M121/M84
Multi-Function Unit
Installation and Operation Manual
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Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1-1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-2 Cleaning and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-3 Plug-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1-4 Removing and replacing the display unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Basic Operation.......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2-1 Using the keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-2 Turning on and off / auto power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2-3 Backlight and night mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2-4 Man overboard (MOB). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2-5 Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2-6 Simulate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2-7 The main windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3 Navigation: Chart..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
3-1 Introduction to navigating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3-2 Chart window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3-3 Distance and bearing calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3-4 Projected course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3-5 Tracks and tracking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4 Video window .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
5 Navigation: Highway window .................................................................................................................................................. 26
6 Navigation: Waypoints............................................................................................................................................................. 26
6-1 Waypoints window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6-2 Managing waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7 Navigation: Routes .................................................................................................................................................................. 29
7-1 Routes window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7-2 Managing routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8 Satellites ................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
8-1 Satellite window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
9 Sonar fishfinding: Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 33
9-1 Using the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
9-2 Interpreting the display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
9-3 Single and Dual frequency fishfinding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
9-4 Fish detection and display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
9-5 Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
9-6 Gain and threshold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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10 Sonar fishfinding: Windows ................................................................................................................................................... 42
10-1 Sonar history window - no split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
10-2 Sonar Zoom and Full Screen Zoom displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
10-3 Sonar Bottom window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
10-4 Sonar 50/200 window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
10-5 Sonar A-Scope window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
11 Gauges window...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
12 Data window.......................................................................................................................................................................... 46
13 Fuel functions and display...................................................................................................................................................... 47
13-1 What the fuel computer does. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
13-2 Fuel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
13-3 When you add or remove fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
13-4 Low fuel alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
13-5 Boat speed sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
13-6 Fuel consumption curves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
13-7 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
14 Tides window ......................................................................................................................................................................... 54
15 User card window................................................................................................................................................................... 55
16 AIS ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
16-1 Viewing AIS Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
16-2 Dangerous Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
16-3 AIS Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
17 DSC/Buddy track windows ...................................................................................................................................................... 60
17-1 The windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
17-2 Using the windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
18 Radar .................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
18-1 Radar window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
18-2 Radar modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
18-3 Enabling the radar functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
18-4 Selecting standby mode or transmit mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
18-5 Disabling the radar functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
18-6 Adjusting the quality of the radar window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
18-7 Changing the echo expansion setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
18-8 Turning the target trails on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
18-9 Using the VRM/EBL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
18-10 Changing the PPI position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
18-11 Using the radar guard zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
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19 Setting up the M121/M84 ....................................................................................................................................................... 70
19-1 Setup > System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
19-2 Setup > Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
19-3 Setup > Sonar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
19-4 Setup > Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
19-5 Setup > GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
19-6 Setup > Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
19-7 Setup > Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
19-8 Setup > AIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
19-9 Setup > Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
19-10 Setup > Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
19-11 Setup > Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
19-12 Setup > Comms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
19-13 Setup > Calibrate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
19-14 Setup > Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
19-15 Setup > Favorites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
19-16 Setup > Simulate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
20 Installation ........................................................................................................................................................................... 89
20-1 Installation: What else comes with my M121/M84?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
20-2 Installation: Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
20-3 Installation: The display unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
20-4 Installation: Power/data cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
20-5 Installation: GPS antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
20-6 Installation: Sonar transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
20-7 Installation: Northstar petrol/gasoline sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
20-8 Installation: SmartCraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
20-9 Installation: Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
20-10 Installation: Other NavBus instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
20-11 Installation: Other NMEA instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
20-12 Installation: Setup and test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Appendix A - Specifications....................................................................................................................................................... 100
Appendix B - Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................................... 103
B-1 General problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
B-2 GPS navigation problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
B-3 Fuel consumption problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
B-4 Sonar fishfinding problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
B-5 Radar problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Appendix C Glossary and navigation data ................................................................................................................................. 108
Appendix D Compliance statements...........................................................................................................................................111
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Warning
It is your sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducer(s) in a manner
that will not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. Always observe safe boating
practices.
The choice, location, and installation of transducers and other components of the system are
critical to the performance of the system as intended. If in doubt, consult your Northstar dealer.
To reduce the risk of misusing or misinterpreting this instrument, you must read and understand
all aspects of this Installation and Operation Manual. We also recommend that you practice all
operations using the built-in simulator before using this instrument at sea.
Global Positioning System: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the US
Government which is solely responsible for its operation, accuracy and maintenance. The GPS
is subject to changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment
anywhere in the world, including this instrument.
Electronic Chart: The electronic chart used by this instrument is an aid to navigation designed
to supplement, not replace, official government charts. Only official government charts
supplemented by notices to mariners contain the information required for safe and prudent
navigation. Always supplement the electronic information provided by this instrument with
other plotting sources such as observations, depth soundings, radar and hand compass bearings.
Should the information not agree, the discrepancy must be resolved before proceeding any
further.
AIS: The AIS features on this chart-plotter are designed as a safety aid only and do not guarantee
safety at sea. AIS transmission is mandatory on some, but not all, vessels. You should check
your local laws and regulations for requirements in your area. As a result of different legal
requirements, different vessel sizes and uses, you should not assume that your AIS equipped
chart-plotter will show the location of ALL vessels in your area. Careful prudence, judgement, and
safe navigation practices should always be exercised. AIS should be used to complement radar,
but AIS is not a substitute for radar.
Sonar performance: The accuracy of the sonar depth display can be affected by many
factors, including the type and location of the transducer and water conditions. Never use this
instrument to gauge depth or other conditions for swimming or diving.
Fuel data: Do not rely on this instrument as the sole source of information about fuel available
onboard. You must supplement this instrument’s fuel data with visual or other checks of the
fuel available. This is necessary because possible operator errors, such as forgetting to reset the
fuel used when filling the tank or running the engine with this instrument not switched on, can
render this instrument inaccurate. Fuel economy can change drastically depending on boat
loading and sea conditions. Always carry adequate fuel onboard for the intended trip, plus a
reserve to allow for unforeseen circumstances.
Simulate mode: Never have simulate mode on when you are navigating on the water.
Failure to adhere to these warnings may lead to death, serious injury or property
damage. Northstar disclaims all liability for installation or use of this product that
causes or contributes to death, injury or property damage or that violates any law.
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1 Introduction
Quick reference to the built-in and optional features:
Feature
General
Type
See
Requires
How to use the keys and windows
Troubleshooting
2
Appendix B
Simulate mode
2-6
Glossary of special names
Specifications
Appendix C
Appendix A
MOB
Man overboard key
2-4
3-1
3-2
3-1
3-1
3-4
3-5
8-1
15
Navigation
Overview of how to navigate
Finding the boat’s position on the chart
Navigate to any point or to a waypoint
Navigate along a route
GPS fix
Projected course: An estimate of progress
Tracks: records of where the boat has been
GPS receiver status
Saving and loading data with a user card
Chart features (built in world chart)
Chart details
User card
Chart data
3-2
3-2-4 & 5
14
Chart card
Chart card
Tides at a port
AIS
16
Alarms
Built in alarms
2-5
2-7-3
2-7-4
12
Boat data
Data at top of main displays
Compass at top of main displays
Dedicated data display
Fuel
Fuel computer, Instrument petrol/gasoline engine
Fuel computer, SmartCraft engines
What to do when you add or remove fuel
Overview of the depth sounder
Depth, bottom features, water features
Fishfinder
13
Fuel sensors
SmartCraft
13
13-1
9
Sounder
Sounder
Sounder
Sounder
DSC VHF
DSC VHF
9
9
Other boats
Track your buddy, polling other boats
Distress calls
17
17
(Continued next page)
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Radar
Overview of the radar
18
Radar
Radar
Radar
Radar
Radar
Radar
Radar
The radar window explained
18-1
Change the radar operation mode
Change the radar rotation or motion mode
Optimize the quality of the radar window
Find range and bearing with VRM/EBL
Set up the radar guard zones
18-2
18-6, 18-7
18-9
18-10
18-12
1-1 Overview
The M121/M84 can send data to other
instruments, such as an autopilot, and
receive data from other instruments.
The Northstar M121/M84 is a rugged, highly
integrated marine chartplotter and fishfinder.
It is easy to use and has a high resolution color
display. Complex functions can be performed
with only a few key presses, taking the hard
work out of boating.
•
•
Radar functions require an optional
Northstar radar system to be installed. Three
radar systems are available; 2 kW, 4 kW, or 6
kW.
The available functions depend on the optional
sensors and instruments that are installed:
AIS functions require an optional AIS receiver
to be installed.
The Video window requires the M121/M84
to receive video from a compatible source,
such as a camera.
For information on installation options, see
section 20.
This manual describes how to install and
operate the M121/M84. Special terms
are explained in Appendix C. For more
information on this instrument and other
Northstar products, go to our website, www.
northstarnav.com.
Fuel functions require one or more petrol/
gasoline or diesel fuel sensors to be installed.
SmartCraft engine functions require a
SmartCraft system to be installed. For
information on using SmartCraft, see
the SmartCraft Gateway Installation and
Operation Manual.
•
DSC/Buddy track functions require an
appropriate Northstar DSC VHF radio to be
installed.
1-2 Cleaning and maintenance
The Instrument screen is covered by a
proprietary anti-reflection coating. To avoid
damage, clean the screen only with a damp
cloth and mild detergent when dirty or
covered in sea salt. Avoid abrasive cleaners,
petrol or other solvents. If a plug-in card gets
dirty or wet, clean it with a damp cloth or mild
detergent.
paint, use only one coat of paint. Remove the
previous coat of antifouling paint by sanding it
lightly.
To optimize performance, avoid walking on
or jamming cables and connectors. Keep the
transducer free of weed, paint and debris. Do
not use a high pressure water blast on a speed
sensor paddlewheel as it may damage the
bearings.
Cover or remove a transom-mounted
transducer when repainting the hull. If painting
over a through hull transducer with antifouling
Push the dust cover over the display when the
Instrument is turned off.
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1-3 Plug-in cards
The M121/M84 can use two kinds of C-MAP™
SD-Card plug-in cards:
CAUTION
1. Chart cards have chart details required for
navigating in a particular region. When
you insert a chart card, the extra details
automatically appear on the Chart window.
You can plug in up to two chart cards
at once. If the chart shows a region not
covered by a chart card, then it displays a
simplified built-in world chart.
Handle plug-in cards carefully. Keep them
in their protective cases when not plugged
into the M121/M84.
Keep the M121/M84 card cover closed at all
times to prevent moisture from entering the
card compartment.
2. User cards store navigation data. A user card
allows navigation data to be transferred
to another compatible instrument (see
section 15).
Removing a plug-in card
1
2
3
Turn the M121/M84 off
(see section 2-2).
Push the card down until it
releases and can pop up.
Lift the card out.
Put the card in its case.
Open the card cover on the
right of the display.
Inserting a plug-in card
1
2
3
Hold the new card with the
gold contacts on the far side.
Push the card into an empty
socket until it clicks.
Close the card cover.
Turn the M121/M84 on
(see section 2-2).
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1-4 Removing and replacing the display unit
If the M121/M84 is bracket mounted then it can
easily be removed for security.
Replacing the display unit
1
Plug the connectors into the back of the
display unit:
Removing the display unit:
1
2
3
Turn the M121/M84 off (see section 2-2) and
put the dust cover on.
Match the connector’s color to the socket
color.
Loosen the knobs on the mounting bracket
and lift the unit off the bracket.
Insert each connector and turn the
locking collar clockwise until it is finger
tight.
Unplug the connectors from the M121/M84;
turn each locking collar anticlockwise until
you can pull the plug out.
Nothing will be damaged if a cable is
plugged into the wrong socket by mistake.
4
Store the M121/M84 in a dry clean place.
2
Hold the M121/M84 in place on the
mounting bracket. Tilt it for best viewing,
then hand tighten the knobs on the
mounting bracket. Remove the dust cover.
Knob
Mounting bracket
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2 Basic Operation
Overview of the M121 keys
ESC
q
w
– Go back to an earlier menu or window. In
chart mode centers chart at boat’s position.
DISPLAY
– This is a powerful key that allows you
to setup the display the way you want. Main
displays can be saved as favorite displays for easy
access from the
key.
MENU
e
– Show a menu of the options for the
current active window.
ENTER
r
t
– Start an action or accept a change.
/
– Changes the range on a window eg. Chart
or Sonar zooms
– Cursor keys, to move the cursor or
the selection highlight.
y
u
,
,
,
– The
key selects which window you
are working with. The Active window is indicated
with a red border.
1
i
o
– The
key allows you to quickly
2
switch between your saved favorite displays.
5
6
GOTO
AUTO
– For a navigation display: Start navigating
to a point, waypoint or along a route (see section
3-1-2). For sonar display: Select a sonar operating
mode (see section 6).
3
4
7
SETUP
a
s
– The setup key takes you to the setup
menu which allows advanced configuration of
the M121.
8
9
– This key places a waypoint on the Active
Chart Window.
d
f
– Man overboard (MOB, see section 2-4).
10
11
– Turn Instrument on and off (see section 2-2);
adjust the backlighting (see section 2-3).
12
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Overview of the M84 keys
ESC
q
w
– Go back to an earlier menu or window. In
chart mode centers chart at boat’s position.
DISPLAY
– This is a powerful key that allows you
to setup the display the way you want. Main
displays can be saved as favorite displays for easy
access from the
key.
MENU
e
– Show a menu of the options for the
current active window. The setup menu can be
MENU
opened by pressing
twice.
ENTER
r
t
– Start an action or accept a change.
/
– Changes the range on a window eg. Chart
or Sonar zooms
– Cursor keys, to move the cursor or
the selection highlight.
y
u
,
,
,
– The
key selects which window you
1
are working with. The Active window is indicated
with a red border.
i
o
– The
key allows you to quickly
2
6
5
switch between your saved favorite displays.
– This key places a waypoint on the Active
Chart Window.
3
4
a
s
– Man overboard (MOB, see section 2-4).
7
– Turn Instrument on and off (see section 2-2);
adjust the backlighting (see section 2-3).
8
9
10
11
Note: Display refers to ALL windows and the data header/Compass
Window refers to a part of the display in which a particular function is shown
e.g. The Chart window on a Chart + Sonar display.
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2-1 Using the keys
In this manual:
Changing data
Press means to push the key for less than a
second.
First press or to move the highlight to the
data to change, then:
a) To change a tick box
Hold means to hold the key down.
means On or Yes
The internal beeper beeps when a key is
pressed (to adjust the beep volume, see section
19-1).
means Off or No.
ENTER
Press
or to change the tick box.
Using the menus
b) To select an option
Operate the Instrument by selecting items from
menus. Items can be submenus, commands or
data.
ENTER
1
2
Press
to display the list of options.
Press or to move the highlight to the
option you want, then press
ENTER
.
Selecting a submenu
c) To change a name or number:
A
after a menu item indicates a submenu, for
ENTER
1
Press
to display the name or number:
example Chart . Press or to move the
ENTER
highlight to the submenu, then press
.
Starting a command
2
Press or to select a letter or digit to
change. Press or to change the letter or
digit.
Press or to move the highlight to the
command, for example Goto cursor, then press
ENTER
.
Repeat this to change other letters or
numbers.
ENTER
3
Press
ESC
to accept the new value. Or press
to ignore the changes.
d) To change a slider value
Press to decrease the value or to increase
the value.
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2-2 Turning on and off / auto power
Turning on manually
Auto power
If the Instrument is not wired for auto power,
press to turn the unit on. If necessary, adjust
the display to be easy to read (see section 2-3).
If the Instrument is wired for auto power (see
section 20-4), then:
•
•
•
The Instrument automatically turns on when
you turn the boat’s ignition switch on.
You can not turn the Instrument off while
the ignition switch is on.
!
WARNING
If the Instrument is not wired for auto power
then the Instrument does not record engine
hours and will not record fuel consumption
if not powered (see section 18-4).
If Auto power off (see section 19-1) is , the
Instrument automatically turns off when you
turn the boat’s ignition switch off.
•
If Auto power off (see section 19-1) is , the
Instrument stays on when you turn the boat’s
ignition switch off. You can now turn the
Instrument off manually.
Turning off manually
If the Instrument is not wired for auto power or
if the ignition switch is off, hold down until
the display turns off.
2-3 Backlight and night mode
To go to the Backlight window, press briefly.
Night mode
Night mode sets the palette for all windows.
Backlight
Normal palette, for daytime
The display and keys are backlit. To change the
backlight level, select Backlight, then press to
dim or to brighten.
A palette optimized for night time.
To change mode, highlight Night mode, then
ESC
When you have finished, press
ENTER
press or
. To change only the chart
palette, see section 19-1.
Tip: Press twice to give the brightest
screen, with maximum backlight and Night
mode off.
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2-4 Man overboard (MOB)
The MOB feature saves the boat’s position and
then navigates back to this point.
If the NMEA output (autopilot) is on, the
Instrument asks if the autopilot is active.
Select:
No: Use the Instrument to manually navigate
to the destination MOB waypoint (see
sections 3-1-1 and 3-1-2).
!
WARNING
MOB will not work if the Instrument does
not have a GPS fix.
Yes: The Instrument asks if the boat is to go
to the MOB waypoint.
1
2
Press
Select:
The Instrument stores the boat’s position as
a waypoint called MOB.
Yes: to immediately start navigating to the
MOB waypoint.
The Instrument changes to the chart
window, with the MOB waypoint at the
centre of the chart.
!
WARNING
This might result in a sudden and dangerous
turn.
The chart zooms in for accurate navigation.
If the chart can not show the required small
scale, the Instrument changes to plotter
mode (a white window with crosshatching
and no chart details, see section 19-2).
No: disengage the autopilot; then use the
Instrument to manually navigate to the
destination MOB waypoint (see sections
3-1-1 and 3-1-2).
3
The Instrument sets the MOB waypoint to
be the destination to navigate to.
If the NMEA output (autopilot) is off
(see section 19-12) use the Instrument to
manually navigate to the destination MOB
waypoint (see sections 3-1-1 and 3-1-2).
To cancel MOB or set another MOB
1
2
Press
again to display a menu.
Select an option from the menu.
Tip: The MOB waypoint remains on the chart
after the MOB has been cancelled. To delete the
MOB waypoint, see section 6-2-5.
2-5 Alarms
ESC
When the Instrument detects an alarm
condition, it displays a warning message on
the display, the internal beeper sounds and any
external beepers or lights operate.
Press
to clear the alarm. The alarm will
sound again if the alarm condition occurs again.
The Instrument has user settable alarms (see
section 19-10).
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2-6 Simulate mode
In Simulate mode, the Instrument ignores data
from the GPS antenna and other transducers
and sensors and the Instrument generates this
data itself. Otherwise, the Instrument functions
normally.
To start and stop Simulate mode, and for more
information, see section 19-16. In simulate
mode, Simulate or Demo flashes at the bottom
of the window.
There are two simulate modes:
!
WARNING
•
Normal: Allows a user to become familiar
with the Instrument off the water.
Never have Simulate mode on when using
the Instrument to navigate on the water.
•
Demo: Simulates a boat moving along a
route and automatically displays different
Instrument functions.
2-7 The main windows
DISPLAY
To show one of the main windows full-size, press
and select the window.
Note
1
The windows available depend on the optional sensors and instruments that are installed (see
section 1-1).
2
Set up commonly used windows as favorites and press
section 2-7-2).
to switch between windows (see
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DISPLAY
To show one of the other windows full-screen, press
, select More... and select the window.
ESC
Press
to return from one of these
windows to the previous window.
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ENTER
2-7-1 Multi window displays
3
Press
.
The M121/M84 can show up to four windows
at once, for example Chart, Sonar, Gauges and
Video:
Deleting a window from the display
1
2
Press
until the window you want to
delete has a red border.
DISPLAY
Press
and select Delete window.
Exchanging two windows on the display
1
Press
until the first window has a red
border.
DISPLAY
2
Press
, select Replaceand select the
second window.
The M121/M84 exchanges the two windows.
Replacing a window on the display
1
Press
until the window that you want
to replace has a red border.
Adding a window to the display
DISPLAY
2
Press
, select Replaceand select a new
DISPLAY
Press
, select Add windowand select a
window that is not currently visible.
window to add. The M121/M84 automatically
rearranges the display to show the new
window.
Note
1
When some windows are small then not all
the data is shown.
Changing window size
DISPLAY
2
Set up commonly used displays as favorites
1
2
Press
and select Split ratio.
and press
to switch between displays
Press or to change the width of the
windows. If the M121/M84 is displaying three
or four windows, press or to change
the height of the windows.
(see section 2-7-2).
Note: Some windows are fixed in size.
The active window
If there is more than one window displayed, the active window is indicated by a red border. To
change the active window to the next window, press
.
MENU
Pressing
will display the options menu for the active window.
Red border
Press
Press
Chart is active
Sonar is active
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3
Select where in the list to add the new
favorite. If you select an existing favorite
display then the new favorite will replace the
existing favorite in the list.
2-7-2 Favorite displays
The M121/M84 has a list of commonly used
displays, called favorite displays. There can be
up to six favorite displays.
Each display can have one or more windows
plus a data header (see section 2-7-3) and a
compass (see section 2-7-4). Set up favorite
displays for common situations, for example
navigating along a route, travelling in a harbour,
fishing.
Selecting a favorite display
Deleting a favorite display from the list
MENU
1
2
Press
twice then select Favorites.
MENU
Highlight the display to delete, press
and select Delete.
Changing the order of the favorites list
To select another favorite, press
more times. For example, with six favorites:
one or
MENU
1
2
Press
twice then select Favorites.
MENU
Highlight the display to move, press
and select Move up or Move down.
Adding a favorite display to the list
1
Set up the display with the window or
windows you want in the new favorite (see
sections 2-7-1 and 2-7-4).
DISPLAY
2
Press
and select Save this display. The
M121/M84 displays the favorites list.
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Tip: If all fields in a line are None then the
line will not be displayed and the data header
will take less space on the display.
