Getting started
How do I..?
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Update:
After May 31, 2025Please note that devices that were not updated by the deadline 31.5.2025 can still be used normally for all offline functions, but they can no longer connect to the internet, communicate with the Q App, or receive new software updates.
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When a software update is available it will automatically be downloaded to your Q Display
(an internet connection is required, se Internet connection on this page). When the software
package is downloaded you will get a notification asking for permission to install the
software. The Q Display can still be operated normally during the installation, however, shut
down is blocked during this time. Do not disconnect the power while the installation is in
progress.When the installation is complete, the update will take effect after the next reboot. A
notification will appear which gives you the option to restart the Q Display immediately.
After the reboot, a notification with a link to the release notes will appear. This will tell you
what new features have been added. The release notes will always be available in Info >
Release notes.Note: Older Q Display 1 devices might have only 3G and will not be able to connect to the internet in areas that have stopped the support for it. To determine which version you have, check the serial number of your device.
Series 1 - with 3G modem
10” - 20xxxxxxxx
16” - 30xxxxxxxxSeries 1 - with 4G modem
10” - 24xxxxxxxx
16” - 34xxxxxxxx -
The Q Display is equipped with an integrated 4G/LTE modem and SIM card. The SIM card’s
connectivity can be activated using the Q App, under Subscriptions.If you don´t want the Q Connected features you can use your phone as a hotpot and share data to get access to updates and some of the connected features.
Note: Older Q Display 1 devices might have only 3G and will not be able to connect to the internet in areas that have stopped the support for it. To determine which version you have, check the serial number of your device.
Series 1 - with 3G modem
10” - 20xxxxxxxx
16” - 30xxxxxxxxSeries 1 - with 4G modem
10” - 24xxxxxxxx
16” - 34xxxxxxxx -
After installing the Q Experience app on your phone.
In your Q Display navigate to “Home” » “Settings” » “Link mobile application”and use the phone’s camera to read the QR code.
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Make sure you have a SIM card installed. This is visible if the connection bar in the lower right corner of the display is white.
To activate the Q Connected open the Q App (instructions on linking the Q App below) and navigate to
Subscriptions, choose monthly or annual, and select the Q Connected subscription.
Fill in your information and activate. A restart of the Q Display is required for the SIM
card connectivity to activate. -
The first generation Q does not have the Guard features.
If you are interested in getting all the Guard security features including, Geo-fencing, Bilge level alarm, battery monitoring, please be in contact with our support to discuss updating your screen to the next generation.
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The first generation Q1 supports both C-MAP and Navionics charts.
The chart is stored on an SD card inside the device and can be updated manually by obtaining a new card.
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You can find your Q Display’s serial number in Settings > System > System
information > Serial NumberAdditionally the number is physically located on the back of the device.
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Fishfinder
For Chirp imaging the following fish finders are compatible with the Q.
Raymarine CP 100 Sonar module + transducer
Airmar ICTM90M
Airmar ICTH90M 12 & 20 degree
Airmar IC-B1755M 0, 12 & 20 degree
(Note that only these specific Airmar models with the Integrated Chirp modules are compatible)
No side scanning fish finders are currently available.
Sonar
A basic sonar transducer displays depth and water temperature.
The Q is compatible with all NMEA 2000 based Sonars.
These are often named SMART.
Radar
The Q is compatible with the Raymarine Quantum Chirp Radar
Troubleshooting
by topic
Technical issues
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Check the fuse for the Q in the breaker panel.
If this doesn´t help the issue might be related to the power cable. If you have a orange power cable this should be exchanged. Visit our web shop to find replacements. https://shop.theqexperience.com/p/q1-power-cable-lead
If this doesn´t help, be in contact with the Q Support.
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First make sure you have the latest software update installed.
→….
In some rare cases the discontinuation of the 3G network may cause disturbances. Please be in contact with our Q-Support and we are able to provide a remote fix.
For smoother resolution have serial number of the device ready and make sure the Q is turned on and connected to the internet.
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If the connection of the built in radio is poor or disturbed, please check the wiring of the antenna behind the Q.
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The engine is connected to the Q Display over NMEA2000 (NET port on the Q Display).
If no engine data is received, the most probable cause is that the NMEA2000 network is not functioning properly.
→ Make sure that the Q Display is properly connected to the NMEA2000 network, and that the NMEA2000 network has a stable 12V supply and that the network is terminated properly. Check the fuse for the NMEA 2000 network.
For more information on how the NMEA2000 network is connected in your boat, contact your nearest retailer.
How can I check which NMEA 2000 devices are connected?
→ On the Q Display, you can check what NMEA2000 devices are found by going to Info →
Peripherals → NMEA Devices. If your engine is detected, it should be visible in the list with
today’s date, otherwise, the timestamp shows when it was last detected.How do I know if my NMEA2000 gateway is defective?
Most engines use a NMEA2000 gateway to transform the engines signals to the NMEA2000 standard. If the NMEA2000 network is working properly, but the engine gateway is defective, no engine data will be shown. In this case contact your boat manufacturer’s nearest retailer.
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The Navionics+ Subscription enables Auto-Routing.
The Auto-Roputing features a set minimum depth limit that can be adjusted in the settings.
If the current depth of the boat is under the set limit Navionics is unable to create a route. Try again once you have set of and are in deeper water or alternatively plan your route on a mobile device and transfer it to the Q with the following instructions. https://theqexperience.com/2021/03/12/how-to-navionics-plotter-sync/
Charts
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The Chart is the nautical chart shown in your Q Display’s Map application.
The charts on your Q Display are stored on a physical SD card installed in the SD card slot at the back of the Q Display.
The previous generation Q1 Display is compatible with C-Map and Navionics+ & Navionics Platinum+ charts.
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If you only see a rough base map on your Q Display, the chart data can not be read from the chart card. In this case, the chart card is most likely corrupted. The charts are provided by your boat manufacturer. Contact your boat manufacturer’s nearest retailer for a replacement or buy a new chart card here.
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The first generation Q1 supports both C-MAP and Navionics charts.
The chart is stored on an SD card inside the device and can be updated manually by obtaining a new card.
Internet connection
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The Q Display can be connected to the internet in two different ways:
• Always on connection: 4G/LTE and Q Connected subscription
• Shared internet when onboard: External wireless internet, such as a mobile phone hotspot via WLANThe always-on Q Connected internet connection enables the following features:
Q App – connection to the mobile application.
Software updates – always keep your Q Display up to date
Weather reports – Weather reports in the Q Display when the weather is about to take a turn for the worse.
The integrated 4G/LTE connection can be activated through Q App → Subscriptions → Q Connected
Note: Older Q Display 1 devices might have only 3G and will not be able to connect to the internet in areas that have stopped the support for it. To determine which version you have, check the serial number of your device.
Series 1 - with 3G modem
10” - 20xxxxxxxx
16” - 30xxxxxxxxSeries 1 - with 4G modem
10” - 24xxxxxxxx
16” - 34xxxxxxxx -
You know that the Q Display has established an 4G internet connection when the signal strength icon in the lower right corner changes from gray to blue.