NORTHSTAR 972 Installation guide

972 NETWORKED NAVIGATION SYSTEM

INSTALLATION MANUAL

Revision B

Part Number GM972IM

Northstar

a unit of Brunswick New Technologies Marine Electronics

30 Sudbury Road

Acton, Massachusetts 01720

www.NorthstarNav.com

Service: 978/897-6600

Sales: 800/628-4487

Contents

SECTION ONE: Introducing the 972 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1

Caution - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1

Checking the 972 package - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972 - - - - - - - - - - - 5

972 Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5

Bench-testing the 972 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5

Mounting the Control Head - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6

Mounting the Processor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7

Wiring the 972 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the GPS antenna - - - - - 13

The 2301 antenna - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13

Mounting and wiring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13

SECTION FOUR: Networking the Northstar 972 - - - - - - - - - 17

Networking setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17

Technical details - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18

Installation Planning - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18

Ethernet Switches - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19

SECTION FIVE: Checking out the system - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21

Turning the 972 on and off - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21

Chart data - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21

Checking satellite status - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21

Installation-test checklist - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22

Checking the network - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22

SECTION SIX: Interfacing the 972 system - - - - - - - - - - - - 23

The NMEA connector - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24

Configuring the RS-232 port - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28

Using the Aux Port - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29

Connecting the 972 to a remote display - - - - - - - - - - - - 33

Connecting the 972 to a video camera - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33

SECTION SEVEN: Troubleshooting and servicing the 972 system - 35

Troubleshooting installation problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35

Getting technical support - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36

APPENDIX A: 972 technical specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - 41

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 1

SECTION ONE: Introducing the 972

Caution

Attention Installers:

This processor module must be handled with reasonable care and protected from the following;

• Moisture - Do not mount this processor in unprotected areas of the vessel having

moisture.

• Vibration and shock - Use of the supplied shock/vibration mount is a mandatory part of

the installation. Only mount this unit in a horizontal position with adequate space for

ventilation, maintenance and for field service removal. Rough handling during removal or

installation can cause premature failure of internal components.

• Radar interference - Do not install the processor or its associated cabling in areas exposed

to interference from radar, high powered transmitters or large-current-carrying cables. The

processor should be mounted as far as possible below the beam of radar antennas.

Flybridge installations of the processor are not recommended and should be avoided. Installations in

these areas require special provisions for shielding and the installation design must provide total

protection from any moisture.

Problems caused by moisture, vibration and interference are not covered by warranty.

The processor must be mounted in a horizontal position so that its heat management system can

work correctly.

For advice regarding equipment placement, please consult with an authorized BNT-ME Servicing

Dealer before beginning the installation.

To locate a Northstar Servicing Dealer near you call 978-897-6600 or consult the Northstar/BNT

Marine website: www.northstarnav.com

Checking the 972 package

The Northstar 972 is a networked color GPS navigation family that you can connect to a wide variety

of optional equipment, including the Northstar 491 echo sounder, Northstar radar, and VGA displays.

Other optional interfaces include any NTSC- or PAL-compatible video sources, such as a video

camera, TV, DVD, or VCR. For installation instructions for the Northstar 491, see the Northstar 491

Installation Manual (P/N GM495). For the Northstar Ethernet Radar, see the Northstar Ethernet Radar

Installation Manual (P/N GMEKRadIM).

SECTION ONE: Introducing the 972

Page 2 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

To connect multiple units, Ethernet cables must be purchased separately (see ”SECTION FOUR:

Networking the Northstar 972” starting on page 17).

Table 1: 972 Processor Installation Kit

Qty Part name Part number

1 GPS Smart antenna 2301

1 GPS antenna cable assembly 957POD-CA

1 Fuse, 7A fast blow FF211

1 Northstar 972 Installation Manual GM972IM

1 Northstar 972 Operator’s Manual GM972UM

1 Owner registration card GD671

1 Mounting template GT972

1 Limited warranty statement GD683

1 Caution label GD972CAUT

4 BNC plastic caps HM420

1 10-foot power cable with 7-amp fuse WA535-B

1 10-foot NMEA interface cable WA215

Table 2: 972 Control Head Installation Kit

Qty Part name Part number

1 Flush-Mounting Template GT15

1 Flush-mount gasket HG412

1 Sunshield XP817

1 10-foot power cable with 7-amp fuse WA535-B

1 Control cable WA612-9

1 DVI cable, 9-meter WC276-9

1 Owner registration card GD671

1 Limited warranty statement GD683

1 Parts kit (see Table 3) 15-PK

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 3

Table 3: 972 Parts Kit contents (P/N 15-PK)