ESC
2-7-3 Data header
The displays can show data at the top, called
the data header.
5
Press
.
Tip: The data header will change when you
select another display. To set a data header that
you can recall later, set the header as part of a
favorites display (see below).
Favorites displays and data headers
When you select a window from the display
menu (see section 2-7) the M121/M84
displays an appropriate data header for the
window.
To set a data header for a favorites display,
follow the steps to add a favorite (see section
2-7-2 - Adding a favorite display to the list). In
step 1, set the data header for the favorite as
described above.
Each favorite display (see section 2-7-2) has
its own data header. When you press
to recall a favorite display, the M121/M84
recalls the favorite displays data header.
2-7-4 Compass
The chart, sonar and highway displays can show
a compass at the top of the window.
Setting the data header for a display
The compass always shows the boat’s course
over ground (COG), a black symbol in the
middle. When the boat is navigating to a
point, the compass also shows bearing to the
destination (BRG), a red symbol.
DISPLAY
1
2
Press
and select Data header.
To turn the data header on or off:
Select Data.
ii Select or
To select the size of the data:
Select Size.
i
.
In this example, BRG is 260°M and COG is 321°M.
3
4
To turn the compass off or on:
i
MENU
1
2
Press
and select Data header.
ii Select the size to display.
To change the data displayed:
Set Compass to or
.
i
Select Data setup.
ii Change a data field:
a
b
c
Press the cursor keys to highlight
the field.
ENTER
Press
to display a menu
of data items.
Select a data item that is available
on your system or select None to
leave the field empty.
iii Repeat the above step to set the other
data fields.
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3 Navigation: Chart
The chart window shows the chart, the boat’s position course and navigation data.
3-1 Introduction to navigating
The Instrument has two ways of navigating, going straight to a point or following a route.
Note:
3-1-1 Navigating to a point
1
If the XTE alarm is enabled, an alarm will
sound if the boat deviates too much from its
intended course (see section 19-10).
When the Instrument is navigating to a
point, the chart and highway windows show
navigation data:
2
If the arrival radius alarm is enabled, then an
alarm will sound to show that the boat has
reached the destination
A The boat position .
B
The destination point marked with a circle.
The boat’s plotted course to the destination.
C
(see section 19-10).
D Two CDI lines, parallel to the boat’s plotted
course, which indicate the maximum
3
When the destination is reached an
arrival warning appears with the option
to cancel navigation (goto or route). Yes
the navigation is cancelled, nonavigation
continues however XTE and highway are no
longer displayed.
expected deviation from the plotted course.
For more information, see Appendix C.
B
3-1-2 Going to a waypoint or to a point on the
chart
D
A waypoint is a position that you can set on the
Instrument chart, for example a fishing spot or a
point on a route (see section 6).
A
D
C
Going to a waypoint from the chart
window
1
2
Go to the chart window.
Move the cursor to the waypoint: either
use the cursor keys or use Find (see section
3-2-5).
If the Instrument is connected to an autopilot,
the Instrument will send data to the autopilot
to steer the boat to the destination. Start the
autopilot before starting to navigate to the
point.
MENU
3
Press
and select Goto waypoint.
Going to a waypoint from the waypoints
window
1
2
Go to the waypoints window.
If the Instrument has no autopilot, steer the
boat manually:
Press or to highlight the waypoint to go
to.
a
b
c
use the boat position and destination on the
chart or highway windows
MENU
3
Press
and select Goto.
or use navigation data displayed on the data
header (see section 2-7-3)
or use COG and BRG on the compass (see
section 2-7-4).
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Going to a point on the chart
Starting a route from the routes window:
1
2
Switch to a chart window.
1
2
Go to the routes window.
Move the cursor to the destination point:
Then follow step 3 as in starting a route
either use the cursor keys or use Find (see
from the chart window above.
section 3-2-5).
Navigating
MENU
3
Press
and select Goto cursor.
The Instrument navigates to each waypoint on
the route in turn as described in section 3-1-1.
The Instrument stops navigating to the
waypoint at the end of the current leg and
starts the next leg of the route:
!
WARNING
Make sure the course does not pass over
land or dangerous waters.
1
When the boat comes within 0.025 nm of
the waypoint
Navigating
2
3
Or when the boat passes the waypoint
Or if you skip the waypoint.
The Instrument navigates to the point as
described in section 3-1-1.
Skipping a waypoint
Cancelling navigating
To skip a waypoint, go to a chart window, press
MENU
MENU
Go to a Chart window, press
Cancel goto.
Tip: Before starting, create waypoints at
points of interest. Create a waypoint at the
start of the trip for you to navigate back to (see
section 5-2-1).
and select
and select Skip. The Instrument starts
navigating straight towards the next waypoint
on the route.
!
CAUTION
3-1-3 Following a route
Preparing
Skipping a waypoint with the autopilot on
might result in a sudden course change.
A route is a list of waypoints that the boat can
follow (see section 6).
To create waypoints before creating the
route, see section 6-2-1.
Cancelling a route
When the boat has reached the final waypoint,
or to stop the boat following the route at any
To create a route, see section 6-2-1.
time, cancel the route. Go to a chart window,
Starting a route from the chart window:
MENU
press
and select Cancel route.
1
2
3
Go to the chart window.
MENU
Press
and select Start Route
Press or to highlight the route to follow.
ENTER
Press
.
4
The Instrument asks for the direction to
traverse the route.
Select Forward (the order the route was
created) or Reverse.
5
The Instrument displays the chart with the
route marked and starts navigating from the
start of the route.
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3-2 Chart window
To go to the Chart window:
DISPLAY
•
Press
and select Chart
A typical chart window shows:
A
B
C
K
F
D
I
F
J
E
H
G
A Data header. To turn the data off or on or to
change what data is displayed (see section
2-7-3)
Note:
To change the types of information displayed
on the chart, see section 17-2.
B Compass (see section 2-7-4)
C Chart scale (see section 3-2-3)
D Boat position (see section 3-2-1)
To change to a perspective view of the chart,
see section 3-2-6.
If the region on the chart is covered by a
chart card then the card’s information is
automatically displayed on the chart. If the
region is not covered by a chart card then the
chart displays a simplified built-in world chart
which is suitable for planning and general
interest.
E
F
Boat track (see section 3-5)
Boat course and CDI lines (see Appendix C,
CDI).
G Distance and bearing of cursor from boat
H Land
I
Sea
J
The cursor (see section 3-2-1)
!
WARNING
K A typical waypoint (see section 6 )
The built-in world chart does not show
enough detail for navigation. When you
use the M121/M84 to navigate, always use a
chart card which covers the region.
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position, and the latitude and longitude has a
cursor symbol to show this:
3-2-1 Chart modes
The Chart has two modes:
36° 29.841’ N or S Latitude
Centre on boat mode
175° 09.012’ E or W Longitude
To switch to centre on boat mode in the chart
ESC
window, press
. The boat is at the centre
!
of the chart. As the boat moves through the
water, the chart automatically scrolls to keep the
boat in the centre of the chart. The cursor (see
below) is turned off.
WARNING
When reading the boat position, make sure
the position is not the cursor position.
Cursor mode
The keys
and are called cursor keys. To
3-2-3 Chart scale
switch to cursor mode in the chart window, hold
down a cursor key. The cursor appears and
moves away from the boat:
Press to zoom in and display a smaller area
of the chart in more detail. Press to zoom out
and display a bigger area in less detail.
Press the key which points in the direction
that the cursor will move, for example press
to move the cursor down.
The chart scale is displayed at the top left of the
chart:
Press midway between two of the cursor
keys to make the cursor move diagonally.
3-2-4 Chart symbols and information
Hold a cursor key down to make the cursor
move continuously across the window.
The chart shows many kinds of symbols, such as
waypoints, ports, marinas, buoys and beacons.
If necessary, press or or to choose a chart
scale where the symbol is displayed.
In Cursor mode:
The distance ( DST) and bearing ( BRG) of
the cursor from the boat are displayed at the
bottom corner of the window.
To see stored information about a symbol:
1
Either move the cursor to the symbol on the
chart and wait two seconds or use Find to
move the cursor to a symbol for a port or
service (see section 3-2-5).
The chart does not scroll as the boat moves.
If the cursor reaches the edge of the window,
the chart will scroll.
For example, hold down to move the
cursor to the right side of the window and
the chart will scroll to the left.
2
3
A window appears at the bottom of the
display with some information about the
symbol.
3-2-2 Latitude and longitude
To see more detail about a symbol or a list of
Latitude and longitude can be displayed in
the data header. The window is degrees and
minutes to three decimal places, about 2 m (6
ft) resolution. Normally the position is the boat’s
position, and the latitude and longitude has a
boat symbol to show this:
ENTER
associated items for the symbol, press
:
i
Select an item to display. If there are more
items than will fit on the window, press
or to scroll up or down.
Select a camera icon to display a photo of
the item. If the photo is too big to fit on
36° 29.637’ N or S Latitude
the window, press
the photo.
,
,
or to scroll
175° 09.165’ E or W Longitude
If the cursor has been moved in the last ten
seconds, then the position is the cursor’s
Select Tide Stationto display a tide
chart for the position (see section 14).
ESC
ii Select other items or press
to the chart.
to return
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To see stored information about nearby symbols
3-2-6 Perspective view
Perspective view shows the chart from an
angle instead of from straight above. To turn
perspective view on or off, press
Perspectiveto or
3-2-7 Turn the radar overlay on or off
If you have a radar installed, you can overlay
the radar screen on your chart screen. This is
extremely useful because it can help you to:
MENU
press
follow step 3 above.
and select Chart info. Then
MENU
and set
3-2-5 Finding a chart symbol
To find and display a chart symbol:
MENU
.
1
2
Press
and select Find.
Select the type of symbol: Waypoints,
Routes, Ports by name, Ports & services, or
Tide stations.
•
interpret the radar image by matching the
radar targets with charted objects
3
4
For Ports & services: select the type of
service to find.
•
quickly identify objects that are not on the
chart, such as other boats
For Ports by name: press
,
,
or to
enter a name or letters contained in the port
ENTER
name, then press
.
The radar overlay is also very useful in
conditions of reduced visibility, at night, or in
busy or hazardous waters.
A list of items is displayed. If there are more
items than will fit on the window, press or
to page up and down.
The range, rotation, mode, and centre position
of the radar are all adjusted automatically to
match your chart.
For Ports by name: to search for a different
ESC
port name, press
. Change the name,
ENTER
then press
.
To turn the radar overlay on or off:
ENTER
MENU
5
Select the item and press
. The chart
From the chart window, press
Radar Overlay option to or
and set
window changes to show the item in the
middle of the window.
.
An extra menu item will them be displayed to
control the radar and overlay.
To see stored information about the item,
ENTER
press
(see section 3-2-4).
3-3 Distance and bearing calculator
ENTER
The distance and bearing calculator can plot
a course of one or several legs and show the
bearing and length of each leg, as well as the
total distance along the course. The completed
course can be converted into a route.
Press
.
4
5
6
To remove the last leg from the course, press
MENU
and select Remove.
Repeat the above two steps to enter the
whole course.
To use the distance and bearing calculator:
To save the new course as a route, press
MENU
1
Select the Chart window. Press
and
MENU
and select Save. This also saves any
select Distance.
Move the cursor to the start of the first leg. It
new points on the course as new waypoints,
with default names. If necessary, edit the
route later (see section 6-2-2) and edit any
new waypoints later (see section 6-2-3).
ESC
2
does not matter if this point is a waypoint or
ENTER
not. Press
.
3
To add a leg to the course, move the cursor
to the end of the leg. It does not matter if
this point is a waypoint or not. The window
shows the bearing and length of the leg, as
well as the total distance along the course.
7
Finally, press
window.
to return to the chart
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3-4 Projected course
If Projected course is turned on, then the
Instrument will display the projected position
based on the course over ground (COG), speed
and a specified time. To turn Projected course
on and off and to set the time, see section 19-2.
A Projected position
A
B
Boat’s projected course
Boat position
B
C
C
3-5 Tracks and tracking
Tracking records the boat’s position to memory
at regular intervals, which can be:
When recording is on and the track becomes
full then recording continues and the oldest
points in the track are deleted. The maximum
length of a track depends on the selected track
interval: a small interval will give a shorter, more
detailed track and a long interval will give a
longer, less detailed track, as shown in these
examples:
Time intervals.
Or distance intervals.
The track of where the boat has been can be
displayed on the chart. The Instrument can
display one track while recording another.
To work with tracks, see section 19-7.
The Instrument can store five tracks:
Time intervals
Interval
1 sec
Track 1
Track 2, 3, 4 or 5
minutes
1.4 hours
hours
Track 1 can hold up to 2000 points and is
intended to record the normal progress of
the boat.
33 minutes
5.5 hours
33 hours
8
10 sec
1 min
8
Distance intervals
Tracks 2, 3, 4 and 5 can hold up to 500 points
each and are intended to record sections to
be retraced accurately, for example entering
a river mouth.
Interval
Track 1
Track 2, 3, 4 or 5
0.01
1
20
2,000
5
500
10
20,000
5,000
Tip: Record a reference tracks and then use
the track to help navigate the same trip later.
For example, record a reference track as you
leave harbour. Then if you return to harbour and
visibility is poor, select the chart and navigate
manually along the reference track back into
the harbour. Record reference tracks in good
conditions.
The track lengths are in the current distance units, for example
nm.
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4 Video window
The video window shows a picture from a
video device, such as a camera. The video
window requires a video device to be installed.
Changing the video picture
Press to zoom in
DISPLAY
To select the video window, press
select Video.
and
Adjusting the video picture color
MENU
1
2
Press
.
Press or to highlight a control, then
press or to adjust the control.
Press to zoom out
3
4
To return the colors to their default settings,
select Restore defaults.
ESC
Press
.
Press or to move
the picture sideways
Press or to move
the picture up and down
ESC
Press
to fit the
whole picture in the
window
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5 Navigation: Highway window
A
The highway window shows:
A Optional data header (see section 2-7-3)
B Optional compass (see section 2-7-4)
C Destination waypoint
B
C
E
D Boat’s plotted course to destination
E
CDI lines, parallel to the boat’s plotted
course (see Appendix C, Navigation data,
CDI). The CDI lines are like a highway over
the water where the boat will move
D
D
F
G
F
CDI scale
G The boat position is at the bottom, centre of
the window
The highway window has a bird’s eye view of
the boat’s course to a destination:
DISPLAY
To go to the Highway window, press
,
!
WARNING
select More, then select Highway.
The highway window does not show land,
dangerous waters or chart symbols.
6 Navigation: Waypoints
A waypoint is a position that you can set on the
Instrument chart, for example a fishing spot or
a point on a route. The Instrument can have up
to 3000 waypoints. A waypoint can be created,
changed or deleted.
A position.
A color for the waypoint symbol and name
on the chart.
A type:
Normal: A normal waypoint can be
A waypoint has:
navigated to or included in a route.
A name (up to eight characters).
Danger: A danger waypoint is a point
to avoid. If the boat comes within the
danger radius of a danger waypoint the
unit can sound an alarm
An icon showing what kind of waypoint it is.
The available icons are:
(see section 19-10).
A display option:
Controls how the waypoint is displayed on
the chart (see section 19-2):
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6-1 Waypoints window
DISPLAY
To go to the waypoints window, press
,
select More, then select Waypoints.
The waypoints window is a list of the waypoints
that have been entered, each with waypoint
symbol, name, latitude and longitude, distance
and bearing from the boat, type and display
option.
If there are more waypoints than will fit on the
window, press or to scroll up or down a
page at a time.
6-2 Managing waypoints
Note: Waypoints can also be created when a
route is created (see section 6-2-1).
!
WARNING
Do not create a navigation waypoint on land
or in dangerous water.
6-2-2 Moving a waypoint
Moving a waypoint from the chart window
1
In the chart window, move the cursor to the
waypoint to move.
6-2-1 Creating a new waypoint
Creating and editing a new waypoint from
the chart window
MENU
2
3
Press
and select Move.
Move the cursor to the new position and
ENTER
press
.
1
To create a waypoint at the boat position,
Moving a waypoint from the waypoints
window
ESC
press
to switch the chart to centre on
boat mode.
To move a waypoint from the waypoints
window, edit the waypoint (see section 6-2-3)
and change the latitude and longitude.
Or, to create a waypoint at a different point,
move the cursor to that point on the chart.
ENTER
2
3
Press
.
6-2-3 Editing a waypoint
Editing a waypoint from the chart window
A new waypoint, with the default name and
data is created.
1
2
3
In the chart window, move the cursor to the
waypoint to edit.
4
Change the waypoint data if necessary (see
section 6-2-7).
When the waypoint data is displayed, press
Creating a new waypoint from the
waypoints window
ENTER
.
MENU
Change the waypoint data
(see section 6-2-7).
1
2
3
In the waypoints window, press
and
select Create.
A new waypoint, with a default name and
data, is created at the boat position.
Change the waypoint data if necessary (see
section 6-2-7).
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Editing a waypoint from the waypoints
window
Deleting a waypoint from the waypoints
window
1
In the waypoints window, press or to
highlight the waypoint to edit. Press
1
In the waypoints window, press or to
highlight the waypoint to delete. Press
MENU
MENU
and select Edit.
and select Delete.
2
Change the waypoint data
(see section 6-2-7).
2
Select Yesto confirm.
6-2-6 Deleting all waypoints
In the waypoints window and press
MENU
6-2-4 Displaying a waypoint on the chart
1
This goes to the chart window, and shows the
selected waypoint at the centre of the window.
and select Delete all.
2
Select Yesto confirm.
1
In the waypoints window, press or to
highlight the waypoint to display. Press
6-2-7 Changing a waypoint’s data
To change the waypoint data when it is
displayed in a window:
MENU
and select Display.
MENU
Or, in the Chart window, press
Find, then select Waypoints. Select a
waypoint from the list.
, select
1
Select the data to change.
ENTER
Press
.
Use the cursor keys to change the data.
2
The Instrument switches to the chart
window, with the selected waypoint at the
centre of the chart.
ENTER
Press
.
2
3
If necessary, repeat the above step to
change other data.
6-2-5 Deleting a waypoint
Select Save.
6-2-8 Sort Waypoints
A waypoint can not be deleted if the boat is
navigating to it or if the waypoint is used in
more than one route. A waypoint that is used in
one route can be deleted.
To change how the waypoints list is displayed:
MENU
1
2
Press
and select Sort by.
Select how to display the list:
Name: In alphabetical order by name.
Icon: Grouped by icon type.
!
WARNING
When a waypoint is deleted from a route,
check that the changed route does not cross
land or dangerous waters.
Distance: In order of distance from the
boat.
An arrow at the top of a column indicates how
the waypoints are sorted.
Deleting a waypoint from the chart
window
6-2-9 Navigating to a waypoint
See section 3-1-2.
1
In the chart window, move the cursor to the
waypoint to delete.
MENU
2
3
Press
and select Delete.
Select Yesto confirm.
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7 Navigation: Routes
A route is a list of waypoints that the boat can
navigate along. Routes can be created, changed
and deleted.
The Instrument can navigate along a route in
either direction. Waypoints on the route can be
skipped.
The Instrument can have up to 25 routes. Each
route can have up to 50 waypoints.
Routes are a powerful feature when the
Instrument is connected to an autopilot,
allowing the vessel to be automatically guided
along the route.
A route can:
Start and stop at the same waypoint .
Include waypoints more than once.
!
WARNING
Make sure that routes do not cross land or
dangerous water.
7-1 Routes window
The routes window is a list of the routes that
have been entered, each with route name, start
waypoint, end waypoint, number of legs and
total distance.
DISPLAY
To go to the routes window, press
, select
More, then select Routes.
If there are more routes than will fit on the
window, press or to scroll up or down a
page at a time.
7-2 Managing routes
•
A data box at the bottom left of the window
shows the route name and total distance. If
the cursor is near a leg, it shows the length
and bearing of the leg as well.
!
WARNING
After creating or changing a route, display
the route on the chart and check that it
does not cross land or dangerous water.
The legs of a route must start and end at
waypoints. If a leg does not start or end at
an existing waypoint then a new waypoint
will be created automatically (to change the
new waypoint data, see section 6-2-1).
7-2-1 Creating a new route
A. Creating a new route from the chart
window
You can not use a Danger waypoint in a
route.
While creating the route:
Press or to change the range; scroll the
chart by moving the cursor to the edge of
the chart.
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MENU
MENU
1
2
In the chart window, press
New route.
and select
ii Press
and select Remove. The
waypoint is removed from the route, but
the waypoint is not deleted.
The route is given a default name:
Change the name if necessary.
5
6
7
To start navigating the route
i
MENU
i
Press
and select Start
ii Select OK.
To end creating the route
3
To enter the legs of the route:
MENU
i
Press
and select End
i
Move the cursor to the start of the route
ENTER
and press
.
To delete the route
MENU
ii A waypoint is created with a default
i
Press
and select Delete
ENTER
name. To save this waypoint press
to edit the waypoint refer to 6-2-3
ENTER
,
ii Select yes to confirm.
Tip: The distance and bearing calculator can
also be used to enter a course and save it as a
route (see section 3-3).
iii Press
a dotted leg line is displayed
from the cursor to the previous waypoint
B. Creating a new route from the routes
iv Move the cursor to the end of the first leg
window
ENTER
and press
.
MENU
1
2
3
In the routes window, press
and select
v
Repeat i to iv until the last waypoint in
Create.
the route is placed and saved
A new route, with a default name and no
waypoints, is displayed.
ESC
vi Press
to complete the route
Menu options while creating a route:
To change the route name:
1
To add a waypoint to the route
i
Select the route name at the top of the
window and press
MENU
i
Press
and select Add.
ENTER
.
2
To insert a waypoint in the route by breaking
one leg into two:
ii Change the name if necessary.
ENTER
iii Press
.
i
Move the cursor to the leg you want to
4
To insert a waypoint in the route:
break.
i
Select where the waypoint will be:
MENU
ii Press
and select Insert.
