QUARK-ELEC QK-A015-RX Active AIS/VHF Antenna Splitter Instruction Manual

: June 6, 2024
: QUARK-ELEC

Table of Contents

Features
Introduction
Connections
Installation
Status LEDs
Specifications
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
Document history
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

QK-A015-RX Manual
Active AIS/VHF Antenna Splitter

Features

12V-24V powered, low power consumption
Uses standard SO239 connector for VHF and antenna connections
Built-in preamplifier providing VHF/AIS signal gain maximizes receivers’ range
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
LED power and status indicator
Compact & easy to install

Introduction

The QK-A015-RX splitter allows one VHF antenna to be shared between,

VHF radio
AIS receiver and
AM/FM radio

The A015-RX allows the one VHF antenna to provide the following functions:

Reception of VHF radio, AIS messages and AM/FM radio
Transmission from VHF radio
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-RX 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 receivers’ range.
Please note: The A015-RX is compatible with AIS receivers only, it is not designed for AIS transponders/transceivers. For AIS transponders/transceivers you will require the A015-TX.

Connections

The A015-RX 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 connector for the output of the AIS signal
FM/AM: BNC connector for the output of the FM/AM radio signal

Installation

The A015-RX is a plug-and-play device. No configuration is required.
IMPORTANT: Connect the VHF antenna BEFORE connecting any other devices!
Connecting powered devices to a Splitter before connecting the VHF antenna will damage your devices.

Remove power source from all devices to be connected.
Connect the VHF antenna to the Splitter before adding any devices.
After the VHF antenna is connected, connect the VHF radio, AIS receiver, and FM/AM radio to the A015-RX Splitter.
Re-power all devices.
Test use checking status LEDs light up when expected.

Status LEDs

The A015-RX has three LEDs that indicate power and working status.

– TX: Transmitting VHF radio
– RX: Receiving VHF / AIS / FM/AM signals
– PWR: indicates the power

The VHF fail-safe 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.

Specifications

Item	Specification
DC supply	9.0V to 35V
Average supply current	135mA
VHF and AIS frequency range	156MHz to 163MHz
AM/FM frequency range	0.5-1.6/88-108Mhz
VHF receive gain	Typical 12dB
AIS receive gain	Typical 12dB
FM/AM receive gain	Typical 10dB
Insertion loss VHF transmit paths	≤1.5dB
Max input Power from VHF port	25W when the VHF antenna is connected. The

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 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 returns number must be given 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.