QK-A031 Manual 1. Introduction The A031 NMEA 0183 multiplexer enables the connection of multiple NMEA 0183 devices and a SeaTalk input, to NMEA chartplotters and wireless devices such as PCs, laptops and tablets. The A031 multiplexer has three NMEA 0183 inputs (listener-ports), one SeaTalk input, one NMEA 0813 output (talker-port), a WiFi output and a USB output.
QK-A031 Manual 2. Connections Figure 2: Typical system connection A031 has the following electrical connections/indicators: • SeaTalk input connection: The SeaTalk port has a 3-Pin terminal for connection to the SeaTalk bus. As well as being powered by the SeaTalk bus, the A031 also listens on the SeaTalk bus and converts any supported SeaTalk datagrams to NMEA 0183.
QK-A031 Manual 3. Installation and Operation 3.1. Mounting The A031 is aimed at the small commercial, leisure and fishing boat and vessel monitoring markets. A031 uses an IP56 Insulation Class 2 plastic enclosure with 115 x 90 x 40 mm external dimensions. It is not waterproof so should be mounted in a dry place such as behind the instrument panel on a flat surface.
QK-A031 Manual 3.3. NMEA input and output connection Although the NMEA 0183 standard specifies the signal names, voltage levels and connection methods very clearly, in reality, this standard has been interpreted with a level of variation between manufacturers. So, to ensure A031 is not damaged please double-check the specifications of the devices before connecting them.
QK-A031 Manual 3.4. SeaTalk input connection The built-in SeaTalk to NMEA converter translates SeaTalk data into NMEA sentences. The SeaTalk port has 3-Pin terminals for connection to the SeaTalk bus. Ensure the connection is correct before powering up. A wrong connection could damage the A031 and other devices on the SeaTalk Bus.
QK-A031 Manual 3.5. WiFi Output The A031 allows users to view their data through WiFi on a PC, tablet, smartphone or other WiFi enabled device. Users can access marine network data including vessel course, speed, position, wind speed, direction, water depth etc. These can be viewed in the chart software.
QK-A031 Manual 3.6. USB connection A031 is supplied with a USB connector. This connector provides the NMEA 0183 data output and the configuration input. This USB connector can be linked directly to a USB port on the PC or other mobile devices via the supplied cable.
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QK-A031 Manual The USB connection status can always be checked with a terminal monitor application like Putty or HyperTerminal. Ensure that the COM port is set correctly (38400bps if using the default A031 settings), 8, N and 1 as shown below using HyperTerminal on Windows as an example.
LED8 (PWR) will be constantly lit when powered up. 5. Configuration Quark-Elec Windows configuration tool can be used to setup the NMEA 0183 baud rates and WiFi settings for A031. The free Configuration software comes with the CD provided or is available to download at https://www.quark-elec.com/doc/QE_MUX_configTool.zip...
QK-A031 Manual 5.2. Configuring Station mode WiFi WiFi is set to Ad-hoc mode as standard (see WiFi section). Station mode however, allows your router/access point to handle the data from your device. This data can then be picked up through your router anywhere on your local area network (Similar to plugging the device directly into the router, but using wireless technology).
Quark-elec warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and manufacture for one year from the date of purchase. Quark-elec will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts and labour.
WiFi - Station mode: devices communicate by going through an access point (AP) or router. 11. For more info… For more technical information and other enquiries, please go to the Quark-elec forum at: https://www.quark-elec.com/forum/ For sales and purchasing information, please email us: info@quark-elec.com...
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