To insert the first waypoint in a new
route, select Leg 1.
iii Move the cursor to where the new route
waypoint will be.
To insert a waypoint at the end of
the route, select the unused leg at
the end of the list of waypoints.
ENTER
iv Press
.
3
4
To move a waypoint in the route:
i
Move the cursor to the waypoint to
Otherwise, select the waypoint to
insert the new waypoint in front of.
ENTER
move.
MENU
ii Press
and select Move.
ii Press
. A list of waypoints is
iii Move the cursor to where the waypoint
displayed. Select the waypoint to use.
will be.
As waypoints are inserted, the distance
and bearing of each leg is shown
automatically. If the route has more
waypoints than will fit on the window,
press or to see them.
ENTER
iv Press
.
To remove a waypoint from the route:
i
Move the cursor to the waypoint to
remove from the route.
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5
To remove a waypoint from the route:
7-2-3 Displaying a route on the chart
i
Select the waypoint to remove.
To view the selected route at the centre of the
MENU
window:
ii Press
and select Remove.
1
In the routes window, press or to
highlight the route to window. Press
and select Display.
6
7
8
Repeat this process until the route is finished.
MENU
ESC
Press
.
Display the route on the chart (see section
6-2-3) and check that the route does not
cross land or dangerous water.
MENU
Or, in the Chart window, press
Find, then select Route. Select a route from
the list.
, select
7-2-2 Editing a route
Editing a route from the chart
2
The Instrument displays the selected route
on the chart.
1
2
3
In the routes window, select the route to
7-2-4 Deleting a route
MENU
edit. Press
and select Edit on chart.
1
In the routes window, press or to
The selected route is displayed on the chart,
with a circle around the first waypoint.
MENU
highlight the route to delete. Press
select Delete.
and
Edit the route as described in section 6-2-1
A, starting at step 4.
2
Select Yes to confirm.
7-2-5 Deleting all routes
Editing a route from the routes window
MENU
1
In the routes window, press
and select
1
In the routes window, press or to
highlight the route to edit. Press
select Edit.
Delete all.
Select Yesto confirm.
MENU
and
2
2
3
The selected route is displayed: the route
name and a list of the waypoints.
7-2-6 Navigating a route
See section 3-1-3.
Edit the route as described in section 6-2-1 B,
starting at step 3.
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8 Satellites
Differential beacon DGPS
GPS worldwide navigation
Differential beacons are land based radio
transmitters that broadcast correction
signals that can be received by a special
receiver on the boat. Differential beacons
are usually only installed near ports and
important waterways, and each beacon
has a limited range. The accuracy of the
corrected GPS position is typically better
than 2 to 5 m (6 to 16 ft).
The US Government operates the GPS system.
Twenty-four satellites orbit the earth and
broadcast position and time signals. The
positions of these satellites are constantly
changing. The GPS receiver analyses the signals
from the closest satellites and calculates exactly
where it is on earth. This is called the GPS
position.
The accuracy of the GPS position is typically
better than 10 m (33 ft) for 95% of the time. A
GPS antenna can receive signals from the GPS
satellites when it is almost anywhere on earth.
GPS receiver
Northstar GPS units have a sensitive 12-channel
receiver, which tracks signals from all GPS
satellites visible above the horizon and uses
measurements from all satellites more than 5°
above the horizon to calculate the position.
DGPS
A DGPS system uses correction signals to
remove some of the errors in the GPS position.
The Instrument can use one of two types of
DGPS system:
Each time a GPS receiver is turned on, it
normally takes about 50 seconds before
it outputs the first position. Under some
circumstances it will take up to two minutes or
longer.
WAAS and EGNOS DGPS
WAAS and EGNOS are two satellite based
DGPS systems. The correction signals are
broadcast by satellites and are received by
the Instrument’s standard GPS antenna. The
accuracy of the corrected GPS position is
typically better than 5 m (15 ft) for 95% of
the time.
WAAS covers all of the USA and most of
Canada. EGNOS will cover most of Western
Europe when it becomes operational.
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8-1 Satellite window
The satellite window has information about the
GPS satellites and GPS position.
DISPLAY
A Status of GPS antenna, for example
Acquiring, GPS fix, No GPS. If
the unit is in Simulate mode it displays
Simulate(see section 2-6).
To go to the satellite window, press
,
select More, then select Satellite.
B Time and date from GPS satellites. Time is
local time (UTC [GMT] plus local offset, see
section 19-4)
The satellite window shows:
A
C HDOP: The error in the GPS position caused
by satellite geometry. A low value indicates
a more precise fix, a high value a less precise
fix
B
E
C
D Signal strengths of up to twelve visible GPS
satellites. The higher the bar the stronger the
signal
G
D
E
F
Boat position
F
Positions of visible GPS satellites:
Outer circle is horizon
Inner circle is 45° elevation
Centre is directly above
North is at top of window
G If the boat is moving, COG is a line from
centre
9 Sonar fishfinding: Introduction
Sonar functions require an optional sonar
transducer to be installed and set up.
It also describes Gain and Range and shows
examples of some of the different sonar
displays.
This section explains how to interpret the sonar
displays, when and why to use the different
frequencies and how fish are detected and
displayed.
9-1 Using the Instrument
The Instrument uses a sonar transducer
attached to the hull. The transducer generates
an ultrasonic pulse (sound that is above the
hearing range of the human ear), which travels
down towards the bottom at a speed of about
4800 ft/sec (1463 m/sec), spreading out into a
cone shape.
The depth of the object or bottom is calculated
by the Instrument by measuring the time taken
between sending a pulse and receiving the
echo. When an echo has been returned, the
next pulse is sent.
The Instrument converts each echo into an
electronic signal, displayed as a vertical line of
pixels.
When the pulse meets an object, such as a fish
or the bottom, it is partly reflected back up
towards the boat as an echo.
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The most recent echo appears on the extreme
right of the window, with the older echoes
being scrolled towards the left, eventually
disappearing off the window.
•
•
•
Cruising mode: Use this when on the
move. The Instrument automatically adjusts
its settings to compensate for water clarity
and to display the bottom.
The scroll speed depends upon the water
depth and scroll speed setting. See sections
19-3 and section 9-2, for more information.
Fishing mode: Use this when fishing. The
Instrument automatically adjusts its settings
to compensate for water clarity and to best
display fish, the bottom and other details.
The appearance of echoes displayed are
affected by:
Manual mode: Use this to fine-tune the
Instrument settings by hand. Best results
are often achieved in manual mode, but
practice and experience are required to
obtain the optimum settings for different
conditions.
•
•
•
The Instrument settings (see sections 19-3,
9-5 and 9-6)
Echoes (different fish types, different bottom
types, wrecks and seaweed; see section 9-2)
Noise (water clarity and bubbles; see section
9-2).
For more information about modes, see
sections 9-5 and 9-6.
Cruise, Fishing and Manual Modes
The Instrument has three sonar operating
modes:
!
WARNING
Use the automatic Cruising or Fishing
modes when learning to use the Instrument
or when travelling at speed.
9-2 Interpreting the display
The sonar windows do not show a fixed
distance travelled by the boat; rather, they
display a history, showing what has passed
below the boat during a certain period of time.
A
The history of the sonar signal displayed
depends the depth of the water and the scroll
speed setting.
D
B
In shallow water, the echoes have a short
distance to travel between the bottom and the
boat. In deep water, the history moves across
the window more slowly because the echoes
take longer to travel between the bottom and
the boat. For example, when the scroll speed
is set to Fast, at depths over 1000 ft (300 m)
it takes about 2 minutes for the data to move
across the window, whereas at 20 ft (6 m) it
takes only about 25 seconds.
C
A School of fish
B Single fish
C Hard bottoms such as rock and coral show
as wide bands
D Soft bottoms such as mud, weed and sand
show as narrow bands
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The scroll speed can be set by the user to
display either a longer history with less fish
information or a shorter history with more fish
details (see section 19-3).
•
Location of the fish or object. (The area
covered by the ultrasonic pulse is a rough
cone shape and the echoes are strongest in
the middle.)
If the boat is anchored, the echoes all come
from the same area of bottom. This produces a
flat bottom trace on the window.
•
•
Clarity of water. Particles or air in the water
reduce the strength of the echo.
Composition or density of the object or
bottom.
The screen shot shows a typical sonar window
with the Fish symbols turned Off. The sonar
pulse generated by the Instrument transducer
travels down through the water, spreading
outwards in a cone shape. The cone width is
dependent upon the frequency of the pulse; at
50 kHz it is approximately 45°, and at 200 kHz it
is approximately 11°.
CAUTION
Planing hulls at speed produce air bubbles
and turbulent water that bombard the
transducer. The resulting ultrasonic noise
may be picked up by the transducer and
obscure the real echoes.
The differences in the cone width affect what is
displayed. (See section 9-3)
Strength of echoes
Bottom types
The colors indicate differences in the strength
of the echo. The strength varies with several
factors, such as the:
Mud, weed and sandy bottoms tend to weaken
and scatter the sonar pulse, resulting in a weak
echo. Hard, rocky or coral bottoms reflect the
pulse, resulting in a strong echo.
•
•
Size of the fish, school of fish or other object.
Depth of the fish or object.
Frequency and cone width
Water Depth ft/m
Cone width at 50 kHz
Cone width at 200 kHz
45˚ cone
11˚ cone
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See following for an example of the sonar
window in such an environment. A double
bottom trace is shown on the window.
Shadows
Shadows are created around areas where
the ultrasonic beam cannot ‘see’. These areas
include hollows on the bottom or beside rocks
and ledges, where the strong echoes returned
off the rocks obscure the weak echoes of the
fish and may also create a double bottom trace.
When looking for fish with the wide angled 50
kHz frequency, be aware of increased shadows.
Use the high frequency 200 kHz in areas that
have rocks and ledges because this frequency
reduces the shadow effect considerably.
Example of shadows
Sonar window of same area
A
A
B
B
A
A
A Fish is visible on the window
B Fish is hidden by the strong echoes off the
bottom and is not shown on the window
9-3 Single and Dual frequency fishfinding
Sonar frequencies
When to use 200 kHz
The Instrument has two sonar frequencies, 200
kHz and 50 kHz. To select the sonar frequency
to use:
The 200 kHz frequency is especially suitable
for use in shallow and medium depth water,
typically less than 500 ft (150 m) and while
running at speed.
1
2
Go to a sonar window (see section 9).
At 200 kHz, the narrow cone reduces any noise
caused by air bubbles.
MENU
Press
, select Frequencyand select
200 kHz, 50 kHz, or Mixed.
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The 200 kHz frequency generates a higher
definition pulse which produces little shadow
and returns excellent detail over a small area
of bottom. Therefore, it gives excellent bottom
discrimination capability and is particularly
good at showing individual fish, including
bottom dwellers.
When to use 50/200 kHz
Operating the Instrument at both 50 kHz and
200 kHz simultaneously on a split window can
be very useful when operating in shallow to
medium water, typically less than 500 ft (150
m), because the 50 kHz section of the window
shows the general area, while the 200 kHz
section can be viewed simultaneously for a
more detailed look at any interesting feature.
When to use 50 kHz
The 50 kHz frequency is particularly suitable for
use in deep water, typically greater than 500 ft
(150 m).
To use 50/200 kHz, select the Split 50/200
window (see section 9-4).
At 50 kHz, the cone covers an area of water
about four times wider than the 200 kHz cone
and penetrates to a greater depth with minimal
loss of the return signal.
However, it produces a lower definition display
with more shadow compared to the 200 kHz
frequency. This means that a group of small fish,
for example, could be displayed as a single item,
while any fish very close to the bottom may not
be found at all.
This frequency is useful for getting a deep, wide
overview of the area so that any areas of interest
can be identified and then examined in detail
with the 200 kHz frequency.
A
B
When to use Mixed
The Mixed frequency combines the 200 kHz
and the 50 kHz echoes on one sonar window,
filling in detailed echoes in the centre of the
sonar cone.
A Narrow angle, more detailed 200 kHz cone
B Wide angle, less detailed 50 kHz cone
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Comparison of the same fish scenario displayed at different frequencies:
1 minute ago
30 seconds ago
Now
50 kHz display
200 kHz display
200/50 kHz display
Mixed display
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9-4 Fish detection and display
Where to find fish
Underwater features like reefs, wrecks and rocky
outcrops attract fish. Use the 50 kHz or 50/200
kHz frequency window to find these features,
then look for fish by passing over the feature
slowly several times using the Zoom window
(see section 9-2). If there is a current, the fish will
often be found downstream of the feature.
A fish arch starts when a fish enters the weak
edge of the sonar cone, generating a weak
echo that is displayed as the start of the fish
arch. As the fish moves closer to the middle of
the cone, the distance between the transducer
and the fish reduces and the echo is displayed
at progressively shallower depths, producing
a rising shape. When the fish passes directly
beneath the middle of the cone, the echo
becomes strongest and thickest. As the fish
passes out of the middle of the cone the
reverse happens with a progressively weaker
and deeper echo.
When fishing with the Instrument with the
Fish symbols Off, a weak fuzzy band may
appear between the bottom trace and surface.
This might indicate a thermocline - a rapid
change in water temperature, such as the edge
of a warm or cold current. The temperature
difference can form a barrier which the fish
may not swim through. In fresh water, fish often
collect around a thermocline.
There are many reasons why fish arches may
not be seen. For example:
•
Poor transducer installation (see Transom
Transducers Installation Guide).
•
If the boat is anchored then fish will tend to
show on the window as horizontal lines as
they swim into and out of the transducer
sonar beam. Slow speeds in deeper water
give the best fish arch returns.
Fish symbols
The Instrument uses Northstar’s SBN II
technology to analyze sonar echoes and
identify which are likely to be fish. The
Instrument can be set up to display a fish
symbol and the depth over these echoes (see
section 19-3, Fish symbols). While SBN II is very
sophisticated it is not foolproof - there will be
times when the Instrument will not be able to
differentiate between fish and large air bubbles
or rubbish.
•
Range is important. It will be much easier
to see fish arches when using zoom mode
to concentrate on a particular section of
water, rather than just displaying everything
from the surface to the bottom. Zooming
increases screen resolution and is necessary
for good fish arches.
Depending on the strength of a fish signal, the
Instrument can display a small, medium or large
symbol (see section 19-3, Fish filter).
•
•
It is difficult to get fish arches in shallow
water as the transducer sonar beam is very
narrow near the surface and fish do not stay
within the beam long enough to display an
arch. Several fish in shallow water tend to
display as randomly stacked areas of color.
To see the maximum amount of information
from the echoes, turn Fish symbols off. Fish
appear as arches on the window.
Fish arches
Wave motion may result in distorted fish
arches.
In good conditions, a fish passing through the
cone-shaped ultrasonic pulse is displayed as
a fish arch. The 50 kHz frequency uses a wider
cone than the 200 kHz frequency. This makes
the fish arches easier to see.
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23
Fun fish symbol
Normal fish symbol
Fun symbol + depth
Fish arch + depth
9-5 Range
Range is the vertical depth displayed on the
Instrument sonar window. For example, if the
range is 100 m, then the sonar window shows
depths between 0 and 100 m. The range is
displayed at the bottom, right corner of a sonar
window.
Manual: The Instrument does not adjust the
range automatically. If the bottom depth is
below the range, the bottom will not appear
on the window. Manual range is useful if
the bottom depth changes rapidly, because
Auto range will cause the window to change
range frequently.
The Instrument has two range modes:
To set Manual range or to change the range:
Auto: The Instrument adjusts the range
automatically so that the bottom of the
water is always shown at the bottom of the
window. Auto range is recommended for
normal operation.
1
2
Go to a sonar window (see section 9).
Either press to increase range or press
to decrease range
Zoom range and offset
To set Auto mode:
The sonar Zoom and Bottom windows can
show a magnified part of the range (see
sections 9-2 and 9-3).
1
2
Go to a sonar window (see section 9).
MENU
Press
, select Rangethen Auto.
!
WARNING
Use the Auto range when learning to use
the Instrument or when travelling at speed.
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9-6 Gain and threshold
Gain and threshold settings control the amount
of detail displayed on a sonar window:
The Instrument has three operating modes, In
Cruising and Fishing modes, the Instrument
automatically adjusts gain and threshold for
good performance. In manual mode, you can
hand adjust the settings.
Gain: The gain of the sonar receiver. The gain
should be high to display good detail, but if
the gain is too high then information from the
strong bottom signal is lost and false echoes
might be displayed. There is a separate gain
setting for each sonar frequency, 50 kHz and
200 kHz.
To change the mode from the Gain window,
Select Modeand then select Fishing,
Cruisingor Manual. When you select
Manual, the Instrument reverts to your last
manual settings.
Threshold: Return echoes less than the
threshold are ignored. The threshold should
be as low as possible, but if the threshold is
too low, unwanted noise will be displayed.
Threshold is set as a percentage of gain. For
example, if the threshold is 50 %, then return
echoes less than 50 % of the maximum signal
are ignored. There is a separate threshold
setting for each sonar frequency, 50 kHz and
200 kHz.
Changing gain and threshold
1
In the Gain window, press or to select
the setting to adjust.
2
Press or adjust the setting. The
Instrument changes to Manual mode.
Tip: Use the A-scope window to help set
gain or threshold manually (see section
10-5).
The gain window
To display or change the current settings for
ENTER
gain, select a sonar window and press
.
Select Thresholdto display the thresholds.
Changing mode
This window is called the gain window.
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10 Sonar fishfinding: Windows
DISPLAY
To show the Sonar window, press
, then
Split A-Scope: Sonar history plus echo
select Sonar.
strength (see section 10-5)
There are five kinds of sonar window. To use a
If the window is split, adjust the split ratio if
required:
MENU
window, press
then select the type of window to use:
, select Sonar splits,
MENU
1
2
3
Press
and select Sonar window split.
No split: Sonar history window at a single or
mixed frequency (see section 10-1).
Press or to adjust the ratio.
ENTER
Press
.
Split zoom: Sonar history plus a zoomed
section (see section 10-2)
Full screen zoom: (see section 10-2)
Split bottom: Sonar history plus a bottom
trace in a zoomed section (see section 10-3)
Split 50/200: Sonar histories at 50 and 200 kHz
(see section 10-4)
10-1 Sonar history window - no split
A
B
A Optional data header (see section 2-7-3)
B Optional compass (see section 2-7-4)
C Depth
C
D
G
D Color bar
E
F
Bottom
Range
H
E
G Fish symbols with depth
H Depth line
The window scrolls from right (most recent
echoes) to left (oldest echoes).
F
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10-1-1 Extended history mode
To review an old sonar echo, use and to
move back and forward through the sonar
history. The time since the echoes shown on
the screen were recorded is displayed at the
ESC
bottom of the screen. Press
the most recent echo.
to return to
The digital depth shown is always the current
depth, even in extended history mode.
The History Position Bar indicates the age of
the most resent echo on the screen, and the
position of the current screen in the recorded
history.
History position bar
10-2 Sonar Zoom and Full Screen Zoom displays
These windows show a zoomed section of the
sonar history. The Sonar Zoom display shows
the sonar history on the right and the zoomed
section on the left. The Full Screen Zoom
display shows the zoomed section only.
A
The zoom bar on the far right shows the area
of the history that is magnified in the zoom
section:
C
B
•
Press or to adjust the zoom range
(the range of depths included in the zoom
section).
•
If Bottom lockis on, the zoom depth
(the depth of the zoom section) is adjusted
automatically so that the bottom is always
displayed in the zoom section.
D
E
A Divider line
B Depth line marks the centre of the zoomed
If Bottom lockis off, press or to
manually adjust the zoom depth. If bottom
lock is on it will turn off.
area
C Zoom bar
D Zoom section
Bottom lock
E
Sonar history
To turn Bottom lockon or off:
MENU
1
2
Press
and select Bottom lock.
Select Onor Off. Or if Bottom lockis
on, pressing or will turn it off.
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10-3 Sonar Bottom window
The window shows the sonar history on the
right and the bottom signal as a flat trace in
the centre of the zoom section on the left. The
flat trace make it easy to compare the echo
strengths shown in the bottom signals. This can
help to identify the type of bottom and objects
close to the bottom.
The zoom bar on the far right shows the area
of the history that is magnified in the zoom
section:
A
•
Use the or keys to adjust the zoom
range.
B
•
The Instrument calculates the zoom depth
automatically.
A Zoomed bottom signal
It is not necessary to turn Bottom lock on for
this window.
B Sonar history
10-4 Sonar 50/200 window
The window shows:
A the 50 kHz sonar history on the left
B the 200 kHz sonar history on the right.
Gain can be set independently for each
frequency (see section 9-6). Range applies to
both frequencies (see section 9-5).
A
B
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10-5 Sonar A-Scope window
ENTER
4
Press
to display the Gain window. To
D
B
adjust gain or threshold for a frequency,
press or to select the setting to adjust,
then press or to change the setting.
E
A
5
6
Set threshold to zero.
Adjust Gain so the peak of the strong signal
from the bottom just touches the gain line.
C
7
Adjust threshold so that it is just to the right
of the noise.
ESC
8
9
Press
to close the gain window.
If required, repeat these steps to adjust gain
and threshold for the other frequency.
The window shows the sonar history on the
left and the A-Scope window on the right. The
A-Scope shows:
Note: Setting the gain higher will display more
detail from weak echoes, like fish, but will loose
detail from the strong echo from the bottom.
A, B, C, The strengths of echoes being received
now from different depths - the longer the
horizontal line the stronger the signal:
Fish recognition
The echo strengths shown on the A-scope
can be useful in recognizing the type of fish.
Different species of fish have different sizes
and shapes of swim bladders. The air in the
swim bladder reflects the ultrasonic pulse, so
the strength of the echo varies between fish
species according to the size and shape of the
swim bladder.
A Unwanted noise echoes.
B Echoes from fish and the bottom
C The strongest echo, usually from the bottom
D A vertical line showing the threshold, the
weakest echo to display on the sonar history
E
A vertical line showing the gain setting;
echoes above this strength will display as
the maximum signal strength
When catching fish from a school, note the
species and the strength of the echo that
it returns on the A-scope. Then, when that
particular echo is seen again, it is likely to be the
same fish species.
