Quark-elec C201 Fixed Marine VHF/DSC Radio with GPS

Product Overview

The Quark-elec C201 is a fixed marine VHF/DSC radio equipped with a built-in GPS receiver. It is designed for reliable communication and navigation on vessels.

Key features include:

• Independent DSC Dedicated Receiver
• Speaker Vibration Draining Function
• IPX7 Waterproof Construction
• Built-in GPS Receiver

Physical dimensions of the unit are: Width 136.8mm, Height 87.6mm, Depth 120.3mm.

Mounting options include Flush Mounting and Dash Mounting, facilitated by an included universal mounting bracket and screws.

Installation Guide

This document provides an overview for installing the C201 VHF radio. It is recommended to consult the full manual and the manuals of any connecting devices. Installation by an experienced installer is advised.

Installation Key Points

Select an appropriate installation location following these guidelines:

• The C201 is IPX7-rated for water resistance; install in a dry, well-ventilated, and easily accessible location.
• Position the unit within the operator's reach and line of sight for clear LCD visibility.
• Mount the radio away from sources of vibration, excessive heat, or direct sunlight. Maintain ambient temperature between -25°C and +55°C.
• Avoid installing in flammable or hazardous areas, such as engine rooms or near fuel tanks.
• Keep the C201 at least 0.25 meters away from compasses or magnetically sensitive devices (e.g., Quark-elec AS08 heading sensor).
• Maintain a minimum distance of 0.5 meters from high-power transmitting equipment, such as AIS transponders.
• Ensure sufficient clearance at the rear for cable connections, ventilation, and heat dissipation.
• Avoid routing power and antenna cables alongside high-current or ignition wiring to reduce interference risk.

Never transmit without a VHF antenna connected to the C201 VHF radio, as this will cause permanent damage to your device! ⚠️

The following diagram illustrates a typical C201 connection setup, showing the AIS/VHF antenna, optional splitter, AIS transponder/receiver, GPS antenna, the C201 radio unit, and NMEA connections.

Connections

Antenna Connection

Always connect the antenna before powering on or transmitting. Use a marine-grade VHF antenna (e.g., a Quark-elec AS02 or AS12 VHF antenna) with a 50-ohm impedance. Connect it securely to the ANT connector on the VHF radio using high-quality coaxial cable and connector.

If a dedicated antenna is not available, a single antenna can be shared between the VHF radio and an AIS device using a VHF antenna splitter (e.g., Quark-elec A015-Rx for AIS receivers or A015-Tx for AIS transponders). Do not attempt to connect both devices to the same antenna without a splitter, as this may cause permanent damage to the equipment. ⚠️

When connecting the external speaker, GPS, DC power supply, computer, and navigation device via the rear panel cable end, cover the connectors and cables with rubber vulcanizing tape to prevent water seeping into the transceiver.

External Speaker Connection (1)

The C201 VHF radio supports connection to an external speaker. Connect the speaker to the blue (+) and black (-) wires located on the back panel.

NMEA In/Out Connection (2)

An external GPS receiver with NMEA 0183 output (version 2.0 or higher) can be connected to the C201 via the yellow (NMEA In+) and green (NMEA In-) wires to provide position data. The C201 supports the following input sentences: RMC, GGA, GNS, and GLL.

The C201 VHF radio can receive and output distress and position data from other vessels using the NMEA 0183 format via its NMEA output port (white wire - NMEA Out+ and brown wire - NMEA Out-). The output is compatible with devices using NMEA 0183 version 2.0 or higher and supports DSC and DSE-compatible equipment. The supported output sentences are RMC, GSA, and GSV.

Power and Other Connections

GPS Antenna Connection (3)

The C201 VHF radio includes a GPS antenna that connects to the SMA connector on the back panel. The antenna enables the C201 to receive GPS signals from satellites. For optimal reception, install the GPS antenna in a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.

Ground Terminal (4)

This terminal should be connected to the vessel's grounding system to protect against voltage spikes and reduce electrical interference from nearby electronics.

DC Power Connection (5)

The C201 VHF radio must be powered from a 12V DC power supply, via the red (+) and black (-) wires, with a maximum input voltage of 13.8V.

Ensure correct polarity--reversing the connections may cause permanent damage to the radio. Double check all connections are secure before powering on the C201. ⚠️

For vessels equipped with a 24V power system, a suitable 24V to 12V DC step-down converter must be used.

The supplied power cable includes an in-line fuse (DC 15A / 32V) for protection. If the fuse blows and the radio stops functioning, identify and resolve the cause of the fault before replacing the fuse. Always use a fuse with the same specifications (DC 15A / 32V) to ensure proper protection and avoid damage to the radio. Always power off the radio before replacing the fuse.

One fuse is installed in the supplied DC power cable. If a fuse blows or the transceiver stops functioning, track down the source of the problem first, then replace the damaged fuse with a new, rated one.

Disclaimer and Certifications

This product is designed to aid navigation and should be used to augment normal navigational procedures and practices. It is the user's responsibility to use this product prudently. Neither Quark-elec, nor their distributors or dealers accept responsibility or liability either to the product user or their estate for any accident, loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the use or of liability to use this product.

Email: info@quark-elec.com

Version 1.0 (07/25)

All products are CE, RoHS certified [CE Logo] [RoHS Logo].

Please recycle your packaging [Recycling Symbol].

More information at https://www.quark-elec.com