Instruction Manual for QUARK-ELEC models including: QK-A015-TX Active VHF-AIS Antenna Splitter, QK-A015-TX, Active VHF-AIS Antenna Splitter
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QK-A015-TX Manual QK-A015-TX Manual Active VHF/AIS Antenna Splitter Features · 12V-24V powered, low power consumption · Allows use of a single VHF antenna installation shared between AIS transponder, VHF radio telephone and FM/AM radio · VHF failsafe function - VHF radio has full priority and will remain functional, even in the unlikely case that the Splitter would fail or lose power · Built-in preamplifier provides AIS signal gain (12dB), maximising AIS reception range. · Automatic routing of AIS and VHF transmission · Uses standard SO239 connector for VHF, AIS and antenna connections · LED power and status indicator · Compact & easy to install. No configuration required V1 1 of 6 2020 QK-A015-TX Manual Contents Contents 2 1. Introduction 3 2. Connections 3 3. Installation 4 4. Status LEDs 4 5. Specifications 4 6. Limited Warranty and Disclaimer 5 V1 2 of 6 2020 QK-A015-TX Manual 1. Introduction The QK-A015-TX splitter allows one VHF antenna to be shared between, · VHF radio · AIS transponder and · AM/FM radio The A015-TX allows the one VHF antenna to provide the following functions: · Reception of VHF radio, AIS messages and AM/FM radio. · Transmission from VHF radio and AIS transponder · Straight forward connection to all relevant devices, with no configuration required. · VHF radio always has priority and can always transmit in the case that the power to the splitter fails · Low power consumption. The A015-TX is an active splitter. This is an important feature, as unlike many splitters that cause signal loss, the active splitter actually provides a signal gain. The A015-RX's built-in pre-amplifier amplifies the AIS, VHF, AM/FM signals, thereby increasing the AIS transponder's reception range. Please note: The A015-TX is compatible with AIS transponders/transceivers. (Though the A015-TX could be also be connected to AIS receivers, the A015-RX is only compatible with `receive only' applications.) 2. Connections The A015-TX has five connections: · Power cable: 12V-24V DC power · VHF Antenna: SO239 connector for VHF antenna · VHF radio: SO239 connector for VHF radio · AIS: BNC SO239 connector for the AIS transponder · FM/AM: BNC connector for the output of the FM/AM radio signal V1 3 of 6 2020 QK-A015-TX Manual 3. Installation The A015-TX is a plug and play device, with no configuration required. IMPORTANT: Connect the VHF antenna BEFORE connecting any other devices! Do not connect powered devices to a splitter until the other steps below have been followed in the correct order. Connecting powered devices to a splitter before the other steps will damage your devices. 1. Remove power source from the A015-TX 2. Remove power source from all devices to be connected 3. Connect the VHF antenna to the Splitter before adding power or any devices. 4. Connect all other devices (unpowered) to the A015-TX (ie. VHF radio, AIS transponder and FM/AM radio) 5. Power the A015-TX 6. Power all connected devices (ONLY do this AFTER following the above steps in the correct order) 7. Checking status LEDs light up when expected 4. Status LEDs The A015-TX has four LEDs that indicate power and working status. - VHF TX: Transmitting VHF radio - AIS TX: Transmitting AIS - ERR: Indicates an error (check your Antenna connection) - PWR: indicates power The ERR LED will illuminate if the antenna has short or open circuit. If this happens, de-power the A015-TX immediately. Disconnect all connected devices and check if the VHF antenna is well connected. Then re-follow the steps above. Contact a local installer for a professional help if needed. For safety purposes, the A015-TX has an automatic VHF fail-safe. This means that the VHF radio has full priority and will remain functional, even in the unlikely case that the Splitter would fail or lose power. 5. Specifications Item DC supply Average supply current VHF and AIS frequency range AIS receive gain AIS transmit insertion loss VHF receive insert loss Specification 9.0V to 35V 175mA 156MHz to 163MHz Typical 12dB 1.2dB 3.0dB V1 4 of 6 2020 QK-A015-TX Manual VHF transmit insertion loss FM/AM receive insert loss FM/AM frequency range Max input power from VHF port Max input power from AIS port FM port impendence AIS, VHF and antenna port impedance Switching time, receive to VHF transmit Switching time, receive to AIS transmit Operating temperature Storage temperature 3.0dB 0.5dB 88-108/0.5-1.6Mhz 25W. The VHF antenna must be connected before the VHF radio. 12.5W. The VHF antenna must be connected before the AIS transponder 75 Ohms 50 Ohms < 100 us < 100 us -10°C to +55°C -25°C to +85°C 6. Limited Warranty and Disclaimer Quark-elec warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and manufacture for two years 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. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation costs incurred in returning the unit to Quark-Elec. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs. A returns number must be obtained before any unit is sent back for repair. The above does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer. 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-, nor their distributors or dealers accept responsibility or liability either to the products user or their estate for any accident, loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the use or of liability to use this product. Quark- products may be upgraded from time to time and future versions may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. The manufacturer of this product disclaims any liability for consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation provided with this product. Document history Issue Date 1.0 22-11-2020 Changes / Comments Initial release 08-04-2021 17-05-2021 Manual revision V1 5 of 6 2020 QK-A015-TX Manual For technical support and other enquiries, please go to the Quark-elec forum at https://www.quarkelec.com/forum/ or email info@quark-elec.com Quark-elec (UK) Unit 7, the Quadrant, Newark close Royston, UK, SG8 5HL info@quark-elec.com V1 6 of 6 2020Microsoft Word 2019