User manual NORTHSTAR 957

NORTHSTAR 957 GPS/WAAS CHART NAVIGATOR Operator's Manual Limited warranty policy Northstar Technologies, Inc. warrants the Northstar 957 to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years. This warranty applies to the original purchaser and to any subsequent owner during the warranty period, which begins on the date of shipment of the 957, F.O.B. Acton, Massachusetts, to an authorized Northstar dealer. Systems may not be returned to Northstar without a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Call your Northstar dealer or Northstar for instructions. During the 957's warranty period, Northstar will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the 957 it finds to be defective due to faulty material(s) or workmanship. All such repairs and/or replacements will be promptly performed by Northstar free-of-charge to the owner, excluding freight costs incurred in shipping to the factory. Return shipments from Northstar to points within the United States are made via ground transportation, freight prepaid. Special shipping charges (overnight, two-day, and so on) are the responsibility of the owner. To be covered by this warranty, the Northstar equipment must have been in normal use. This warranty does not apply to 957's with defects caused by improper installation, physical damage, abuse, tampering, lightning or other abnormal electrical discharge, or to 957's with defaced or altered serial numbers, or to 957's repaired by unauthorized persons or repaired in a manner that violates Northstar's recommended service procedures. All repairs and/or replacements made under this warranty must be performed at Northstar's facilities in Acton, Massachusetts. Performance of warranty work elsewhere will not be authorized, and Northstar will not pay for any charges for such work. Northstar will not be responsible for payment of any charges imposed by a Northstar dealer or other party for services requested by and/or performed for a 957's owner in connection with this warranty. Such services might include removal of the 957 from a vessel, inspection, packaging, handling, reinstallation, and the like. Northstar Technologies assumes no responsibility for any consequential losses of any nature with respect to any of its products or services sold, rendered, or delivered. The foregoing is the only warranty expressed or implied. No other warranty exists. CAUTION! Northstar products are designed to be very useful navigation tools, but they are not substitutes for good seamanship. The prudent navigator should never rely on any single device as the sole source of navigation guidance. Exercise caution and good judgment when underway. CAUTION! The electronic chart is an aid to navigation designed to facilitate the use of authorized government charts, not replace them. Only official government charts and notices to mariners contain all the information needed for safe navigation, and, as always, the user is responsible for their prudent use. Contents Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Welcome to the 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Using this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Obtaining technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Turning the 957 on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Displaying the chart screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Using chart data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Displaying detailed position information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Displaying the fishfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Displaying a video image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Using demo mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Going to a quick waypoint now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Introducing the 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Introducing the controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introducing the display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introducing the 957's special functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maintaining the 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interfacing the 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 19 22 23 24 Using the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Using the PWR key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the five function keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the CURSOR PAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the SAVE key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the MOB key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the alphanumeric KEYPAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the menu keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the BRIGHTNESS key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the IN and OUT keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 26 28 29 29 30 31 32 32 Using the Chart Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Understanding electronic charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Understanding nav aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zooming in and out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controlling the cursor on the chart screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comparing vessel and browse modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 957 Operator's Manual Rev. B 34 35 37 38 40 Page i Rotating the chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Setting up the chart screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Using distance and bearing mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Determining Your Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Displaying position, heading, and speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using DGPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using loran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using Phantom Loran. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 52 55 58 60 Understanding the Waypoints Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Introducing waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Displaying waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Displaying waypoint coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating new waypoints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating avoidance-area waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Updating waypoint coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moving waypoints/routes between units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transferring waypoints to and from a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 64 66 67 72 75 76 77 83 Understanding the Routes Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Introducing routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating routes from the chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating routes from a waypoints list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saving a route as you travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing a route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 87 89 89 92 Understanding Waypoint/Route Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Navigating to waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steering to a waypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigating along routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restarting the course line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. 