NorthStar Navigation 961XD Ensuring a proper 961 installation, Avoiding shortcuts

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Ensuring a proper 961 installation

SECTION TWO - Installation

To ensure a proper installation, it is highly recommended that you per- form all of the following activities before starting the installation:

preview/survey the vessel’s layout and existing equipment

review all the installation materials

review all the installation requirements, including:

-the physical requirements (spacing, location with regard to other equipment, etc.)

-the electrical and electronic requirements (interference between other pieces of equipment, power requirements, etc.)

Although the unit itself is very straightforward and easy-to-understand, it has a few basic requirements that must be met before safe and proper operation can be assured. The major parts of the rest of this section address several topics regarding the minimum installation requirements for the unit to:

minimize electrical wiring hazards

be mounted correctly

accurately receive GPS and DGPS signals

navigate safely

Avoiding shortcuts

The majority of installation problems are caused by shortcuts taken with system cables. When installing your 961, be sure to:

assemble the connectors carefully

don’t make sharp bends in the cables

leave service and drip loops

tie-wrap all cables to keep them secure

if cables are lengthened, seal all wiring splices

Using the GPS antenna (AN150)

The “active” GPS antenna is best mounted in the clear, and low on the vessel to avoid extra motion from pitching and rolling. It should be mounted lower than directional high-power transmitting antennas such as radar or satcom. The length of coaxial cable to the “active” AN150 antenna (supplied with the unit) must be a minimum of 20 feet, but not more than 100 feet. Coil up any unused length of cable; do not cut it to less than 20 feet! Be sure that all cable connectors are securely fastened, and that the cable itself is not subject to any tight bends.

For complete details about installing the AN150, see “Installing the antenna” beginning on page 14.

961 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A

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Contents 961X/XD Page Limited warranty policy Page Contents Installation Manual Revision a Figures Port 1 output setup sentences screen Tables Installation Manual Revision a Scope of this manual WelcomeWho should read this manual Contacting Northstar Getting technical supportHearing from you Servicing the unit Returning a unit for serviceOrdering information Safety considerations Section TWO InstallationSystem overview Installation considerationsAvoiding shortcuts Ensuring a proper 961 installationUsing the GPS antenna AN150 Section TWO Installation Yoke mounting Choosing a system locationMounting the control head 961 control head yoke-mount dimensions side Flush mounting 961 control head flush-mount drilling dimensionsProcessor installation tips WiringInstalling the processor Wiring the system Electrical power requirementsConnectors Installing the antennaChoosing an antenna Choosing an antenna locationSeparation distances between antennas Choosing the AN205-P combination antenna locationAbout the antenna cabling Installing the AN150 antennaMounting the AN150 antenna Wiring the AN150 antennaStripping the coax cable jacket Wiring the AN205-P antenna Installing the AN205-P antennaCorrect AN205-P combo antenna splitter wiring Mounting the AN205-P antenna Completed TNC connectorMounting Installing an 8410 ACU for use with the AN150 onlyACU assembly RF grounding Correct AN150 and 8410 wiringDifferential GPS antenna cable connectors Turning the unit on Turning the unit on and offInitial startup screen Owner’s message screen Advisory messageAdvisory message For new units only GPS signalsAccuracy GPS receiver status summaryTurning the unit off About auto-dimming modeLat/lon coordinates SOG and COGTroubleshooting the installation Testing and troubleshootingTroubleshooting common installation problems Display Processor Cont’d Dgps Searching Interference Troubleshooting the GPS/DGPS antenna installationAntenna Symptom Possible Solutions/Reasons Receiver Setup key. Check Equipment on the vessel, then check Component Symptom Possible Solutions/Reasons Troubleshooting the radar interfaceRadar Device Section TWO Installation Installation Manual Revision a Interfacing the unit Connector pin wiringInterface cable wiring Configuring the Nmea output portsParameter Options Port setup optionsDisplaying Nmea output sentences Setting the output formatAbout Nmea RAY 0183 Nmea 0183 sentence identifiers About the Nmea TLL sentenceModifying Nmea output sentences Choosing the Nmea 0183 talker ID Setting Nmea 0183 lat/lon precision Changing the output rate Changing the Nmea 0183 waypoint ID Setting the auxiliary portSetting the Nmea 0183 checksums Auxiliary port setup screen Aux port setup parametersDiagnostics Setting PpnmAux port baud rate Port offPpnm output setup parameters Using VGA outputViewing product information Service functionsViewing head 1 serial number and software revision Viewing head 2 serial number and software revisionProcessor serial number and software revision Configuring the receiversBeacon receiver self-test and software revision GPS receiver self-test and software revisionReceiver information screen Changing GPS speed averaging valueViewing the GPS software version Adjusting satellite elevationSetting Dgps operation Automatic tuning Setting beacon frequency and baud rateViewing GPS status Manually setting baud rateSaving and restoring a 961 database Database function screen Select database to save dialog box Select database to restore dialog box Saving log data Select a restored database to undo dialog boxInstalling 961 software updates Maintenance functionsInterfacing Power GPS receiverNorthstar Control head Processor Physical featuresEnvironmental Head ProcessorAN150 Active GPS Antenna Internal beacon receiver specifications 961XDSignal processing Data processing Power AN205-P GPS/DGPS antenna Antenna Coupling UnitNumerics Lat/lon Installation Manual Revision a SOG

961X, 961XD specifications

NorthStar Navigation has long been a leader in marine navigation systems, and the NorthStar 961XD and 961X are no exceptions. These cutting-edge devices bring advanced navigation capabilities to both recreational boaters and professional mariners, ensuring precise positioning and enhanced safety on the water.

The NorthStar 961XD is equipped with a powerful GPS receiver that delivers exceptional accuracy, even in challenging environments. This is achieved through a combination of differential GPS (DGPS) technology and support for WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System). These features enable users to achieve positioning accuracy within a few meters, which is crucial for safe navigation in crowded or complex marine environments.

One of the standout features of the NorthStar 961XD and 961X is their intuitive user interface. The devices boast a large, high-resolution color display that provides clear visibility in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. The menu-driven system allows users to quickly access essential functions, making it easy to plot courses, set waypoints, and track routes on the go.

Both models support advanced charting capabilities, including the ability to display vector and raster charts. The chart database can be easily updated via USB, ensuring that users have access to the latest navigational information. This is particularly important for long-distance cruisers navigating through unfamiliar waters.

Another significant feature of the NorthStar 961XD and 961X is their integrated fishfinder capabilities. With sonar technology, users can locate fish, understand the underwater topography, and enhance their fishing experience. This dual functionality makes the devices versatile companions for both navigation and hunting for the next big catch.

Connectivity is another important aspect of the NorthStar systems. Both models feature multiple connectivity options, including NMEA 0183, allowing seamless integration with other onboard electronics such as autopilots, radars, and AIS systems. This enhances the overall situational awareness and safety of the vessel.

Finally, the rugged design of the NorthStar 961XD and 961X ensures they can withstand the harshest marine environments. With water-resistant housing and durable construction, these devices are built to last, providing reliable performance year after year.

In summary, the NorthStar 961XD and 961X deliver a winning combination of advanced navigation technologies, user-friendly interfaces, integrated fishfinding capabilities, and robust construction. These features make them indispensable tools for anyone serious about safe and efficient navigation on the water.