Use the A-Scope while adjusting the gain and
threshold settings manually (see section 9-6).
Setting gain and threshold
Bottom type
The shape of the echo strengths in the A-Scope
can help you to recognise the type of bottom.
It is convenient to use the A-scope window
when adjusting gain and threshold manually.
Follow this procedure to adjust gain and
threshold for normal circumstances:
1
Switch to a sonar window (see section 9). If
necessary, press or to adjust range so
that the bottom is displayed.
2
If necessary, select the sonar frequency to
MENU
adjust the settings for. Press
, select
Frequencyand select 200 kHzor 50
kHz.
Press
MENU
3
, select Sonar splits then select
Split A-scope.
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11 Gauges window
The Gauges window shows boat data, such
Selecting a Gauges layout
as water speed, as analog gauges. To select
The Gauges window can show one of four
gauge layouts. To select a layout from the
DISPLAY
the Gauges window, press
, select More,
then select Gauges. Before using the Gauges
window, set Speed range, Max RPM and Max
fuel flow (see section 19-13).
MENU
Gauges window, press
select a layout.
, select Layout and
Changing a gauge layout
You can change the data displayed on each
gauge in a layout.
1
2
3
Select the layout to change (see above).
MENU
Press
and select Gauge setup.
ENTER
Highlight the gauge to change. Press
and select the data to display in the gauge.
4
5
Repeat the above step to change other
gauges.
ESC
Press
.
12 Data window
The data window has large numeric data fields
and a graph of depth and water temperature if
DISPLAY
available. To go to the data window, press
,
select More, then select Data.
To select what data is displayed:
MENU
1
2
Press
and select Data setup.
Change a data field:
i
Press the cursor keys to highlight the
field.
ENTER
ii Press
items.
to display a menu of data
iii Select a data item that is available on
your system or select Noneto leave the
field empty.
3
4
Repeat the above step to set the other data
fields.
ESC
Press
.
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13 Fuel functions and display
The Fuel functions require optional petrol/gasoline or SmartCraft fuel sensors to be installed and set
up.
13-1 What the fuel computer does
Each engine has a flow sensor installed to
!
WARNING
measure the engine’s fuel flow.
The M121/M84 use these flows, together with
boat speed and engine RPM if available to
estimate the fuel remaining in the tank(s), fuel
used, range and fuel economy. This data is
displayed on the fuel display (see section 13-2).
To ensure the fuel data is accurate:
When you add or remove fuel from a
tank, tell the M121/M84 (see section 13-3)
If the boat has petrol/gasoline sensors,
calibrate them during installation or if
the fuel readings seem inaccurate (see
section 13-7)
You can:
display the fuel used during a trip
(see section 13-2)
Choose an appropriate type of boat
speed sensor to calculate economy,
range and the fuel consumption curve
(see section 13-5)
set low fuel alarms (see section 13-4)
make fuel consumption curves - graphs
of fuel consumption and boat speed as a
function of engine RPM - to monitor and
optimize boat performance.
If the boat uses a paddlewheel sensor
to measure speed, calibrate it during
installation or if the speed readings seem
inaccurate.
(see section 13-6)
13-2 Fuel display
DISPLAY
Fuel display
To go to the Fuel display, press
, select
More, then select Fuel.
The display differs according to the number of
engines and tanks. If engine RPM is available
and if you have made and selected a Fuel
Consumption Curve (see section 13-6), press
to switch between a Summary or a Fuel curve
display.
The Fuel display shows
Speed
To select a boat speed sensor, see section 13-5-1.
RPM (if available)
If engine RPM is not available, the display shows
depth.
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Remaining
Fuel flow
The fuel remaining in the tank(s) is shown as a
vertical gauge on the right of the display. The
height of the yellow bar(s) show how much fuel
remains in the tank(s). If you have set a low fuel
alarm (see section 13-4), a red bar shows the
level at which the alarm will trigger. If there are
two tanks, the left bar shows the port tank, the
right bar shows the starboard tank.
The fuel flow for the engine(s). On a multi
engine boat, the data for the port engine is on
the left of the display. Use the flows to check
the load of each engine.
Range
The estimated boat range at the current fuel
flow. The value can depend on the type of
speed sensor (see section 13-5).
Used
The fuel used during a trip. On a multi-engine
boat, the data for the port engine is on the left
of the display.
When you want to start measuring how much
fuel is used, go to the Fuel display and:
Economy
The distance travelled per unit of fuel used. The
value can depend on the type of speed sensor
(see section 13-5). The larger the value, the
better the fuel economy. Adjust the throttle and
trim to achieve the best economy.
MENU
In a single engine boat, press
and
select Clear used.
In a multi-engine boat, the fuel used by
each engine and the total fuel used are
Fuel consumption curve
A graph of fuel consumption and boat speed
as a function of engine RPM. Use the curve to
monitor and optimize boat performance (see
section 13-6).
MENU
shown. Press
and select:
, select Clear used
Portor Starboardto clear the fuel used
by one engine
Both to clear the total fuel used.
13-3 When you add or remove fuel
When you add or remove fuel, you must tell
the M121/M84, otherwise the fuel data will be
meaningless.
B When you part fill a tank
1
2
3
4
Add fuel to a tank and write down how
much fuel you add.
A When you completely fill a tank
MENU
From the Fuel display, press
and select
MENU
Go to the fuel display and press
Then:
.
Add fuel.
On a multi-tank boat, select the tank that
you have added fuel to.
On a single-tank boat, select Fill tank.
Change the number to the amount of fuel
that you added.
On a multi-tank boat, select Fill tank,
then select the tank you have filled.
Note: If you follow procedure B every time you
add fuel, then a small error will accumulate,
because it is hard to measure exactly how much
fuel you add. To avoid this, completely fill the
tank and follow procedure A about every tenth
time you add fuel.
Note: Underfloor fuel tanks are often difficult to
refill to the same level twice, due to air pockets.
With underfloor fuel tanks:
Trim the boat to the same angle in the water
each time you follow procedure A.
Mostly use procedure B below when adding
fuel, but completely fill the tank and follow
procedure A about every tenth time you add
fuel.
C When you remove fuel
1. Before removing fuel, go to the Fuel display,
MENU
press
and select Set remaining.
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2. On a multi-tank boat, select the tank that
you are removing fuel from.
6. Change the number on the Set Remaining
menu to the amount of fuel that you
calculated was now in the tank.
3. Write down the value of Remaining for the
tank; this is the amount of fuel originally in
the tank.
ENTER
7. Press
Note: You can also use this procedure when
you add fuel to a tank. In this case, add the fuel
you have added to the amount of fuel originally
in the tank to calculate the amount of fuel now
in the tank.
4. Remove fuel from the tank and write down
how much fuel you remove.
5. Subtract the amount of fuel you removed
from the amount of fuel originally in the tank
to calculate the amount of fuel now in the
tank.
13-4 Low fuel alarm
To set a low fuel alarm for a tank:
When a low fuel alarm is set, the alarm’s fuel
level is shown on the fuel display tank levels as
a red bar. The alarm can also be set using the
Alarms setup menu (see section 19-10)
MENU
1
2
3
Press
twice, select Fuel,then select
Setup tanks.
On a multi-tank boat, select the tank to set
the alarm for.
Select Tank alarmand enter a fuel level
to trigger the low fuel alarm; or enter zero to
disable the alarm.
13-5 Boat speed sensors
To select an optional speed sensor
13-5-1 Selecting a boat speed sensor
MENU
1
Press
twice, select Fuel,then select
The fuel calculations can use boat speeds from
the GPS, or from a paddlewheel sensor or pitot
sensor if these optional sensors are installed:
Speed source.
2
To use a paddlewheel or pitot sensor, select
Water speed, otherwise select Ground
speedto use GPS speed.
Paddlewheel and pitot sensors measure
the speed through the water; GPS speed is
speed over ground; these sensors can give
different values for Range, Economy and
the fuel consumption curves (see section
13-5-2).
3
i
If you selected Water speed and you have
both a paddlewheel sensor and a pitot
sensor:
ESC
Press
, select SmartCraftand select
A pitot sensor is more accurate than a
paddlewheel sensor at high speeds but is
not accurate at low speeds. A paddlewheel
sensor is more accurate than a pitot sensor
at low speeds.
Speed type
ii Select Paddlewheelor Pitot.
Tip: You can select a different speed sensor
during a trip.
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Water speed is better for measuring the boat’s
potential performance, Ground speed is better
for going to a destination because it takes
currents into account. To select a speed sensor,
see section 13-5-1.
13-5-2 Water speed and ground speed
A paddlewheel sensor and a pitot sensor
measure water speed, the boat speed through
the water. A GPS measures ground speed, the
boat speed over the bottom of the water. If
there is a current, then these speeds will be
different, and the log, trip log, economy and
range will be different, as shown below.
When the current is from ahead, ground speed is less than water speed
Water speed 10 knots
Water speed 10 knots
Current 4 knots
Gives a ground speed of 6 knots
Gives a ground speed
of about 8 knots
Current 4 knots at 45º
For this example:
If the boat travels for one hour, uses 3 gallons of fuel per hour and has 50 gallons of
fuel left:
Speed
Log
Economy
3.3 nm / gal
2.0 nm / gal
Range
165 nm
100 nm
Using water speed:
10 knots
10 nm
6 nm
Using ground speed: 6 knots
When the current is from behind, ground speed is more than water speed
Water speed 10 knots
Current 4
knots at 45º
Current
4 knots
Water speed 10 knots
Gives a ground speed of 14 knots
For this example:
Gives a ground speed of about 13 knots
If the boat travels for one hour, uses 3 gallons of fuel and has 50 gallons of fuel left:
Speed
Log
Economy
3.3 nm / gal
4.7 nm / gal
Range
165 nm
235 nm
Using water speed:
10 knots
10 nm
14 nm
Using ground speed: 14 knots
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13-6 Fuel consumption curves
A fuel consumption curve shows fuel
consumption (fuel used per unit of distance
travelled) and boat speed as a function of
engine RPM. Fuel consumption curves require
engine RPM, which requires SmartCraft to
be installed. Fuel consumption curves are
powerful tools for assessing boat performance
in different conditions and for helping you
to run at the most economical speed for the
conditions.
6
7
The M121/M84 then asks you to set the
minimum RPM. Set the throttle to idle; on a
multi engine boat set all engines to about
the same idle RPM.
Now, do not change the engine speed.
Wait for about 60 seconds for the boat to
ENTER
stabilise, then press
. Wait while the fuel
computer records the data.
The M121/M84 then asks you to set the
throttle to achieve a target RPM. On a multi
engine boat set all engines to about the
target RPM. When the engine RPMs are
correct, the Target RPM box will turn green.
Now, do not change the engine speed.
13-6-1 Making a fuel consumption curve
To make a fuel consumption curve you will
need to run the boat in a straight line for about
15 minutes using the engine’s full RPM range.
For your first curve, choose a calm day with
light wind and little current; have a typical load
and a freshly cleaned hull. Later, you can make
fuel consumption curves for different boat,
weather or sea conditions. Compare these
with your first curve to see how your boat’s
performance changes with conditions.
Making a curve
1
2
Start running the boat in a straight line.
Choose a speed source for the curve (see
section 13-5-1). Normally choose Water
speed to measure the boat’s potential
performance.
MENU
Wait for about 60 seconds for the boat to
3
4
Press
twice, then select Fuel.
stabilise, ensuring the Target RPM box stays
Select Fuel consumption curve,
ENTER
green. Then press
. Wait while the fuel
then select New.
computer records the data.
5
Enter the comfortable maximum RPM you
know you can achieve for the engine rather
than the maker’s value.
8
The M121/M84 repeats the above step to
record data up to the maximum RPM. Then
the M121/M84 asks if you want to save the
curve. Select Yes. The fuel computer asks for
a name for the curve. Change the default
ENTER
name if required. Then press
. The
M121/M84 stores the new curve.
Note To interrupt making the curve at any time,
ENTER
press
.
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Information in a curve
13-6-2 Managing fuel consumption curves
A RPM of the boat now. For a twin engine
boat, the RPM is the average of the two
RPMs.
Renaming a curve
MENU
1
2
Press
twice, then select Fuel.
Select Fuel consumption curve.
Select Name and select the name of the
curve to rename.
B Red curve: boat speeds at different
RPMs recorded when you made this fuel
consumption curve.
ENTER
3
Select Rename and press
. Change
C Red marker: the boat speed now. This
marker is below the red curve, showing that
the boat speed now at this RPM is less than
when you recorded the curve.
the name.
13-6-3 Using fuel consumption curves
Deleting a curve
MENU
1
2
Press
twice, then select Fuel.
D Blue curve: fuel consumption at different
RPMs recorded when you made this fuel
consumption curve.
Select Fuel consumption curve.
Select Name and select the name of the
curve to delete.
E
Blue marker: the fuel consumption now. This
marker is below the blue curve, showing
that the fuel consumption now at this RPM is
better than when you recorded the curve.
3
Select Delete.
Selecting a curve
1
You must make a fuel consumption curve
before you can use it (see section 13-6-1).
MENU
F
If the blue curve has a dip, then running the
boat at this RPM will give the best speed for
the least fuel consumption.
2
On the Fuel display, press
, select Fuel
consumption curve and select the name of
the curve to use.
3
On the fuel display, press if necessary
to select Fuel curve and display the fuel
consumption curve.
F
E
D
Note
B
C
a
On a multi engine boat, keep the RPM of all
engines similar while using a curve.
b
The shape of the curve depends on the type
of speed sensor you selected when making
the curve (see sections 13-5-1 and 13-5).
A
Using a curve
Compare your boat’s performance now, at the
current RPMs, with the boat’s performance
when you made the curve. You can compare
your boat’s performance now with a curve
made under ideal conditions or with a curve
made under similar conditions.
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13-7 Calibration
Calibrate petrol/gasoline fuel flow sensors
during installation, or if the fuel readings seem
inaccurate and the other troubleshooting
suggestions do not help (see Appendix B
troubleshooting).
To calibrate the sensor(s):
1
2
Record the level of the fuel in the tank(s).
Connect the portable tank(s) to the engine
through the fuel sensor(s).
3
4
Run the engine at normal cruising speed
until at least 4 gallons (15 litres) of fuel has
been used per engine.
Note
SmartCraft fuel sensors are factory calibrated
and should never need recalibrating.
Check the actual amount of fuel used per
engine by refilling the portable tank(s) to the
original level and noting the reading(s) of
the fuel dispenser’s gauge.
On a multi engine boat, calibrate each
engine’s sensor. This can be done at the
same time with a portable tank for each
engine or at different times using one
portable tank.
MENU
5
6
Press
twice, select Fuel,then select
Setup engines.
Calibrating a sensor requires accurate
measurement of the fuel consumption.
This is best done using a small portable tank.
At least 4 gallons (15 litres) of fuel should be
used to ensure an accurate calibration.
On a single engine boat, select Calibrate
and change the displayed value to be equal
to the reading of the fuel dispenser’s gauge,
ENTER
then press
.
On a multi-engine boat select the engine.
It is often very difficult to fill underfloor tanks
to the same level twice due to air pockets, so
the more fuel used, the more accurate the
calibration.
Select Calibrateand change the
displayed value to be equal to the reading of
ENTER
the fuel dispenser’s gauge, then press
Repeat for the other engines.
.
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14 Tides window
MENU
The tides window is available on Chart cards.
The tides window shows tide information at a
tide station for the selected date.
1
From the chart window, press
and
select Find.
Select Tide stations.
2
3
A list of tide stations are displayed. Select
the tide station to display. The chart redraws
with the tide station centred.
MENU
CAUTION
The tides window requires the local time
offset to be set to work correctly (see
section 19-14)
4
5
Press
and select Chart info.
Select Tide height.
Choosing the date of the tide chart
MENU
1
2
From the tides window, press
.
To show the tides window for the tide station
DISPLAY
Select Today, Next dayor Prev day.
To choose a different date from these, select
nearest to the boat, press
then select Tides.
, select More,
Set date, edit the date,
To go to the tides window for any tide station:
ENTER
press
.
The tides window shows data for the chosen date
A
N
B
K
E
G
D
F
D
M
L
C
I
H
J
A Tide station name and distance from boat
B Current time and chosen date for display
C Tide chart
J
Time of cursor and tide height at that time
K Data for the chosen date
L
Tide height cursor, a horizontal dotted line.
Press or to move cursor up and down.
D Night
M Height of cursor on the tide chart
E
F
Dawn
Day
N Moon phase for moon at the current time
on the chosen date
G Dusk
H Tide height
I
Time cursor, a vertical dotted line. Press or
to move cursor sideways
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15 User card window
A user card is an optional plug-in card that can
store data files (see section 1-3). There are three
types of files: waypoints, routes or a track.
DISPLAY
Loading data from the user card to the
Instrument
This loads one file from the user card to the
To go to the user card window, press
,
Instrument:
select More, then select User card.
CAUTION
1
Before using a user card, remove any
chart card and plug the user card in.
When you have finished with the user
card, remove the user card and replace
the chart card (see section 1-3).
The user card window has:
File list
A list of the files on any user card in the
Instrument. If there are more files than will fit
on the window, press or to scroll up or
down a page at a time.
A waypoints file: The new waypoints are
added to any existing waypoints in the
Instrument. If a new waypoint has the same
name as an existing waypoint but has
different data, the Instrument displays both
waypoints. Select:
Waypoints, Routes
The number of waypoints and routes currently
in the Instrument.
Track 1 to Track 5
Skip: Do not load the new waypoint.
The number of points in tracks 1 to 5 currently
in the Instrument.
Replace: Load the new waypoint and
replace the existing one.
Note:
Skip all: Do not load any new
waypoints which have the same names
as existing waypoints.
1
To save Instrument data onto the user card,
use the Save command (see below).
2
Data stored on the user card and shown on
the file list is not available to be used by the
Instrument until loaded into the Instrument
with the LOAD command (see below).
Rplc all: Load all new waypoints
which have the same names as existing
waypoints; the new waypoints replace
the existing waypoints.
Saving data to the user card
A routes file: The new routes are added
to any existing routes in the Instrument.
If a new route has the same name as an
existing route but has different data then the
Instrument asks which route to keep.
This saves all the Instrument’s waypoints, all the
Instrument’s routes or one of the Instrument’s
tracks to one file on the user card.
MENU
1
2
3
Press
and select Save.
Select Waypts, Routesor Tracks.
A track file: The new track will replace the
existing track in the Instrument.
For Tracks, select the track number to
save.
4
The new file is created. Change the name
if required. The new file appears in the
file list.
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To load a file to the Instrument:
Formatting the user card
1
2
Select the file to load.
Formatting prepares a user card for use. Format
the card if there is an error message saying that
the card is not formatted. Any data files on the
card are deleted.
MENU
Press
and select Load.
Deleting a file from the user card
1
Select the file to delete.
MENU
1
2
3
Press
and select Card.
MENU
2
3
Press
and select Delete.
Select Format.
Select Yesto confirm.
Select Yes to confirm.
Rereading the file information
This reads the file names from the user card and
displays them. Reading does not load any file
data into the Instrument. You should not need
to do this.
!
WARNING
Do not format a chart card.
MENU
1
2
Press
and select Card.
Sorting the file names
This sorts the displayed file names.
MENU
Select Read.
1
2
Press
and select Sort.
Select sort by Name, Typeor Time.
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16 AIS
AIS is short for Automatic Identification System.
The International Convention for Safety of
Life At Sea (SOLAS) requires all vessels greater
than 300 tons and all passenger vessels to be
equipped with AIS Transponders. All vessels
equipped with AIS permanently broadcast
via one or more of the two dedicated VHF
channels. This transmission may include
information about the vessels MMSI-number,
its call sign, name, position, course, heading,
speed, rate of turn and type of vessel.
area are shown on the chart when this feature
is enabled.
The following AIS receivers are supported by
this unit:
•
•
Comar SLR200 (external GPS).
Weatherdock Two Channel AIS Receiver
“EASY AIS”, Part No. 5-A-013 (external GPS).
•
NASA Marine AIS Engine 2 channel Receiver
(external GPS).
Other AIS receivers may work but have not
been tested with this unit.
This unit can receive and display AIS
information when connected to an AIS receiver.
Available AIS vessels transmitting in the local
To enable AIS from the system menu check the
AIS box. (see section 16-3)
16-1 Viewing AIS Vessels
A typical AIS window shows:
E
B
A
C
D
A AIS Vessel
B Dangerous Vessel
C Projected Course
D Data Box
E
Range Rings
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When the cursor is placed over an AIS vessel for
at least two seconds, a data box appears at the
bottom of the window with information about
the AIS vessel.
For complete AIS information on the AIS vessel
place the cursor over an AIS vessel for at least
two seconds and press
.
Press either
information.
or
to clear the
16-2 Dangerous Vessels
The M121/M84 calculates the time of closest
point of approach (TCPA) and closest point of
approach (CPA) for each AIS vessel.
A dangerous vessel is indicated on the chart by
a red circle around the icon.
TCPA 15 min
This is used to determine potential dangerous
vessels. If the TCPA and the CPA is below
the trigger values then it will be considered
dangerous. (See section 19-8 for setting the
dangerous vessel alarm)
CPA 0.5 nm
16-3 AIS Windows
To go to the AIS windows, press
, select
Vessels
More, select AIS, then press or to select
one of the two windows: Vessels or Safety msgs
(rx).
This is a sorted list of vessels currently being
received by the AIS receiver. The maximum
number of vessels that the system will support
is 250. Once maximum is reached, vessels
furthest away from the current location will be
replaced. A vessel will be removed from the list
if no information is received within 6 minutes
from the last message.
If there are more items than will fit on the
window, press
or
to see the others.
Displaying an AIS vessel on the chart
1
Press or to select a vessel.
2
Press
and select Display. The
Instrument switches to chart window, with
the selected vessel position in the middle.