102 104 108 110 Page ii 957 Operator's Manual Rev. B Using the Nav Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Introducing the nav log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Changing your trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Stopping and restarting navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Using Special Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 Understanding alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Understanding TideTrackTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Using the video display option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Setting up your 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Changing your display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing your navigation settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing your receiver settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing your port settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting up the fishfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installing software updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Displaying manufacturer's information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the time zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 141 146 151 151 152 152 155 Appendix A - Understanding GPS and WAAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 Appendix B - System Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163 Appendix C - Geodetic Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169 Appendix D - Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 Page iii 957 Operator's Manual Rev. B Page iv 957 Operator's Manual Rev. B 1Ge tting Started Welcome to the 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Using this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Obtaining technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Turning the 957 on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Displaying the chart screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Using chart data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Displaying detailed position information . . . 12 Displaying the fishfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Displaying a video image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Using demo mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Going to a quick waypoint now . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 This chapter introduces this manual, familiarizes you with the 957's navigation functions and CHART screen features, and explains how to display basic positioning information on the CHART screen. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 1 Chapter 1 - Getting Started Welcome to the 957 The 957 has several requirements that must be met to ensure safe and proper operation. To ensure that all critical installation parameters are met, installation and interfacing of the 957 should be handled by a marine technician using the guidelines found in the Northstar 957 Installation Manual. Congratulations on your purchase of the Northstar 957! The 957 is a full-featured color GPS/vector charting system, which is extremely easy to use, but meets your marine navigation needs in a comprehensive, logical manner. The 957 combines GPS with WAAS or optional radiobeacon differential position navigation, and offers a high-resolution 10.4" full-color screen, Navionics cartography, a video overlay feature, optional fish finding capability using Northstar's add-on Fishfinder, and many other features. The 957 anticipates your most common requests for navigation information, so accessing most functions requires just one or two keypresses. By reducing the attention required to navigate, you can devote more time to other aspects of your trip. For information on installing, interfacing, and troubleshooting the 957, please see the Northstar 957 Installation Manual (part number GM957IM) or contact your local authorized Northstar dealer. Using this manual This manual complements the 957's ease-of-use by describing and illustrating its various functions in a format that's conducive to fast learning and safe operation. The manual's sections are grouped by related functions, starting with an overview of the basic control-panel layout and function commands, and moving to more advanced waypoint and route navigation operations. Sample screens are provided to show how each function appears on the 957's display screen. Once you start using the 957, you'll discover that you can use it without constantly referring to this manual. After you've read the manual once, you probably won't have to refer to it very often. Page 2 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 1 - Getting Started Conventions This manual uses certain conventions to provide a consistent way to recognize specific information, as follows: · is the universal caution symbol for caution and warning information related to your personal safety or possible damage to the system. The CAUTION and WARNING boxes contain critical information--please read them! · NOTE is the type style used for titles of notes. These notes contain valuable information that's purposely highlighted so you won't miss it while reading the main text. · KEY is the type style used to refer to the function keys (the five main keys located below the left side of the display screen) as well as the six menu keys (located in a vertical row on the right side of the 957). DISPLAY TEXT is the type style used for text that appears on the display screens. Sample 957 screen is the type style used for captions of display screens. · · · · · · · Figure 1 is the type style used for captions of figures. A bulleted list contains a series of related items or topics. A numbered list contains a series of steps in a procedure. The command "Press a button or key" means push briefly and release, unless otherwise specified. Latitude and longitude coordinates are collectively referred to as lat/lon coordinates or just lat/lon. Obtaining technical support After you've follow the instructions in this manual, if you need technical support or have any other questions, you can contact Northstar by email, fax, phone, or U.S. mail as follows: Table 1: Contacting Northstar Email: Service: service@northstarcmc.com Sales: sales@northstarcmc.com 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 3 Chapter 1 - Getting Started Table 1: Contacting Northstar (continued) Fax: Service: 978/897-1595 Sales: 978/897-7241 Telephone: Main number: 978/897-6600 or 800/628-4487 U.S. mail: 30 Sudbury Road Acton, MA 01720 USA Website: www.northstarcmc.com (you can send email to Northstar from this site). Hearing from you Your feedback is important and helps Northstar ensure that this manual is a valuable resource for all 957 users. Send your questions, comments, or suggestions about this manual to: manuals@northstarcmc.com Service and repair In case of a 957 operating problem, you can contact your dealer or return the 957 to Northstar for diagnosis and repair. Before returning the 957 for repair, you may want to save your waypoints and routes. When describing an operating problem, be as complete and accurate as possible. Be sure to have your 957's serial number and software revision available whenever contacting or corresponding with your dealer or Northstar. If you need help, call the Northstar Service Department at 978-897-6600. NOTE: To prevent delays, it's critical that you first obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number from the Service Department before returning your 957 to Northstar. The 957 is covered by a two-year limited warranty (see the Limited Warranty Policy at the front of this manual), which, in summary, states that if the 957 is returned to Northstar by the owner or dealer during the warranty period, Northstar will Page 4 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 1 - Getting Started repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective due to faulty materials or workmanship, if the 957 has been properly installed and hasn't been abused. The only cost to the owner will be the one-way shipping charges and any associated charges that may be imposed by the dealer. Shipments to Northstar should be made to the following address: Northstar Technologies 30 Sudbury Road Acton, MA 01720 If you have special overnight or second-day shipping requirements (UPS or Federal Express), please call Northstar for turnaround time and freight costs before you ship your 957. For details about service procedures, see the Limited Warranty Policy in this manual. Turning the 957 on and off Turning the 957 on To turn the 957 on, briefly press the PWR key. The 957 emits several short beeps as it displays the START-UP screen, then the 957 performs a series of self-tests to check its critical components and functions. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 5 Chapter 1 - Getting Started After the 957 displays its START-UP and SELF-TEST screens, a message is shown to warn you against relying on the 957's chart cartography as the only means of safe navigation. CAUTION! Be extremely careful when navigating with electronic charts. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the data the 957 uses is as close as possible to paper charts, errors and omissions are inevitable. The captain is responsible for cross-checking the 957 against other sources of navigation data. To continue, accept the WARNING MESSAGE by pressing any one of the five function keys (CHART, STAR, STEER, NAV LOG, or WAYPTS/ROUTES) located below the display screen. A 957 that has recently been used at or near that same location will usually be ready to navigate within one minute. Now you're ready to get underway with your 957! Checking GPS and WAAS status Once the 957 is on and has acquired its satellite data, you can always check the quality of the GPS signals by viewing the various satellites' SNR reading (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) as Page 6 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 1 - Getting Started described in see "Viewing GPS satellite status" starting on page 54. Turning the 957 off To turn the 957 off, press and hold the PWR key for a few seconds until the screen goes dark. Displaying the chart screen Displaying your vessel's present position After the 957 successfully completes its start-up sequence, press the CHART function key to display the CHART screen. You'll see your present position represented by a black triangular vessel symbol in the center of the chart. The DGPS or WAAS indicator on the right side of the screen means the 957 is currently receiving radiobeacon (optional) or WAAS signals. White areas are water and brown areas are land. If you're using a chart cartridge, nav aids and depth contours are shown as well as landmark names. If your vessel is moving, the symbol will point in the direction of your course over ground. This direction may be different from your heading. The vessel symbol shows your actual direction of travel over the bottom, not the direction you're headed. If your vessel isn't moving, the 957 can't determine your COG, so the direction of the vessel symbol won't mean anything. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 7 Chapter 1 - Getting Started The scale of your first view is about 128 nautical miles (nm) from edge to edge--and is shown in the lower right corner of the screen. To see more details about your position, press the IN key. To see more area and less detail, press the OUT key. Rotating the chart To change the chart-viewing angle from north-up to course-up to leg-up, cycle through the choices by pressing the ROTATE key. The current angle is shown at the bottom half of the key. You can set up your 957's CHART screen to display your current route, your track history, nearby waypoints or avoidance points, a lat/lon grid, or other chart details. For details, see see "Setting up the chart screen" starting on page 45. If the 957 doesn't acquire GPS or WAAS signals within two minutes, you'll see a flashing NO GPS alarm icon on the lower right side of the screen. This means the 957 has an alarm message that needs your acknowledgement: Press the STAR function key (twice if the echo sounder is installed) to display the ALARMS screen. Displaying other information Clearing a GPS or WAAS alarm The alarm message NO GPS POSITION FIX is shown in the RECENT ALARMS box. This message is a normal part of using a 957 for the first time, and advises you that the 957 is acquiring Page 8 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 1 - Getting Started the necessary satellite information. This situation usually occurs in a 957 that's been shipped more than several hundred miles from Northstar, and often just the first time the 957 is turned on. This first time, the 957 takes two to five minutes to acquire the necessary information, and after that, is ready to navigate. The word NEW in the upper right corner tells you this message hasn't already been acknowledged. To acknowledge, press the CLEAR ALARM menu key. As soon as the 957 acquires its signals, you'll be ready to go. For details about alarms, see "Using the alarms" starting on page 22, and see "Understanding alarms" starting on page 118. Using chart data You have two choices for viewing chart data: · · use the 957's built-in Navionics worldwide maps use Navionics' chart-data cartridges The 957 contains a built-in, low-resolution map that covers the entire world at a fairly low level of detail. This large-scale set of maps can give you an approximate idea of your location with respect to land areas. Nav aids are not included. For more detailed charting data, you'll want to use Navionics' highly detailed miniature Nav-ChartTM cartridges. Navionics is a major producer of high-quality, high-resolution "seamless" digital charts. The 957's usefulness is greatly enhanced with cartridges for the areas to which you plan to navigate. Cartridge data is the result of countless hours of converting land-mass shapes, nav-aid names and locations, depth contours and other information found on official paper charts into an electronic format used by the 957. Each cartridge includes several charts covering a specific geographic location, typically providing zoom in and out levels ranging from a maximum detail of 1/4 nm across the screen to an overview of up to 256 nm across. Virtually every major port and most popular boating areas are available on these cartridges, and new charts are constantly being added. For details about 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 9 Chapter 1 - Getting Started obtaining Navionics charts, contact your authorized Northstar dealer. Inserting a chart cartridge The cartridge slot is located at the lower left-hand corner of the 957. You can see if a cartridge is inside by opening the cartridge access door and looking inside the slot. If the 957 is on, press the CHART SETUP menu key to the right of the CHART screen to display the CHART STATUS screen (the cartridge door must be fully closed and latched to display this information): · If a cartridge is inside, the cartridge name and date are shown at the left of the CHART SETUP/STATUS screen (screen at left, below). If a cartridge isn't installed or is installed incorrectly, the words NONE INSERTED are shown (screen at right, below). · NONE INSERTED The cartridge name comes from its Navionics catalog number. Not all cartridges will have a date, especially older ones; in this case, only the word PRESENT is shown rather than the name and date. Before you insert the cartridge, make sure the cartridge label is facing up and the cartridge is oriented as shown in Figure 1: "Properly inserting a chart cartridge," below. Insert the cartridge gently but firmly into position with one straight, smooth motion. If you only partially insert the cartridge, stop, Page 10 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 1 - Getting Started then move the cartridge again, it may get stuck in an awkward position. The Navionics chart cartridge must remain free from debris and moisture at all times. To ensure that you do not expose the cartridge to any environmental damage, please use caution when changing the cartridge. Be careful when inserting the cartridge into the 957 (see description and illustration at right). When you're not using the cartridge, store it in a clean, dry place away from heat, humidity, and dust. Improper handling and storage of the cartridge may damage the Northstar 957. Such damage is not covered under the 957 warranty. Figure 1: Properly inserting a chart cartridge 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 11 Chapter 1 - Getting Started Displaying detailed position information You can display detailed position information on two screens: · · the CHART screen the GPS POSITION screen To display position information on the CHART screen, press the MORE INFO menu key to display an "info bar" at the bottom of the screen. Each additional press of the MORE INFO key shows the following information: · · · your vessel's present Speed-Over-Ground (SOG) and Course-Over-Ground (COG) your vessel's distance (DIST) and bearing (BRG) to the current waypoint, if any your vessel's position in lat/lon (or TDs, if enabled) To display position information on the GPS POSITION screen, press the CHART function key again to display the GPS POSITION screen. Page 12 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 1 - Getting Started The GPS POSITION screen shows the following information: · · · · your vessel's position in lat/lon (or TDs, if enabled) your vessel's present SOG and COG current time, day, and date geodetic datum (for details, see "Appendix C - Geodetic Datums" starting on page 169) For details about determining and displaying your position, see "Determining Your Position" starting on page 51. Displaying the fishfinder If your 957 is equipped with Northstar's optional fishfinder, pressing the SOUNDER key on the CHART screen will display fishfinder data that's split with the CHART screen. Pressing the STAR key will display the full ECHO SOUNDER screen. For details about setting up and using the fishfinder, see the Northstar 490 Echo Sounder Operator's Manual (part number GM490). 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 13 Chapter 1 - Getting Started Displaying a video image If your 957 is connected with a compatible video source, you can display the image onto most 957 screens by pressing the VIDEO key. For an introduction to this function, see "Introducing the 957's special functions" starting on page 22. For details, see "Using the video display option" starting on page 133. Using demo mode You can use demo mode to simulate a stationary position, or simulate going to a cursor location on the CHART screen. To access demo mode, on the CHART screen, press the CHART SETUP key, then press the DEMO CONTROL key to display the DEMO CHART screen. To move your vessel to a simulated position, press the CURSOR PAD to move the cursor to the desired position and press the DEMO POSITION key. To start demo mode at this new position, press the ENTER key. Your vessel symbol will now be stationary at this position. To travel from here to a new cursor location, press the CURSOR PAD to move the cursor to the desired position, then press the DEMO COG/SOG key. To set your vessel's speed, use Page 14 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 1 - Getting Started the KEYPAD to enter the desired speed, then press the ENTER key to start going to the demo cursor location. To go back to the CHART screen (but stay in demo mode), press the RETURN key twice. The word DEMO always appears on the CHART screen when you're in demo mode. To exit demo mode, on the DEMO CHART screen, press the EXIT DEMO key. This immediately returns you to the CHART screen. NOTE: Video image display, chart rotation, and zooming in and out all work normally on the DEMO CHART screen. Going to a quick waypoint now You can point to any location on the CHART screen and go right to it. This is called "point-and-shoot" navigation, which can be the easiest and most powerful way to go to a waypoint: Just select different locations and go to them, one at a time, right on the chart. This way of navigating provides the most flexibility in deciding where you want to travel. Simply move the cursor wherever you want, press a key, and you're navigating. 1. Press the CHART function key to display the CHART screen. 2. Move the cursor to the desired chart location by pressing the CURSOR PAD in the lower right corner of the 957. 3. Press the GO TO CURSOR menu key at the lower right of the screen. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 15 Chapter 1 - Getting Started 4. When prompted with the message START NAVIGATING TO CURSOR POSITION, press the ENTER key. The 957 displays a track line to the new waypoint named -QUIK-, and guides you directly to this point. That's all you have to do to use the 957 in its simplest form. To learn more about navigating to waypoints, see "Navigating to waypoints" starting on page 102. Page 16 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B 2I ntroducing the 957 Introducing the controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Introducing the display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Introducing the 957's special functions . . . . . 22 Maintaining the 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Interfacing the 957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 This chapter introduces you to the 957's features, functions, and display modes. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 17 Chapter 2 - Introducing the 957 Introducing the controls Figure 2 below illustrates the functions of the 957's controls. Feel free to try any of the 957's controls! You can't hurt anything, and can only learn more about how to use the 957 more efficiently. The 957 always asks you to verify what you're doing when changing or deleting information. You'll be asked to confirm your action before anything happens that may affect the 957's operation. You can always cancel a function at the last second. For details about each of these controls, see "Using the Controls" starting on page 25. NORTHSTAR 957 Figure 2: 957 controls Page 18 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 2 - Introducing the 957 Introducing the display screen Overhead view The 957's CHART screen displays navigation data in an easily recognizable, practical format: an overhead view of your vessel's present position (or any position you choose) in relation to land masses, nav aids, and your own defined waypoints and routes. As you navigate, your vessel remains centered on the CHART screen, and the chart moves underneath your vessel. The CHART screen's high-speed redraw feature means you don't have to wait when you're scrolling from one location to the next. The 957 automatically keeps the chart visible--even as you move from one chart to the next. Move the cursor, press a key, and you're still navigating through a channel, around an island, or in open water--always in full view of what's around you at all times. Occasionally, you may see an hourglass symbol briefly displayed on the screen while the 957 is changing or redrawing the chart. Chart screen redraw feature Display-screen lighting The 957's large full-color screen is easily readable under all conditions from full, direct sunlight to total darkness. Anti-reflection treatment of the display and its window eliminates over 90 percent of the reflection and glare usually encountered in bright sunlight. Adjusting the brightness The fluorescent tubes that illuminate the 957 slowly dim after several thousand hours of use. If you use your 957 for many hours each day, you may want to keep the level of the display lighting low when you don't really need it. To adjust the screen's brightness, press the BRIGHTNESS key: Pressing the upper arrow brightens the screen; pressing the lower arrow darkens it. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 19 Chapter 2 - Introducing the 957 Chart plotter function The 957 plots your position on the CHART screen. Nearby land masses, depth contours, nav aids, waypoints, avoidance areas, and a lat/lon grid may be displayed, along with your vessel's image. When you're using the 957 as a chart plotter, the menu keys to the right of the display screen let you perform the following functions: · restart the desired track line to run directly from your position to the waypoint, "zeroing" the cross-track error display change the options available for the CHART screen display additional position information in the INFO BAR at the bottom of the screen go to a waypoint, nav aid, or unmarked point you select on the CHART screen by pressing the CURSOR PAD · · · Auto-dimming When the display screen is at full brightness, if the 957 becomes too hot inside due to the outside temperature and sunlight, the display screen will automatically dim. Auto-dimming helps maintain the integrity of the display and reduce power consumption when the 957 is on and running too hot for its current environment. You can override the auto-dim function at any time by increasing the brightness with the BRIGHTNESS key. The 957 may dim again as required so as not to exceed the maximum internal temperature. Occasionally, the 957 needs to tell you something or ask permission to do something. When this happens, a special information or question window appears on the display. This window may contain an alarm icon, or an INFO label or a large question mark along with a message for you to read. Special display windows Flashing alarm icons The 957 communicates alarm messages by flashing an alarm icon on the bottom right side of the screen. Alarm messages contain information you may want to read as soon as possible. To see the alarm condition on the ALARMS screen, press the Page 20 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 2 - Introducing the 957 STAR function key (twice if the echo sounder is enabled). Messages you haven't seen already display the word NEW in the upper right corner. To turn off the flashing icon and remove the message, press the CLEAR ALARM menu key. Info windows The 957 displays info windows while you're entering data or using control functions. These windows give extra details about what's going to happen, or let you acknowledge a command. Info windows always appear with the word INFO in a small box. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 21 Chapter 2 - Introducing the 957 Question windows A question window appears when the 957 needs a response from you. You must respond to any question window by pressing the ENTER key to answer yes, or the CLEAR key to answer no. Most of the other keys, including the function keys as well as the video image display, are temporarily inactive while the 957 displays a question window. Introducing the 957's special functions The 957 has several special functions: · · · alarms Tide Track display video image display Using the alarms The 957 has several alarms that automatically alert you to certain situations. For example, when you're approaching a waypoint, the 957 lets you know by sounding a beep and flashing an alarm icon on the screen. The 957 offers four adjustable alarms, including anchor, cross-track distance, arrival radius, and DGPS time-out. For details, see "Understanding alarms" starting on page 118. Page 22 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 2 - Introducing the 957 Using TideTrackTM The 957's TIDE TRACK screen displays a 24-hour tide graph for any of over 3,000 NOAA tide stations covering the entire U.S. coastline, including Alaska and Hawaii, plus much of the eastern and western Canadian coastline. You can display tides for the current date or any other date. For details about TideTrack, see "Understanding TideTrackTM" starting on page 131. The 957 offers a video display feature that lets you overlay an image from a connected video source onto most of the 957's display screens. The image can be turned on or off with a single keypress (VIDEO key), and you can easily adjust the size, position, and transparency of the image. Transparency refers to how much of the video image you see (how opaque it is), compared with how much you can "see through" the image (how transparent it is) to the screen underneath it. For details, see "Using the video display option" starting on page 133. Using the video image overlay Maintaining the 957 Basic maintenance To help retain the 957's best possible performance, Northstar recommends following these suggestions: · keep the cartridge access door closed at all times, unless inserting or removing a chart cartridge, to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the 957 don't change the cartridge when the 957 is exposed to water spray, rain, or moisture of any kind keep spare cartridges in a safe, watertight place where they can't be misplaced keep fingerprints off the display screen (remove any prints with a lens cleaning cloth) remove dirt and grime with Windex and a soft cloth, or else soap and water don't scratch the display by scraping a sandy or salty cloth across it use the 957's protective plastic cover when not in use Page 23 · · · · · · 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 2 - Introducing the 957 · don't open the 957's case--there aren't any user-serviceable parts inside Cleaning the display screen Pre-packaged moist towellettes (especially those containing a small amount of alcohol) are excellent for cleaning the 957's display window. You might want to keep a supply on hand to wipe off fingerprints and other smudges. Be careful when cleaning the glass window covering the display screen. Although the window is scratch-resistant, you may damage the anti-reflective coating if you use a dry cloth to wipe dirt off. When wiping the window, always use a damp cloth or a clean and dry microfiber-type lens cleaning cloth. To dissolve any oil or grease on the screen, use a small amount of window cleaner or alcohol. If possible, try not to touch the window with your fingers. The natural oils from your hand will temporarily affect the characteristics of