Which AIS Receiver is best for me? A026 or A026+?
14
Aug
Aug
When stepping into the world of AIS (Automatic Identification System) receivers, Quark-Elec’s A026 and A026+ are two popular choices—each packed with useful features. But which one really suits your boating needs? Let’s compare them across key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
1. Core Features Compared
Here’s a side-by-side overview based on technical specifications.
| Feature | A026 | A026+ |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-channel AIS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| AIS sensitivity & range | –105 dBm (~15 nm) | –112 dBm (~40 nm) |
| Integrated GPS | ✔️ (requires GPS antenna) | ✔️ (requires GPS antenna) |
| Internal Filter | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| NMEA 0183 input/output | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wi-Fi & USB | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| NMEA 2000 output | ✖️ | ✔️ (bi-directional) |
| SeaTalk1-to-NMEA (0183) converter | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Physical interface | BNC (AIS/VHF), SMA for both GPS and Wi-Fi | SO239 heavy-duty (AIS/VHF), TNC for GPS, SMA for WiFi. |
| Power Source | 5v via Micro USB | 12v Direct |
Summary: Both are full-featured, dual-channel AIS receivers with GPS, Wi-Fi, USB, and NMEA 0183 connectivity. The A026+ ups the ante with better AIS sensitivity, more range, robust physical connections, SeaTalk1 network support, and a native NMEA 2000 bridge—ideal for complex marine electronics setups.
2. Real-Life Performance & Ease of Setup
A026 – portable and powerful
- “Very, very good all in one GPS + AIS receiver… So you can connect it to everything very easily…”
- Affordable, metal box, works with Wi-Fi, USB, and RS-232/422, ideal for casual cruising.
- While configurable, can be used out of the box once connections have been established.
- Possible to have AIS on the go with power provided by suitable power bank.
A026+ – professional-grade and networked
- Using heavy-duty connectors and uprated internals to offer a light commercial grade AIS Receiver which would be just as at home on a cargo ship as it would a sail boat.
- Converts SeaTalk device data (e.g. depth, speed) into NMEA formats, simplifying connections.
- Outputs directly to an NMEA 2000 backbone—perfect for modern multifunction displays and chartplotters with minimal wiring hassle.
3. Best Fit Use-Cases
Choose the A026 if you:
- Want an affordable, easy portable AIS receiver for a tablet or laptop.
- Cruise mostly in coastal or inland waters within ~15 nm.
- Want to easily view AIS targets on your tablet via WiFi.
- Tend to swap between boats or join temporary fleets (rental, regattas).
Many users rave said:
“Super, easy device for showing AIS data on any PC… via Wi-Fi access… works fine”
Go for the A026+ if you:
- Operate in busy offshore waters, where AIS targets could be 15–45 nm away.
- Use NMEA 2000 systems or need seamless integration with chartplotters and SeaTalk sensors.
- Prefer clean cabling and plug-and-play installation.
- Don’t mind paying extra for higher sensitivity, durability, and network layers.
4. Setup Tips & Common Accessories
- VHF antenna splitter: essential if sharing your radio antenna (e.g. A015-RX).
- GPS antenna for external positioning—essential for both models but GPS can be sourced externally. For A026, our AS04 connects directly. For A026+, our AS14 will require BNC to TNC connector.
- For A026+, add NMEA 2000 drop, terminators, and backbone components.
- Configuration is via USB on Windows; then stream data by Wi-Fi or USB.
- Apps that support both (A026 & A026+): OpenCPN, Navionics, Aqua Map, iSailor.
5. Which Should You Buy?
- Casual boater or day sailor → A026: practical, under £220, quick to set up on various devices.
- Serious offshore cruiser or tech-integrated vessel → A026+: slightly more costly but offers superior sensitivity, connectivity, and system integration.
Final Word
- If your needs are simple, budget-friendly, and portable, go with the A026.
- If you’re planning for expanded systems, interested in robust offshore functionality, or already have NMEA 2000 onboard, invest in the A026+—it truly pays dividends for serious boating setups.