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Displaying Full AIS Details
Safety msgs (rx)
1
Press or to select a vessel.
Safety msgs (rx) are broadcasted messages
received by the AIS receiver. This window
displays the date and time of message
2
Press
and select More Infoor press
.
received, MMSI of AIS vessel that broadcasted
the message, and the message itself. Safety
msgs (rx) list will store up to 10 messages. The
oldest message is replaced when the list is full.
This window displays all information for
the selected AIS vessel provided by the AIS
receiver.
Sorting Vessels
Press
, select Sort and select one of
the options.
This sorts the list based on the chosen
category.
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17 DSC/Buddy track windows
DISPLAY
Buddy track requires an optional Northstar DSC
VHF radio to be installed. Buddy track tracks
other boats which have DSC radios connected
to their GPS receivers by NavBus and are in VHF
range. For information on setting up and using
the VHF radio for buddy track, see the radio’s
operation manual.
To go to the DSC windows, press
, select
More, then press or to select one of the
three windows: Distress, Poll or Buddy track.
If there are more items than will fit on the
window, press or to see the others.
17-1 The windows
Distress
Boats that have sent DSC distress
messages and their positions.
Poll
Buddy track
Buddy boats from your DSC radio.
The radio regularly calls the boats
and updates their positions.
Boats you have manually polled
on the VHF radio, and their posi-
tion at that time.
When your DSC radio receives a distress
message, the Instrument creates a distress
waypoint at the boat position. Distress
waypoints have default names like DSTRSS01.
The Instrument displays a Distress warning.
Select:
OK to return to what you were doing.
Display to switch to Chart and display the
position of the boat sending the distress
message.
Polled boats: The position is where the boat
was when you last polled the boat.
Boat positions
The boat positions on the Instrument can differ
Buddy track: The position is where the boat
was when your radio last polled the boat.
from the true boat positions:
Distress: The position is the distress
waypoint, which is where the boat was
when it sent the distress message.
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17-2 Using the windows
Displaying a boat on the chart
1
Press or to select a boat.
B
A
MENU
2
Press
and select Display. The
Instrument switches to chart window, with
the selected boat position in the middle (see
Boat positions above).
Going to a boat
1
Press or to select a boat.
MENU
2
Press
and select Goto. The Instrument
starts navigating to the boat’s position (see
Boat positions 17-1).
Creating a waypoint
On a chart window:
Polled and buddy track boats are not waypoints.
To create a waypoint at the position of a polled
boat (see Boat positions above):
A Distress boats are distress waypoints
B Buddy track boats are buddy symbols
1
2
Press or to select a boat.
Deleting a boat
At the Distress or Poll windows:
MENU
Press
and select Create
waypoint. Edit the waypoint data if
1
2
Press or to select a boat.
required (see section 6-2-7).
MENU
Press
and select Delete. The boat is
Editing a waypoint
deleted from that window. Delete any boat
waypoint manually (see section 6-2-5).
A distress message creates a waypoint for the
boat or you can create a waypoint at a polled
boat’s position. To change the data of these
waypoints:
Buddy track boats automatically disappear from
the Buddy track window when your DSC radio
can not pick up their signal.
1
2
Press or to select a boat.
Deleting all boats
At the Distress or Poll windows:
MENU
Press
and select Edit waypoint.
Edit the waypoint data if required (see
section 6-2-7).
1
2
Press or to select a boat.
MENU
Press
and select Delete all. All
boats are deleted from that window and any
boat waypoints are deleted.
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18 Radar
Radar is the Radio Detection And Ranging
system. Radar functions require an optional
Northstar radar system to be installed. Three
radar systems are available; 2 kW, 4 kW, or
6 kW.
The scanner rotates through 360° so the radar
window shows all of the area around your boat
within the range of the scanner, producing a
map-like display called the PPI (Plan Position
Indicator).
When the radar is operating, the scanner
transmits powerful microwave radio pulses
which are reflected back from any solid objects
such as land masses or other boats. These
objects are called targets and are shown on the
radar window.
Typically, your boat is in the centre of the
radar window with concentric range rings
surrounding it. The range rings help you to
quickly estimate the distance to various targets.
If you prefer to view the radar overlaid on the
chart screen see section 3-2-7.
18-1 Radar window
A
B
C
K
L
I
J
M
D
H
G
E
F
The radar window shows:
G Compass ring
A Distance between each range ring (in this
H Range ring
example, 1/8 nautical mile)
I
North line (blue)
B Range of radar (in this example, shown in
J
Heading line (white)
large digits)
K The bearing (in Relative, True, or Magnetic
C Radar rotation (in this example, North Up)
mode)
D Radar motion mode (in this example,
L
Echo Expansion setting
Relative Mode)
M Interference Rejection setting
E
F
Cursor
Distance and bearing to the cursor position
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18-2 Radar modes
There are four radar modes:
•
•
Standby. The radar is on and is warmed up. It
is ready to start transmitting immediately.
•
Disabled. This saves on power consumption
and magnetron usage. If the radar is
disabled, it has to warm up and enter
standby mode before it can start
transmitting.
Transmitting. The radar is actively sending
and receiving microwave radio pulses. An
open array will be rotating.
If you want to save on power but be able to
start transmitting immediately, use standby
mode.
•
Warming. The radar on and is warming up.
This can take up to 90 seconds, depending
on your scanner type.
18-3 Enabling the radar functionality
When the radar is enabled, it will turn on, warm
up, and enter standby mode. The different radar
modes are explained in Section 18-2.
3
4
The radar immediately turns on and enters
warm-up mode. A message shows how long
this will take.
To enable the radar functionality:
When the warm-up period is complete, the
radar enters standby mode and is ready to
transmit. To start the radar transmitting, see
Section 18-4.
MENU
1
Press
twice to display the Setup menu,
then select System.
2
Set Radar to
.
18-4 Selecting standby mode or transmit mode
MENU
You can quickly change between these two
modes.
1. From the radar window, press
and set
the Transmit option to (transmit mode) or
(standby mode).
18-5 Disabling the radar functionality
MENU
3
4
A warning message appears. If you are
sure that you want to disable the radar
functionality, select Yes.
1
2
Press
twice to display the Setup menu,
then select System.
Set Radar to
.
The radar enters disabled mode
immediately.
18-6 Adjusting the quality of the radar window
Common problems that can degrade the
quality of the radar window include:
•
•
•
shadows (blind spots)
multiple echoes off the same object
incorrect threshold setting
•
•
•
sea clutter
rain clutter
If the radar is installed at a suitable height and
in a suitable location on your boat, side lobe
patterns and shadows (blind spots) caused
by obstructions such as funnels or masts will
be minimized. If you’re having problems with
false echoes (sometimes called ghost
echoes) and background noise
•
side lobe patterns (false echoes that appear
as an arc or a broken arc)
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these, you may need to relocate the radar.
Consult the Installation Guide for your Northstar
radar or talk to your dealer or installer.
18-6-2 Changing the gain level
Use the radar gain level to adjust the sensitivity
of the radar receiver. Ideally, the radar gain level
should be set so that background noise is just
visible on the radar window.
Multiple echoes off the same object are
most likely to occur when you are close to a
large target and are usually only a temporary
nuisance.
If the radar gain level is too low, weak echoes
won’t be shown. If the radar gain level is too
high, strong echoes will be difficult to see
amongst the large amount of background
noise.
You can adjust the radar to reduce the effects
of sea clutter, rain clutter, and interference from
other radars. You can also change the gain
mode setting and the gain level setting to help
reduce false echoes.
(If the radar Gain Mode is set to Auto and you
adjust the gain level manually, the Gain Mode is
changed to Manual.)
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
then
select Presentation.
To change the radar gain level:
ENTER
2
Select Adjust Radarand press
.
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
then
select Adjust Radar.
18-6-1 Changing the gain mode
Use the radar gain mode to specify whether
2
Select Gain Levelthen use and
to decrease or increase the setting.
18-6-3 Changing the sea clutter mode
(Manual mode)
Sea clutter usually appears as confusing,
random signals close to your boat on the radar
window.
High waves that can reflect the radar signal will
produce the maximum amount of sea clutter.
you want to adjust the radar gain yourself or
have it adjusted automatically.
You can change the sea clutter mode
yourself or have it changed automatically to
compensate for the sea conditions.
To change the radar gain mode:
MENU
To change the sea clutter mode:
1
From the radar window, press
then
MENU
select Adjust Radar.
1
From the radar window, press
select Adjust Radar.
then
2
Select Gain Mode. There are three
choices:
2
Select Sea ClutterMode. There are
four choices:
•
Manual. Adjust the radar gain yourself
to suit your local conditions and
preferences.
•
Manual. Adjust the sea clutter setting
yourself.
•
•
Auto. The radar gain is adjusted
automatically.
•
Harbour. The sea clutter setting is
adjusted automatically to suit a harbour
environment.
Range rider. Select this to adjust the
radar gain yourself for a particular radar
range, then have those settings stored
and automatically re-used whenever you
operate at that range again.
•
Offshore. The sea clutter setting is
adjusted automatically to suit an offshore
environment.
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•
Range Rider. Adjust the sea clutter
setting yourself for a particular radar
range, then have those settings stored
and automatically re-used whenever you
operate at that range again.
The random signals are returned from rain, hail,
sleet, or snow and can result in a confusing
display.
If the rain clutter is set too low, there will be
excessive rain clutter displayed whenever it’s
raining. If the rain clutter is set too high, very
large targets such as the coastline will appear to
be hollow.
18-6-4 Changing the sea clutter level
If the sea clutter level is set too low, a lot of sea
clutter will be displayed. If the sea clutter level is
set too high, small targets may not be shown in
the radar window.
To change the rain clutter setting:
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
then
select Adjust Radar.
If the sea clutter mode is set to Harbour or
Offshore, and you adjust the sea clutter level
manually, the sea clutter mode changes to
Manual.
2
Select Rain clutterthen use and
to decrease or increase the setting.
18-6-6 Changing the threshold level
If you are in Range Rider mode when you adjust
the sea clutter level, the sea clutter mode does
not change to manual but the setting is stored
and used automatically whenever you use the
same range again.
Use this to define the threshold level of the
weakest echo that you want to show on the
radar screen. The threshold level is shown as a
percentage.
100% is the maximum threshold level, meaning
that only the strongest echoes are shown. 0% is
the minimum threshold level, meaning that all
echoes are shown.
To change the sea clutter level:
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
then
select Adjust Radar.
2
Select Sea Clutter Level then
use and to decrease or increase the
setting.
To change the threshold level:
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
then
select Presentation.
18-6-5 Changing the rain clutter
2
Select Thresholdthen use and to
Rain clutter consists of random dots that can
merge into badly-defined echoes on your radar
screen.
decrease or increase the setting.
18-7 Changing the echo expansion setting
If you have several small targets in view and
want to make them easier to see, use the echo
expansion option. Note that the resolution
decreases as the target size increases, so use
this option only when target detection and
visibility is more important that the quality of
the display.
To change the echo expansion setting:
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
then
select Presentation.
2
Select Echo Expansion. There are
three choices:
•
•
•
Off. No echo expansion.
1. Targets expanded x 2.
2. Targets expanded x 3.
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18-8 Turning the target trails on or off
If you turn the target trails on, each target
leaves a 30 second trail on the radar screen. You
cannot change the length of the target trail.
To change the target trails setting:
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
then
select Presentation.
If you turn the target trails off, the targets do
not leave trails.
2
Set the Target trailsoption to
(target trails are on) or (target trails are
off).
Note that if the radar motion mode is set to
true, stationary targets won’t leave a trail.
If the radar motion mode is relative, any target
that is moving relative to your boat will leave a
trail.
18-9 Using the VRM/EBL
Use one, or both of the VRM/EBL (Variable
Range Markers/Electronic Bearing Lines) to
quickly find the precise range and bearing of a
target.
18-9-1 Finding range and bearing with a fixed
VRM/EBL
From the radar window, press
MENU
1
2
3
4
then
select VRM/EBL.
A VRM can be fixed or floating. Use the VRM to
find the range (distance) to the target.
Select VRM/EBLthen 1 (VRM/EBL 1) or 2
(VRM/EBL 2).
•
A fixed VRM is shown as a thin, dashed, circle
centred around your boat. Use this to find
the distance of a target from your boat.
Set Enable to to show the VRM and EBL on
the radar window (or to hide them).
Select EBL reference if you want to change
the EBL bearing reference. There are two
choices:
•
You can move the centre of the VRM away
from your boat; for example, to measure the
distance between two islands. This is called
a floating VRM.
•
°R shows the EBL bearing relative to your
boat’s head.
The EBL is shown as a thin, dashed line
extending from the centre of the VRM to the
edge of the radar window. Use the EBL to find
the bearing of the target.
•
°M/°T shows the EBL bearing relative to
magnetic North or true North.
5
Select Adjustto change the positions of
the VRM and the EBL so that you can align
them with the target. Use:
MENU
1
From the radar window, press
select VRM/EBL.
then
•
and to decrease and increase the
radius of the VRM until it touches the
target to measure the range.
•
and to move the EBL until it touches
the target to measure the bearing.
6
7
The range and bearing of the target is
shown at the bottom of the screen.
If you want to hide (or change the
settings for) the range rings, North line,
MENU
and/or heading line, press
then select
Radar.
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8
To clear the VRM/EBL display, press ESC and
repeat steps 1 and 2. Then set Enable to
If you want to find the range and bearing of
5
Select Set centreto move the VRM
and EBL centre away from your boat. Use the
arrow keys to move the centre so that it is
aligned over the first location.
ENTER
.
another target, repeat the sequence using the
other VRM/EBL. This is shown in a different
pattern.
6
7
Press
to save the new centre position,
MENU
then press
and reselect the VRM/EBL.
Select Adjust to change the positions of the
VRM and the EBL so that you can align them
with the second location. Use:
18-9-2 Finding range and bearing with a
floating VRM/EBL
If you move the centre of a VRM away from
your boat it is called a floating VRM. Use this
to measure the range and bearing between
two locations on the radar window, such as a
headland and a buoy.
•
and to decrease and increase the
radius of the VRM until it touches the
second location to measure the range.
•
and to move the EBL until it touches
the second location to measure the
bearing.
1
2
3
4
From the radar window, press MENU then
select VRM/EBL.
8
9
The range and bearing of the target is
shown at the bottom of the screen.
Select VRM/EBL then 1 (VRM/EBL 1) or 2
(VRM/EBL 1).
If you want to hide (or change the settings
for) the range rings, North line, and/or
heading line, press MENU then select Radar.
Set Enable to to show the VRM and EBL on
the radar window (or to hide them).
Select EBL reference if you want to change
the EBL bearing reference. There are two
choices:
10 To clear the VRM/EBL display, press ESC and
repeat steps 1 and 2. Then set Enable to
.
If you want to find the range and bearing
between two other locations, repeat the
sequence using the other VRM/EBL. This is
shown in a different pattern.
•
°R shows the EBL bearing relative to your
boat’s head.
•
°M/°T shows the EBL bearing relative to
magnetic North or true North.
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18-10 Changing the PPI position
You can move the PPI (Plan Position Indicator)
centre to a different location if you are in
Relative motion mode. (If you are in True
motion mode, the radar automatically positions
the PPI centre.)
•
•
Look Ahead. The PPI centre is positioned
so that the radar window is offset from
the centre to give you the maximum
view ahead.
Set. Offset the PPI centre in the radar
window. (This works only when you are
using relative motion (RM) mode). Use
To change the PPI position:
1
From the radar window, press MENU then
select Position.
the arrow keys to move the PPI centre
ENTER
to the new position then press
to
2
There are three choices:
confirm. The new position must allow
most of the radar sweep to appear on the
radar window; if it doesn’t, the PPI centre
will be moved as close as possible to the
desired position.
•
Centre. The PPI centre is in the centre
of the radar window so that all other
objects move relative to your boat.
18-11 Using the radar guard zones
Use either or both of the two radar guard zones
and alarms to notify you when a target enters
or exits a specified area around your boat.
18-11-2 Displaying the area covered by a radar
guard zone
1
From the radar window, press MENU then
You can customize the size and shape of the
radar guard zones and set up alarms.
select Guard Zone.
2
3
Select Zone then radar guard zone 1 or radar
guard zone 2.
Set Enable to (show the radar guard zone)
or (hide the radar guard zone).
18-11-3 Change the setting for a radar guard
zone alarm
When a radar guard zone is on, the guard zone
alarm is set automatically but you can change
the setting to suit your preferences.
1. From the radar window, press MENU then
select Guard zone.
1
2
3
From the radar window, press MENU then
select Guard Zone.
18-11-1 Turning a radar guard zone on or off
Two radar guard zones are available. You can
turn either or both on or off.
Select Zone then radar guard zone 1 or radar
guard zone 2.
Select Alarm when. There are three choices:
To turn a radar guard zone on or off:
•
•
•
Enter sounds the alarm only when a
target enters the radar guard zone.
1
From the radar window, press MENU then
select Guard zone.
Exit sounds the alarm only when a target
leaves the radar guard zone.
2
Select Zone. There are two choices:
•
•
1 selects radar guard zone 1.
2 selects radar guard zone 2.
Both sounds the alarm when a target
enters or leaves the radar guard zone.
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18-11-4 Adjusting the boundaries of a radar
guard zone
To adjust the boundaries and change the area
18-11-5 Adjusting the sensitivity of the alarm
You can set the sensitivity of the alarm for the
radar guard zones, to define the size of the
target that will trigger the alarm. The size of
target is shown as a percentage.
that is covered by a radar guard zone:
1
2
3
From the radar window, press MENU then
select Guard Zone.
100% is maximum sensitivity, meaning that very
small targets will trigger the guard zone alarm.
0% is minimum sensitivity, meaning that only
very large targets will trigger the alarm.
Select Zone then 1 (radar guard zone 1) or 2
(radar guard zone 2).
Select Adjust to display the current
boundaries of that radar guard zone. The
following information is also shown in the
top left corner:
The same sensitivity setting is applied to both
of the radar guard zones if both are turned on.
To set the alarm:
1
2
3
From the radar window, press MENU then
select Guard Zone.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Guard Zone The number shows the radar
guard zone that is selected.
Select Zone then select 1 (radar guard zone
1) or 2 (radar guard zone 2).
Sector or Circular The shape of the radar
guard zone.
Select Alarm sensitivity then use and to
decrease or increase the setting.
INR The distance between the inner
boundary and your boat.
OUR The distance between the outer
boundary and your boat.
WDT The angular width of the radar
guard zone (in degrees).
BRG The bearing of a line drawn from
your boat through the centre of the radar
guard zone (in degrees).
4
5
Use and to select the parameter to
change.
Then use and to change the parameter.
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19 Setting up the M121/M84
The M121/M84 has a number of advanced
features which are set up through the setup
menu. We recommend that you become
familiar with the operation of the unit using the
default settings before making any changes in
these menus.
Note:
1
2
3
The Setup menu options are explained in
the following sections.
Section 2-1 describes how to set or change
data in the setup menus.
The setup data available will depend on the
optional sensors and instruments installed.
SETUP
To go to a setup option menu, press
MENU
(M121 only) or press
twice, to display the
setup menu, then select an option.
System Setup (see section 19-1)
Chart Setup (see section 19-2)
Chart General Setup (see section 19-2)
Chart Water Setup (see section 19-2)
Chart Land Setup (see section 19-2)
Chart Other Setup (see section 19-2)
Sonar Setup (see section 19-3)
Radar Setup (see section 19-4)
GPS Setup (see section 19-5)
Fuel Setup (see section 19-6)
Track Setup (see section 19-7)
AIS Setup (see section 19-8)
Logs Setup (see section 19-9 )
See the SmartCraft Gateway Instalation
and Operation Manual
Alarms Setup (see section 19-10)
Units Setup (see section 19-11)
Comms Setup (see section 19-12)
Calibrate Setup (see section 19-13)
Time Setup (see section 19-14)
Favorites Setup (see section 19-15)
Simulate Setup (see section 19-16)
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19-1 Setup > System
MENU
Press
twice, then select System:
Factory reset
This option returns all of the Instrument settings
(except the language, waypoints and routes) to
the default factory settings shown on the setup
menus.
About
The about window shows:
•
•
•
•
The software version and date.
The world chart version.
Any card fitted.
The number of waypoints, routes and tracks
you have stored.
•
Connector wiring information.
Language
Select the language for the windows. The
options are: English, Italian, French, German,
Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese, Finnish
and Greek.
Tip: In case you can’t read the current
language, the language setting is found at the
top of the system menu.
Backlight
Select the backlight level for the keys and
display (see also section 2-3)
In the unlikely event of having to contact a
Northstar dealer for service, quote the software
version number and date.
Night mode
Night mode sets the palette for all windows
Sonar
Normal palette, for daytime
Disable any sonar transducer and disable
sonar functions.
All windows have a palette optimized for
night time.
A sonar transducer is fitted. Enable sonar
operation.
See also section 2-3. To change only the chart
palette, see section 19-2.
See section 19-3.
Beep volume
Select the beep volume for key presses.
Radar
No appropriate Radar system is fitted.
Disable RADAR.
Auto power off
See section 2-2.
An appropriate Radar receiver is fitted.
Enable AIS.
See section 19-4.
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SmartCraft
Buddy track
No SmartCraft gateway is fitted. Disable
No appropriate Northstar DSC VHF radio is
SmartCraft functions.
fitted. Disable Buddy track.
SmartCraft gateway is fitted. Enable
SmartCraft operation.
An appropriate Northstar DSC VHF radio is
fitted. Enable Buddy track.
See section 20-8.
See section 20-10
AIS
No appropriate AIS receiver is fitted.
Disable AIS.
An appropriate AIS receiver is fitted.
Enable AIS.
See section 19-8.
19-2 Setup > Chart
MENU
Press
twice, then select Chart:
Course up:This option is only available
if the boat is navigating to a destination. The
chart is rotated so that the plotted course to
the destination is vertical.
Rotation
The options for chart rotation are:
North up: North is always at the top of
the chart window.