Qty Part name Part number

1 Spare fuse (7A fast-blow 5 x 20mm) FF211

12 Hex nut, 8-32, for flush-mounting HN421

12 Threaded stud, 8-32, for flush mounting HS605

12 Lockwasher, #8, for flush mounting HW400

12 Flat washer, #8, for flush mounting HW405

Table 4: 972 Optional equipment

Part name Part number

Ethernet cables See Section 4

Remote control and batteries 972RMC-A

Spare batteries for remote control BL134

Additional antenna cable WC255 or WC263

Northstar Echosounder

Northstar Radar

SECTION ONE: Introducing the 972

Page 4 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 5

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the

972

972 Configuration

The Northstar 972 uses a processor module that must be mounted in a protected location and a

control head that can be exposed to water splash. A DVI video cable and a control cable feeds

communication between the processor and the control head. All interface wiring connects to the

processor. Power wiring connects to the processor and control head.

Because the control head uses a 15-inch LCD, making the unit large and heavy, it is designed to be

flush-mounted, with no provision for yoke-mounting.

Bench-testing the 972

Northstar recommends bench-testing the 972 with a GPS antenna before installing it onto the vessel.

Bench testing ensures that the equipment is fully operational, and lets the unit collect the current

almanac and ephemeris data and a local position fix, which results in less on-board installation time.

WARNING! Before starting the installation, be sure to turn electrical power

off. 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 972’s voltage rating of 10 to 32 volts DC. Connecting to the

wrong power supply can cause fire or damage to the equipment.

Be sure to ground the equipment to prevent electrical shock and

mutual interference.

Be sure to use a 7-amp fast-blow fuse in the supplied power

cable. Using the wrong fuse can cause fire or damage to the

972.

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972

Page 6 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

Mounting the Control Head

Choosing the best mounting location

Choose the mounting locations carefully before you drill or cut. The control head should be

mounted so that the operator can easily use the controls and clearly see the display screen. Be sure

to leave a direct path for all of the cables. The display screen is high-contrast and anti-reflective, and

is viewable in direct sunlight, but for best results, install the 972 out of direct sunlight. The chosen

location should have minimal glare from windows or bright objects.

Leave sufficient clearance space behind the control head for all of the cables and connectors. Good

ventilation is required behind the mounting panel. Poor ventilation may cause the 972 to overheat,

which, in turn, will cause the screen brightness to dim. For overall width and height requirements,

see the Northstar 972 Mounting Template (P/N GT15), which you can use to drill the mounting holes

and cut the mounting panel in the exact recommended locations.

Use the supplied template to cut the hole for the control head, and use the supplied gasket between

the control head and the instrument panel to help seal against water penetration. The use of

anti-seize compound on the flush-mount studs and nuts is recommended.

The parts kit contains 12 threaded studs, flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts for flush

mounting.

CAUTION! Proper installation of the Northstar 972 is critical to accurately receive

and effectively use GPS/WAAS signals under a wide variety of weather

conditions.

Keep the following safe compass distance from the 972 head and

processor: 1.0m standard, 0.8m steering.

CAUTION! Be sure to mount the 972 on a flat surface. Mounting on a curved

surface can result in water leaks. Do not overtighten the mounting

screws; you may damage the case and compromise its waterproof

seal. This type of physical damage will void the warranty.

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 7

Mounting the Processor

The processor should be installed in an accessible, dry location where cabling can be accessed and

suitable ventilation is present. See the 972 Processor Mounting Template (P/N GT972) for hole

locations and clearance requirements.

It is absolutely necessary to mount the processor in a horizontal position as shown in Figure 2 so

that the unit’s heat management system will work correctly. Normal motion of the vessel will not

cause a problem, but vertical or permanently angled mounting of the processor will cause

overheating of the unit’s microprocessor.

A mounting plate is permanently mounted to the vessel, and the processor slides onto the plate and

is secured with two screws at the front edge. Vertical clearance of at least 7-1/2 inches is required for

installation and removal of the processor. Be sure to provide ample clearance around the processor to

make it easy to install and remove cables at the rear of the unit.

12.5

5.0

17.5

15"

Figure 1: Control head dimensions

Dimensions in inches

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972

Page 8 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

Wiring the 972

Avoiding cable wiring shortcuts

Most installation problems are caused by shortcuts taken with system cables. When wiring the 972,

follow the guidelines below.

13-3/4

14-3/4

7

Dimensions

in inches

972 processor

module

Figure 2: Processor dimensions

DON’T DO THIS!

