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QK-A051T Manual 1. Introduction This manual provides installation procedures, configuration and safety instructions for the A051T Class B Transponder. 1.1. How AIS Works The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime communication technology designed to improve navigation safety and traffic management. AIS operates by using Very High Frequency (VHF) radio transmissions to share information between vessels and with shore-based stations.
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AIS system and the vessel Call Sign and MMSI number. 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.
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• Avoid installing it in flammable or hazardous areas, such as an engine room or near fuel tanks. • Must be installed at least 0.25m away from a compass or any magnetic device (e.g., Quark-elec AS08). • Must be at least 0.5m away from other high-power transmitting equipment, such as VHF radios.
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• USB: Micro B USB connector for software configuration and information display on PC. Connect to Windows system for software configuration and information display. (Configuration Software is on the CD provided and as a free download from http://www.quark-elec.com/downloads/ • WiFi connection: Connect the external WiFi antenna. The A051T support WiFi output in both Ad-hoc mode and Station mode.
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QK-A051T Manual • GPS: LED will stay lit when GPS connection is established. • PWR: LED indicates Power. • WiFi: LED will flash when AIS/GPS sentences are sent out via WiFi. Unlit if WiFi is set to Standby. See troubleshooting chapter below if LEDs are not functioning in the expected manner.
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QK-A051T Manual WARNING: Check your wiring very carefully before applying power to the A051T. Failure to wire the product correctly could result in permanent damage. 3.3.1. Connecting to an NMEA 2000 network The A051T can integrate seamlessly with an existing NMEA 2000 network, allowing it to provide AIS and position data to other connected devices such as chart plotters, instruments, and sensors.
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QK-A051T Manual 3.4.1. Default baud rates ‘Baud rates’ refer to the data transfer speed. When connecting two NMEA 0183 devices, both devices’ baud rates, must be set to the same speed. • The A051T input port’s default baud rate is 4800bps as it is usually connected to low speed NMEA format data instruments, like heading, sounder, or wind/depth sensors.
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Operators can also use a Windows system to setup and configure the A051T through the USB port. More details below in the ‘Configuration’ Chapter. 3.5.1. USB data check - OceanCom If desired, the USB data input can be checked with OceanCom (Quark-elec’s free Com port monitoring application) V2.0...
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QK-A051T Manual The latest version of OceanCom can be download from https://www.quark-elec.com/downloads/apps/ To view your raw USB data, enter the following parameters into OceanCom (or the Com port monitoring software of your choice) Com port settings: Baud rate: 38400bps, Data bit: 8, Check: None, and Stop bit: 1.
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QK-A051T Manual Ad-hoc mode WiFi Station mode Wifi The A051T supports both: • In Ad-hoc mode WiFi: mobile devices connect directly to another device, without a router or access point. For example, your PC, tablet or smart phone can connect directly to the A051T to receive marine data.
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QK-A051T Manual 3.6.1. WiFi: Ad-hoc mode On your device (phone, laptop etc): 15 seconds after the A051T has powered up, scan from your device (phone, tablet, laptop) for a WiFi network with an SSID similar to ‘QK-A051Txxxx’. Connect with the default password: ‘88888888’.
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QK-A051T Manual 4. Configuration software A051T transponder must be correctly configured for your vessel before operation. All configuration information must be entered carefully as this information will be transmitted to other AIS equipped vessels and shore stations. A051T transponder is configured by connecting to a Windows computer running the configuration tool supplied.
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The A051T is set to Adhoc mode as a default. 4.3.1. Station mode setup QK-A051T is able to join an existing WiFi network in Station mode, by entering the parameters of your Wireless Access Point into the Configuration software as outlined below: Connect the A051 to a Windows system via USB (for Mac users, boot camp).
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Please input this information carefully. 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.
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1. When you first open the software you will be greeted with a page similar to the one pictured. To add data to openCPN via your Quark-elec instrument, click on the 'Options’ tab at the top. The settings tab looks like a spanner as seen below in the highlighted image.
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QK-A051T Manual There is a wide range of free and licensed charts available in different formats via the OpenCPN website at https://opencpn.org/OpenCPN/info/chartsource.html. A worldwide directory of free nautical charts can also be found on openseachart.org. The collection and the updates are community driven.
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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 discretion, 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.
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QK-A051T Manual Document history Issue Date Changes / Comments 14-06-2019 Initial release 1.01 10-12-2019 Support silent mode (mute button) 08-04-2021 Manual revision 21-12-2024 V3.0 hardware version, support NMEA 2000 output. 9. Glossary • Ad-hoc WiFi: devices communicate directly with each other without a router.
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