Palette
Track up: The chart is rotated so that the
boat direction is to the top of the window.
This option is useful for navigating narrow
harbours or rivers. The Instrument asks for
a course deviation resolution; this is how
much the boat direction needs to change to
make the chart redraw.
Select the color scheme for the LCD window.
The options are:
Normal
Sunlight: Brighter colors, more visible in
sunlight.
Night: Reversed colors for night, to
Tip: If the chart redraws too frequently,
increase the course deviation setting.
preserve night vision.
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Latitude and longitude coordinates
displayed on any NMEA repeaters match the
coordinates on the Instrument. However,
latitude and longitude coordinates
broadcast on any NMEA VHF transmitter will
be slightly offset from coordinates on a WGS
84 chart.
Map datum
Instrument GPS positions are based on a
worldwide reference (datum) known as WGS
84. Most paper charts are based on WGS
84. However, some paper charts are based
on other datums In these cases, the latitude
and longitude coordinates of objects on the
Instrument chart window are different to the
latitude and longitude coordinates of these
objects on the paper chart. This applies to all
objects, such as the boat, waypoints, tracks,
lines of latitude and longitude and cartographic
features such as land, rocks, buoys and depth
contours.
Map shift
!
WARNING
Map shift is for eliminating minor offsets.
It should not be used if the correct datum
is available. Use map shift with caution:
incorrect application will cause incorrect
boat positions.
Use Map datumto select the Instrument map
datum to match the datum of the paper chart.
Then, the latitude and longitude coordinates
of objects displayed on the Instrument
will change to match the corresponding
coordinates on the paper chart.
Some charts have consistent position errors. To
correct this, apply a map shift. After a map shift:
The positions of cartographic features (such
as land, rocks, buoys and depth contours)
move on the Instrument chart window to
where they should be.
Setting map datum
1
2
In the Chart setup menu, select Map datum.
Select the map datum for the paper chart
you are using.
The positions of the boat, waypoints,
tracks, and lines of latitude and longitude
on the Instrument chart window remain
unchanged.
3
If you select a datum other than WGS 84
the Instrument asks if you want to apply the
NMEA datum offset (see below).
Applying a map shift
1
2
3
Move the boat to a known point on the
chart, for example a marina berth.
!
WARNING
In the Chart setup menu, select
Map shift.
Move the cursor to the position on the chart
When you change to a chart with a different
datum, change the Instrument map datum
again.
where the boat actually is.
MENU
4
5
Press
Press
and select Set.
NMEA datum offset
ESC
to set the new map shift.
If you select a map datum other than WGS
84, the map datum offset can be applied to
latitude and longitude coordinates sent on the
Instrument NMEA output:
The boat will now be displayed at its
actual location.
Clearing the map shift
Clearing the map shift removes any map
shift from the cartographic features on the
Instrument chart window.
Latitude and longitude coordinates
displayed on any NMEA repeater do not
match the coordinates on the Instrument.
Latitude and longitude coordinates
broadcast on any NMEA VHF transmitter will
be the same as the coordinates on a WGS 84
chart.
1
In the Chart setup menu, select
Map shift.
MENU
2
3
Press
Press
and select Clear.
ESC
.
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General submenu
Plotter mode
Only scales available on the chart card can be displayed.
If you press or to select a chart scale which is not available, on the chart card, the chart win-
dow will change to this scale but will only display the boat position and track (if enabled). The rest of
the window is white with black crosshatch lines and no chart information is displayed. This is useful
to zoom to a small scale to track small boat movements or if there is no detailed chart for an area.
Mixing levels
Anticlutter
Mixes lower detail charts with higher detail charts on chart boundaries.
:Lower detail chart is not shown.
:Lower detail chart shown; this is slower to redraw.
Names and icons shown. Note: this is independent of the change in detail shown at different
zoom levels.
Hides some less important names and icons when they overlap to make the chart clearer.
Non marine chart data shown
Value added data
Projected course
The Instrument can estimate the course after a given time, based on the current speed and heading
(see section 3-4). The options are 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours or Off.
CDI scale
See Appendix C. The options are 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 10.0 distance units.
displays a latitude and longitude grid.
Lat/lon grid
Boundaries
Displays boundaries around areas where more detailed chart coverage is available: Auto shows the
next four detail levels; On shows all.
Text/icon size
Select the size of chart text and icons.
Water submenu
Water features
displays nature of sea bed (for example, M shows areas of mud)
and tide station icons.
Bathymetric[s] lines
Spot soundings
Displays underwater depth contours between Bath & dndgs min
and max.
Displays underwater depth contours between Bath & dndgs min
and max.
Bath & sndgs min
Bath & sndgs max
Tidal stream
The minimum depth for Bathymetricsand Spot soundings.
The maximum depth for Bathymetricsand Spot soundings.
displays dynamic tide flows: arrows on a chart showing the present tide stream and orientation
(requires a GPS fix and an NT-MAX card)
Land submenu
Land features
displays land features, for example regions, rivers, roads, railways, airports.
displays land contours, shaded like depths (requires an NT Max card)
Land elevation
Other submenu
Waypoints
Displays waypoints: Hide allonly displays waypoints on any selected route; Selecteddisplays
waypoints with their display option set to Icon or I+N (Icon and Name); Show alldisplays all
waypoints (see section 5).
Names
Lights
displays place names.
Light House window options: Off hides all light indicators (the icon still shows); No sectors
hides sectors; Onshows sectors; Animated activates light animation.
Note: with light animation enabled, animation only operates chart.
Nav-aids
Displays signals (fog, radar, radio stations) and buoys. Intand USselect the icon format; Simpl
draws simpler icons.
Attention areas
displays attention area boundaries and information icons ; attention areas are important areas,
such as restricted anchorages or shallow areas.
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19-3 Setup > Sonar
MENU
Press
twice, then select Sonar:
Fish depth labels
When this is turned on, the depth of a fish is
printed next to the fish arch.
Fish filter
Use this to select the minimum fish size that will
be displayed as a fish symbol and to trigger the
Fish alarm. The options are: Small, Medium
and Large.
Fish sensitivity
Selects the minimum strength fish echo that
will be displayed as a fish symbol. Higher values
will display more fish symbols.
Frequency
There is a choice of: 200 kHz, 50 kHzand
Mixed. For information about selecting a
suitable frequency for the water conditions, see
section 9-3.
Digit size
Use this to remove or change the size of the
depth window on the sonar windows. There is a
choice of: Small, Mediumand Large.
Scroll speed
Palette
Use this to set the scroll speed on the display.
There is a choice of: Very Fast, Fast,
Medium, Slowand Pause.The depth of
the water also affects the speed of the display.
Use this to select a color palette. Each color
within the palette represents a different echo
strength, as shown on the sonar windows.
There is a choice of five color palettes: Black,
Blue, White, Vividand 8 color. The first
four palettes display more detail, and each color
covers a 1.5 dB signal range. The 8 color
palette displays less detail, and each color
covers a 3 dB signal range.
Faster scroll speeds combined with a slow
boat speed (typically between 2 and 6 knots)
shows the most fish detail. Mediumor Slow
scroll speeds result in sonar information being
displayed over a longer period, but with less
detail (see Section 9-2).
Interference filter
Fish symbols
No filter, normal setting.
The Instrument always displays echoes from
fish (fish arches, see section 9-4). If fish symbols
are on, a symbol is displayed over the arch (see
section 9-4). The options are:
Filters the echo signal to remove spiky
interference such as engine noise or depth
sounders on nearby boats.
• Off: No fish symbol is displayed.
• Funor Normal: A fish symbol is displayed.
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Noise filter
Pulse length
Averages the echo signal to remove rapid
changes. Select Medium or High to give a
smoother bottom trace–this may help to detect
a deeper bottom; however these settings may
also remove fish echoes. Select Off for best
fishfinding.
This can be used to specify the length of
the transmitted ultrasonic pulse. A short
pulse length improves the window detail but
contains less energy, therefore it does not
penetrate as deeply into the water as a longer
pulse.
There is a choice of Auto, Short, Medium
Surface clutter filter
or Long. The Auto setting is recommended.
Use this filter to hide the surface noise. Any
significant echoes (such as fish) will still be
displayed.
Pulse power
This can be used to specify the power output
of the transmitted ultrasonic pulse. Low power
output conserves the battery and produces a
clear display in shallow water.
There is a choice of Auto, Low, Medium or
High. The Autosetting is recommended.
19-4 Setup > Radar
Note: This option is shown only when the radar
is enabled (see Section 18-3)
Rotation
The current radar rotation is shown in the top
left corner of the radar screen. If COG data or
heading data is not available from a compass,
the radar rotation is automatically set to Head
up.
1
Press MENU twice to display the Setup
menu, then select Radar:
However, you are strongly recommended to
use a good quality product (such as a Northstar
HS02, HS03 or Autopilot) to provide heading
data.
If heading data is available from a compass, the
options are:
•
North up works only when COG data or
heading data from a heading sensor is
available. North is always at the top of the
radar screen.
You can easily compare the radar screen to a
chart in North up.
•
Head up means that the radar image rotates
underneath your boat, so the direction in
which you are heading is pointing to the top
of the radar screen. You can easily compare
the visual view in front of your boat with the
radar screen.
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•
Course up works only when COG data or
heading data from a heading sensor is
available and there is an active route. It
means that your desired heading is always
pointing to the top of the radar screen so
that you can compare the leg bearing of the
active route with the radar screen. (If you’re
in Course up rotation but don’t have an
active route, the radar uses Head up rotation
until a route is made active.)
There are four choices:
•
•
Off. Interference rejection is off.
Low operates the interference rejection at
minimum strength.
•
•
Medium operates the interference rejection
at medium strength.
High operates the interference rejection at
maximum strength. This setting can make
it more difficult to detect some targets and
radar beacons. Use this setting only when
Motion mode
necessary.
True motion mode is not available if there is
no position data, and no heading or COG data.
However, you are strongly recommended to
use a good quality product (such as a Northstar
HS02, HS03 or Autopilot) to provide heading
data.
Palette
Select the color scheme for the radar window.
Digit size
The range of the radar is shown on the radar
window; for example 1/16. You can show this
information in small, medium or large digits.
There are two choices:
•
Relative (RM). Your boat remains in a fixed
location on the radar screen and all other
objects move relative to your position.
(You can choose the position of the fixed
location, see Section 18-10). RM is the
default.
Range ring
The range rings and compass ring help you to
quickly estimate the range and bearing of a
target from your boat.
The range ring and compass ring are shown.
The number of range rings and the spacing
interval between them is set automatically
according to the range setting. The current
spacing interval is shown in the top left corner
of the radar window.
•
True (TM). Your boat, and moving targets,
move across the radar screen as you travel.
All stationary objects remain in a fixed
position. You must have position data, and
heading or COG data for this option to be
Range ring and compass ring are hidden.
available.
North line
Interference filter
Whatever the radar windorotation, you can
always show the blue North line.
If the radar on another boat is operating at
the same frequency as your radar, it can cause
interference patterns on the radar window.
If the bearing mode is set to:
•
magnetic, the North line always points to
magnetic North.
Interference patterns always appear in a
different place with each sweep. They can be
randomly scattered bright dots or dotted lines
that extend from the centre to the edge of the
radar window, often producing a spiral pattern.
Generally, the stronger the interference, the
wider the interference lines.
•
true, the North line always points to true
North.
Show the North line.
Hide the North line.
Use the interference rejection option to reduce
both the interference patterns and the width of
the interference lines.
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Adjust this on a chart window with the radar
overlay on.
Heading line
The heading line is a white line that extends
from your boat to the edge of the radar
window.
1
Select Zero bearing then use the arrow keys
to enter the new bearing angle.
Show the heading line.
Hide the heading line.
Zero range
The zero range is also known as the radar range
offset and as the trigger delay.
19-4-1 Setup > Radar > Installation
If your radar window shows a blank, black circle
around the centre or a solid circle of color at
the centre, you need to adjust the zero range
setting until this circle disappears or almost
disappears. Ideally, the radar sweep should start
at your boat (a radar range of zero).
Note: This option is shown only when the radar
is enabled (see Section 18-3)
1
2
Press MENU twice to display the Setup
menu, then select Radar.
Select Installation:
To adjust the zero range setting:
1
Position your boat about 45 to 90 m (50
to 100 yards) away from and parallel to a
straight-walled jetty or similar feature.
2
Adjust the gain setting if necessary, so that a
reasonably good image of the jetty echo is
displayed on the radar window. At this stage,
the jetty echo may appear to be bent.
Park position
3
Select Zero range then use the arrow keys to
adjust the zero range setting until the jetty
echo appears as a straight line on the radar
window.
If your radar has an open array and you
take it out of enabled mode, the open array
continues to rotate for a short distance before
it finally stops. The stop position is known as
the park position. You can adjust the angle of
the parking position so that the open array
will always stop at your preferred position; for
example, facing the bow.
Antenna height
The Installation Manual for your Northstar radar
explains how to find the optimum height for
your radar scanner (antenna).
Select Antenna height then enter the height of
the antenna above sea level.
1
Select Park position then enter the angle of
the new park position.
Note: You may need to try a few different park
positions to find the correct one. The strength
of the wind will also affect the park position.
Zero bearing
Use the zero bearing alignment to rotate the
radar image, one degree at a time, so that a
known object dead ahead is directly under the
boat’s heading marker.
This means that the radar image is aligned
with the displayed chart and the compass.
An accurate bearing alignment is particularly
important when the radar image is overlaid
onto the chart.
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19-5 Setup > GPS
MENU
Press
twice, then select GPS:
Static Navigation
When the boat stops or moves very slowly,
the calculated GPS speed and course become
erratic. Static navigation allows the erratic
values to be filtered:
•
0.01 to 99.9: If the boat speed is slower than
this, the speed is displayed as zero and the
course stays unchanged.
•
0 (Off): The calculated speed and course are
always used.
GPS Source
Speed and Course Filter
• NMEA: Use the external GPS antenna
supplied or an external GPS or DGPS source
connected via NMEA (see section 20-11).
Waves and wind cause the boat speed and
course to fluctuate slightly. To give stable
readings, the Instrument calculates these values
by taking several measurements and averaging
them.
• NavBus: Use an external GPS or DGPS
source connected via NavBus (see section
20-10).
A lower value averages measurements over
a shorter period of time. This gives the most
accurate value but has the most fluctuations.
DGPS Source
Refer to section 20-5
Restart GPS
A higher
Refer to section 20-5
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19-6 Setup > Fuel
Fuel functions require optional fuel flow sensors
MENU
to be installed. Press
Fuel:
twice, then select
From tank: The fuel tank the engine is
connected to.
Flow filter: Most engines do not draw fuel
from the tank at a steady rate. To give a stable
fuel flow reading, the M121/M84 calculates
the flow by taking several measurements and
averaging them. Use the Flow filter to set the
period over which the fuel flow is averaged.
!
WARNING
The Flow filter can be set from 0 to 30 seconds.
Use the lowest value which gives a stable flow.
Usually a value of 5 to 10 seconds will give a
satisfactory result for two-stroke carburetor
engines. Fuel injected or four-stroke engines
may require a larger value.
Fuel consumption can change drastically
depending upon the boat loading and the
sea conditions. Always carry adequate fuel
for the journey, plus a reserve.
This setting affects the Fuel flow and Fuel
economy reading on the Fuel display but it
does not affect the Fuel used reading.
Source
Select the fuel flow sensors to use if the boat
has more than one set of fuel sensors. Normally
select Auto.
Setup tanks
If the boat has more than one tank, select Tank
and select each tank in turn.
Num engines
Set the number of engines, or select 0to
disable the fuel functions. If there are two
engines they are called port and starboard.
For the selected tank, you can enter:
Num tanks
Set the number of fuel tanks. If there are two
tanks they are called port and starboard.
Setup engines
If the boat has more than one engine, select
Engine and select each engine in turn.
For the selected engine, you can enter:
Tank size: The tank capacity. Northstar
recommends measuring tank size by draining
the fuel tank, filling it to capacity and using the
fuel dispenser’s reading. Beware of air pockets,
especially in underfloor tanks.
Fuel alarm: See section 13-4.
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Fuel consumption curve
See section 13-6.
Speed source
If both water speed and ground speed
are available, select which to use for fuel
calculations (see section 10-5-1).
Max fuel flow
The maximum fuel flow from a fuel tank to be
displayed on an analog fuel flow gauge (see
section 8)
Max RPM
The maximum engine RPM to be displayed
on an analog RPM gauge. Required only if
Northstar diesel flow sensors are installed. Enter
the maximum RPM you know you can achieve
for the engine rather than the maker’s value.
19-7 Setup > Track
MENU
Tracking records and displays the boat’s course
on the chart (see section 3-5). Five different
tracks can be recorded: track 1 has up to 2000
points and tracks 2, 3, 4 and 5 have up to 500
points each.
Press
twice, then select Track:
Record
Off: The Instrument stops recording a track.
1 to 5(select a track number): The
Instrument starts recording the boat’s
course into the selected track.
Display
Off: No track is shown on the chart.
1 to 5(select a track number): The
selected track is shown on the chart.
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Plotting Interval
Select the plotting and recording interval. The
options are Distanceor Time.
Distance
Tip: Use the user card window to check the
number of points recorded in each track
(see section 15).
Send track
This option is included for compatibility with
older units. For information, see your Northstar
dealer.
Select the distance plotting interval: 0.01, 0.05,
0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 or 10.0 distance units.
Time
Delete track
The data in the track selected for Record (see
above) is deleted.
Select the time plotting interval: 1, 5, 10 or 30
seconds or 1 minute.
Memory used
The percentage of memory used in the track
being recorded.
19-8 Setup > AIS
Note: This feature requires an AIS receiver.
Filter by speed
There are multiple methods to filter AIS vessels
that are displayed onto the charts.
Vessels with speed below the value selected
are filtered off the charts. Default is set to 0 nm
allowing all vessels to be displayed onto the
chart.
Show Dangerous Only
Show only vessels that have a TCPA/CPA below
the trigger values. This filter will override any
other filter option.
Dangerous Vessel Alarm
When enabled an alarm will activate when
both the TCPA and CPA are less than the trigger
values.
Note: Even when this setting is disabled the
dangerous vessels will still be indicated on the
chart.
Filter by Type
Vessel types that are not selected will be filtered
off the chart. Default is set to all types enabled
allowing all vessels to be displayed on the chart.
TCPA Limit
Set the Time of Closet Point of Approach limit.
Filter by distance
CPA Limit
Set the Closet Point of Approach limit.
Vessels outside the radius selected from our
current position are filtered off the chart. Default
value is set to 300 nm allowing all vessels to be
displayed on the chart within that distance.
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Projected Course
Proximity Alarm
Show the estimated course of all vessels based
When enabled an alarm will activate when any
on their current SOG and COG.
AIS vessel is within the proximity alarm radius.
Range Rings
Show a selectable number of range rings
around the boat. The rings are drawn in
multiples of the current chart scale.
19-9 Setup > Logs
MENU
The values can be reset independently of each
other. These log values are saved when the unit
is turned off.
Press
twice, then select Logs:
Reset trip dist
This resets the trip distance to zero.
Reset total dist
This option resets the total distance to zero.
Reset engine hours
Use this option to reset the engine hours to
zero. This can be useful after an engine service
or to count the engine hours between service
intervals.
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19-10 Setup > Alarms
MENU
For all alarms select to turn the alarm on or
select to turn the alarm off. For most alarms
there is a trigger value. The alarm will sound
each time the alarm value equals the trigger
value.
Press
twice, then select Alarms:
For example, the Dangeralarm will sound if
the boat comes closer to a danger waypoint
than the trigger value and the Anchor alarm
will sound if the boat moves by more than the
trigger value.
You can display the alarm status in the data
header (see section 2-7-3). The alarm status
shows the symbol for each alarm that is on. The
symbol is normally black and turns red if the
alarm triggers.
Symbol Alarm
Beeper
Alarm sounds when it is on and the:
Arrival radius
Boat is closer to the destination or to a waypoint than the alarm trigger
value
Anchor alarm
XTE
Boat moves by more than the alarm trigger value
Boat moves off course by more than the CDI scale (see section 5)
Boat comes closer to a danger waypoint than the alarm trigger value
Danger
Too shallow
Too deep
Fish
1/5 sec
Depth is less than the alarm trigger value
Depth is greater than the alarm trigger value
Echo matches the profile of a fish
1/2 sec
1 short beep
1/2 sec
Temperature
Temperature equals the alarm trigger value
Rate of change of temperature equals the alarm trigger value
Temperature
rate
1/2 sec
Low battery
Low fuel
1/2 sec
1/2 sec
Battery voltage is less than the alarm trigger value
Low fuel remaining equals the alarm trigger value; on a multitank boat
you can set separate alarms for each tank (see section 13-4)
Loss of DGPS fix
Loss of GPS fix
Instrument can not receive the DGPS signal (beacon, WAAS or EGNOS)
Instrument can not receive the GPS signal (this alarm is always on)
Loss of AIS
receiver
M121/M84 is no longer receiving communication from the AIS receiver
(Alarm is on when AIS is enabled)
communication
Dangerous
vessel
The TCPA/CPA of another vessel is less than the trigger values
(see section 13)
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19-11 Setup > Units
MENU
Press
twice, then select Units:
Depth
ft (feet), m (metres) or fa (fathoms)
Height
ft (feet) or m (metres)
Fuel
Litres, USGal (US gallons) or ImpGal (Imperial
Gallons)
Compass
°T (True north) or °M (Magnetic north)
Temperature
°F (Fahrenheit) or °C (Celsius)
The default units are shown above.
Distance
Wind (optional)
nm (nautical miles), mi (miles) or km
Requires a wind instrument: True or App
(kilometers)
(Apparent)
Note: that the units for wind speed are the
speed units.
Distance small
ft (feet) or m (metres)
Pressure
Requires SmartCraft: kPa or psi
Speed
kn (knots), mph (miles per hour) or kph
Baro (Barometric pressure)
(kilometers per hour)
Requires a Northstar VHF receiver with
barometer connected by NavBus: InHg or mB.