• Don’t make sharp bends in the cables

• Don’t run cables in a way that allows water

to flow down into the connectors

• Don’t route the data cables in areas

adjacent to radar, transmitter, or

large-current-carrying cables

• Don’t attempt to cut or splice the DVI or

control cables. If longer versions are

necessary, use the optional longer cables.

(see Figure 5: ”System Wiring,” below)

DO THIS!

• Do make drip and service loops

• Do tie-wrap all cables to keep them secure

• If cables are shortened, lengthened, or

re-terminated, do seal and protect all wiring

connections

• Do leave room at the back to install and

remove cables and keep them separated and

organized

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 9

Control head connectors

Control head connectors are shown in Figure 3 on page 9. The control head connects to:

• DC power, through the supplied WA-535 cable with a 7-Amp in-line fuse.

• The processor module, using the supplied WC276-9 DVI video cable and the supplied

WA612-9 data cable.

Processor connectors

Interface connectors are shown in Figure 4: ”Processor connectors,” below. The functions of these

connectors are described in Table 6. Interfacing is described in detail in Section Six, beginning on

page 23.

Table 5: Interface connector functions

Connector name Connector function(s) Connects to...

CONTROL (8-pin

connector)

Control signals to and from

the processor

CONTROL connector on the

processor module

DATA

(DVI connector)

Digital video to control head DATA connector on processor

POWER (3-pin

connector)

Power input 10 to 32 VDC, 30 watts

PWR

FUSE

10 A

CTRL

DATA

Figure 3: Control head connectors

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972

Page 10 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

Wiring between the black box and the control head (shown below) is critical for proper operation.

Never attempt to splice these cables. If necessary, use the available longer cables.

POWER

FUSENMEA Connector

(18-pin)

AUX Connector

(6-pin)

GPS Connector

(7-pin)

CTRL Connector

(8-pin)

DVI

VGA Output Ethernet

connector

4 USB connectors

(External drive)

VIDEO INPUTS 1-4

Figure 4: Processor connectors

Ctl

Pwr

972 Black Box

972 Control Head

Control Cable available in optional 15m length [WA612-15]

DVI Cable available in optional 15m length [WC276-15]

WC276-9 DVI Cable

DO NOT CUT

WA612-9 Control Cable

DO NOT CUT

Keep connectors dry 12 or 24V

DC Power

12 or 24V

DC Power

Figure 5: System Wiring

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 11

Electrical power requirements

The 972 is a negative-ground system that’s reverse-polarity protected. Power requirement is 10 VDC

minimum to 32 VDC maximum, using at least 16-gauge connecting wire.

Connecting the 972 to ship’s power

The 972 is shipped with 10-foot power cables for the processor and control head that you can

lengthen to a maximum of 25 feet:

• for a cable length up to 15 feet, use 16-gauge wire or heavier

• for a cable length from 15 to 25 feet, use 14-gauge wire or heavier

Table 6: Interface connector functions

Connector name Connector function(s) Connects to...

POWER (3-pin

connector)

Power input 10 to 32 VDC, 30 watts

NMEA

(18-pin connector)

NMEA Port 1 input/output NMEA devices: autopilot, heading

sensor, etc.

NMEA Port 2 input/output NMEA devices: autopilot, heading

sensor, etc.

RS-232 Port NMEA devices, or PC interface

AUX

(6-pin connector)

RS-422/NMEA input/output Northstar 491 echo sounder, or

older Northstar navigators for

database transfer

GPS

(7-pin connector)

GPS antenna input 2301 GPS antenna

VGA (15-pin D

connector)

Video output Remote display

CONTROL (8-pin

connector)

Control signals to display Control head

Ethernet

(RJ-45 connector)

Networking Another 972 and/or radar

NTSC VIDEO INPUTS

(BNC coaxial 75 Ohm)

Video inputs (up to 4

sources)

Any NTSC- or PAL-compatible video

sources

DVI video Video output Control head

CAUTION! To protect the power wiring, Northstar strongly recommends

that you connect the 972 to a circuit breaker or 7-amp fuse

located at the power source (battery or switch panel).

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 972

Page 12 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

If you lengthen the power cable, use an external fuse at the battery end as an added safety

precaution. The fuse size should be chosen to be appropriate for the size of the smallest

conductor in the circuit. See the NMEA or American Boating and Yachting Counsel specifications to

find the correct fuse for your wiring.

For the best protection from noise, connect the power wiring directly to the battery or dedicated

electronics bus. The green wire should be left unconnected. The power cable has an inline fuse to

protect the vessel’s wiring, and prevent electrical fires and damage to the unit. If you shorten or

lengthen this cable, be sure to keep the inline fuse intact (or provide circuit breaker protection).

