Explorer D310
Depth Instrument
Installation and Operation Manual
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Contents
3 Depth, keel offset, too deep alarm, too shallow alarm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Systems of several instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5 Explorer D310 hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6 Installation and setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6-1 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
6-3 Resetting to factory defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Appendix A - Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Appendix B - Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Units
The factory default units are metres. To change these units, please refer to section 3-1 of this manual.
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Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
3
1 Introduction
The Explorer D310 measures and displays the depth
of the water. An installed Explorer D310 usually has
two parts:
water. When the pulse meets the bottom, some of
the pulse is reflected back up towards the boat and
is received by the transducer.
The display unit.
The display unit analyses the reflections from
each pulse. It removes unwanted reflections (from
bubbles and other objects) and calculates the
depth by measuring the time between sending the
pulse and receiving its echo.
A depth transducer, which is attached to the
hull and wired to the display unit.
The unit is powered from the boat’s power supply.
The Explorer D310 is part of the Northstar family of
instruments for boats, which includes instruments
for speed, depth, wind and repeaters. These
instruments can be connected together to form an
integrated data system for a boat (see section 4).
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the display unit and any plastic transducers
with a damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive
cleaners, petrol or other solvents.
When repainting the hull, cover or remove any
visible transducers. Depth transducers may be
coated with a thin layer of antifouling paint; gently
sand off any previous paint first.
For maximum benefit, please read this manual
carefully before installation and use.
How the transducer measures depth
The depth transducer generates an ultrasonic
(sound) pulse, which travels down through the
The Explorer D310 display unit
Alarm symbol
Display
(backlit)
Display normally
shows depth
Depth units
111 x 111 mm
(4.4” x 4.4”)
Four keys
(backlit)
2 Operation
2-1 Turn on and off
2-2 Basic operation
The keys
Turn the unit on and off with the auxiliary power
switch on the boat. The unit does not have its own
power switch. When you turn it off, any settings
you have made are retained.
The unit has four keys, labelled
. In this manual:
and
Press means to push the key for less than one
second.
Hold for two seconds means to hold the key
down for two seconds or more.
If the word SIMULATE flashes at the top, left of the
display, then the unit is in simulate mode (see section
2-4).
Press one key + another key means to push
both keys together.
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4
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
Set backlight for screen and keys
You can set the backlight to one of four brightness
levels or off. Press once to display the current
backlight level, press again to change the level:
2-3 Alarms
The Explorer D310 can be set to sound an alarm
when the water is too deep or too shallow (see
sections 3-2 and 3-3). When the alarm sounds,
the internal beeper sounds, the symbol on the
display flashes and any external beepers or lights
operate.
Backlight
level 2
Press to mute the alarm. The alarm stays muted
until the depth becomes normal. The alarm will
sound if the depth becomes too deep or too
shallow again.
2-4 Simulate mode
Simulate mode allows you to become familiar
with the unit off the water. In Simulate mode,
the Explorer D310 functions normally except the
transducer is ignored and the unit generates this
data internally. The word SIMULATE flashes at the
top, left corner of the screen.
The display
The display normally shows depth. If it displays
dashes (— —) then it means that the depth is too
deep or unknown.
To turn Simulate mode on or off:
1
2
Turn the power off.
Hold down
while you turn the power on.
2-5 Key reference
Turn power on
Turn alarm
on or off
Set alarms
Set Too Deep
alarm
Increase
alarm
depth
Hold
Turn Simulate
on or off
Hold
2 sec
Hold
+
Decrease
alarm
depth
Reset memory
Set Too Shallow
alarm
5 sec
Normal operation
Hold
2 sec
Return to
normal
Hold
2 sec
operation
Setup
+
Increase
value or
change
setting
Set Keel Offset
Change depth units (metres, feet
or fathoms)
+
Decrease
value or
change
setting
Set Backlight
Group
Mute an alarm
+
Adjust backlight
(4 levels or off)
Return to
normal
operation
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Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
5
3 Depth, keel offset, too deep alarm, too shallow alarm
the depth from the surface to the bottom of
the water.
Depth and keel offset
The displayed depth is the distance from the
transducer on the boat to the bottom of the water,
plus or minus an offset which is called the keel
offset:
A negative keel offset displays depth as
measured from a point below the transducer.
For example, if you set the offset to minus the
distance from the transducer to the bottom
of the keel, it will display the depth from the
bottom of the keel to the bottom of the water.
A positive keel offset displays depth as
measured from a point above the transducer.
