RC400 GPS Chartplotter Owner's Handbook Document Number: 81237-2 Date: August 2004 ii RC400 GPS Chartplotter iii About this Handbook Introduction This handbook describes the RC400 Portable GPS Chartplotter. The RC400 utilizes Satellite Differential (SD) signals for enhanced navigational accuracy. The RC400 GPS Chartplotter can be used portably with the supplied NiMH batteries or fix-mounted while connected to ship's power. The equipment is comprised of: · 4 in Color LCD display with Chart holder compartment for a Navionics Gold Chart electronic chart card · Internal GPS antenna · Battery tray for portable operation ® The RC400 GPS Chartplotter can output GPS and Waypoint data to operate with other equipment, such as an autopilot or repeater instrument connected via the NMEA 0183 interface. Note: This handbook contains important information about installing, using and maintaining your new Raymarine product. To get the best from the product, please read this handbook thoroughly. Conventions Used Throughout this handbook, dedicated buttons are referred to in bold capitals (for example, ENTER). Functions, modes of operation and options are shown in normal capitals (for example, LIGHT). Operating procedures, which may consist of a single key-press, or a sequence of numbered steps, are indicated by a symbol in the margin. When textual data is displayed on screen, any unavailable data is shown as dashes, one per character. Where procedures refer to Select, this implies using the trackpad to highlight a function and then pressing the ENTER key. © Raymarine Limited 2004 iv RC400 GPS Chartplotter Important Information This handbook contains important information on the installation and operation of your new equipment. In order to obtain the best results in operation and performance, please read this handbook thoroughly. Raymarine's Product Support representatives, or your authorized dealer, are available to answer any questions you may have. Intended Use The Raymarine RC400 is a chartplotter display unit with a built-in GPS receiver and internal GPS antenna. It is intended for marine navigation purposes on recreational boats. Warranty To register your RC400 ownership, please take a few minutes to fill out the Warranty registration card at the back of this handbook. It is very important that you complete the owner information and return the card to the factory in order to receive full warranty benefits. Technical Accuracy To the best of our knowledge, the information in this handbook was correct as it went to press. However, our policy of continuous product improvement and updating may change specifications without prior notice. As a result, unavoidable differences between the product and handbook may occur from time to time. Raymarine cannot accept liability for any inaccuracies or omissions it may contain. For the latest product information visit our website: www.raymarine.com EMC Conformance All Raymarine equipment and accessories are designed to the best industry standards for use in the recreational marine environment. The design and manufacture of Raymarine equipment and accessories conform to the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards, but correct installation is required to ensure that performance is not compromised. v GPS Reception GPS systems must have a clear horizon-to-horizon view to track satellites. Because its GPS antenna is internal, the RC400 should never be mounted below deck. The RC400 must be used outdoors to ensure proper GPS signal reception. The internal antenna may not be able to obtain a fix if the unit is operated indoors. The RC400 may require several minutes to obtain a GPS fix the first time you power up. Failure to properly mount the chartplotter can result in poor performance. Safety Notices CAUTION: Product Installation This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with the instructions contained in this handbook. Failure to do so could result in poor product performance, personal injury and/or damage to your boat. CAUTION: Navigation Aid Although we have designed this product to be accurate and reliable, many factors can affect its performance. As a result, it should only be used as an aid to navigation and should never replace common sense and navigational judgement. Always maintain a permanent watch so you can respond to situations as they develop. WARNING: High Voltage This unit contains high voltages. Adjustments require specialized service procedures and tools available only to qualified service technicians ­ there are no user serviceable parts or adjustments. The operator should not remove the cover or attempt to service the unit. CAUTION: Battery Usage · Do not short the terminals. · Do not solder cells directly into battery tray. · Do not use charger cord if power plug or cable is damaged. · Do not charge cells with + and ­ terminals reversed. · Do not recharge cells if physically deformed or leaking. · Only operate using four Alkaline or four Ni-MH cells. · Only use Alkaline or Ni-MH cells. Do not use any other type. vi RC400 GPS Chartplotter · · · · · · · Do not mix Alkaline and Ni-MH cells. Do not dispose of cells in fire. Do not dismantle cells. Replace all cells at the same time. Charge and discharge under the ambient temperature mentioned in cell's specifications. Using batteries in extreme conditions may affect their service life. For example: extreme temperature, deep cycle, extreme overcharge and over discharge. The Ni-MH batteries included with your RC400 are not covered by the unit's warranty. WARNING: Alkaline Battery Use When using Alkaline batteries, ensure the BATTERY TYPE switch inside unit is set to ALKALINE so that the cells are not charged when the Power/NMEA cable is connected. Charging Alkaline cells can cause a rupture of the safety seal, resulting in fluid contamination of the unit. This can lead to corrosion that could damage or destroy the unit. Ni-MH Battery Recycling This product is powered by rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Ni-MH batteries contain chemically active materials that are hazardous to the environment. When Ni-MH batteries can no longer hold a charge, they should be disposed of properly. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) has been established in the US to provide a rechargeable battery recycling program. Spent Ni-MH batteries can be forwarded to a facility that uses a thermal recovery process to reclaim the heavy metals. Collecting and recycling Ni-MH batteries preserves valuable resources and prevents heavy metals form entering the waste system, landfills and incinerators. When the useful life of your Ni-MH cells has expired, please return them to a recycling center. To find the location of the recycling center in the US nearest you, phone the RBRC at 1-800-822-8837 or point your web browser to: www.rbrc.com Outside the US, please contact the battery recycling agency for your area. vii Contents About this Handbook ........................................................................................... iii Introduction .................................................................................iii Conventions Used ........................................................................iii Important Information ....................................................................................... iv Intended Use ................................................................................ iv Warranty ...................................................................................... iv Technical Accuracy ..................................................................... iv EMC Conformance ...................................................................... iv GPS Reception .............................................................................. v Safety Notices ............................................................................... v Ni-MH Battery Recycling ........................................................... vi Chapter 1: Overview ..........................................................................................1 1.1 RC400 GPS Chartplotter .............................................................. 1 Display Features and Functions .................................................... 1 Operating Controls and Display Layout ....................................... 1 Trackpad and Cursor ............................................................... 2 Dedicated Keys ....................................................................... 3 Status Bar ................................................................................ 3 Function Bar ........................................................................... 3 Pop-Up Menus ........................................................................ 4 Database Lists ......................................................................... 4 1.2 Satellite Differential System ......................................................... 4 How it Works ................................................................................ 5 Availability of WAAS and EGNOS Signals ................................. 6 Broadcast Continuation and Accuracy ......................................... 6 Installation .......................................................................................7 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 7 EMC Installation Guidelines ........................................................ 7 2.2 Unpacking and Inspecting the Components ................................. 7 Items Missing? .............................................................................. 8 2.3 Planning the Installation ............................................................... 9 2.4 Installing the Batteries and Chart Card ....................................... 11 Installing the Batteries ................................................................ 12 Inserting a Gold Chart Card ........................................................ 13 Removing a Gold Chart Card ..................................................... 14 2.5 Bracket Mounting ....................................................................... 14 2.6 Running the Cable ...................................................................... 16 Introduction ................................................................................ 16 2.7 Charging the Ni-MH Batteries .................................................... 18 Battery Voltage Indicator ............................................................ 18 Chapter 2: viii RC400 GPS Chartplotter 2.8 System Check and Initial Switch On .......................................... 19 Initial Switch On ......................................................................... 19 Checking Chartplotter Operation ............................................... 20 EMC Conformance ..................................................................... 20 GPS Reception ............................................................................ 20 Chapter 3: Getting Started .............................................................................21 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 21 Battery Voltage Indicator ............................................................ 21 Simulator .................................................................................... 21 3.2 Switching On/Off ........................................................................ 22 Changing the Lighting and Contrast ........................................... 22 3.3 Simulator Mode .......................................................................... 23 3.4 Controlling the Display ............................................................... 24 Selecting the Display Mode ........................................................ 24 Moving Around the Chart ........................................................... 26 Using FIND SHIP ....................................................................... 26 Changing the Chart Scale ............................................................ 27 3.5 Using Navionics Gold Chart Cards ............................................. 29 Loading the Chart Data ............................................................... 29 Displaying the Chart Data ........................................................... 30 Setting Up .......................................................................................31 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 31 4.2 System Set Up Parameters .......................................................... 31 Bearing Mode ............................................................................. 33 Unit ...