Spare in-line fuses are not supplied with the unit and should be purchased locally to avoid loss of

function.

Connect the wires in the power cable as follows.

• red → positive (+)

• black → negative (–)

• green → no connection

NOTE: The green wire should be left unconnected, and must be capped off

and securely insulated.

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the GPS antenna

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 13

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring

the GPS antenna

The 2301 antenna

Mounting and wiring

Choosing the best mounting location

Before you drill or cut, choose a mounting location that meets the following criteria. The 2301

should be mounted:

• where there’s enough mounting clearance to easily connect the cable.

• low on the vessel, since side-to-side motion caused by the vessel’s rolling can

degrade speed-over-ground (SOG) and course-over-ground (COG) readings.

• below the radiation plane of any INMARSAT or radar antennas, and away from any

other high-power transmitting antennas (see Figure 7 on page 14).

• high enough to provide an unblocked view of the sky in all directions, and that

minimizes or eliminates any objects that block the 2301’s view of the sky (the 2301

can use satellites nearly as low as the horizon).

NOTE: Do not open the 2301: There aren’t any serviceable parts inside.

Unauthorized tampering will automatically void the warranty.

Figure 6: 2301 GPS Antenn

a

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the GPS antenna

Page 14 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

• away from masts or objects that could “shadow” the 2301, but where there’s an

adequate view of the sky.

To avoid mutual interference among different antennas on the vessel, see the recommendations in

Figure 7 below. This figure shows the minimum distances that should separate GPS/WAAS antennas

from other antennas and physical mounting surfaces. Normally, these guidelines produce a relatively

trouble-free installation; however, since every installation is unique, you may want to adjust these

distances to the particular equipment.

Figure 7: Recommended separation distances between antennas

NOTE: Before permanently installing the 2301, try temporarily installing it and

using the 972 to see if the location works well (see “Checking satellite

status” beginning on page 21 to determine whether or not the selected

location provides good reception).

The 2301 uses a mount with an extension, and the cable is routed

through the inside of the extension.

972 Installation Manual, Rev. B Page 15

Mounting and wiring the 2301

The 2301 is mounted onto a standard antenna mount. To complete this installation, you’ll also need

a standard antenna mount, mounting extension, and mounting adapter.

Figure 8: Mounting the 2301 on an antenna mount

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1. Antenna mount

2. Mounting extension

3. Hole in mounting extension

4. Mounting adapter

5. Base of 2301

6. 2301 connector

7. Top of 2301 (antenna)

To install the 2301:

1. Install a 1” x 14 UNF thread

antenna mount in the desired

location.

2. Screw a

mounting

extension onto

the antenna

mount.

3. Feed the 2301

cable through

the hole in the

mounting

extension,

bringing cable

up through the

hollow core of

the extension

and out the

top.

4. Screw a

mounting

adapter onto

the extension,

bringing cable

up through

hollow core of

the adapter

and out the

top.

5. Screw the

2301’s bottom

half (base) onto

mounting

adapter.

6. Plug the cable’s

connector into

connector on

the 2301’s

5

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the GPS antenna

Page 16 972 Installation Manual, Rev. B

Re-fabricating the 972 connector

If you ever want to shorten the antenna cable, or remove its connector to make more room to run

the cabling, you can remove the connector from the 972 end and then replace it:

1. After shortening or snaking the cable, slide an appropriate sized piece of heat

shrink tubing onto the cable (large enough to fit over the connector backshell).

Then slide the connector backshell onto the cable, as shown below.

2. Prepare each wire for insertion into its solder cup by stripping it and tinning it.

3. Carefully solder each wire to the appropriate cup, as described in Table 7 below.

4. Slide the backshell down the cable and screw it onto the connector body. It should

be hand tight.

5. Using the supplied screws, screw the strain relief onto the backshell.

6. Slide the heat shrink tubing onto the connector. Be sure to leave room for the

locking collar to retract.

7. Heat the shrink tubing until it shrinks around the connector, providing a

watertight seal.

For the pin numbers and functions for the 972 end of the cable, see Table 7 below.

TABLE 7: Wiring connections for 2301 cable

Description Wire color Pin

RS232 RX1 (Main receive port) Blue 1

RS232 RX2 (Aux receive port) Orange 2

RS232 TX1 (Main transmit port) Green 3

Signal gnd Brown 4

Remote power-on

Ship’s power control Black 5

Power gnd

(system gnd) White 6

Power in (10-32 VDC) Red 7

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NORTHSTAR 972 Installation guide

NORTHSTAR 972 Installation guide

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