the screen and cause your fingerprints to appear as bright reflections. These will disappear, however, when you clean the screen as described above. Protecting the 957 Excessive heat can cause short- and long-term damage to the 957. Although the 957 can recover from short-term effects, long-term damage may be permanent. When the 957 is out in the hot sun, but isn't being used, always use the protective plastic cover. If left disconnected and exposed, the 957's rear connectors may corrode slightly from exposure to saltwater spray. If the connectors are not in use, always keep their plastic caps on. Protect the entire 957 from prolonged exposure to the elements by mounting it, if possible, in a relatively dry location. At the end of a trip, wipe the 957 dry. Interfacing the 957 The 957 can be connected to a wide variety of compatible marine devices, including the Northstar 490 that adds complete fishfinding capability to the 957. This type of connection should be done by a qualified marine electronics technician. For details, contact your local authorized Northstar dealer. Page 24 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B 3Us ing the Controls Using the PWR key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Using the five function keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Using the CURSOR PAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Using the SAVE key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Using the MOB key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Using the alphanumeric KEYPAD . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Using the menu keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Using the BRIGHTNESS key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Using the IN and OUT keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 This chapter explains how to use all of the various controls to operate the 957. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 25 Chapter 3 - Using the Controls Using the PWR key To turn the 957 on, briefly press the PWR key. The 957 emits several short beeps as it first displays the STARTUP screen, followed by the SELF-TEST screen. This screen displays the results of the 957's self-tests, which are automatically run each time you turn power on. After you clear the WARNING MESSAGE, the 957 will display navigational data. To turn the 957 off, press and hold the PWR key for several seconds until the screen goes dark. Using the five function keys The five function keys--CHART, STEER, WAYPTS/ROUTES, STAR, and NAV LOG--located across the lower left part of the 957, control the functions you'll use most often. You can press any function key, at any time, on any screen, to display the information you need. CHART function key "Where am I?" The CHART key displays your position on the CHART screen (shows lat/lon graphically) or on the GPS POSITION screen (shows lat/lon numerically). Both screens also display COG and SOG. You can display position as any of the following: > as GPS/WAAS or DGPS lat/lon coordinates > as lat/lon from an external loran receiver (if connected) > as loran TDs (if you've connected a loran to the 957) > as Phantom Loran TDs (by converting GPS coordinates to Loran TD's) STEER function key "How do I get to my waypoint?" The STEER key shows you how to steer precisely along a course line to a designated waypoint. Your position is shown in relation to your course line, and numerical information is shown to help you steer directly to your waypoint, including cross track error, distance and bearing, estimated time to waypoint, estimated time of arrival, COG and SOG, and speed of advance. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 26 Chapter 3 - Using the Controls There are two versions of the steer display: traditional STEERING and 3D STEER. Press the STEER function key once to see the version you last used. Press it again to see the other one. For details, see "Steering to a waypoint" starting on page 104. STAR function key The STAR key lets you: · display the optional ECHO SOUNDER screen (this requires the optional Northstar fishfinder; see the Northstar 490 Operator's Manual, part number GM490, for details on fishfinder setup and operations) display an explanation of alarms and any messages the 957 has for you, and set the alarms that are adjustable display the VIDEO SETUP screen, where you enable the video image and adjust its size and placement on the display screen display graphical TideTrack information at over 3,000 NOAA tide stations display the time, day, and date, and the time of today's sunrise and sunset display screens that lets you set up the 957 according to your specific needs · · · · · For details about the special functions, see "Using Special Functions" starting on page 117. For details about setting up your 957, see "Setting up your 957" starting on page 137. WAYPTS/ROUTES function key "Where do I want to go?" The WAYPTS/ROUTES key lets you: · · · create new waypoints and routes display a list of previously stored waypoints and routes choose where you want to navigate For details, see "Understanding the Waypoints Function" starting on page 63, and see "Understanding the Routes Function" starting on page 85. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 27 Chapter 3 - Using the Controls NAV LOG function key "How am I doing?" The NAV LOG key displays a list of the waypoints you've passed, lets you change those ahead of you, reverse the direction of your trip, and stop or restart navigation. For details, see "Using the Nav Log" starting on page 113. Using the CURSOR PAD Pressing the large CURSOR PAD -- located in the lower right corner of the 957 -- while you're displaying the CHART screen will move the cursor across the CHART screen in an up and down, left to right, or diagonal direction. To move the cursor diagonally, press the CURSOR PAD between any two of its arrows. Pressing the CURSOR PAD while displaying text screens will move the flashing cursor to the data you want to either display or change. For example, when you're entering such data as the name of a waypoint, or its coordinates, press the CURSOR PAD down to move the cursor down to a particular area of data, then press the CURSOR PAD right to move the cursor to a particular character in that area. The cursor itself may be hard to see when it's located in a busy section of the CHART screen. To help you, the 957 displays four small red cursor pointers in the middle of each side of the screen (see below) that match and follow the cursor's position. You can always rely on these pointers to show you the cursor. Page 28 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 3 - Using the Controls Cursor pointers Using the SAVE key The SAVE key instantly saves your vessel's position as a waypoint--at any time, on any screen, during any function. Press the SAVE key to store your position. This new waypoint is automatically given a name, such as -S001-, where the letter S indicates a saved waypoint and the three-digit number increases by one (-S002-, -S003-, etc.) every time you save a new waypoint this way. Three-digit numbering of waypoints will restart at -S001-, which means the 957 will start to overwrite the existing numbered waypoints, as soon as the 957 reaches the maximum number of saved waypoints you've set. For details about using the MAX SAVED WAYPT # function in the DISPLAY OPTIONS menu, see "Choosing the number of saved waypoints" starting on page 140. Using the MOB key To enter Man Overboard mode (MOB), press the MOB key to display the MAN OVERBOARD info