Filter
Top Products
9.10 Heading sensor requirements
The heading sensor can be a stand-alone unit or may be integrated into an auto-pilot system,
provided that it supplies the NMEA 0183 HDG, HDT, OSD, HCC, HCD or HDM heading sentences to
the navigator. It must output data at a 10Hz update rate.
If the heading sensor requires sea trial calibration, perform the manufacturer's recommended
calibration procedure before you calibrate the radar heading.
Heading calibration should be performed during initial setup, annually, and after any major
structural changes to the vessel.
The Northstar 6000i and 6100i accepts the following standard NMEA 0183 sentences from a
heading sensor (such as the Simrad RC37 Rate compassr) to obtain the following heading
information: HDG, HDT, OSD, HCC, HCD, and HDM.
For sensor installation and calibration instructions, see the sensor manufacturer's Installation
Manual. In addition, the navigator must be calibrated to the heading sensor (see the section "Set
the heading calibration" in this manual and, for a 6000i or 6100i system installation also see
"GM6KIM Rev D (6000i Installation Manual)" or the new "MN000320A Northstar 6000i & 6100i
Installation Manual"
9.11 Disable the heading sensor input
The heading sensor is configured by default when the navigator is configured for radar.
If a heading sensor is NOT installed and connected, you must remove its configuration as follows:
• Turn on the navigator and wait for it to complete its power-up sequence.
• Press RADAR to display the radar screen on the 6000i or 6100i.
• The system asks if you want to turn on the scanner. Press Enter to turn it on.
• Press Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, and Install... to show the installation screen.
• Press Hdg Sensor Installed to change its displayed status to No.
• Press STAR to display the alarm screen, then press Clear Alarm. This clears the heading
sensor alarm.
9.12 Calibrating the radar
You must calibrate the newly installed radar by adjusting the trigger delay and the heading
calibration.
To evaluate medium and short range returns, you are recommended to perform the calibration at
sea in a normal operating environment and under fair weather conditions. There should be an
area of at least 3 nautical miles forward of the vessel, containing known targets including the
coastline. A wave height of about one to two feet (half a meter) to create some sea clutter, is
ideal. Do not perform the calibration in an enclosed or busy area such as a boatyard.
Attempts to tune and calibrate under less than recommended conditions may lead to substandard
performance. A sea trial that allows the selection and use of all the ranges is highly desirable.
9.13 Prepare for calibration
¾ Prepare for calibration as follows:
• Press RADAR to display the radar screen on the 6000i or 6100i.
• The unit may ask if you want to turn on the scanner. If it does, turn it on. You should see
range rings displayed on the screen or the scanner warm-up countdown followed by a
message saying "Radar is OFF". If nothing appears, the radar control box is not powered
up or not properly interfaced to the navigator. Check the power wiring, interface wiring,
and navigator communications configuration.
• Press Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, then Restore... .
• Press Restore factory settings. (A new Northstar 6000i or 6100i is shipped with standard
factory settings that are appropriate for basic operation.)