QK-AS07 Manual

1. Introduction

1.1. The AS07

The QK-AS07 is a high-accuracy, GPS, Glonass and Galileo GNSS positioning receiver. It features superior sensitivity for consistent signal acquisition, reliable position accuracy, and accurate speed and course-over-ground readings. The AS07 is designed for marine environments and suitable for other outdoor and vehicular use, with an IPX6 waterproof housing. The AS07 connects directly to the NMEA 2000 backbone and is powered by it, requiring no additional configuration.

1.2. The AS07-C (optional purchase)

The AS07 can be used out of the box to provide instant positional data to your NMEA 2000 bus. Alternatively, it can be used with the AS07-C Optional Output Switch, which provides additional configuration and conversion capabilities:

• Optional configuration using Windows PC:
  • Filtering of desired NMEA 2000 PGN messages to eliminate unwanted data.
  • Adjusting the frequency of NMEA 2000 data (1/2/5/10 per second).
• Backward compatibility with NMEA 0183 devices.

1.3. GPS, Glonass and Galileo GNSS

The AS07 receives and processes messages from GPS, Galileo, and Glonass positioning satellites. These are all space-satellite based navigation systems, also known as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

• GPS (Global Positioning System) was created by the US government and operated by the US Space Force.
• GLONASS provides a comparable alternative to GPS and was created by Russia.
• GALILEO was created by the EU through the European GNSS Agency.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems work by triangulating data from several satellites. At least three satellites from a system must be accessible/in range to triangulate a location fix. By accessing more than one GNSS, the AS07:

• Increases location accuracy.
• Maximizes reliability in case one system is out of range or inaccessible.

2. Installation and Operation

2.1. Dimensions, Mounting and Location

Diagram: AS07 Dimensions. The sensor has a circular top with a diameter of 95.5mm and a height of 127mm. It features a G 3/4 threaded base for mounting and a 10-meter cable. The device is designed for outdoor environments and should be mounted securely to a strong and sturdy location. It uses a standard G 3/4 screw thread and can be installed with an included antenna base or a separate G 3/4 base.

Image: A white, dome-shaped GPS sensor with a black cable attached. The base has a threaded connector. Logos for CE [CE Mark], RoHS [RoHS Compliant], and UKCA [UKCA Mark] are visible.

3. Connections

The AS07 sensor has the following connections:

• NMEA 2000 port: The AS07 is powered by the NMEA 2000 bus and sends positional data (PGN messages) through the bus, making it available to all connected devices.
• G 3/4 thread: For connection to a chosen mounting base.

3.1. NMEA 2000 - Connecting to the NMEA 2000 network

Diagram: Typical NMEA 2000 system connection showing the AS07 GPS sensor connected to other NMEA 2000 devices such as an AIS Receiver (A028), Chartplotter, Sensor, NMEA Converter (A032), Autopilot, and a 12V power source, all linked via a NMEA 2000 backbone.

The AS07 connects to the NMEA 2000 network using a pre-fitted five-core screened cable with a male micro-fit connector. Simply connect the cable to the network backbone using a T-piece connector. It will work immediately once connected to a powered NMEA 2000 bus.

Image: Close-up of a 5-pin NMEA 2000 male micro-fit connection.

NMEA 2000 is a serial data network operating at 250 Kbit/second using Controller Area Network (CAN) technology. It allows multiple electronic devices to share information on a common channel, with a comprehensive set of rules dictating network device behavior for access control, packet transmission, and error detection.

NMEA 0183 is a serial data interface operating at 4800bps using standard asynchronous communications. While NMEA 0183 is an interface, NMEA 2000 is a network. NMEA 2000 offers more extensive network management capabilities, including node identification, command sending, and data requesting. It uses a single cable for up to 50 NMEA 0183 interconnections and can handle the data content of 50 to 100 NMEA 0183 data streams.

