NorthStar Navigation EXPLORER 657 Overview, Cleaning and maintenance, Plug-in cards, See section

1-1 Overview

The Northstar 657 is a compact, rugged, highly integrated marine chartplotter and fishfinder. It is easy to use and has an easy to read color display. Complex functions can be performed with a few key presses, taking the hard work out of boating.

The available functions, displays and setup menus depend on the optional sensors and instruments that are installed:

Sonar functions require a sonar transducer to be installed

Fuel functions require one or more petrol/gasoline or diesel fuel sensors to be installed.

SmartCraft™ engine functions require a SmartCraft™ system to be installed. For information on using SmartCraft™, see the SmartCraft™ Gateway Installation and Operation Manual.

DSC/Buddy track functions require a Northstar DSC VHF radio with Buddy track support to be installed.

The 657 can send data to other instruments, such as an autopilot, and receive data from other instruments.

AIS functions require an optional AIS receiver to be installed.

For information on installing options, see section 18-2.

This manual describes how to install and operate the 657. Special terms are explained in Appendix C. For maximum benefit, please read this manual carefully before installing and using the unit. For more information on this instrument and other Northstar products, go to our website, www.northstarnav.com.

1-2 Cleaning and maintenance

The 657 screen is covered by a proprietary anti-reflection coating. To avoid damage, clean the screen only with a damp cloth and mild detergent when dirty or covered in sea salt. Avoid abrasive cleaners, petrol or other solvents. If a plug-in card gets dirty or wet, clean it with a damp cloth or mild detergent.

Cover or remove a transom-mounted transducer when repainting the hull. If painting over a through hull transducer with antifouling paint,

use only one coat of paint. Remove the previous coat of antifouling paint by sanding it lightly.

To optimize performance, avoid walking on or jamming cables and connectors. Keep the transducer free of weed, paint and debris. Do not use a high pressure water blast on a speed sensor paddlewheel as it may damage the bearings.

Push the dust cover over the display when the 657 is turned off.

1-3 Plug-in cards

The 657 can use two kinds of plug-in card:

1C-MAP™ chart cards have chart details required for navigating in a particular region. When a chart card is plugged in, the extra details automatically appear on the 657 chart window.

The 657 can use NT, NT+ and NT-MAX cards. NT-MAX cards have much more chart information than earlier cards, including photos of points of interest.

2C-MAP™ user cards are used to store navigation data. Each user card expands the 657 memory and allows the data to be transferred to another 657 easily.

(see section 14).

Note: The older 5 volt user cards are not supported.

8 Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual