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961 AND 962 GPS CHART NAVIGATORS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Part Number GM1901 Northstar Technologies 30 Sudbury Road Acton, Massachusetts 01720 978/897-6600 800/628-4487 www.northstarcmc.com Limited warranty policy Northstar Technologies, Inc. warrants the Northstar 961 and 962 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 unit, 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 the Northstar dealer or Northstar for instructions. During the unit's warranty period, Northstar will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the unit 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 units with defects caused by improper installation, physical damage, abuse, tampering, lightning or other abnormal electrical discharge, or to units with defaced or altered serial numbers, or to units 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 unit's owner in connection with this warranty. Such services might include removal of the unit from a vessel, inspection, packaging, handling, reinstallation, and the like. Northstar Technologies, Inc. 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. Contents SECTION ONE - Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Who should read this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Scope of this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Getting technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Servicing the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Returning a 961/962 for service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 SECTION TWO - Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Safety considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choosing a system location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiring the 961/962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installing the antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turning the system on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Testing and troubleshooting the 961/962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . .6 . . . .7 . . . .8 . . .13 . . .15 . . .28 . . .34 SECTION THREE - Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Interfacing the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Configuring the NMEA output ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Configuring the auxiliary port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Setting PPNM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Using VGA output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 SECTION FOUR - Service/Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Service functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Maintenance functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 APPENDIX A - Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page i Page ii 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Figures Figure 1: 961/962 control head yoke-mount dimensions (side) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Figure 2: 961/962 control head yoke-mount dimensions (front) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Figure 3: 961/962 control head flush-mounting template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Figure 4: Processor connectors (back of 961/962) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Figure 5: Separation distances between antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Figure 6: GPS-only antenna (AN150) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Figure 7: Stripping the coax cable jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Figure 8: Flared cable braid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Figure 9: Completed BNC connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Figure 10: Combo GPS/DGPS antenna (AN205-P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Figure 11: Correct AN205-P (combo antenna) splitter wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Figure 12: Stripping the coax cable jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Figure 13: Flared cable braid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Figure 14: Completed TNC connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Figure 15: ACU assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Figure 16: Correct AN150 and 8410 wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Figure 17: PL-259 (UHF) connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Figure 18: Initial 961 and 962 startup screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Figure 19: System test screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Figure 20: Owner's message screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Figure 21: Advisory message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Figure 22: GPS satellite status screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Figure 23: Interface cabling wiring screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Figure 24: Port 1 output setup screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page iii Figure 25: Port 3 setup screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Figure 26: Port 1 setup (sentences) screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Figure 27: Port 1 setup (sentences) screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Figure 28: Auxiliary port setup screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Figure 29: PPNM output setup screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Figure 30: Product information screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Figure 31: Receiver information screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Figure 32: GPS satellite status screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Figure 33: Database function screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Figure 34: Select database to save dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Figure 35: Select database to restore dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Figure 36: Select a restored database to undo dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Figure 37: Save log data dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Page iv 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Tables Table 1: Contacting Northstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Table 2: Troubleshooting the installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Table 3: Troubleshooting the GPS/DGPS antenna installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Table 4: Troubleshooting radar interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Table 5: Interface cable wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Table 6: Port setup options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Table 7: NMEA 0183 sentence identifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Table 8: Aux port setup parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Table 9: PPNM output setup parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Table 10: 961/962 technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Table 11: 961XD/962XD beacon receiver specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Table 12: AN150 GPS antenna specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Table 13: 8410 antenna coupling unit specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Table 14: AN205-P GPS/DGPS antenna specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page v Page vi 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION ONE - Introduction SECTION ONE - Introduction Welcome The Northstar 961/962 Installation Manual describes how to install the entire 961 or 962 system (control head, processor, and antenna). Also described are the system's physical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics, selecting the right location, and mounting and wiring. This manual also explains how to interface, troubleshoot, and maintain the entire system. For details on operating the 961/962, please see the Northstar 961/962 Operations and Reference Manual (part number GM1900). The 961/962X is differential-ready so you can interface it to an external differential receiver, whereas the 961/962XD already has a built-in differential receiver. Unless specifically indicated, all information in this manual refers to both the X (non-differential) and XD (differential) versions of the systemt. You can add echosounding capabilities to a 961 or 962 by interfacing it with the Northstar 490 Echo Sounder and a Northstar-recommended transducer recommended. For complete details about installing the 490, please see the Northstar 490 Echo Sounder Installation Manual (part number GM491). Who should read this manual The Northstar 961/962 Installation Manual is intended for marine technicians who are installing the 961/962 system. CAUTION! To obtain the best system performance, Northstar strongly recommends that you have an authorized Northstar dealer perform the installation. Proper installation is of utmost importance to accurately receive and effectively use GPS signals under a variety of weather conditions. Scope of this manual In this manual, you'll find information on the following procedures: · · · · · · choosing a mounting location mounting and wiring the 961/962 installing the antenna testing the system interfacing the 961/962 to other instruments troubleshooting the system 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 1 SECTION ONE - Introduction · · · · · · · configuring the NMEA output ports setting the auxiliary port setting pulses per nautical mile (PPNM) service functions maintaining the 961/962 installing software updates saving and restoring the database Technical specifications for the 961/962 and antennas are located in Appendix A at the back of this manual. The rest of this section explains how to obtain technical support and how to return a system for service. Getting technical support You can email the Service Department directly from Northstar's website, www.northstarcmc.com. From here you can also get technical information under either the Manuals link (to download manuals) or the Support link. After you've followed the instructions in this manual, if you need additional technical or operations support or have any other service-related questions, please contact your dealer or the Northstar Service Department by email, fax, U.S. mail, or phone, as described in the table below. For product information and brochures, contact the Northstar Sales Department. You can also visit Northstar's website for additional service-related information. Table 1: Contacting Northstar Email: Service: service@northstarcmc.com Sales: sales@northstarcmc.com 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 Website: www.northstarcmc.com (you can send email to Northstar directly from this site) When contacting Northstar, please have the 961/962's serial number available. Be as complete and accurate as possible when describing the problem so that a Northstar service technician can research the issue and provide the quickest possible response. Northstar's Service Department is available between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. Page 2 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION ONE - Introduction Using the Dealer Express web pages You can visit the Dealer Express area on Northstar's website for online service-related information (contact Northstar for your dealer password before clicking on the Dealer Express link), including the following: · · · · · · service bulletins (for known issues and solutions) software update information (for new software features) service request form (for sending systems back) 961/962 support request form (for 961/962 service) service status request form (for systems currently under repair) warranty registration form (for registering new products) Hearing from you Your feedback is important and helps Northstar ensure that this manual is a valuable resource for all marine technicians. Send your questions, comments, or suggestions about this manual to: docs@northstarcmc.com Ordering replacement parts To order spare parts or replacement/missing parts, call the Northstar Sales Department at 978/897-6600 or 800/628-4487. Servicing the system Warranty repair of the system is performed only by authorized Northstar dealers or at the Northstar factory. Service includes a complete hardware and software check-out. NOTE: For systems still under warranty, field repairs are not authorized and will void the warranty! For a 961/962 under warranty, shipping charges to the factory are the only cost for factory repair. The repaired 961/962 will be returned via prepaid economy ground freight (freight for units returned overseas is chargeable). A 961/962 and any accessories returned for warranty repair that are determined to be without fault are subject to a handling charge. 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 3 SECTION ONE - Introduction Returning a 961/962 for service Before returning the 961/ 962 to the Northstar factory, it is critical that you first obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number from the Northstar Service Department. If you purchased your 961/962 through a dealer, to get an RMA number, call the dealer with the serial number. You can find the serial number at the back of the processor and control heads(s), or on the PRODUCT INFORMATION screen in the left-hand boxes. Shipments without a proper RMA number will not be accepted! CAUTION! Before returning the system for repair, you should ensure that any waypoints and routes have been backed up (saved); see "Saving and restoring databases and system logs" beginning on page 63 for information on saving waypoints and routes. The 961/962 is covered by a two-year hardware-only warranty. In summary, the warranty states that if the 961/962 is returned to the factory by the owner or dealer during the warranty period, Northstar will repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective due to faulty materials or workmanship if the system has been properly installed and hasn't been abused. (For further details, see the Limited Warranty Policy at the front of this manual.) The only cost to the owner will be the one-way shipping charges and any associated charges that may be imposed by the dealer. If you have overnight or second-day shipping requirements, before shipping the 961/962, please call Northstar for turnaround time, freight charges, and payment arrangements. The 961/962 should only be shipped in a properly designed carton with packing material. Please reference the RMA number on the outside of the shipping carton. Shipments to the Northstar factory should be made to the following address: Northstar Technologies Service Department 30 Sudbury Road Acton, MA 01720 USA Page 4 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION TWO - Installation SECTION TWO - Installation This chapter includes all the information you need to properly install the 961/962, including: · · · · · reviewing the system components installing and powering on the 961/962 wiring the 961/962 installing the antenna troubleshooting the system Proper installation is of utmost importance to accurately receive and effectively use GPS signals under a wide variety of weather conditions. Safety considerations WARNING! WARNING! Before starting the installation, be sure to turn the power off at the mains switchboard. Further, it is highly recommended that you post a sign by this switch telling others to keep power off while you're performing the installation. If power is left on or turned on during the installation, fire, electrical shock, or other serious injury may occur. Be sure that the voltage of the power supply is compatible with the 961/962's voltage rating--10 to 40 VDC. Connecting to the wrong power supply can result in fire or damage to the equipment. Be sure to ground the equipment in order to prevent electrical shock or mutual interference. WARNING! CAUTION! Be sure to use the proper fuse. Using the incorrect fuse can result in fire or damage to the equipment. Make sure that the 961/962 does not interfere with any of the on-board systems. Check all other systems to ensure that their performance doesn't degrade when the unit is turned on. CAUTION! CAUTION! The 961/962 processor can only be mounted horizontally due to its rubber vibration mounts. If you must cut the processor's 10-foot power cord shorter, be sure to keep the external fuse intact. If the power cable must be longer than 10 feet, use a heavier gauge wire for those applications and be sure to use an external fuse. 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 5 SECTION TWO - Installation System overview The system is shipped ready to install and operate. It is recommended that you follow the steps below: 1. Check the shipping carton for any damage, and immediately report any damage to the carrier. Save all packing material in case you have to return the system to the factory for repair or evaluation. For return procedures, see "Returning a 961/962 for service" beginning on page 4. 2. Unpack the cartons. Compare the Northstar 961/962 Packing List (part number GM1703, included in the carton) with the contents in those cartons and with what you ordered. 3. Make sure you have the tools necessary to complete the installation. 4. Review the components of a proper installation. For suggestions and further information, see "Installation considerations" beginning on page 7. 5. Choose the best location to mount the control head(s) and processor. For suggestions and further information, see "Choosing a system location" beginning on page 8. 6. Choose the best location to mount the antenna. For suggestions and further information, see "Installing the antenna" beginning on page 15. 7. Review the section on wiring the 961/962. For details, see "Wiring the 961/962" beginning on page 13. 8. Install the control head(s), processor, and antenna. You may want to temporarily install the antenna, then try operating the 961/962 to ensure the antenna location works well before permanently installing the antenna. 9. Turn on the system. For details, see "Turning the system on and off" beginning on page 28. 10.To ensure that the system is installed correctly and running properly, perform a functional test. For details, see "Testing and troubleshooting the 961/962" beginning on page 34. 