SECTION TWO - Installation

Table 3: Troubleshooting the GPS/DGPS antenna installation (continued)

 

 

 

Antenna

Symptom

Possible Solutions/Reasons

 

 

 

 

 

 

DGPS ANTENNA

High beacon SNR or low signal.

• Turn off all electrical devices and

(cont’d)

 

equipment on the vessel, then check

 

 

for improvement. Check fluorescent

 

 

lights, gauges, and so forth. Be cre-

 

 

ative! Check for power-line interfer-

 

 

ence by moving away from the dock

 

 

and/or the marina. Verify that the

 

 

antenna is mounted in accordance

 

 

with the recommendations shown in

 

 

Figure 5.

 

When vessel interference is still present:

• Isolate to the interfering device, with

 

 

breaker panel if necessary.

 

When the source of the interference is

• Experiment with different grounding

 

found:

 

locations (the best ground is the

 

 

 

 

ocean). Drop a temporary wire

 

 

attached to 8410 black wire over the

 

 

side of the vessel to see if the interfer-

 

 

ence source can be fixed by ground-

 

 

ing techniques.

 

 

• Disconnect shore power and move

 

 

away from the dock and/or marina

 

 

(power lines and lights can cause

 

 

interference).

 

 

• Temporarily relocate the 8410 or

 

 

combo antenna as far away from the

 

 

interfering source as possible, and

 

 

monitor the effect on reception. If it

 

 

improves, consider relocating the

 

 

antenna or try to determine if the inter-

 

 

ference can be eliminated at its

 

 

source.

 

 

• Normally, noise that affects an 8410

 

 

DGPS coupler won’t affect a combo

 

 

antenna and vice versa. Consider

 

 

temporarily changing antenna types

 

 

to determine the effects on signal

 

 

reception.

 

 

 

DGPS ANTENNA

Poor, intermittent, or no beacon signal using

• Check the proximity of the antenna to

(cont’d)

a known-good loop or combo antenna.

radar antennas or other transmitting

 

 

devices, such as INMARSAT. A

 

 

radome can affect H-field antennas

 

 

even when power is off. Hint: To test

 

 

for the best location, move the

 

 

antenna and coax to temporary loca-

 

 

tions using an over-the-deck length of

 

 

coax, then relocate as necessary.

 

 

 

a. The GPS receiver AA180 supplies the 5.5 VDC to the AN150 active GPS antenna.

961 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A

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NorthStar Navigation 961XD installation manual Equipment on the vessel, then check
Page 50 Page 52

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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