For example, if you set the offset to the distance
from the transducer to the surface, it will display
Keel offset
Keel offset
Water surface
Positive value
Depth of transducer
Negative value
Transducer
Note: The boat illustrated uses a through hull transducer
3-1 Set depth units
The units can be METERS, FEET or FATH:
3-3 Set too shallow alarm
The too shallow alarm sounds if the alarm is turned
on and the depth becomes equal to or less than the
too shallow alarm depth. To mute the alarm, press
. To set the too shallow alarm:
Press
; if necessary, press
again.
3-2 Set too deep alarm
The too deep alarm sounds if the alarm is turned on
and the depth becomes equal to or more than the
1
At the Too Deep Alarm screen, hold for
two seconds to display the Too Shallow Alarm
screen:
Alarm
is off
too deep alarm depth. To mute the alarm, press
To set the too deep alarm:
.
1
Hold for two seconds to display the Too
Deep Alarm screen:
Alarm
is on
Shallow
alarm
value
Deep
alarm
value
2
3
4
To change the alarm depth, press
To turn the alarm on or off, press
or
.
.
Press
.
2
3
4
To change the alarm depth, press
To turn the alarm on or off, press
or
.
.
Press
.
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6
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
3-4 Anchor watch
To set an anchor watch, set the too shallow alarm to
slightly less than the current depth and set the too deep
alarm to slightly more than the current depth. Allow for
tide changes.
Keel offset
(negative)
3-5 Set keel offset
Keel offset is described above. The range is 2.9 m ( 9.6
ft, 1.6 fathoms):
1
2
3
Press
Press
Press
+
to display the Keel Offset screen.
to change the keel offset.
or
.
4 Systems of several instruments
Several Northstar instruments can be connected together to share data. There are two ways of connecting
instruments together, NavBus or NMEA.
4-1 NavBus
NavBus is a Northstar proprietary system that allows
systems of multiple instruments to be built using
a single set of transducers. When instruments are
connected by NavBus:
NavBus and the Explorer D310
If the Explorer D310 does not have a depth
transducer fitted then the unit will automatically
take depth readings from another instrument,
via NavBus, if the data is available. For more
information, refer to the NavBus Installation and
Operation manual.
If you change the units, alarms or calibration
in one instrument, then the values will
automatically change in all other instruments of
the same type
Note: If a transducer is not fitted to the unit and the
corresponding external data is not available then
the displayed value will be dashes (— —).
Each instrument can be assigned to a group
of instruments (see section 6-2, step 2). If
you change the backlight in an instrument
in group 1, 2, 3 or 4 then the backlight will
automatically change in the other instruments
in the same group. If you change the backlight
in an instrument in group 0 then no other
instruments are affected.
4-2 NMEA
NMEA is an industry standard, but is not as flexible
as NavBus as it requires dedicated connections
between instruments. Depth data is output by the
Explorer D310 and can be read and displayed by the
Northstar Explorer R310 or other NMEA instrument.
If an alarm sounds, mute it by pressing on
any instrument which can display that alarm.
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Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
7
5 Explorer D310 hardware
5-1 What comes with your Explorer D310
The Explorer D310 comes in several configurations.
Standalone configuration
Explorer D310 unit with protective cover.
Warranty card.
Mounting template.
This Installation and Operation manual.
In addition, the standalone configuration usually
requires a depth transducer (see section 5-3).
Kit configuration
The Explorer D310 is available in several kit
configurations with different grades of through hull
transducer, with:
A plastic through hull transducer is suitable
for GRP or metal hulls. Plastic through hull
transducers are not suitable for solid wooden
hulls (use Northstar’s bronze transducers).
The parts for the standalone configuration,
listed above.
A bronze transducer is suitable for wood
or fibreglass hulls. Never install a bronze
transducer in a metal hull, because it will cause
electrolytic corrosion.
Through hull depth transducer.
Transducer Installation manual.
5-2 Other parts required
One or more 310 series instruments will be
connected to the boat 12 V power supply via:
A range of Northstar through hull transducers
are available, plus in hull and transom mount
transducers. For more information, refer to the
Transducer Installation manual or consult your
Northstar dealer.
An accessory switch to turn the instruments on
and off.
A fuse. Use a 1 A fuse for between one and five
instruments.
5-4 Accessories
These accessories are available from your Northstar
dealer.
Optional external beepers or lights can be fitted.
The Explorer D310 output is switched to ground,
30 V DC and 250 mA maximum. If the beepers and
lights require more than 250 mA, fit a relay.
