The QK-A034 converter connects NMEA 0183 and Raymarine SeaTalk1 sensors and equipment to a NMEA 2000 chart plotter.

The internal NMEA 0183 multiplexer combines data from three 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. 

The QK-A034 gives you:

• Combined data from 3 x NMEA 0813 and SeaTalk1.
• Convenient viewing of your combined marine data over WiFi on your mobile phones, tablet and laptop and to your NMEA 2000 chart plotter
• Filtering options.

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

Typical System Configuration

Without Configuration: The multiplexer converts and combines data received on the listener ports and sends this data to NMEA 2000, WiFi and USB simultaneously.

Default Baud rates: NMEA input 1 and 2: 4800bps   and NMEA input 3: 38400bps 

With Configuration:

Filtering options: Each input 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 loss of data.

WiFi: Up to 4 devices can connect directly to the A034 with no need for an access point. Through Configuration, the A034 can be connected to a wireless access point, allowing for additional users and further range.

WiFi Connection

The WiFi module is set for direct Ad-hoc WiFi connection as default, with no need for a router. The SSID and password can be changed through QK-A034 configuration software, increasing security and memorability. Up to 4 wireless devices can connect directly to the A034 in Ad-hoc mode.

QK-A034 can also be connected via Station mode using the Configuration software. This allows for greater range and remote access, as well as additional multi-device access.

The WiFi can also be disabled and be placed on Standby mode if desired.

Features

• Multiplexes up to three NMEA 0183 input devices with one SeaTalk input
• Galvanically isolated NMEA and SeaTalk input ports. (also called opto-isolation. Galvanically isolation prevents unwanted currents between devices, preventing equipment damage and interference with radio signals)
• Multiple outputs: WiFi, USB and NMEA 2000
• SeaTalk to NMEA converter (converts common SeaTalk1 data types to 0183 sentences)
• NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 converter (converts common sentences to PGNs)
• 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 range.
• WiFi: Standby option
• WiFi and USB output of combined data in NMEA 0183 sentence format
• WiFi and USB additionally output NMEA 2000 network PGNs (in both 0183 sentence and PCDIN format)
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux
• Compatible with Android and iOS via WiFi, excluding Configuration. (Configuration must be completed using Windows software.)
• Filtering allows for overflow reduction and additional configuration.

More technical info

• Configurable NMEA 0183 baud rates (4800, 9600, 38400bps)
• Compatible with NMEA 2000 Chart plotters, Windows, Mac OS X, Linux systems (Full functionality, though configuration is through a Windows application)
• Compatible with Android and iOS (All functionality excluding USB connection and Configuration)
• Connectable to older RS232 products through optional Protocol Bridge (AS03). For more information, read below

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 A034 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’
• NMEA0183 RS232 will require a Protocol Bridge (AS03) to connect your wiring

Connecting the A034 to an older (RS232) instrument or chartplotter 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, use a protocol bridge.

If in doubt contact us for advice.

What’s included?

• 1 x QK-A034
• 1 x USB-B cable (1m)
• 1 x NMEA 2000 cable
• 1 x Setup Guidebook