equipment, such as wind/depth or heading sensors via the NMEA inputs. The QK-A027 also sends out NMEA 0183 messages via WiFi, USB and NMEA outputs simultaneously.
• USB connector – a micro USB connector outputs the NMEA messages. It can also be used for adjusting parameters using the GUI configuration software. The QK-A027 can be linked directly to a USB port on the PC or other mobile devices via the supplied cable.

FAQ – How to connect NMEA0183 RS422 to older RS232 devices.

This product uses the NMEA 0183-RS422 protocol (differential signal), however some older chart plotters or instruments may use the older NMEA-RS232 protocol (single-ended signal).

To ensure A027 compatibility with any older NMEA0183 devices, check if your device uses NMEA0183 RS422 or RS232

• NMEA0183 RS422 devices’ wiring is compatible ‘out of the box’
• NMEA0183 RS232 will require a Protocol Bridge (AS03) to connect your wiring

Connecting the QK-A027 to an older (RS232) instrument or chart plotter is not a problem, simply order the QK-AS03 Protocol Bridge. Our QK-AS03 Protocol Bridge connects NMEA-RS232 wiring to MNEA0183-RS422 and vice versa, using a simple ‘plug ‘n’ play’ connection, with no setup or configuration needed.

You will probably need an AS03 if you are connecting to an older Garmin, Raymarine or Standard Horizon device. The easiest way to check is to look at the input/output connections on the device that you will connect the multiplexer to. If the input/output connections on your device (chart plotter, depth reader, etc.) have a TX, RX or GND connection, you will need to use a protocol bridge.

If in doubt contact us for advice.

What’s included?

• 1 x QK-A027
• 1 x USB extension cable
• 1 x setup guidebook

A product CD is no longer included with this item as standard... Manuals, Configuration Software and Drivers can be downloaded from the Quark-elec website

This product now includes a dual band WiFi antenna (AS05) as standard.

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.