19-12 Setup > Comms
Use this feature when the Instrument is
connected to other Northstar instruments
through NavBus or any compatible NMEA
instrument.
NMEA out
NMEA is generally used with third party
instruments (see section 20-12). Select this to
transmit NMEA sentences, for example to an
autopilot.
MENU
Press
twice, then select Comms:
NMEA data
Use this to specify which NMEA sentences will
be transmitted (see section 20-12 and Appendix
A).
Lat/lon dps
Select the number of decimal points used for
latitude and longitude transmitted in NMEA
sentences.
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NavBus
NavBus Group
NavBus is the preferred method for connecting
the Instrument to other Northstar instruments.
Select this if the instruments are connected
using NavBus.
Use this when a group of Northstar instruments
are connected together using NavBus, to
specify a group of instruments for backlighting,
if required. Then, if the backlight setting on one
instrument in the group is adjusted, the other
instruments change automatically. Otherwise,
select 0. See section 20-10.
19-13 Setup > Calibrate
MENU
Press
twice, then select Calibrate:
Calibrating speed:
1
2
3
Travel at a constant, known speed.
In the Calibrate menu, select Speed.
Press or to change the displayed speed
to the true value.
ENTER
4
Press
.
Speed filter
Waves and wind cause the boat speed from the
paddlewheel transducer to fluctuate slightly. To
give stable readings, the Instrument calculates
these values by taking several measurements
and averaging them. Set the Speed filter to the
lowest value which gives stable readings. The
range is 1 to 30 seconds or Off (0).
Speed
This calibrates the speed from a paddlewheel
sensor connected to the Instrument. Calibration
may be required because different hull shapes
have different flow characteristics. Obtain an
accurate measurement of the boat’s speed from
a GPS receiver; or by following another boat
travelling at a known speed; or by making a
timed run over a known distance.
Temperature
The factory settings should be sufficiently
accurate for normal usage. To calibrate the
temperature readout, first measure the water
temperature with a thermometer known to be
accurate.
Note: for accurate calibration:
•
The speed from a GPS receiver should be
greater than 5 knots.
•
The speed from another paddlewheel
transducer should be between 5 and 20
knots.
Use the cursor keys to display the temperature
readout box, then increase or decrease the
value to match the measured temperature. The
temperature can be set from 32° to 99.9°F (0° to
37.7°C) with a resolution of 0.1° unit.
•
Best results are achieved in calm conditions
where there is minimal current (best at high
or low tide).
To change the units between °F (Fahrenheit) or
°C (Celsius), see section 19-11.
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Temperature filter
Water turbulence and currents cause the water
temperature to fluctuate slightly. To give stable
readings, the Instrument calculates these values
by taking several measurements and averaging
them. Set the Temperature filter to the lowest
value which gives stable readings. The range is
1 to 30 seconds or Off (0).
Transducer; depths
measured below
here
A
B
Keel Offset
Depths
measured
below here
A depth transducer measures depths below
where the transducer is mounted on the boat,
usually the bottom of the boat. The Instrument
calculates the depths to display by adding the
keel offset to all measured depths.
A Have a zero keel offset to display depths
below the transducer.
Depths measured
below here
C
B Enter a positive keel offset to increase the
displayed depth. For example to display the
total depths below the surface, enter the
depth of the transducer below the surface.
Speed range
C Enter a negative keel offset to decrease the
displayed depth. For example, to display the
depths of clear water below the boat, enter
minus the depth of the deepest part of the
boat below the transducer.
The maximum reading to display on an analog
boat speed gauge (see section 11). Choose a
range suitable for your boat.
Fuel
See section 13-7, Calibrate.
19-14 Setup > Time
MENU
1
2
Select Local offset.
Press
twice, then select Time:
Press or to change the offset, then
ENTER
press
.
Time format
The options are 24 hour or 12 hour.
Date format
The options are dd/MMM/yy, MMM/dd/yy,
dd/MM/yy or MM/dd/yy.
Local offset
The difference between local time and UTC
(GMT). Change local offset when daylight
saving time starts and ends. The range is 0 to
13 hours, in 30 minute steps.
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19-15 Setup > Favorites
See section 2-7-2.
19-16 Setup > Simulate
Simulate mode is a way of becoming familiar
with the Instrument (see section 2-6).
MENU
The options required for Normal are:
Speed: The simulated boat speed to use.
Course: The simulated course over ground.
Press
twice, then select Simulate:
Note: To select the start point, go to the chart
window before starting the simulation. Then:
•
To start the simulation from the boat
ESC
position, press
boat mode.
to switch to centre on
•
To start the simulation from a different point,
move the cursor to that point on the chart.
Tip: To calculate a course, use the cursor (see
section 3-2-1).
Simulate
Turn simulate mode off
Tip: As the boat moves, vary Course to
Turn simulate mode on
simulate the boat moving off course.
2 Demo
Simulates a boat moving along a route and
automatically displays different Instrument
functions. The options required for Demo are:
!
WARNING
Never have simulate mode on when the
Instrument is navigating on the water.
Speed: The simulated boat speed to use.
Route: The route to follow.
Mode
There are two choices for Mode:
1 Normal
Simulates the boat moving from the selected
start point at the given speed and heading.
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20 Installation
!
WARNING
Ensure that any holes cut are in a safe position and will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in
doubt, consult a qualified boat builder.
CAUTION
Do not mount any part where it can be used as a hand hold, where it might be submerged or
where it will interfere with the operation, launching or retrieving of the boat.
To help ensure proper operation, do not mount any part or cable within 0.5 m (20”) of the plane
of a radar antenna or within 1 m (3 ft) of a compass or source of electrical noise, such as engines,
fluorescent lights, and power inverters.
When fitting a cable, do not crush or strain the cable. Secure the cable at regular intervals. Ensure
no connectors or exposed terminals are in wet area.
If the cables supplied are too long, do not shorten the cable; instead coil the cable. Most cables
can be extended with Northstar extension cables. Do not fit more than one extension cable.
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20-1 Installation: What else comes with my M121/M84?
Northstar GPS 124 Antenna
GPS 124 Antenna bottom cone
GPS 124 Antenna gasket
GPS 124 mounting kit
Sun cover for display unit
Note: Place over display when not in use
Front Bezel
Note: Fit this after installing the display unit
Power cable
Mounting bracket and locking knobs
Bracket mounting screws
(5 x14 Gauge self tapping screws)
Flush mounting screws
(4 x 8 Gauge self tapping screws)
Northstar wallet
Contains the following items:
•
•
Flush mounting template
LCD cleaning cloth
•
•
•
Warranty card
Quick start guide
CD manual
•
•
M121/M84 Installation and operation manual
GPS 124 Antenna Installation and operation manual
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20-2 Installation: Options and Accessories
•
•
•
Replacement paddle wheel.
DSC VHF radio: Tracks other boats with
GPS receivers and DSC radios and displays
barometric pressure (see section 20-10).
C-MAP™ NT-MAX, NT+ or NT chart SD cards.
Northstar NavBus junction boxes simplify
wiring, particularly if several instruments are
connected. For more information, see the
NavBus Installation Manual.
SmartCraft: With one or two SmartCraft
capable Mercury petrol/gasoline engines, the
Instrument can display engine data and trim
and can control troll speed (see section 20-8).
Optional sensors and instruments
Radar: For radar functions. A Northstar 2 kW, 4
kW or 6 kW radar system must be installed (see
section 20-9).
External alarms: Lights or sounders in the
boat to sound alarms through the boat (see
section 20-4).
Other instruments: The Instrument can
receive data from other instruments and send
data to other instruments by NavBus or NMEA
(see sections 20-11 and 20-12).
GPS or DGPS antenna: For GPS navigation,
see section 20-5.
Sonar transducer: For depth sounding and
fish finding, see section 20-6.
Please consult your Northstar dealer for more
information.
Fuel sensors: For fuel functions. The
Instrument can use these optional fuel flow
sensors, fitted to one or two engines:
•
Northstar petrol/gasoline sensors (see
section 20-7)
•
SmartCraft fuel sensors (see section 20-8)
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Connections
q Sonar
w Video in Video Input
(Analogue composite
Sonar Transducer
M121
[NTSC-PAL])
e Comms Not Used
r GPS
Northstar 124 GPS Antenna
t Fuel/Nav - Northstar Fuel TXD
- SmartCraft Gateway
y Radar
Northstar Radar Processor
u Power/data cable
Wire
Function
Black
Ground: power negative,
NMEA ground (Connect both
black wires to ground)
Not Used
NMEA out
NavBus-
Brown
White
Blue
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Red
Positive power in, 10
to 35 V DC
Orange
Yellow
NavBus+
Auto power - Connect to red
wire (positive power in) to
enable Auto power No Auto
power - Leave disconnected
or connected to Black
wire (ground)
Green
External Alarm output or light
out, switches to ground
during alarm condition,
200 mA maximum.
20-3 Installation: The display unit
Start by selecting a suitable mounting position
for the M121/M84 display unit:
•
•
For optimum performance and reliability
consider mounting the unit where it will not
be unnecessarily exposed to direct sunlight,
water and protected from other physical
damage which could occur during rough
sea passages.
•
Consider the best possible position for
viewing and operating the M121/M84. This
will generally be a relatively shaded area free
from obstructions.
If bracket mounting chose a flat area where
the display will not be subjected excessive
vibration.
•
At least 4” (100 mm) away from the compass,
at least 12” (300 mm) away from any radio
transmitter and at least 4 ft (1.2 m) away
from any antenna.
•
•
Select an area with adequate clearance for
cabling and access to the power source.
Before drilling any holes ensure that
the drill area is free from cables or other
obstructions.
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There are two mounting arrangements:
Note: the 5 x 14G self tapping screws are for
bracket mounting only.
Flush Mounting the M121/M84
1. Attach the flush mounting template to the
selected mounting position using adhesive
tape.
8. To finish off the installation firmly clip the
front bezel in place.
2. Drill a pilot hole for each of the hole saw
cuts shown on the template before cutting
the larger hole with the hole saw.
Bracket Mounting the M121/M84
An alternative to flush mounting the M121/M84
is to bracket mount the unit. This method has
the advantage that the display can be easily
removed when it is not in use. The display may
be tilted for best possible viewing angle when
bracket mounted.
3. Next cut all the way around the inside of the
cut-out line with a saw to remove the waste
material shown on the template.
4. Check that the unit fits correctly in the cut
out area. Adjust the fit with a file if required.
Note: The mounting bracket does not allow for
rotation of the unit to the left and right.
5. Select a 2-3.5 mm 1/8” drill bit depending
on hardness of material to drill. Smaller
diameter holes will be needed for soft
woods and larger diameter pilot holes will
be required if mounting to hard materials
such as fiberglass (we recommend 3.5 mm
(1/8”) for fiberglass and Aluminum).
1. Use the mounting bracket as a template to
mark the 5 positions of the screw holes.
2. Select a suitable drill bit (note: larger
diameter pilot holes may be required if
mounting to fiberglass) and drill 5 pilot holes
in the marked positions.
With the selected drill bit drill the 4 pilot
holes for the 8 gauge screws used to attach
the unit. These are indicated on the corners
of the mounting template.
3. Secure the mounting bracket using the 5 x
14G self tapping screws.
4. Slide the M121/M84 into the mounting
bracket and secure in place with the bracket
knobs.
6. Connect all cables to the rear of the unit
before placing the unit into the console.
5. To finish off the installation firmly clip the
front bezel in place.
7. Firmly secure the unit in place with the 4 x 8
gauge self tapping screws.
Bezel
M121/M84
M121/M84
Knob
14G self tapping screws
Mounting bracket
8 gauge screws
Dash
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20-4 Installation: Power/data cable
The power/data cable has a black locking collar and flying leads.
1
Wire the Instrument for auto power to have the Instrument turn on with the boat’s ignition switch
or to record engine hours or if the Instrument must add up the total fuel used (for example if
Northstar petrol/gasoline fuel sensors are installed or if SmartCraft is installed without fuel tank
level sensors). Otherwise wire for basic power (for more information, see section 2-2).
Basic power
Power/data cable
Red
Black
Fuse 2A
Yellow
Main switch
Black
12/24 V DC
Auto power
When wired for Auto Power On the unit will turn on when the ignition switch is on, if you would like
the unit to turn off when the ignition switch is off then set the unit for Auto Power Off (see section
2-2 and 17-1)
Power/data cable
Ignition
Yellow
Black
Fuses 2A
Ignition switch
Main switch
12/24 V DC
Red
Black
2
3
Wire any external alarm beepers or lights. The alarm output switches to ground to sound the
alarm. If the current is more than 200 mA, fit a relay.
Connect the power/data cable to the black display unit connector; turn the collar to lock the
connector.
Power/data cable
Red
Black
Green
External beepers or
lights
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20-5 Installation: GPS antenna
WAAS covers all of the USA and most of Canada.
To use WAAS, the GPS antenna must have
a clear view of the sky towards the equator.
EGNOS will cover most of Western Europe.
Selecting an antenna
Fit one of these GPS antennas:
•
•
Normally use the GPS antenna supplied.
An optional differential beacon DGPS
antenna to give enhanced accuracy within
range of land based differential beacons
in areas where WAAS or EGNOS are not
available. Such a DGPS antenna has both a
GPS receiver and a beacon receiver, and it
automatically applies the beacon correction
to the GPS position.
Restart GPS:
Restarts the GPS receiver, satellite reception will
be lost until the receiver completes its restart
and acquires the satellites.
ENTER
Select restart GPS and press
•
A compatible GPS or DGPS instrument or
antenna connected by NavBus (see section
20-10) or NMEA (see section 20-11). In this
case, the Instrument does not need its own
antenna.
!
WARNING
MOB will not work if the Instrument does
not have a GPS fix.
Note:
To configure the Instrument for different
antenna options, see section 19-4.
Installing an antenna
•
If an external antenna is required, install the
antenna and fit the antenna cable back to
the display unit. Follow the instructions in
the manual supplied with the antenna. Fit an
optional Northstar extension cable if required.
For more information, contact your Northstar
dealer.
DGPS Source:
During setup, configure the Instrument for the
chosen antenna, see section 19-4.
Enables or disables the satellite based DGPS
correction (see section 8). The options are
None or WAAS/EGNOS. Do not Enable
WAAS/EGNOS outside their coverage areas
or the accuracy of the position might be
degraded.
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20-6 Installation: Sonar transducer
Sonar cable
!
WARNING
Blue
Do not install plastic through hull
transducers in solid wooden hulls. Leakage
through the hull may result.
Connect the transducer to the blue Instrument
connector; tighten the locking collar.
Do not install bronze transducers in metal
hulls. This will cause electrolytic corrosion
that may result in damage to the hull or
transducer.
During setup
a) set Sonarto (see section 19-1)
b) set up the sonar options (see section 19-3)
20-7 Installation: Northstar petrol/gasoline sensors
Fit the optional petrol/gasoline fuel kit following
the instructions supplied with the kit.
During setup:
a) set the fuel data (see section 19-6)
Note:
SmartCraft engines have fuel flow sensors,
therefore Northstar fuel sensors are not
required as well.
White
Fuel sensor cable
For dual engines, fit two kits.
Wire the Instrument for auto power (see
section 20-4).
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20-8 Installation: SmartCraft
If the boat has one or two SmartCraft capable
Mercury petrol/gasoline engines, connect the
Instrument to the SmartCraft engines with
an optional SmartCraft gateway. The display
unit can display engine data and trim and can
control troll speed.
SmartCraft Gateway
White
During setup enter the SmartCraft setup data.
For information on installing, setting up and
using SmartCraft, see the SmartCraft Gateways
Installation and Operation Manual.
Note:
Fit a single gateway for single engines and a
dual gateway for dual engines.
SmartCraft engines have fuel flow sensors,
therefore Northstar fuel sensors are not
required as well.
If the fuel tank does not have SmartCraft
level sensors, wire for auto power (see
section 20-4).
20-9 Installation: Radar
Install the Northstar radar as described in the
Installation Manual supplied with the radar.
Carefully read the important safety and warning
information and also the location and wiring
guidelines BEFORE installing the radar.
Radar cable
RADAR
Set up the radar as described in section 19-4.
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20-10 Installation: Other NavBus instruments
NavBus is Northstar’s system for connecting
instruments together to interchange data
and share transducers. When instruments are
connected by NavBus:
Fish forecaster: a prediction based on
changes in barometric pressure
DSC/Buddy Track: (see section 17)
Receive data from an optional GPS or
GPS/DGPS source.
If the units, alarms or calibration are
changed in one instrument, then the
values will automatically change in all other
instruments of the same type.
Send data to optional Northstar instruments,
for example to a repeater.
During setup for NavBus instruments, set
NavBusto and assign the instrument a
NavBus groupnumber (see section 19-12)
Each instrument can be assigned to a group
of instruments. If the backlight is changed in
an instrument in group 1, 2, 3 or 4 then the
backlight will automatically change in the
other instruments in the same group.
Black
Power/data cable
Orange
If the backlight is changed in an instrument
in group 0 then no other instruments are
affected.
Blue
If an alarm sounds, mute it by clearing the
alarm on any instrument which can display
that alarm.
NavBus wires to other
NavBus instruments
NavBus and the Instrument
The M121/M84 can:
20-11-1 Installation: Northstar VHF radio
Fit and set up the optional Northstar VHF
radio (with NavBus functionality) following the
instructions supplied with the radio.
Display wind speed and direction from an
optional Northstar Wind instrument
Receive and display depth from an optional
Northstar depth instrument.
Black
Power/data cable
Orange Blue
Receive and display boat speed and water
temperature from a paddlewheel sensor on
an optional Speed instrument.
Blue
Grey
Radio data cable
Receive data from an optional Northstar
VHF radio (with NavBus functionality). The
M121/M84 can display:
Baro: barometric pressure
Baro history: barometer history
Weather: a predication, based on changes
in barometric pressure
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20-11 Installation: Other NMEA instruments
NMEA is an industry standard for
interconnecting instruments. It is not as flexible
or as easy to install as NavBus.
The Instrument can:
For information on sending NMEA data to the
Instrument, see your Northstar dealer.
During setup to send NMEA data to other
instruments, set NMEA outto and specify
the NMEA datato send (see section 19-12).
Receive and display wind speed and
direction from an optional compatible wind
instrument.
Power/data cable
White NMEA out
Receive and display depth, paddlewheel
boat speed and water temperature from an
optional compatible instrument.
Black NMEA ground
White
Black
Receive data from an optional compatible
GPS or GPS/DGPS source.
Send GPS position and other navigation
data to an autopilot or other instrument.
An autopilot requires APB, APA and VTG
sentences (see section 19-12).
White NMEA in
(requires Special Fuel Cable)
20-12 Installation: Setup and test
Setup and test
5
6
Enter setup data to set up the Instrument
to your requirements and to set up any
optional sensors or instruments (see section
19).
1
Put a blanking cap on any unused connector
on the back of the display unit. Ensure all
connectors are plugged in and the display
unit is in place.
At the satellite window, check that it picks
up GPS satellites. Wait for the GPS receiver
to start up and the fix type to change from
‘Acquiring’ to ‘GPS fix’. This should take less
than two minutes (see section 8).
2
If the display unit is bracket mounted, adjust
tilt and rotation for best viewing and hand
tighten the knob.
3
4
Insert any required C-MAP chart card (see
section 1-3).
7
Go on a test run to check that the navigation
equipment works correctly, particularly
when a radio transmitter or radar is used.
Turn the instrument on (see section 2-2).
When the Instrument is turned on for the
first time, it displays an installation menu:
i
Select the language to use.
ii Change the data if necessary (see section
2-1)
iii When the setup data is correct, press
ESC
.
This data can be changed later
(see section 19).
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Appendix A - Specifications
GENERAL
Depth acquisition time from startup:
Typically 2 seconds at 30 m (100 ft)
Temperature:
M121 Size: 256 mm (10.08“) H x 385 mm (15.16“) W x
78.5 mm (3.09“) D. Allow 3 mm clearance on each
side for dust cover.
Range 0° to 37.7°C (32° to 99.9°F)
Resolution of 0.1° unit.
M84 Size: 190 mm (7.48“) H x 285 mm (11.22“) W x 76.8
mm (3.02“) D. Allow 3 mm clearance on each side
for dust cover.
Speed (from paddlewheel transducer):
1 to 96.6 kph (57.5 mph, 50 kn).
FUEL COMPUTER
M121 Display: 307 mm (12.1”) diagonal, TFT color, 800
x 600 pixels.
(Optional fuel sensor(s) required)
Engine types:
M84 Display: 213.4 mm (8.4”) diagonal, TFT color, 800
x 600 pixels.
Backlight: Display and keys
Supply voltage: 10.5 to 32 V DC.
Supply current: at 13.8 V
Outboard carburetted two stroke and EFI
petrol/gasoline engines: 50 to 300 hp.
Outboard four stroke petrol/gasoline engines: 90
to 300 hp.
350 mA min - no backlighting.
1A max - full backlighting.
Inboard petrol/gasoline engines: 70 to 400 hp.
Flow rate:
External beeper or light output: Switched
to ground to sound alarm, 30 V DC, 200 mA
maximum.
Minimum: 5 litres per hour (1.3 U.S. gallons per hr).
Maximum: 130 litres per hour (34 U.S. gallons per hr).
COMMUNICATIONS
Operating temperature: 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F)
ALARMS:
NavBus
User set: Arrival radius, anchor, XTE, danger, too
shallow, too deep, fish, temperature, temperature
rate, low battery, low fuel (optional), loss of DGPS
fix, radar guard zone, dangerous AIS vessels.
Connection to other Northstar instruments.
NMEA: NMEA 0183 ver 2 4800 baud
Inputs from compatible instruments:
BWR, DPT, GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, HDG, HDM, HDT,
MTW, MWV, RMC, VHW, VTG and DBT
GPS NAVIGATION
Chart card: C-MAP™ SD Card (NT-MAX, NT+ or NT)
User card: SD Card
Outputs, for compatible instruments:
APA, APB, BWR, DBT, DPT, GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, RMB,
RMC, MTW, VHW, VLW, VTG, XTE
Waypoints: Up to 3000, with default or user-defined
alphanumeric names up to eight characters.
