QUARK-ELEC QK-A034 NMEA 0183x 3 and SeaTalk1 to NMEA 2000 Converter User Manual

QUARK-ELEC QK-A034 NMEA 0183x 3 and SeaTalk1 to NMEA 2000 Converter

Features

• Galvanically isolated NMEA and SeaTalk input ports
• Multiplexes up to three NMEA 0183 input devices with one SeaTalk input
• SeaTalk to NMEA converter
• NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 converter (converts sentences to PGNs)
• Configurable NMEA 0183 baud rates (4800, 9600, 38400bps)
• Multiple outputs: WiFi, USB and NMEA 2000
• WiFi: Ad-hoc mode allows up to 4 devices to connect to the internal WiFi module simultaneously
• WiFi: Station mode allows for the connection of the A034 to your router/ access point for greater number of wireless users and WiFi
• WiFi: Standby option
• WiFi and USB output of combined data in NMEA 0183 sentence format
• WiFi and USB additionally output of NMEA 2000 network PGNs (in both 0183 sentences and PCDIN format)
• Compatible with Android and iOS via WiFi, excluding Configuration. (Configuration must be completed using Windows )
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux
• Filtering options for overflow reduction and additional

Introduction

The QK-A034 NMEA0183 multiplexer combines data from multiple NMEA 0183 inputs with SeaTalk data input. It outputs the combined messages to WiFi, USB and a NMEA 2000 output port.  The A034 can be used out of the box for standard functionality or configured for additional sophistication.  Through advanced filtering options, the A034 NMEA 0183 multiplexer enables controlled filtering of data input, blocking of unwanted data and overflow reduction.  The A034 multiplexer has three NMEA 0183 inputs (listener-ports), one SeaTalk1input, oneNMEA 2000 output port, a WiFi and USB port to output to host devices such as PCs, laptops or tablets.

The internal SeaTalk converter allows the A034 to listen on the SeaTalk bus and convert SeaTalk data to NMEA 0183 messages.

Standard Functionality: The multiplexer converts and combines data received on the listener ports and sends this data to NMEA 2000 output port, WiFi interface and USB.

Filtering options: Each input also has a flexible filter that can be configured to pass or block specific sentences. This frees up bandwidth, significantly reducing the possibility of data overflow and resulting loss of data.  Data from multiple instruments is available wirelessly though WiFi connections, giving complete freedom to monitor from anywhere onboard. Up to 4 iPads, iPhones, Android phones, tablets or other WiFi-enabled devices can connect directly to the A034 with no need for an additional access point.The USB port allows a computer-based navigation application to receive sentences from the multiplexer.It can also beused for the configuration of specificWiFiand NMEA ports settings.

Mounting

The A034was designed for the small Despite the fact that the A034 case is water a short circuit. The A034 should be mounted in a dry place such as b flat surface.A034 comes with an extruded aluminum enclosure with external dimensions of 114.5 x 110 x 32 mmEnsure there is enough space around the multiplexer to connect the wirings. 4 of 15 the small-commercial, leisure, fishing boat and vessel monitoring markets. case is water-resistant, the terminals are open and seawater can causeshould be mounted in a dry place such as behind the instrument panel on a comes with an extruded aluminum enclosure with external dimensions of 114.5 x 110 x 32 mm Ensure there is enough space around the multiplexer to connect the wirings.

Connections

The A034 multiplexer has the following options for connection to inputs, outputs and host devices.

•  3x NMEA 0183 inputs
•  1x SeaTalk1 input
•  1x NMEA 2000output
•  WiFi Output
•  USB output
•  LED indicators

NMEA 0183 InputsNMEA 0183 Inputs

A034 has three NMEA inputs called IN1 to IN3. Each input should be connected to one output device only. These inputs are galvanically isolated from the A034 multiplexer, as specified by the NMEA 0183 standard.  Each input has an internal filter which can be configured to pass or block specific sentences from the input devices (See the Configuration section).  A034 combines these filtered NMEA 0183 inputs with the NMEA sentences converted from the SeaTalk input into one NMEA0183 serial data stream.  Every NMEA input on the A034 is galvanically isolated (also called opto-isolation).A galvanically isolated input prevents unwanted currents flowing between the instruments and the multiplexer. These currents can damage equipment or interfere with radio signals and should therefore be avoided.