4. AS07-C: Using the Optional Output Switch (AS07-C)

The AS07 is designed to be used out of the box for instant positional data to your NMEA 2000 bus. Alternatively, it can be used with the AS07-C Optional Output Switch for additional configuration and NMEA 0183 compatibility.

Additional Features with AS07-C:

• Optional configuration using Windows PC:
  • Filtering of NMEA 2000 PGN messages to eliminate unwanted data.
  • Adjusting the frequency of NMEA 2000 data. The default setting is 1 Hz (data transferred once per second). The frequency can be set to 1/2/5/10 per second. 1Hz is the default and generally recommended. Note: 10 Hz may cause data overflow on the NMEA 2000 system.
• Backward compatibility with NMEA 0183 devices.

4.1. AS07-C Connections

Diagram: AS07-C Dimensions. Shows overall dimensions: 107.4mm width, 68.7mm height, 60mm depth, with specific component placements indicated.

Diagram: AS07-C Connections. Illustrates the AS07 GPS sensor connecting to the AS07-C switch. The switch has inputs/outputs for NMEA 2000, USB (for configuration), NMEA 0183 (RS422), and 12V/GND power. It shows connections to a PC via USB and to a NMEA 0183 Chart Plotter/device.

When used with the AS07-C, instead of a NMEA 2000 connection, the AS07 with the AS07-C can have the following connections:

• Power: 12V and GND terminals need to be connected.
• USB: A type B micro USB connection allows for connection to a PC. This connection is used to adjust optional additional settings (see Configuration section).
• NMEA 0183 output: AS07 sends out the GNSS messages via the NMEA 0183-RS422 output at a baud rate of 4800bps as default (Baud rates can be adjusted, see configuration section).

4.2. Connecting AS07-C via USB for Windows Configuration

The AS07-C is supplied with a USB connector. The USB cable can be linked directly to a USB port on a PC.

4.2.1. Will you need a driver to connect via USB?

To enable the USB data connection of AS07, related hardware drivers may be needed dependent on your system requirements.

Mac: No driver required. For Mac OS X, the AS07 will be recognized and shown as a USB modem. The ID can be checked with the following steps: 1. Plug the AS07 into a USB port and launch Terminal.app. 2. Type: ls /dev/*sub*. 3. The Mac system will return a list of USB devices. AS07 will display as - "/dev/tty.usbmodemXYZ" where XYZ is a number. Nothing further needs to be done if it is listed.

Windows 7,8,10: The drivers usually install automatically if your device is running an original Windows 10 version. A new COM port will automatically show up in the device manager once powered and connected via USB. The AS07 registers itself to the computer as a virtual serial COM port. If the driver does not install automatically, it can be found on the included CD and downloaded.

4.2.2. Checking the USB COM Port (Windows)

After the driver is installed (if needed), run the Device Manager and check the COM (port) number. The port number is assigned to an input device and can be generated randomly by your computer. The Configuration software will require a COM port number in order to access the data. The port number can be found in Windows 'Control Panel>System>Device Manager' under ‘Ports (COM & LPT)'. Find something similar to ‘STMicroelectronics Virtual Com Port' in the list for the USB port. If the port number needs to be changed for some reason, double click the AS07 and select the 'Port Settings' tab. Click the 'Advanced' button and change the port number to the one required.

Screenshot: Windows Device Manager showing the 'Ports (COM & LPT)' section with 'STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port (COMx)' listed.

4.3. The Configuration tool (Windows PC)

The free Configuration software is on the CD provided and is downloadable.

4.3.1. Optional NMEA 2000 configuration

The configuration tool must be used when plugged into a Windows PC via USB cable. The configuration tool must not be opened while other programs are using the AS07.