11.If desired, interface the NMEA output ports. For details, see "Configuring the NMEA output ports" beginning on page 44. If desired, interface the auxiliary port, see "Configuring the auxiliary port" starting on page 52. Page 6 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION TWO - Installation Installation considerations CAUTION! The following basic installation considerations aren't a substitute for all the details in SECTION TWO. To ensure that you meet all critical installation parameters, be sure to read and follow everything in this section. Ensuring a proper installation To ensure a proper installation, it is highly recommended that you perform all of the following activities before starting the installation: · · · review/survey the vessel's layout and existing equipment review all the installation materials review all the installation requirements, including: - the physical requirements (spacing, location with regard to other equipment, etc.) - the electrical and electronic requirements (interference between other pieces of equipment, power requirements, etc.) Although the system itself is very straightforward and easy to understand, there are several basic requirements you must meet before safe and proper operation can be assured. This section addresses several topics regarding the minimum installation requirements for the system to: · · · be mounted correctly accurately receive GPS and DGPS signals navigate safely Avoiding shortcuts The majority of installation problems are caused by shortcuts taken with system cables. When installing your 961/962, be sure to: · · · · · · assemble the connectors carefully use the right crimping tool for the connector don't make sharp bends in the cables leave service and drip loops tie-wrap all cables to keep them secure if cables are lengthened, seal all wiring splices Using the GPS antenna (AN150) The "active" AN150 GPS antenna is best mounted in the clear, and low on the vessel to avoid extra motion from pitching and rolling. The AN150 should be mounted lower than directional high-power transmitting antennas, such as radar or satcom. The length of the coaxial cable (supplied) to the antenna must be a minimum of 20 feet, but not more than 100 feet. Coil up any unused 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 7 SECTION TWO - Installation length of cable, and do not cut it to less than 20 feet! Be sure that all cable connectors are securely fastened, and that the cable itself isn't subject to any tight bends. For complete details about installing the AN150, see "Installing the antenna" beginning on page 15. Using DGPS with an AN150 and 8410 ACU If the 961/962 is equipped with a differential receiver, and you're using the AN150 GPS antenna, not the AN205-P GPS/DGPS combo antenna, this receiver must be connected to a Northstar 8410 differential Antenna Coupling Unit (ACU). The ACU's four-foot whip antenna should be mounted as high as conveniently possible (but not at the highest point), and as far away as possible from other antennas. The ACU can be mounted on a standard marine antenna mount (1" diameter, 14 threads per inch). For complete details about installing the AN150/8410 ACU, see "Installing an 8410 ACU (for use with the AN150 only)" beginning on page 24. Using the DGPS antenna (AN205-P) Pre-installation testing For complete details about installing the AN205-P, see "Installing the antenna" beginning on page 15. Northstar recommends that you perform a pre-installation test of the entire system before installing it on the vessel. This ensures that the equipment is fully operational, and allows the GPS receiver to collect its almanac and ephemeris data for the installed location, which results in less on-board installation time. Choosing a system location The 961/962 consists of two major components: a processor and a control head. The 961/962 supports two fully functional control heads (the second head is optional). CAUTION! Be sure to keep the following safe compass distance from the 961/962: 1.0 m standard, 0.8 m steering. Mounting the control head You can either yoke- or flush-mount the control head. Use the yoke-mount kit as a framework for holding the control head, or flush mount the head directly onto a flat surface of your choice. Using the Page 8 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION TWO - Installation Northstar-supplied yoke mounting kit usually allows for a quicker and less expensive installation than a flush-mount installation. Regardless of the type of mount, here are a few helpful hints about where to mount the control head. Choose the mounting location carefully--before any drilling or cutting takes place. Choose a location that: · · · · · · is convenient, accessible, and within comfortable reach gives you easy access to the function keys is where you can clearly see the display screen from your normal vantage point when navigating for best display contrast, is viewed from below, looking up at the display screen provides a reasonably direct path for running the required electrical cables has minimal glare from windows or other bright objects (you'll want to make the screen as visible as possible, even though the control head has a high-contrast, anti-reflective LCD screen that's specially coated and readable in direct sunlight) is well-ventilated, if you're flush-mounting the head, since poor ventilation may cause overheating and result in potential backlighting problems · Yoke mounting For yoke mounts, leave ample room--usually two inches--all around the sides and top of the head to avoid crowding. Also, allow a clearance of at least 2½ inches in the rear for the cables and connectors. For the recommended yoke-mount installation dimensions (in inches), see "Figure 1: 961/962 control head yoke-mount dimensions (side)" below, and "Figure 2: 961/962 control head yoke-mount dimensions (front)" below. Before drilling holes, rotate the head to the desired angle to ensure proper clearance for cables and operations. 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 9 SECTION TWO - Installation Figure 1: 961/962 control head yoke-mount dimensions (side) Page 10 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION TWO - Installation Figure 2: 961/962 control head yoke-mount dimensions (front) 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 11 SECTION TWO - Installation Flush mounting When flush-mounting the control head, allow at least 2½ inches of clearance at the rear for the cables and connectors. For the recommended flush-mount drilling dimensions, see Figure 3 below. For the full-size version of these flush-mount installation measurements/instructions, see the Northstar 961/962 Control Head Flush-Mounting Template, Front View (part number GT1800), included in the 961/962 shipping carton. CAUTION! When flush-mounting, be sure to mount the head on a flat surface. Mounting on a curved surface can distort or break the plastic and cause a breech in the waterproof seal--invalidating the warranty. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation, especially if the system is installed in a poorly ventilated or closed area. Poor ventilation will cause the head to overheat, which in turn may cause the display screen to darken. Figure 3: 961/962 control head flush-mounting template Page 12 961/962 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION TWO - Installation