window. The 957 will save your position and display it on the CHART screen as a waypoint with the name ­MOB­ and the dot waypoint symbol. The zoom level will be set automatically to the maximum detail of 1/4 nm range. The CHART screen locks, showing your vessel's position and the MOB location. The MOB location has 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 29 Chapter 3 - Using the Controls immediately become your current waypoint, with new distance and bearing information displayed on the right side of the screen. CAUTION! INVOKING MOB WHILE USING AN AUTOPILOT Some autopilots try to steer your vessel according to any bearing changes output by the 957, regardless of the severity of the change. Others automatically disengage when a severe or abrupt turn is required. For details about this procedure, check your autopilot manual. To leave MOB mode and return to normal navigation, press the MOB key until the 957 displays the BACK TO NORMAL -- MOB TURNED OFF message. Notice that the waypoint named -MOB- is still stored. Using the alphanumeric KEYPAD The 12-key alphanumeric KEYPAD is used to enter numbers, letters, or special characters for waypoint coordinates, names, and similar functions. Entering numbers When the 957 expects you to enter only numbers, such as waypoint coordinates, you can use the KEYPAD to enter one digit (0 through 9) with each keypress. The flashing cursor moves automatically to the next digit position. For entries such as latitude and longitude--where you must enter digits into specific character positions--the cursor starts on the left side of the data area, and you enter characters left to right into their correct positions. For other numeric entries such as distances--where you can enter numbers of different lengths--you enter the digits Page 30 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 3 - Using the Controls calculator-style from the right side of the data area. If you make a mistake, press the CLEAR key to clear the entire number and re-enter it, or press the CURSOR PAD left to re-enter particular digits one at a time. Entering letters and characters When the 957 expects you to enter letters, such as waypoint names and descriptions, the operation is slightly different than entering numbers. Each key is labeled with three letters and a digit. For example, the upper left key is labeled with the letters A, B, C and the digit 1. Press this key once to display the letter A. Press this key again to display the second letter, B. Pressing a third and fourth time displays the letter C and the digit 1, respectively. A fifth press brings you back to the letter A again. To enter a character, first find the key containing the character, and press that key one to four times to display the desired character. To move the cursor to the next character position, press the CURSOR PAD right. Using the CLEAR and ENTER keys The KEYPAD has CLEAR and ENTER keys for erasing or entering data that's already been typed. The CLEAR key removes any data you've already typed--resetting the field to all blanks or restoring the original value. The ENTER key is always the last step when entering or changing data, or when acknowledging an action. The CLEAR and ENTER keys are also used to reject or accept actions displayed in question boxes that appear on the screen. For example, if you press the GO TO CURSOR key, the 957 displays the message START NAVIGATING TO CURSOR POSITION? YES... PRESS "ENTER" NO... PRESS "CLEAR," and waits for you to press the ENTER or CLEAR key. Using the menu keys The six round MENU keys on the right side of the screen have a variety of functions that usually depend on the screen you're currently displaying. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 31 Chapter 3 - Using the Controls Using the BRIGHTNESS key To get the best picture for the current conditions, the 957's screen may require minor adjusting for different viewing angles, temperature conditions, etc. Press the BRIGHTNESS key (the unlabelled double arrow) to adjust the screen's brightness. Using the IN and OUT keys On the CHART and the 3D STEER screen, each press of the IN key zooms in to double the scale, and each press of the OUT key zooms out to halve the scale. On non-CHART screens, you can also use the IN key and OUT keys to adjust the transparency of the video image, if already displayed: Pressing IN lets you see more of the video image, and pressing OUT lets you see more of the screen underneath the image. Page 32 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B 4Us ing the Chart Screen Understanding electronic charts . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Understanding nav aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Zooming in and out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Controlling the cursor on the chart screen . . 38 Comparing vessel and browse modes . . . . . . . 40 Rotating the chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Setting up the chart screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Using distance and bearing mode . . . . . . . . . . . 49 This chapter explains the electronic chart, the different chart modes (vessel and browse), the various chart symbols and their meanings, and how to set up the chart display. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 33 Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen Understanding electronic charts Each Navionics chart cartridge contains electronic chart data from several paper charts. Electronic charts have much of the information from the original paper charts, although spot depth soundings, some nav aids, and other data may be missing. When used with caution, electronic charts open up a world of navigational accuracy and simplicity. CAUTION! Don't become overly confident when using electronic charts. Always be cautious! Chart boundary lines The 957 displays the boundary line of each chart on the CHART screen. To turn this feature off, press the CHART SETUP key on the CHART screen, then press the CHART DETAIL key and turn off the CHART EDGES option. If you move from a highly detailed chart to a less detailed one, you may see a sudden change in the detail shown on the screen, just as if you had changed from one detailed paper chart to a less detailed one. You may be able to use the displayed boundary lines to predict when this change in detail is going to happen. Chart details Page 34 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen Understanding nav aids The nav aids on the CHART screen represent a variety of standard "aids to navigation" used on coastal and inland waterways throughout the United States. Nav aids are displayed on the CHART screen as colored circles with white letters. Most of these aids comprise buoys, lights, lighthouses, and daybeacons, which typically are maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Nav aids warn you of hidden dangers, such as underwater hazards, and to help you to safely navigate specific waterways and channels. CAUTION! Nav aids have been converted from official paper charts into the electronic format on your screen, and therefore aren't necessarily as accurate as the paper charts. You can expect about a 95 percent accuracy rate. In some areas, only the most important nav aids may be shown. Buoys Buoys are the most common type of nav aid. The 957 shows green and red channel markers as green and red circles, respectively. Approach buoys are shown as circles with black on the upper half and white on the lower half. Sound buoys (featuring an audible signal, such as a bell, gong, or whistle) are identified by a description in the INFO BAR such as BELL, WHIS, GONG, or HORN). Some nav aids have no chart symbol, and are shown on the CHART screen as text only. When you move the cursor onto a nav aid, the 957 displays a description in the INFO BAR at the bottom of the screen, along with the distance and bearing from your vessel to the nav aid. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 35 Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen Landmarks There are other objects shown on the CHART screen that aren't classified as nav aids, including various onshore landmarks. Page 36 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen Zooming in and out To get a closer look at the chart area around your vessel or around the cursor, press the IN key to zoom in. To see a wider area, press the OUT key to zoom out. Each press of the IN or OUT key approximately halves or doubles the chart scale, respectively. You can zoom out as far as the 8,192 nm scale, which covers multiple continents, and zoom in as far as the ¼ nm scale, which is just 1,320 feet from one side of the screen to the other. Data from the Navionics cartridges is displayed at scales from about 128 nm to about 1/4 nm. Many of these scales show a tremendous amount of detail for the areas they cover. Your zoom-in capacity depends on the individual charts. Many charts display their maximum detail at the ¼-nm scale level. At this scale, you can use the 957 as a precision plotter. When you zoom in past the highest detail available for a particular chart, the center of the chart is magnified to fill the screen and all text and symbols are doubled in size. Zooming in beyond this level causes the 957 to remove all chart detail from the screen for safety reasons, leaving only your vessel, its track, user-entered waypoints, and the lat/lon grid. 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 37 Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen As a reminder that no charted hazards or nav aids are shown, the 957 displays the words NO CHART multiple times across the screen. Even without any chart data displayed, you can still use the 957 as a precision plotter Controlling the cursor on the chart screen Pressing the CURSOR PAD displays the cursor symbol on the CHART screen. Further pressing of the CURSOR PAD will move the cursor across the screen. If you have trouble finding the cursor in a busy part of the CHART screen, just look at the sides of the screen for the red cursor pointers: They match up with the cursor. If you move the cursor right onto an object, such as a displayed waypoint, you will select that object, as indicated by a diamond-shaped box (see left) around the object. Information about the selected object appears at the bottom of the screen, as shown below. Page 38 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen After pressing the CURSOR PAD to scroll around on the chart, you can press the GO TO CURSOR menu key to start navigating to the designated cursor location. If you place the cursor on a waypoint or nav aid, this menu key would be GO TO WAYPT or GO TO NAV AID, respectively. You can use the cursor for the following functions: · select a nav aid or waypoint, to: > show its name, lat/lon, and distance and bearing > navigate to it > add it to a route · designate a point on the chart, to: > show its lat/lon > navigate to it > add it to a route > store as a waypoint · · select a leg of a route to follow or edit view a new area of the chart by moving the cursor to the edge of the chart 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Page 39 Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen Comparing vessel and browse modes The 957 offers two display modes: · · vessel browse Pressing the CURSOR PAD at any time instantly changes the display from vessel mode to browse mode. When you're in browse mode, pressing the VESSEL menu key at any time instantly displays your vessel in the center of the CHART screen, returning the 957 to vessel mode. Vessel mode Vessel mode is indicated by the word VESSEL in the upper right corner of the screen. In this mode, you can perform the following functions: · see your vessel's present position in relation to your intended course line and any nearby waypoints, nav aids, land masses, etc. display an image from a connected video source (VIDEO key) display the optional fishfinder (SOUNDER key); for details, see the Northstar 490 Echo Sounder Operator's Manual (part number GM490) rotate the chart (ROTATE key); for details, see "Rotating the chart" starting on page 42 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B · · · Page 40 Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen · restart your course line from your present position to your intended waypoint (RESTART key); for details, see "Restarting navigation" starting on page 116 display or change the setup functions for the CHART screen (CHART SETUP key); for details, see "Setting up the chart screen" starting on page 45 display position details at the bottom of the screen (MORE INFO key) · · Browse mode Browse mode is indicated by the word BROWSE in the upper right corner of the screen. In this mode, you can perform the following functions: · · · · view any area on the chart by moving the cursor there (CURSOR PAD) quickly determine distance and bearing to other points on the CHART screen (CURSOR PAD) display an image from a connected video source (VIDEO key) display the optional fishfinder (SOUNDER key); for details, see the Northstar 490 Echo Sounder Operator's Manual (part number GM490) rotate the chart (ROTATE key); for details, see "Rotating the chart" starting on page 42 return to vessel mode (VESSEL key) Page 41 · · 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B Chapter 4 - Using the Chart Screen · display or change the setup functions for the CHART screen (CHART SETUP key); for details, see "Setting up the chart screen" starting on page 45 specify points to go to on the CHART screen (GO TO CURSOR key) · Rotating the chart The chart rotation feature lets you change the angle of the charts that are displayed on the CHART screen. You can turn charts to any one of the following angles: · · North up - You'll see north pointing straight upwards (the chart isn't turned). Course-up - You'll see your vessel's current direction of travel--whatever that direction is--pointing straight upwards. Course-up represents your true COG as determined by the GPS receiver. The 957 ignores any course changes if your speed is under half a knot. The chart will rotate sooner for large turns than for small ones. Note: Your COG is often different from your heading, so what you see straight ahead in the real world may be different from what's displayed on the screen. · Leg-up - You'll see your vessel's current leg to a waypoint--whatever direction that is--pointing straight upwards. The 957 will adjust the chart on a leg-by-leg basis, so the chart turns accordingly whenever you start navigating on a new leg, even if you haven't turned the vessel yet. Exception: If you select leg-up when you aren't currently navigating, the 957 automatically uses course-up--until you start navigating along another leg. If you're viewing course-up or leg-up, the text from the Navionics cartridge is tilted to match the rotation angle in order to avoid text overlap. You can change the chart rotation right on the CHART screen by pressing the ROTATE key. The following three screens show how the chart looks if you're travelling along a sample route that has four waypoints, and Page 42 957 Operator's Manual, Rev. B