NMEA baud rates are set to the following default settings:

• NMEA IN 1: 4800 bps
• NMEA IN 2: 4800 bps
• NMEA IN 3: 38400bps

These can be adjusted as required, using the Configuration software (see the Configuration section). Regarding connection to external NMEA devices:Although the NMEA 0183 standard specifies signal names, voltage levels and connection methods clearly; in reality, this standard has been interpreted with variation between manufacturers. To ensure the A034 is not damaged please double-check the specifications of all devices before connecting them.

SeaTalk1 Input

The built-in SeaTalk1 to NMEA converter translates SeaTalk data into NMEA sentences. The SeaTalk port has 3-Pin terminals for connection to the SeaTalk bus. Ensure the connection is correct before powering up. Inaccurate connection could damage the A034 and other devices on the SeaTalk Bus. The SeaTalk converter converts the SeaTalk messages in the conversion table below. When a SeaTalk message is received, A034 checks if the message is supported. When the message is recognized as being supported, the message is extracted, stored and converted to an NMEA sentence. Any unsupported datagrams are ignored. These converted NMEA messages are filtered and then combined with NMEA data received on the other inputs.This function allows the NMEA multiplexer to listen on the SeaTalk bus. Only one SeaTalk input is needed as the SeaTalk bus is a single-cable system that connects all instruments. The A034 SeaTalk to NMEA converter works in one direction only. NMEA sentences are not converted to SeaTalk.

Supported SeaT lk Datagrams

SeaTalk| NMEA| Description
00| DBT| Depth below transducer
10| MWV| Wind angle, (10 and 11 combined)
11| MWV| Wind speed, (10 and 11 combined)
20| VHW| Speed through water, includes heading when present
21| VLW| Trip mileage (21 and 22 combined)
22| VLW| Total mileage (21 and 22 combined)
23| MTW| Water temperature
25| VLW| Total and Trip mileage
26| VHW| Speed through water, includes heading when present
27| MTW| Water temperature
50| —| GPS latitude, value stored
51| —| GPS longitude, value stored
52| —| GPS speed over ground, value stored

53

|

RMC

| Course over ground. RMC sentence is generated from stored values from other GPS Related datagrams.
54| —| GPS time, value stored
56| —| GPS date, value stored
58| —| GPS lat/long, values stored
89| HDG| Magnetic heading, including variation (99)
99| —| Magnetic variation, value stored

NMEA 2000 Output

The A034 converter provides a 1-way connection to an NMEA 2000 chart plotter. The A034 combines the three NMEA 0183 inputs and the SeaTalk input and then converter them to be NMEA 2000 PGNs. With A034, NMEA 0183 and SeaTalk1 data from legacy devices can be available on new NMEA 2000 capable instruments, such as NMEA 200 chart plotters. The A034 requires power from a NMEA 2000 backbone. An NMEA 2000 backbone must be powered and terminated on both ends. An NMEA 2000 network must at least consist of, a powered backbone with two terminators (termination resistors), to which the multiplexer and any other NMEA 2000 devices must be connected. It is not possible to simply connect two NMEA 2000devices directly together. Each NMEA 2000 device connects to the backbone with a T- piece connector.  A034 is supplied with a spurred five-core screened cable for the NMEA 2000 connection, fitted with a male micro-fit connector. Simply connect the cable to the network backbone using a T-piece connector.

NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions

The following NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 conversions are currently supported.

NMEA 0183

sentence

| Function| Converted to NMEA 2000 PGN
---|---|---
DBT| Depth Below Transducer| 128267
DPT| Depth| 128267
GGA| Global Positioning System Fix Data| 126992, 129025, 129029
GLL| Geographic Position Latitude/Longitude| 126992, 129025
GSA| GNSS DOP and Active Satellites| 129539
GSV| GNSS Satellites in View| 129540
HDG| Heading, Deviation & Variation| 127250
HDM| Heading, Magnetic| 127250
HDT| Heading, True| 127250
MTW| Water Temperature| 130311
MWD| Wind Direction & Speed| 130306
MWV| Wind Speed and Angle (True or relative)| 130306
RMB| Recommended Minimum Navigation Information| 129283,129284
RMC*| Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data| 126992, 127258, 129025,

12902

ROT| Rate Of Turn| 127251
RPM| Revolutions| 127488
RSA| Rudder Sensor Angle| 127245
VHW| Water Speed and Heading| 127250, 128259
VLW| Dual Ground/Water Distance| 128275
VTG*| Course Over Ground and Ground Speed| 129026
VWR| Relative (Apparent) Wind Speed and Angle| 130306
XTE| Cross Track Error, Measured| 129283
ZDA| Time & Date| 126992
VDM| AIS Message 1,2,3| 129038
VDM| AIS Message 4| 129793
VDM| AIS Message 5| 129794
VDM| AIS Message 9| 129798
VDM| AIS Message 14| 129802
VDM| AIS Message 18| 129039
VDM| AIS Message 19| 129040
VDM| AIS Message 21| 129041
VDM| AIS Message 24| 129809. 129810

WiFi Output

The A034 allows users to view their data through WiFi on a PC, tablet, smartphone or other WiFi enabled device. Users can access marine network data including vessel course, speed, position, wind speed, direction, water depth, AIS etc. These can be viewedin the chart software. The IEEE 802.11b/g wireless standard has two basic modes of operation; Ad-hoc mode (peer to peer) and station mode (also called infrastructure mode).  The A034 supports 3 modes.

• In Ad-hoc mode, wireless devices connect directly (peer to peer) without a router or access point. For example, your smartphone can connect directly to the A034 to receiver marine
• In Station mode, wireless devices communicate through an access point (AP) such as a router that serves as a bridge to other networks (such as the Internet or LAN). This allows your router to handle the data and traffic from your device. This data can then be picked up through your router anywhere on your local area Increasing the WiFi range. Similar to plugging the device directly into the router, but using wireless technology. In this way, the mobile devices receive both your marine data and other AP connections such as Internet.
• WiFi can also be disabled in Standby mode. This reduces power consumption and may be required when connecting 2 WiFi transmitting

The A034 is set to Ad-hoc mode as a default setting, but can be easily setup to station mode or standby mode through the configuration tool. (See Configuration section)

WiFi Ad-hoc mode connection

From a Phone, Tablet or PC: Once the A034 has powered up, scan for a WiFi network with an SSID of ‘QK-A034xxxx’ or similar. Connect to ‘ QK-A034xxxx ’ with the default password: ‘ 88888888 ’  Set the protocol to ‘ TCP ’, IP address to ‘ 192.168.1.100’ and the port number to ‘ 2000 ’.In the chart software (or chart plotter),

With the above settings, a wireless connection is established and the user will receive the data through the chart software. Note: In Ad-hoc mode, the IP address should not be changed. The SSID and password can be changed. The password must be 8 to 12 characters long. The wireless connection and data flow can be checked with TCP/IP port monitoring software as shown

USB Output

The A034 is supplied with a type B USB connector. The connector can be linked directly to a USB port on the PC. The USB connector provides data output as standard (multiplexed information from all input instruments will be sent to this connection). The host port is also used to configure the multiplexer and to update its firmware.

Will a driver be needed to connect via USB?

To enable the USB data connection of A034 to other devices, related hardware drivers may be needed depending on your system requirements.

