NorthStar Navigation 961XD Installing the antenna, Choosing an antenna, Connectors

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SECTION TWO - Installation

Connectors

Power connector (3-wire)

TNC connector (control head #1)

TNC connector (control head #2)

I/O #1 interface connector (18-wire)

I/O #2 interface connector (18-wire)

GPS antenna connector (BNC)

DGPS antenna connector (UHF)

PC connectors (variable)

VGA

Installing the antenna

Choosing an antenna

Three antenna choices are available for the 961X or 961XD:

one for reception of GPS-only signals (the standard one-piece “active” AN150 antenna)

one for reception of both GPS and DGPS signals (a two-piece antenna system comprising the standard AN150 GPS antenna and the 8410 DGPS coupler)

one for reception of both GPS and DGPS signals (optional one-piece AN205-P “combination” antenna)

Choosing an antenna location

Choosing the AN150 antenna location

The GPS receiving antenna is a vital link between the unit’s receiver and the outside world. Aesthetics and easy access should be secondary to pro- viding strong and reliable GPS signals to the unit’s receiver. You should select a location for the antenna that meets the following requirements:

The antenna should have a reasonably clear view of the horizon, but be no higher than necessary (side-to-side motion of the antenna caused by rolling of the vessel may degrade the SOG and COG readings); however, the antenna should be 12 to 18 inches above the surrounding surfaces to avoid interference.

The antenna must be out of the radiation path of any on-board radar sets or strong magnetic fields.

The antenna must be lower than any INMARSAT communications antenna.

The antenna should be as far as possible from other high-power transmitting antennas.

Watch out for electromagnetic “shading” of antennas from rigging, other vessels, shoreline buildings, and so on. Secure the cable well.

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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 Welcome Who should read this manualScope of this manual Getting technical support Hearing from youContacting Northstar Returning a unit for service Servicing the unitOrdering information Section TWO Installation Safety considerationsInstallation considerations System overviewEnsuring a proper 961 installation Using the GPS antenna AN150Avoiding shortcuts Section TWO Installation Choosing a system location Mounting the control headYoke mounting 961 control head yoke-mount dimensions side 961 control head flush-mount drilling dimensions Flush mountingWiring Installing the processorProcessor installation tips Electrical power requirements Wiring the systemInstalling the antenna ConnectorsChoosing an antenna Choosing an antenna locationChoosing the AN205-P combination antenna location Separation distances between antennasInstalling the AN150 antenna About the antenna cablingWiring the AN150 antenna Mounting the AN150 antennaStripping the coax cable jacket Installing the AN205-P antenna Wiring the AN205-P antennaCorrect AN205-P combo antenna splitter wiring Completed TNC connector Mounting the AN205-P antennaInstalling an 8410 ACU for use with the AN150 only MountingACU assembly Correct AN150 and 8410 wiring RF groundingDifferential GPS antenna cable connectors Turning the unit on and off Turning the unit onInitial startup screen Advisory message Owner’s message screenFor new units only GPS signals Advisory messageGPS receiver status summary AccuracyAbout auto-dimming mode Turning the unit offLat/lon coordinates SOG and COGTesting and troubleshooting Troubleshooting common installation problemsTroubleshooting the installation Display Processor Cont’d Dgps Searching Troubleshooting the GPS/DGPS antenna installation InterferenceAntenna Symptom Possible Solutions/Reasons Receiver Setup key. Check Equipment on the vessel, then check Troubleshooting the radar interface Component Symptom Possible Solutions/ReasonsRadar Device Section TWO Installation Installation Manual Revision a Connector pin wiring Interfacing the unitConfiguring the Nmea output ports Interface cable wiringPort setup options Parameter OptionsSetting the output format About Nmea RAY 0183Displaying Nmea output sentences About the Nmea TLL sentence Nmea 0183 sentence identifiersModifying Nmea output sentences Choosing the Nmea 0183 talker ID Setting Nmea 0183 lat/lon precision Setting the auxiliary port Setting the Nmea 0183 checksumsChanging the output rate Changing the Nmea 0183 waypoint ID Aux port setup parameters Auxiliary port setup screenSetting Ppnm DiagnosticsAux port baud rate Port offUsing VGA output Ppnm output setup parametersService functions Viewing product informationViewing head 1 serial number and software revision Viewing head 2 serial number and software revisionConfiguring the receivers Processor serial number and software revisionBeacon receiver self-test and software revision GPS receiver self-test and software revisionChanging GPS speed averaging value Receiver information screenAdjusting satellite elevation Setting Dgps operationViewing the GPS software version Setting beacon frequency and baud rate Automatic tuningManually setting baud rate Viewing GPS statusSaving and restoring a 961 database Database function screen Select database to save dialog box Select database to restore dialog box Select a restored database to undo dialog box Saving log dataMaintenance functions Installing 961 software updatesPower GPS receiver NorthstarInterfacing Physical features Control head ProcessorEnvironmental Head ProcessorInternal beacon receiver specifications 961XD Signal processing Data processing PowerAN150 Active GPS Antenna Antenna Coupling Unit AN205-P GPS/DGPS antennaNumerics 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.