NorthStar Navigation 961XD Troubleshooting the GPS/DGPS antenna installation, Interference

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SECTION TWO - Installation

Table 2: Troubleshooting the installation (continued)

 

 

 

Problem Area

Symptom

Possible Solutions/Reasons

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERFERENCE

Electrical, magnetic, or radio frequency (RF)

Turn off power to each and all of the

 

energy is interfering with the reliable opera-

vessel’s other instruments and sys-

 

tion of the unit as shown by high levels of

tems, one at a time, to isolate the

 

noise on the DGPS status screen.

source of the interference.

 

 

Attempt to eliminate the noise through

 

 

earth grounding or RF filtering tech-

 

 

niques as appropriate to the type of

 

 

noise encountered.

 

 

 

GPS

The head and processor power up, but poor

Check that you have the proper

 

GPS SNR readings are obtained even after

length of cable and that all connec-

 

running the unit for several minutes.

tions are clean and secure.

 

 

Verify the quality of the antenna loca-

 

 

tion (the antenna should have a clear

 

 

view of the sky). For the correct

 

 

antenna placement, see Figure 5.

 

 

See Table 3, “Troubleshooting the

 

 

GPS/DGPS antenna installation,” on

 

 

page 39.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting the GPS/DGPS antenna installation

In the following table (troubleshooting the GPS/DGPS antenna installa- tion), the Northstar AN150 refers to the 12-dB GPS antenna, the North- star 8410 coupler with whip antenna refers to the beacon receiver whip-type (E-field) antenna, and the Northstar AN205-P refers to the combination (combo) GPS/DGPS loop antenna with splitter. Whenever possible, the best and most efficient way to troubleshoot is to use a known-good set of cables, a splitter for combo antennas (when applica- ble), and working antennas as spares for swapping.

NOTE:

Concerns for the AN205-P that aren’t explained in the GPS/ DGPS antenna troubleshooting table below include the fact that mounting a loop-type antenna in close proximity to a radome (radar-set antenna) can cause signal degradation or a complete loss of the beacon signal. The klystron or magnetron contained in the radar antenna produces a very dense mag- netic field whether or not the radar set is turned on. These magnetic field effects are also present during the operation of the servo motors located on gyro-stabilized TV or IMARSAT communications dish platforms. Signal degradation checks should be performed before finalizing the installation.

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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.