Mac:
No driver is required. For Mac OS X, the A034 will be recognized and shown as a USB modem. The ID can be checked with the following steps:

1. Plug the A03 into a USB port and launch the app.
2. Type: less /dev/sub
3. The Mac system will return a list of USB devices. A034 will display as – “/dev/tty.usbmodemXYZ” where XYZ is a number. Nothing further needs to be done if it is

Linux:

No driver is required. When plugged into the computer, A034 will show up as a USB CDC device on /dev/ttyACM0.

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 A034 registers itself to the computer as a virtual serial com port.  If the driver does not install automatically, can be found on the included CD and downloaded.

Checking the USB connection (Windows)

After the driver is installed (if needed), run the Device Manager and check the COM number (this is the number associated with the USB port you are using. The port number is the number that Windows assigns as an input device. These can be generated randomly by your computer). Your chart software may require your COM number in order to access The port number for the A034 can be found in Windows ‘Control Panel->System->Device Manager’ under ‘Ports (COM & LPT)’. Find the A034 in the list for the USB variant. To change this number, double-click the A034 and select the ‘Port Settings’ tab. Click the ‘Advanced’ button and change the port number to the one required.

Checking the USB data flow:

If desired, the USB data can always be checked with the configuration tool. To do this, run the configuration tool, connect to A034 and then click ‘Open Port’, the input data will be shown on the display field. (See Configuration section)

Status LED’s

A034 features eight LEDs which indicate SeaTalk in, NMEA IN, IN2, IN3, NMEA2000 OUTPUT, USB, wifi and Power status respectively. The status LEDs on the panel show port activity and system status

• SeaTalk and NMEA IN1/2/3: LEDs will flash for each valid message received.
• NMEA 2000OUT : LED will flash for each valid NMEA 2000 PGN sent out on NMEA 2000 port.
• USB, WiFi ： LED will flash for each valid NMEA message sent to USB/WiFi outputs.
• PWR (Power) : LED light is constantly lit in red when the device is powered.

Configuration

The A034 Configuration tool software can be found on the free CD provided with your The A034 Windows configuration tool can be used to setup the port routing, sentence filtering, NMEA baud rates, and WiFi settings for r t the A034. It can also be used to monitor and send NMEA sentences through the USB port. The configuration tool must be used on a windows PC (or a Mac using BootCamp or other Windows simulating software) while the A034 is connected via USB cable. The software cannot access the A0344 via WiFi.  The configuration tool must not be opened while another program is using the A034. Please close down all applications using the A034 when using the configuration tool.  Once open, click ‘Connect’.

Configuring Baud Rates

NMEA 0183 input baud rates can be setup from dropdown menu. A034 can work with the standard NMEA 0183 devices (4800bps) or the high-speed NMEA 0183 devices (38400bps), 9600bps can also be chosen.
NMEA baud rates are set to the following default settings:

• Seatalk:4800bps
• NMEA IN 1: 4800bps
• NMEA IN 2: 4800bps
• NMEA IN 3: 38400bps
  These can be adjusted as

When A034 is connected to a computer (Windows system) and powered up, ‘A034 connected’ will be shown at the centre of the bottom and the software version shows at the bottom right. Press ‘ Config ’ once you have set the Baud rates for the inputs to save them to the A034.  Then press the ‘ Disconnect’ button to safely remove the device from the PC.  Re-start the A034 to activate the new settings to the device.

WiFi – Station mode

WiFi is set to ad-hoc mode as standard. Station mode, however, allows your router/access point to handle the data from your device. This data can then be picked up through your router anywhere on your local area network (Similar to plugging the device directly into the router, but using wireless technology). This allows your mobile device to still receive Internet while viewing your marine data.  To begin setup station mode the A034 should be connected via USB to a computer running Windows (Mac users can use BootCamp).

