Quark-elec QK-A021 AIS Receiver Dongle

Introduction and Overview

The Quark-elec QK-A021 is an entry-level, single-channel AIS receiver-only unit designed to receive AIS messages directly to your laptop or other devices via USB. It is compact, pocket-sized, and user-friendly.

Image of the Quark-elec QK-A021 AIS Receiver Dongle, a compact USB device with an antenna connector, alongside a USB cable and a driver CD.

The device is designed for use in a protected indoor environment and is not waterproof. It should be sited away from sources of significant RF noise like generators or compressors.

The QK-A021 operates on the marine VHF band, utilizing 'line of sight' radio communication. Obstacles like buildings or trees may have minimal impact, but larger obstacles such as hills and mountains can significantly degrade AIS signals.

Key Features

• Receiving on dual channels (161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz) alternately.
• Auto-hop channel algorithm improves captured message rate.
• Manually adjustable hopping interval rates (0.25 sec, 1 sec, 30 sec, and auto-hopping).
• Sensitivity up to -105 dBm at 30% PER.
• Up to 45 nautical miles receiving range.
• USB 2.0 powered (<26mA at 5.0V).
• Serial output: 38400 bps baud rate over USB.
• Message output in NMEA-0183 format.
• SMA connector for 50 Ohm VHF antenna.
• SMA to BNC coaxial adapter included.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux (optional configuration requires Windows software).

This device does not come pre-loaded with map data. Using OpenCPN for map data is advised. Some iOS apps may charge for map use.

Regulatory Marks: [CE Mark], [RoHS Compliant], [UKCA Mark]

Setup Preparation

What's in the Box

• 1 x QK-A021 V2.0
• 1 x SMA-BNC coaxial adapter
• 1 x USB extension cable
• 1 x CD with manuals and drivers

Drivers and Software

CD/Internet Access: Ensure you can load the driver and configuration software via the provided CD or through internet access. Download any necessary software to your Windows laptop before traveling to your boat.

Windows 10: Drivers will typically install automatically via Windows Update when the QK-A021 is plugged in with an active internet connection.

Manual Driver Installation (Windows): If the PC is not connected to the internet or drivers do not install automatically, use the following link: https://www.quark-elec.com/downloads/drivers/

Mac OS X: The QK-A021 will be recognized as a USB modem. To check its ID, open Terminal.app, type ls /dev/*usb*. The device will appear as "/dev/tty.usbmodemXYZ", where XYZ is a number. A restart may be needed if it's not listed.

Linux: No driver is required. The QK-A021 will appear as a USB CDC device on /dev/ttyACM0.

Configuration Software: This is optional and used to configure hopping intervals for potentially better performance. An article explaining the auto-hopping algorithm is available on the Quark-elec blog: https://www.quark-elec.com/latest-field-test-of-patented-autohopping-algorithm/

Software Download: https://quark-elec.com/doc/QE_MUX_configTool.zip

Detailed instructions for the Configuration software: https://www.quark-elec.com/doc/QK-A0xx_GUI_application_note.pdf

Important: Close all other applications or programs when using the Configuration GUI.

Cables: Ensure you have the correct length of USB and VHF linking cables.

Connecting the Hardware

The QK-A021 has the following electrical connections:

• AIS antenna connector: Standard SMA female 50 Ohm connector. An active VHF antenna splitter is required if one VHF antenna is shared by the QK-A021 and a VHF voice radio. Separate antennas are recommended.
• USB connector: Outputs AIS messages directly to the connected device. It can also be used for adjusting hopping parameters via the GUI Configuration software.

Diagram showing the typical setup: AIS antenna connected to the QK-A021, which is then connected via USB to a device. An optional VHF antenna splitter is shown connecting the AIS antenna to a VHF radio.

Antenna Connection: Connect the module to a suitable VHF antenna. BNC or N type adaptors can be used for different types of external VHF antennae.

Diagram illustrating the connection of the QK-A021 dongle to a VHF antenna using SMA and BNC connectors, with labels for SMA Cable and BNC/N type connector with cable.

USB Connection Status

The USB connection status can be checked after the driver has been successfully installed. For Windows systems, the COM interface number and status can be found in Device Manager.

Screenshot of Windows Device Manager showing the QK-A021 recognized as a 'STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port (COM5)' under Ports (COM & LPT).

You can use a terminal monitor application (e.g., Putty, HyperTerminal) to check the connection status. Ensure the COM port is set at 38400 bps, 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit.

Screenshot of COM Port Settings window, with 'Bits per second' set to 38400, 'Data bits' to 8, 'Parity' to None, and 'Stop bits' to 1.

If setup is correct, users will see AIS data messages.

Using QK-A021 with OpenCPN

OpenCPN is free chart plotter and navigation software available for PCs, Macs, and Linux systems. The following shows sample settings for OpenCPN:

1. Go to the 'Options' tab in OpenCPN and select the 'Connections' tab.
2. Fill in the data as instructed, setting the COM port and baud rate for your device.
3. Click 'Add Connection'.

For this setup, COM2 is used for the QK-A021 input, and COM1 is used for a standard serial port GPS input from an external device.

Screenshot of OpenCPN connection settings, indicating AIS input is configured for COM2 and GPS input for COM1.

Status LEDs

The QK-A021 features two LEDs indicating power and valid AIS input:

• Power: Red LED flashes at 3-second intervals.
• Valid AIS received: Green LED flashes for each valid message received.

Note: The green LED will flash only when a valid AIS package is received. If the green LED is not flashing, no AIS messages are being received.

Specifications

Warranty and Legal Notes

Warranty

Quark-Elec warrants this product against 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 at no charge for parts and labor. The customer is responsible for any transportation costs incurred in returning the unit. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or unauthorized alteration or repairs. A returns number must be obtained before sending any unit back for repair.

This does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer.

Disclaimer

This product is designed to aid navigation and should augment normal navigational procedures. Users are responsible for prudent use. Quark-Elec, its distributors, or dealers accept no liability for any accident, loss, injury, or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.

Accuracy of this manual

Quark-Elec products may be upgraded, and future versions may not correspond exactly with this manual. The manufacturer disclaims liability for consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in this manual or other provided documentation.

Additional Information and Support

For additional technical information and enquiries, visit the Quark-elec forum: https://quark-elec.com/forum/. This is often the quickest way to get answers.

For sales and purchasing information, email: info@quark-elec.com

Document History