NorthStar Navigation 961X, 961XD Changing port setup, Saving and restoring databases and system logs

SECTION FOUR - Service/Maintenance

961 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 63

For an overview of GPS and DG PS, see “Introducing GPS and D GPS” in

Chapter 2 of the Northstar 961 Operations and Reference Manual

(GM1700). For details about the GPS satellite status screen, see “Under-

standing Position Coordinates” in Chapter 5 of the North star 9 61 Ope ra-

tions and Reference Manual (GM1700).

Changing portsetup

The PORT SETUP option lets you connect, or interface, directly with a

variety of external devices, such as autopilots, radars, depth sounders,

personal computers, and so on.

You make the connection through any of four data transmission ports

located at the back of the 961: three NMEA ports and one aux port. Each

can operate independently, giving you the flexibility to control four sepa -

rate devices simultaneously. The ports are also independently config-

urable to meet the specifications of most perip heral navigation

equipment, a feature that ensures a customized setup for virt ually any

NMEA 0183-compatible device. Once configured, the 961 will continu-

ously send a stream of data to the device(s).

For complete details about changing port setup options to interface your

961 with other equipment, see Section Three, Interfacing.”

Saving andrestoringdatabases andsystem logs

The DATABASE FUNCTION screen provides access to several database

maintenance options. To display these options, press the STAR key until

you reach the SERVICE MENU screen, then press the DATABASES AND

LOG key.

You can easily save, or backup, your entire database of user-defined way-

points and routes as well as your user preferences, to either flo ppy or Zip

disks. (User preferences are the display, navigation, chart, receiver, and

port-setup features of your 961.) The 961 is sold with a standard 1.44-MB

floppy disk drive. If you want a larger capacity, removable storage disk

drive, you must order the 100-MB Zip drive to replace the 961’s standard

floppy drive.

After saving, you can then restore these databases back to the 961. Why

save and restore? One, you may want to keep separate sets of waypoints

and routes for different cruising areas so you won’t have to so rt through

one large database of waypoints and routes to select the ones you want

(even though the 961’s search function is always quick and easy). Two, if

you ever have to return the 961 to the factory for service, it’s a good idea

to have a separate copy of your waypoints, routes, and user preferences

from the system’s hard drive, since it’s possible that this information may

be lost during repair.