1. Connect A034 to the computer via Micro USB B connection.
2. Run the Configuration software (having closed any other programs that would access the A034) and check the connection to the A034 at the bottom of Configuration
3. Change working mode to ‘ Station mode’
4. Enter your router’s
5. Enter the password for your
6. Enter the IP address assigned  to the A034. This normally start with 192.168. The third group of digits depends on your router’s configuration(commonly 1 or 0). The fourth group must be a unique number between 0 and 255) This number must not be used by any other equipment connected to your
7. Enter your router’s IP address in the Gateway This can usually be found under the router. Leave the other settings as they are.
8. Click ‘ Config’ in the bottom right hand corner and wait 60 seconds. After 60 seconds Click ‘ Disconnect’.
9. Repower the A034 and it will now attempt to connect to the

In your chart software , set the protocol as ‘ TCP ’, insert the IP address you assigned the A034and enter the Port number as ‘ 2000 ’.  You should now see your marine data in your chart software. If not, check your router’s IP address list and confirm the IP address that your router has assigned the A034. Occasionally, a router assigns a different IP address to a device than the one you chose to assign it during Configuration. If this is the case, copy the IP address from the router into your chart software. If the IP address in the router’s IP address list matched the one inputted into the chart software, everything will work in station mode.  If you are not able to view your data in station mode, the likely cause is either the data has been input incorrectly, or the IP address is different in your chart software to that of your router.

WiFi – Standby

The WiFi module can be disabled by selecting ‘standby’ in the WiFi menu

Filtering

The A034 features filtering of NMEA 0183 sentences. Each input has a flexible filter that can be configured to pass or block specific sentences from entering the multiplexer. NMEA sentences can be passed or blocked, specified by input. This frees up bandwidth, significantly reducing the possibility of data overflow and the resulting in loss of data. Black listed input data is filtered out and ignored by the A034 multiplexer, remaining desired data is then transmitted to the outputs. As default, all filter lists are empty so all messages are passed through the filters. Filters can be set through the configuration software.

Filtering allows the A034 the reduce the processing data load, by disabling these unneeded input sentences. GPS receivers for example often transmit an abundance of sentences every second and can fill much of the available bandwidth of an NMEA 0183 port at 4800bps. By filtering out any unnecessary data, bandwidth is saved for other devices’ data.  Most of the Chart plotters also have their own sentence filter, however many PC/mobile phone-based applications do not. So, using the black list to filter unnecessary sentences is very helpful.  Filtering also removes potential conflict if two similar NMEA devices provide the same sentence type. Users may choose to enable this data on one input only (filtering), and to transmit to the outputs.

Configuring filters

Each input port’s black list can block up to 8 types of sentences. To filter out unwanted message types from a specific input, enter the details in the corresponding ‘Black List’ in the Configuration software. Simply, remove the ‘$’ or ‘!’ from the 5-digit NMEA talker and sentence identifier and insert separated by commas. For example to block ‘!AIVDM’ and ‘$GPAAM’ enter ‘AIVDM,GPAAM’. If blacklisting SeaTalk data, use the corresponding NMEA message header. (see SeaTalk section for a full list of converted messages).

USB – Monitoring NMEA Messages

Connect A034 and then click ‘Open port’, all the output sentences will be displayed in the application.

Upgrading firmware

The current firmware version can be verified through the configuration tool (When connected, the firmware version will showin the bottom of the Configuration software window).

To upgrade the firmware,

1. Power up A034 and then connect it to a Windows computer via
2. Run the Configuration
3. Ensure the configuration tool is connected to the A034, and then click Ctrl+F7.
4. A new window will pop up with a drive named ‘STM32’ or similar. Copy the firmware into this drive and wait around 10 seconds to make sure the full file has been
5. Close the window and the Configuration
6. Re-power the A034, then the new firmware will be

Specification

Limited Warranty and Notices

Quark-elec warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and manufactured 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. Such repairs or replacements will be made at no charge to the customer for parts and labor. 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 return number must be given before any unit is sent back for repair.  The above does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer.

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.

Document History

References

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