Overview
If you want to merge AIS, GPS and NMEA data …
- Combines dual channel AIS data, with GPS and NMEA information
- View wirelessly from anywhere on your boat using your smartphone, tablet or laptop (and connect to a chart plotter or device of your choice).
Description
If you want to merge AIS, GPS and NMEA data …
The A026 combines dual channel AIS data, with GPS and NMEA information allowing you to view wirelessly anywhere on your boat (and connect to a chart plotter or device of your choice).
The advantage of an integrated GPS is that you can see not only where the other ships are, but crucially where you are in comparison with them and the coastline.
The ideal wireless AIS, GPS and NMEA multiplexer for your convenience.
If you want to merge AIS, GPS and NMEA data …
The A026 combines dual channel AIS data, with GPS and NMEA information allowing you to view wirelessly anywhere on your boat (and connect to a chart plotter or device of your choice).
The advantage of an integrated GPS is that you can see not only where the other ships are, but crucially where you are in comparison with them and the coastline.
The ideal wireless AIS, GPS and NMEA multiplexer for your convenience.
- Compact dual channel AIS receiver
- Multiplexer: combines AIS, GPS and NMEA 0183
- Can be used wirelessly (WiFi) or through the USB or NMEA ports
- Up to 22 nautical miles receiving range
- Compatible with chart plotters, Windows, Mac OS X, Linux systems, Android and iOS
Features
- Two independent receivers monitoring AIS channels (161.975MHz &162.025MHz) simultaneously
- Sensitivity down to -105 dBm@30% PER
- Up to 22 nautical miles receiving range
- USB 2.0 powered (<270mA @ 5.0V)
- NMEA-0183 message output through WiFi, USB and RS422
- Built-in GPS to provide position data
- Combines NMEA input(4.8kpbs only), GPS and AIS messages, and outputs as a seamless stream of data
- BNC connector for 50 Ohm VHF antenna
- Powered SMA connector for 50 Ohm GPS antenna
- WiFi – ad hoc, station, and standby operating modes
- The internal WiFi access point connects up to 4 devices simultaneously
- GPS and WiFi standby function (from firmware version 1.2/ May 2020 onwards)
- Compatible with Windows XP,7,8,10,Mac OS X, Linux systems, Android and iOS. Please note, initial configuration may only be performed using a Windows operating system.
- Plug & play connectivity with chart plotters and PCs
- Can connect to older RS232 products through optional Protocol Bridge (AS03).
Connections
QK-A026 has the following connections/indicators:
- AIS antenna connector – standard BNC female 50 Ohm connector. An active VHF antenna splitter(e.g. QK-A015-RX ) is required if one VHF antenna is shared by QK-A026 and VHF voice radio.
- USB connector – a micro USB connector supplies power to the unit and also outputs the NMEA messages. It can also be used for adjusting parameters using the GUI configuration software.
- NMEA 0183 output connectors – the QK-A026 can be connected to other AIS and SeaTalk compatible equipment (eg. wind/ depth or heading sensors), the QK-A026 also sends out NMEA 0183 messages via WiFi, USB and NMEA outputs simultaneously for chart plotters.
- Built-in GPS – an integrated GPS unit supplies positional data in addition to the AIS data. It should not need setting up. GPS information can be output via WiFi, USB or NMEA.
- WiFi – connectivity in both ad hoc and station modes on 802.11 b/g/n.
- Check the LED lights – the QK-A026 features three LEDs that indicate power (top, red), AIS (centre, green), and GPS (bottom, green) status respectively. The AIS LED will flicker at a fast rate when signals are received. The GPS LED will flicker more slowly as data is received.
FAQ – How to connect NMEA0183 RS422 to older RS232 devices.
This product uses the NMEA 0183-RS422 protocol (differential signal), however some older chart plotters or instruments may use the older NMEA-RS232 protocol (single-ended signal).
To ensure A026 compatibility with any older NMEA0183 device, check if your device uses NMEA0183 RS422 or RS232
- NMEA0183 RS422 devices’ wiring is compatible ‘out of the box’. Swap NMEA + and NMEA – wires if the communication does not work.
- NMEA0183 RS232 will require a Protocol Bridge (AS03) to connect your wiring
Connecting the A026 to an older (RS232) instrument or chart plotter is not a problem, simply order the QK-AS03 Protocol Bridge. Our QK-AS03 Protocol Bridge connects NMEA-RS232 wiring to MNEA0183-RS422 and vice versa, using a simple ‘plug ‘n’ play’ connection, with no setup or configuration needed.
You will probably need an AS03 if you are connecting to an older Garmin, Raymarine or Standard Horizon device. The easiest way to check is to look at the input/output connections on the device that you will connect the multiplexer to. If the input/output connections on your device (chart plotter, depth reader, etc.) have a TX, RX or GND connection, you will need to use a protocol bridge.
Why choose A026?
The A026 is a great introductory product for the marine industry. Its compact size and easy-to-connect ports, combined with the dual channel AIS and GPS receivers, make it an ideal device for leisure vessels and occasional sailors.
The A026 is a fantastic entry-level device, but if you are looking for greater AIS range or more advanced functions, the below comparison chart provides details of our other products, such as the A026+ which offers the most advanced features.
What’s included?
- 1 x QK-A026
- 1 x USB cable
- 1 x setup guidebook
Manual / Drivers
Setup Guide
Basic setup overview.
Manual
Detailed technical specifications.
The QK-A026 includes all of the features of the QK-A024 but also includes an integrated GPS module. Both of them share the same capabilities for most other features; therefore they are covered together in this document.
Drivers
The QK-A026 comes preloaded with drivers.
The device driver is a file that lets the computer know the configurations and specification of the AIS receiver. In case you’ve had software issues the driver can be downloaded below.
Configuration Software
Please choose the proper configuration tool. 08022020 or later version supports disable WiFi and GPS. 29062020 or later version supports UDP protocol(need supported WiFi firmware).
How to use configuration software ?
Below is our ‘step by step’ guide
Compare AIS Receivers
For mobile view and PDF click here
Compare NMEA Multiplexers
For mobile view and PDF click here