1. Disconnect AS07 from the backbone.
2. Connect AS07 to AS07-C (through NMEA 2000 connector), switch AS07-C to ‘Config'. [Icon: [Config/Off/0183 Out Switch]]
3. AS07-C must be powered through 12V power. Connect 12V and GND.
4. Connect to a Windows computer via USB. (Once any necessary drivers have been installed, AS07 will be shown as a virtual COM in device manager.)
5. Open the Configuration tool.
6. Select your COM port number.
7. Click 'Open'. Now, ‘Connected' will show on the bottom left side of the configuration tool and the Configuration tool is ready to be used.
8. Click 'Read' to read the device's current settings.
9. Configuring NMEA 2000 settings:
   • Select '2000' in System Config.
   • Data Output frequency is set to transmit at 1Hz (1 time per second) as default. This can be set to 1/2/5/10 times per second. 1Hz is the default setting and is generally recommended. Please note: 10 Hz may cause data overflow on the NMEA 2000 system.
   • Output messages are set to transmit all data types as a default setting. However, the AS07 has an internal filter, so the user can remove unwanted PGN message types.
10. Click 'Config'. After a few seconds your settings will now be saved and you can close the Configuration tool.
11. Click 'Close' under Com Setup, and click 'Exit'.
12. Disconnect AS07-C from PC.
13. Remove AS07-C power supply.
14. To return to NMEA 2000 use, disconnect from the AS07-C, and reconnect AS07 to the NMEA 2000 bus.

Screenshot: QK-AS07 Navigation Sensor Configuration Tool interface showing COM setup, system config, NMEA output format, baud rate, data output frequency, and output messages.

4.3.2. Configuring the AS07 for backward compatibility with NMEA 0183 devices

The configuration tool must be used when plugged into a Windows PC via USB cable. The configuration tool must not be opened while other programs are using the AS07.

Follow similar steps as 4.3.1, but select '0183' in System Config.

• NMEA 0183 Baud Rates: 'Baud rates' refer to the data transfer speed. AS07's output port's default baud rate is 4800bps, however, the baud rate is configurable if required. When connecting two NMEA 0183 devices, both devices' baud rates must be set to the same speed. Select the baud rate to match your chart plotter or connecting device.
• Data Output frequency: Set to transmit at 1Hz (1 time per second) as default. This can be set to 1/2/5/10 times per second. 1Hz is the default setting and is generally recommended. Please note: 10 Hz may cause data overflow on the NMEA 2000 system.
• Output messages: Select desired NMEA 0183 message types (e.g., $xxGGA, $xxGLL, $xxRMC, etc.) by ticking/unticking boxes. The AS07 has an internal filter to remove unwanted message types.

After configuration, switch AS07-C to ‘0183 OUT' mode and connect to NMEA 0183 equipment. [Icon: [Config/Off/0183 Out Switch]]

4.4. NMEA 0183 wiring - RS422 or RS232?

The AS07 uses the NMEA 0183-RS422 protocol (differential signal), however some chart plotters or devices may use the older NMEA 0183-RS232 protocol (single-ended signal). Check which protocol your connecting NMEA devices (e.g., Chart plotter) uses. If you are unsure whether your connecting NMEA 0183 device uses NMEA 0183 RS422 or RS232, the input/output connections on the device will give you some indication. Manufacturers who use the older RS232 protocol are not always consistent in their product labelling. The following table may help identify which protocol your product uses, however always check the manual to be certain. If your connecting device uses the older RS232 protocol, use a QK-AS03 Protocol Bridge. The QK-AS03 connects and converts RS422 to the older RS232 and visa-versa, through a simple connection, no configuration needed.

Note: Occasionally older NMEA 0183 RS232 devices are labelled like RS422 (TX+ and TX- / RX+ and RX-), so check the products' manuals.

5. Data Output Protocols

6. Specification

7. Limited Warranty and Notices

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 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. 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 given before any unit is sent back for repair.

The above does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer.

8. Disclaimer

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 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.

9. Document History

Contact Information

Email: sales@amimarine.com

Phone: +44(0)2380 480 450

Website: amimarine.com