NorthStar Navigation 961XD About the antenna cabling, Installing the AN150 antenna

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SECTION TWO - Installation

About the antenna cabling

antenna is desired. The AN205-P doesn’t require any ground and is porta- ble, an advantage when it must be moved from one vessel to another. The “combo” antenna should be located where it has a clear view of the hori- zon, but is not the highest point on the vessel. Keep the combo antenna at least six feet away from objects that can “shade” GPS or differential sig- nals.

If poor GPS Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) readings are obtained after the unit has been running for several minutes, check that you have the proper length of cable, and verify the quality of the antenna location and the quality and proper termination of the connectors. SNR should be as high as possible. Values of 15 and higher are preferable; anything below 10 could indicate poor reception.

Supplied with your 961 system is a 50 foot-length of RG-59 coaxial cable to use with either the AN150 or the AN205-P. The length of coax cable to the AN150 antenna must be no less than 50 feet and no more than 100 feet; to the AN205-P, no less than 20 feet and no more than 50 feet. When installing antenna cable, don’t bend it tightly in any places, and fasten the cable along its length to avoid chafing or whipping of any kind. Coil up any unused length of cable. Secure the cable well (the center conductor is solid wire), and securely fasten all cable connectors.

Installing the AN150 antenna

Whereas a loran or differential antenna should be mounted high on the vessel for best performance, the GPS antenna should be mounted as low as possible and out in the open to avoid “shading” (placement of the antenna where it is partially obscured by another object from the signals it must receive). If mounting on top of a tower or mast, understand that the unit will be affected by the pitch and roll of the vessel. Often the bow or stern will provide a location where shading is minimized, while serving to keep the antenna low. Be sure that any directional L-band transmitting antennas (such as radar or satellite communication antennas) can never point at the GPS antenna--its internal preamplifier is quickly destroyed by such radiation.

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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 Scope of this manual WelcomeWho should read this manual Contacting Northstar Getting technical supportHearing from you Returning a unit for service Servicing the unitOrdering information Section TWO Installation Safety considerationsInstallation considerations System overviewAvoiding 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 961 control head flush-mount drilling dimensions Flush mountingProcessor installation tips WiringInstalling the processor Electrical power requirements Wiring the systemChoosing an antenna Installing the antennaConnectors 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 AccuracyLat/lon coordinates About auto-dimming modeTurning the unit off SOG and COGTroubleshooting the installation Testing and troubleshootingTroubleshooting common installation problems 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 OptionsDisplaying Nmea output sentences Setting the output formatAbout Nmea RAY 0183 About the Nmea TLL sentence Nmea 0183 sentence identifiersModifying 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 Aux port setup parameters Auxiliary port setup screenAux port baud rate Setting PpnmDiagnostics Port offUsing VGA output Ppnm output setup parametersViewing head 1 serial number and software revision Service functionsViewing product information Viewing head 2 serial number and software revisionBeacon receiver self-test and software revision Configuring the receiversProcessor serial number and software revision GPS receiver self-test and software revisionChanging GPS speed averaging value Receiver information screenViewing the GPS software version Adjusting satellite elevationSetting Dgps operation 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 updatesInterfacing Power GPS receiverNorthstar Environmental Head Physical featuresControl head Processor ProcessorAN150 Active GPS Antenna Internal beacon receiver specifications 961XDSignal processing Data processing Power 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.
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