STANDARDS COMPLIANCE
EMC:
Routes: 25 Routes, with up to 50 points each
Tracks: By time or distance, one track of 2000 points
USA: FCC Part 15 Class B.
Europe: (CE) EN301843-1
New Zealand and Australia: (C Tick) IEC60945
and four of 500 points.
Chart datums
121 Chart datums (see next page)
One user-defined map shift.
Environment: IPx6/IPx7/CFR46 (with card holder and
connections in place)
Chart scale: 0.05 to 4096 nm for chart (chart
Video
dependent) down to 0.01 nm in plotter mode.
75Ω BNC Connector. Most PAL and NTSC formats
supported. (PAL BGHI, PAL N, Combination PAL N,
PAL M, NTSC M, NTSC N, NTSC 4.43, NTSC-Japan
and SECAM)
SONAR FISHFINDING
(Optional sonar transducer required)
Depth range: 1 m (3 ft) to 1000 m (3300 ft )
Sonar output:
Power: Variable, up to 600/1000 W RMS
Dual frequency: 50 khz and 200 kHz
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Physical Dimensions
Northstar M121
M121
Northstar M84
M84
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List of datums
Adindan
Afgooye
Anna 1 Astro 1965
ARC 1960
Astro DOS 71/4
Australian Geodetic 1966
Bellevue (IGN)
Bogota Observatory
Campo Inchauspe 1969
Cape Canaveral
Chua Astro
AIN EL ABD 1970
Antigua Island Astro 1943
Ascension Island 1958
Astro Station 1952
Australian Geodetic 1984
Bermuda 1957
Bukit Rimpah
Canton Astro 1966
Carthage
Co-ord. Sys.1937 Estonia
Deception Island
Easter Island 1967
Fort Thomas 1955
Graciosa Base Sw 1948
GUX 1 Astro
American Samoa 1962
ARC 1950
Astro Beacon ‘E’1945
Astro Tern Island (Frig) 1961
Ayabelle Lighthouse
Bissau
Camp Area Astro
Cape
Chatham Island Astro 1971
Corrego Alegre
Djakarta (Batavia)
European 1950
Gan 1970
Guam 1963
Herat North
Hong Kong 1963
Indian 1954
Dabola
DOS 1968
European 1979
Geodetic Datum 1949
Gunung Segara
Hermannskogel
Hu-Tzu-Shan
Hjorsey 1955
Indian
Indian 1975
Indian 1960
Indonesian 1974
ISTS 073 Astro 1969
Kerguelen Island 1949
L. C. 5 Astro 1961
Luzon
Ireland 1965
Johnston Island 1961
Kertau 1948
Leigon
M’Poraloko
ISTS 061 Astro 1968
Kandawala
Kusaie Astro 1951
Liberia 1964
Mahe 1971
Massawa
Minna
Merchich
Montserrat Island Astro 1958
Midway Astro 1961
Nahrwan Masirah Is. Oman
Naparima, BWI
North Sahara 1959
Old Hawaiian
Nahrwan United Arab Emirates Nahrwan Saudi Arabia
North American 1927 North American 1983
Observatorio Meteorolog. 1939 Old Egyptian 1907
Oman
Ord. Survey Great Britain 1936
Point 58
Provis. South American 1956
Pulkovo 1942
Reunion
Pico de las Nieves
Pointe Noire 1948
Provis. South Chilean 1963
Qatar National
Pitcairn Astro 1967
Porto Santo 1936
Puerto Rico
Qornoq
Rome 1940
S-42 (Pulkovo 1942)
Sapper Hill 1943
Sierra Leone 1960
South Asia
Tokyo
Voirol 1874
Santo (DOS) 1965
Schwarzeck
S-JTSK
Tananarive Observatory 1925
Tristan Astro 1968
Voirol 1960
Sao Braz
Selvagem Grande 1938
South American 1969
Timbalai 1948
Viti Levu 1916
Wake Island Astro 1952
Yacare
Wake-Eniwetok 1960
Zanderij
WGS 84
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Appendix B - Troubleshooting
This troubleshooting guide is written with
the assumption that the user has read and
understood the relevant sections in this manual.
Repairs to the product may only be carried out
by a service centre approved by Northstar. If the
product must be sent into a service centre for
repair, it is essential to send in the transducer(s)
at the same time.
It is possible in many cases to solve difficulties
without having to send the display unit back to
the manufacturer for repair. Please follow this
troubleshooting section before contacting the
nearest Northstar dealer.
More information can be found on our Website:
www.northstarnav.com.
There are no user serviceable parts. Specialized
methods and testing equipment are required
to ensure that the display unit is reassembled
correctly and is waterproof. Users who service
the product themselves will void the warranty.
B-1 General problems
1-1 The Instrument won’t turn on:
f
Check for corrosion on the power cable
connector and clean or replace if required.
a
The Instrument is designed to operate
on a 12/24 volt battery system, where the
voltage may vary from 10.5 to 32 volts. If an
excessive voltage is supplied, a fuse will be
tripped, turning the display unit off. Check
the fuse.
g
Check fuses that are placed in line with the
power cable. A fuse can be blown despite
appearing to be good or the fuse may be
corroded. Test the fuse or replace it with a
fuse known to be good.
1-2 The Instrument won’t turn off:
b
c
Check that the power cable connector at the
back of the display unit is securely plugged
in and the collar is locked in place. The collar
must be secure for watertight connection.
The Instrument may have been wired for
Auto power. In this case, the Instrument
cannot be turned off while the ignition
power is on (see section 2-2).
Measure the battery voltage while the
battery is under load - turn on some
lights, radio or other electrical equipment
connected to the battery. If the voltage is
less than 12 volts:
1-3 If the Instrument beeps when turned
on but nothing is displayed:
The Instrument may be operating, but the
backlight settings may have been set too
low (see section 2-3).
-
the battery terminals or wiring on the
terminals may be corroded.
1-4 The wrong language is displayed:
-
the battery may not be charging
correctly or may need replacing.
See section 19-1.
d
e
Inspect the power cable from end to end
for damage such as cuts, breaks, squashed
or trapped sections.
Check power wiring (see section 18-4).
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B-2 GPS navigation problems
2-1 No GPS fix or long time to get fix at
startup:
2-5 The time or date on satellite display is
wrong or off:
a
May occur occasionally if the antenna does
not have a clear view of the sky. The satellite
positions are constantly changing.
a
No GPS fix.
b
In simulate mode. Turn simulate mode off
(see section 19-16).
b
Antenna cable not connected to display
unit.
c
Local time offset is wrong (see section 17-12).
The Local Time Offset must be changed
when daylight saving time starts or ends.
2-2 Instrument GPS position different from
true position by more than 10 m (33 ft):
2-6 Autopilot not responding to
Instrument; no NMEA output:
a
b
c
Instrument in simulate mode. Turn simulate
mode off (see section 19-16).
a
NMEA output disabled or the required
NMEA sentences are not turned on. Check
NMEA settings (see section 19-12).
The normal error in GPS position will exceed
10 m (33 ft) for about 5% of the time.
Under special circumstances the US
Department of Defence may introduce a
deliberate and changing error in the GPS
positions of up to 300 m (1000 ft).
b
Check that the instrument is connected
correctly.
2-7 No DGPS fix or loss of DGPS fix:
a
To receive a DGPS fix, WAAS/EGNOS must be
enabled or an optional DGPS antenna fitted
(see section 8).
2-3 Instrument position different from
same position on local charts:
a
b
c
Instrument in simulate mode. Turn simulate
mode off (see section 19-16).
b
c
With WAAS/EGNOS: Boat out of coverage
area (see section 8).
Incorrect chart datum. Select the correct
chart datum (see section 19-2).
With WAAS: GPS antenna does not have
a clear view of the horizon towards the
equator.
Map shift has been applied wrongly. Clear
map shift, then reapply if necessary (see
section 19-2).
b
With beacon DGPS: boat out of range of a
DGPS beacon.
2-4 Can not see boat on chart:
ESC
Press
to switch to centre on boat
mode (see section 3-2-1).
B-3 Fuel consumption problems
3-1 Fuel used or remaining seem
inaccurate:
c
The Set remainingfuel value must
be reset after every refuelling (see section
113-1).
a
Instrument is not wired for auto power (see
section 20-4).
d
The fuel tank may not refill to the same
capacity each time due to air pockets.
This is particularly noticable with underfloor
tanks.
b
In rough seas, fuel may surge back and forth
through the fuel transducer, resulting in
incorrect readings. Try installing a one-way
valve between the fuel transducer and the
fuel tank.
e
Fuel transducers wear out over time and
should be replaced after every 5000 litres of
fuel.
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3-2 Flow indicates no fuel or low fuel:
3-3 A twin engine installation shows only
one flow rate:
a
Check that the number of engines is set to 1
(see section 19-6).
a
Check that the number of engines is set to 2
(see section 19-6).
b
Check that the fuel cable connectors are
securely plugged in and the collar is locked
in place. The collar must be locked in place
to give a watertight connection.
3-4 Erratic Fuel Flow readings:
a
The fuel flow transducer may have been
mounted too close to the fuel pump or may
be subject to excessive vibration. Refer to
the installation instructions supplied with
the fuel transducer.
c
A fuel transducer may be clogged. If so,
remove the transducer from the fuel line
and gently blow through it in the opposite
direction to the fuel flow.
b
c
Check for leaks in the fuel line or in the fuel
pickup in the tank.
A fuel filter between the fuel transducer and
the fuel tank must be installed as per the
fuel installation guide. Failure to do so will
void the warranty.
The Flow filtervalue is not suitable for
the engine. Check that the value is not set
to zero, then try increasing the value until a
steady flow rate is shown (see section 19-6).
d
e
Inspect the fuel cable from end to end for
damage such as cuts, breaks, trapped or
squashed sections.
3-5 There is no reading for fuel economy:
a
The boat must be travelling through the
Check that the fuel filter is clean.
water to generate an Economyreading.
b
Check that the paddlewheel on the
transducer is spinning freely and that the
two magnets in the paddlewheel are still in
place.
B-4 Sonar fishfinding problems
4-1 The Instrument operates erratically:
e
f
Ensure the back of the bottom surface of
the transducer is slightly lower than the
front and the front is as deep in the water as
possible in order to minimize the generation
of bubbles through cavitation. (See the
Transom Transducers Installation Guide)
a
Check that the transducer does not have
debris (e.g. weed, plastic bag) caught
around it.
b
The transducer may have been damaged
during launching, running aground or
while underway with debris etc. If the
transducer has been impacted, it may have
been kicked up on the bracket. If it is not
physically damaged, reset the transducer
back to its original position. (See the
Check the transducer and power cable
connectors at the back of the display unit
are securely plugged in and the collars are
locked in place. The collars must be secure
for watertight connection.
Transom Transducer Installation Guide.)
g
h
Inspect the power cable from end to end for
damage such as cuts, breaks, squashed or
trapped sections.
c
When the transducer is less that 2 ft (0.6 m)
from the bottom, the depth readings may
become inconsistent and erratic.
Ensure there is not another fishfinder or
depth sounder turned on, which may
interfere with this Instrument.
d
Manual Gain may be set too low, which may
cause weak bottom echo or no fish signals. If
in Manual Gain, try increasing the Gain.
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i
Electrical noise from the boat’s engine or
an accessory may be interfering with the
transducer(s) and/or the Instrument. This
may cause the Instrument to automatically
decrease the Gain unless using Manual Gain.
4-4 Bottom echo disappears or erratic
digital reading while the boat is moving:
a
Ensure the back of the bottom surface
of the transducer is slightly lower than
the front and the front is as deep in the
water as possible in order to minimise the
generation of bubbles through cavitation.
(See the Transom Transducers Installation
Guide, for more information.)
The Instrument thus eliminates weaker
signals such as fish or even the bottom
from the display. This may be checked
by switching off other instruments,
accessories (e.g. bilge pump) and the
motor until the offending device is
located. To stop problems from electrical
noise, try:
b
The transducer may be in turbulent water.
Air bubbles in the water disrupt the echoes
returned, interfering with the Instrument’s
ability to find the bottom or other targets.
This often happens when the boat is
-
re-routing the power and transducer
cable(s) away from the boat’s other
electrical wiring.
reversed. The transducer must be mounted
in a smooth flow of water in order for the
Instrument to work at all boat speeds.
-
routing the display unit’s power cable
c
Electrical noise from the boat’s motor can
interfere with the Instrument. Try some
suppression spark plugs.
directly to the battery with an in-line fuse.
4-2 Bottom is not displayed:
a
The Instrument may have Manual Range
selected and the depth may be outside
the range value selected. Either change
the Instrument to Auto Range or select
another depth range (see section 8-5).
4-5 There is a double bottom trace
displayed:
a
The boat may be in an area that generates
shadows (see section 9-2).
b
In shallow water, the echoes may bounce.
Reduce the gain setting (see section 9-6)
and/or reduce the sonar pulse power (see
section 19-3).
b
The depth may be outside the Instrument’s
range. While in Auto Range, the display unit
will display “--.-” to indicate that there is no
bottom detected. A display of the bottom
should reappear when in shallower water.
c
Decrease the Range.
4-3 The bottom is displayed too far up
the screen:
The Instrument may have Manual Range
selected and the selected Range value is
too high for the depth. Either change the
Instrument to Auto Range or select another
depth range (see section 8-5)
106
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B-5 Radar problems
5-1 Radar overlay doesn’t appear on the
chart screen
5-4 Radar shows false echoes and/or
background noise
False echoes and/or background noise can
be produced if the radar sensitivity is too
high.
a
Ensure that your boat is shown on the radar
window. If it is, but the radar overlay still
isn’t shown, try zooming in on the charted
area. (The charted area may be outside the
maximum range of the radar).
a
Try using the Auto setting for the radar gain
mode (see 19-4). If this doesn’t work, or if the
radar gain mode is already set to Auto, use
the radar gain setting to reduce the radar
sensitivity
b
The threshold or transparency settings for
the radar overlay are not correct (see 18-6).
5-2 Radar shows arcs and/or shadows
5-6 Radar shows multiple echoes off the
same object
Side lobe patterns often appear as an arc or
a broken arc. Shadows are blind spots.
Multiple echoes off the same object are
most likely to occur when you are close
to a large target, and are usually only a
temporary nuisance.
If the radar is installed at a suitable height
and in a suitable location on your boat,
side lobe patterns and shadows caused by
obstructions such as funnels or masts will be
minimized.
5-7 Radar shows random or grouped dots
Rain clutter often appears as random dots
that can merge into badly-defined echoes
on the radar window. The random signals
are returned from rain, hail, sleet, or snow
and can result in a confusing display
If you are having problems with these, you
may need to relocate your radar. Consult the
Installation Guide for your radar model for
advice.
5-3 Radar shows different patterns on
each sweep
5-8 Radar shows random signals in centre
Sea clutter usually appears as confusing,
random signals around your boat. High
waves will produce the maximum amount of
sea clutter.
Interference patterns always appear in a
different place with each sweep. They can
be randomly scattered bright dots or dotted
lines that extend from the centre to the
edge of the radar window, often producing
a spiral effect. Generally, the stronger the
interference, the wider the interference lines.
You can optimize your radar window to
reduce the effects of sea clutter (see section
18-6-4).
a
Use the interference rejection feature to
reduce interference patterns, and the width
of the interference lines (see 19-4).
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Appendix C Glossary and navigation data
Air temp - Air temperature (requires Northstar
Goto - A simple way of navigating straight to a
721 VHF radio).
waypoint or to the cursor position (see section
3-1).
Alarm status - Shows the symbol (see section
19-10) for each alarm that is on. The symbol
is normally black and turns red if the alarm
triggers.
GPS - Global Positioning System. A satellite-
based navigation tool (see section 7).
Leg - The straight segments of a route between
waypoints. A route with four waypoints has
three legs.
Attention Area - An important area on a chart,
such as a restricted anchorage or a shallow area
(see section 19-2).
MMSI - Maritime Mobile Service Identity.
Unique identification number for a vessel, for
use in Digital Selective Calling.
AIS - Automatic Identification System. A System
where vessel information (location, course,
speed, etc.) is broadcast by VHF radio, for use
by other vessels in navigation and collision
avoidance.
MOB - Man overboard.
MOB function - Starts navigating back to
the place where someone fell overboard (see
section 2-4).
Bathymetric line - A depth contour line on
the chart.
NavBus - A way of connecting Northstar
instruments together to share data (see section
20-10).
Chart card - A plug-in card that stores chart
data for a region (see section 1-3).
C-MAP™ chart card - See Chart card.
NMEA - National Marine Electronics
C-MAP™ user card - See User card.
Association.
CPA - Closest Point of Approach. The closest
distance two vessels will come to each other
based on their current course and speed.
NMEA 0183 - A standard for interfacing marine
electronic devices (see section 20-11).
Radar guard zone - An area around the
boat, set up by the operator and defined by
distance and bearing. If an object (e.g. another
boat) enters the radar guard zone, an alarm is
activated.
Cursor - A symbol on the display (see
section 3-2).
DGPS - Differential Global Positioning System.
A navigation tool based on GPS with some
errors corrected (see section 7).
Rain clutter - Heavy rain or snow can cause
interference with the radar image.
DSC - Digital Selective Calling. A feature
of marine radios enabling communication
between specific vessels, as well as distress
alerts.
Range (radar) - The distance between the
centre of the radar image and the outer range
ring. The scale is shown in the top left corner of
the radar window.
DTN - Distance to the next position the
M121/M84 is navigating to, either a waypoint or
the cursor.
Range rings - Concentric circles extending
from your boat (usually at the centre of the
radar window) and used to estimate distances
to objects. The scale is shown in the top left
corner of the radar window.
Fish forecaster - An estimate of the likelihood
of catching fish based on barometric pressure.
The more fishes that show the higher the
likelihood (requires Northstar 721 VHF radio).
Route - Two or more waypoints linked in
sequence to form a course for the boat (see
section 7).
Gear - The gear the engine is in (requires
SmartCraft).
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SmartCraft - A feature of Mercury Marine
engines for monitoring engine performance.
UTC - Universal Time Coordinated or
Coordinated Universal Time, which is a standard
world time, formerly called Greenwich Mean
Time (GMT).
TCPA - Time to Closest Point of Approach.
Time until the closest point of approach for two
vessels.
VHF - Very High Frequency. The frequency
range used by marine radios.
Sea clutter - Rough seas can cause
interference with the radar image.
Waypoint - A position that you can set on the
Instrument chart, for example a fishing spot or a
point on a route (see section 5).
Sonar status - A summary of sonar settings.
TTN - Time to the next position the M121/M84
Weather - An estimate of the weather based
on barometric pressure (requires Northstar 721
VHF radio).
is navigating to, either a waypoint or the cursor.
User card - A plug-in card that stores
waypoints, routes and tracks (see section 1-2).
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Navigation data
BRG Bearing to Destination: Bearing to the destination from the boat.
BRG Bearing to cursor: Bearing to cursor from boat (cursor mode, see section 3-2-1)
CDI
Course Deviation Indicator: When the boat is navigating to a point, the chart and highway windows
show a parallel line on either side of the plotted course. These two lines are called the Course Deviation
Indicator (CDI) lines. The distance from the plotted course to a CDI line is the CDI scale.
Set the CDI scale (see section 17-2) to the maximum distance that the boat should deviate from the
plotted course. The chart and highway windows show the CDI lines, which are like a highway over the
water where the boat will move. The windows show how far the boat has deviated from the plotted
course and if the boat is approaching a CDI line. If the XTE alarm is enabled (see section 17-8) an alarm
will sound if the boat reaches a CDI line.
COG Course Over Ground: Direction in which the boat is moving over the ground.
CTS Course To Steer: Optimum course to steer to return to the plotted course.
DTG Distance To Go: Distance from the boat to the destination.
ETA Expected Time of Arrival: At the destination, assuming that SOG and COG remain constant.
DST Distance from boat to cursor (cursor mode, see section 3-2)
SOG Speed Over Ground: Current boat speed over the ground. This is not necessarily the same as the boat
speed through the water nor the speed at which it is approaching the destination.
STR
TTG
XTE
Steering: The difference between COG and CTS.
Time To Go: The estimated time to reach the destination.
Cross Track Error: The distance from the boat to the nearest point of the plotted course. XTE may have
a letter: R means steer to the right to return to the plotted course, L means steer to the left.
VMG Velocity Made Good: The speed at which the boat is approaching the destination.
Destination
Destination
Plotted
course
DTG (distance)
VMG (speed)
XTE
(distance)
SOG (speed)
STR
Boat
position
BRG
COG
CTS
CDI scale
(distance)
CDI scale
(distance)
Plotted
course
Boat position
Start
Start
110
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Appendix D Compliance statements
FCC Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a normal installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an output on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.
A shielded cable must be used when connecting a peripheral to the serial ports.
Industry Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions (1) this device may not cause interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Hereby, Northstar New Zealand, declares that this M121/M84 is in compliance with the essential
requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
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AMERICAS
30 Sudbury Road,
EUROPE
Unit 2, Ocean Quay,
Belvidere Rd, Southampton,
SO14 5QY, ENGLAND
Ph: +44 2380 339922
Fax: +44 2380 330345
northstaruk@northstarnav.com
Acton, MA 01720, USA
Ph: +1 978.897.6600
Ph: +1 800.628.4487
Fax: +1 978.897.7241
sales@bntmarine.com
AUSTRALIA
PO Box 479,
NEW ZEALAND
PO Box 68 155,
Gladesville, NSW 2111,
AUSTRALIA
Newton, Auckland
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
Ph: +64 9 481 0500
Fax: +64 9 481 0590
northstarnz@northstarnav.com
Ph: +61 2 9879 9060
Fax: +61 2 9879 9009
northstaraus@northstarnav.com
www.northstarnav.com
Made in New Zealand
MN000638A-G
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