12 Troubleshoot the radar
This appendix gives information on fixing possible problems with the radar. Many problems are caused by:
•faulty or loose contacts at switches and relay points
•poor adjustment of the radar (particularly inadequate tuning adjustment)
•poor maintenance (particularly of the cables)
You'll save yourself a considerable amount of time if you check these items before placing a call to Northstar; plus, you may find the problem right away.
12.1 Technical support, service and repairs
The product is covered by a warranty which is supplied as a separate document.
If you need technical support, or answers to other questions after you've followed the instructions in this manual, you can:
•contact your Navico distributor or
•see the inside back cover of the manual or
•visit www.navico.com
Before you make contact, be sure to have:
•the serial number of the hardware (usually shown on the faceplate of the unit). When you describe the problem, be as complete and as accurate as possible.
12.2 Radar is not operating correctly
If the scanner is working but no image appears on the display:
•adjust gain and threshold
If the display shows only noise:
•check that the scanner and open array (if applicable) are fitted correctly
If radar reception is poor:
•check for physical damage to the cables (such as fraying) and for any loose connections
•check for water damage to the radiator or to the cables between the radar components
•check for interruptions in the pulse switching signal
If an image appears on the display but the direction of the radar image is not stable:
•the direction standard signal (BZ) is being interrupted (see the Service Manual)
•check for water damage to the radiator or cables between the radar components.
12.3 If the scanner fails to turn
If the scanner fails to turn, it is possible that there has been a breakdown of either the motor unit inside the scanner or the safety switch of the scanner unit.
Turn the power OFF and investigate as follows:
1Visually check for, and remove, any external obstruction.
2Open the scanner dome or array and perform an internal inspection.
3Check to make sure that nothing is interfering with the motor and gears, is binding, or preventing the antenna from turning.
4Check for any disconnected, pinched or broken wires.
5Check for worn or broken motor brushes.
6Verify that the scanner cable is correctly pinned, all wires are in the correct locations and the connectors are correctly locked to the mating connectors on the modulator board.