For systems of several instruments, wiring and
connectors are required (see section 4 or the
NavBus Installation and Operation manual).
5-3 Transducer
The Explorer D310 is usually used with a through
hull depth transducer. However, the unit can take
readings from another instrument, in which case it
may not need a transducer (see section 4).
NavBus junction box
(See section 4)
4 m (13 ft) depth
transducer extension
cable
A through hull transducer generally gives the
best performance and is the best choice for
displacement hulls. It is mounted in a hole drilled
through the bottom of the boat.
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8
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
6 Installation and setup
Correct installation is critical to the performance of
the unit. It is vital to read this section of the manual
and the documentation that comes with the other
parts before starting installation.
2
3
The unit must mount on a flat panel which
is less than 20 mm (0.75”) thick. Stick the
mounting template in place. Drill a 50 mm
(2”) fixing hole through the centre hole in the
template. Note that the template allows space
around the unit for the protective cover.
The Explorer D310 can:
Drive external beepers or lights for the alarm.
Remove the fixing nut from the back of the
unit. Insert the stud at the back of the unit
through the mounting hole. Hand tighten the
fixing nut.
Send and receive data from other Northstar
instruments connected via NavBus. Settings for
alarms, units, calibration and backlighting are
shared (see section 4-1).
Transducers
1
Send and receive NMEA data from other
instruments (see section 4-2).
If the Explorer D310 does not come with a
transducer, choose a suitable transducer (see
section 5-3). If the Explorer D310 is supplied
with a transducer, see section 5-3 to ensure that
it is suitable.
CAUTION
The unit is waterproof from the front. Protect
the rear of the unit from water, or else water
might enter the breathing hole and damage
the unit. The warranty does not cover damage
caused by moisture or water entering the back
of the unit.
2
3
Choose a suitable location for the transducer
and install it by following the instructions in the
Transducer Installation manual.
Fit the cables between the transducer and the
display unit:
Keep the cable away from other cables,
engines, fluorescent lights, power inverters
and radio or radar transmitters.
Ensure that any holes that you cut will not
weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult
a qualified boat builder.
Ensure no connectors lay in the bilge.
If necessary, extend the cable by adding
extension cables.
The choice, location, angle and installation
of the transducers is the most critical
part of the installation. If they are not
correct, the unit can not perform at its
designed potential. If in doubt, consult
your Northstar dealer. Plastic through
hull transducers are usually unsuitable for
wood hulls. If in doubt, consult a marine
surveyor or marine engineer.
Do not cut the cable on any depth
transducer.
Secure the cable at regular intervals.
4
Connect the transducer to the display unit
connector.
Side view of display unit mounting
Fixing nut
20 mm (0.75”)
Fixing hole
50 mm (2”)
maximum thickness
6-1 Installation
Explorer D310 display unit
1
Choose a location for the display unit that is:
Easily seen and protected from damage.
At least 100 mm (4”) from a compass and at
least 500 mm (1.65 ft) from a radio or radar
antenna.
Display
unit
Away from engines, fluorescent lights, and
power inverters.
Accessable from behind; the minimum
clearance required at the back is 50 mm (2”)
(see mounting diagram).
Cables
Clearance 50 mm (2”) minimum
With the back of the unit protected from
moisture.
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Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
9
Power/data wiring
6-2 Set up
1
Wire the display unit power/data cable:
1
Take the boat for a trial run to check that all the
instruments work correctly.
The unit requires 12 V DC power. Fit a
power switch and fuse to the power supply
or power the unit from a fused auxiliary
switch. The fuse should be 1 A for up to five
instruments.
2
If the unit is part of a system of 310 series
instruments connected by NavBus, set the
backlight group number (see section 4-1):
i
Press
+
several times until the
If the external beepers and lights require
more than 250 mA DC total, fit a relay.
Backlight Group screen is displayed:
A single unit can be wired as shown below:
Backlight
group 3
Black
Red
12 V DC
Switch Fuse
External beepers or
ii Press
number.
or
to set the backlight group
Green
Yellow No connection
White
NMEA out
iii Press
Set:
.
Orange
}
NavBus (optional)
3
Blue
Depth
The depth units (see section 3-1).
The keel offset (see section 3-5).
With several instruments, use the optional
junction boxes to simplify wiring, as shown
below:
6-3 Resetting to factory defaults
All settings may be reset to the manufacturer’s
default settings (see below).
Group 1
Junction
To reset to factory defaults:
1
2
Turn the power off.
Hold down
+
while you turn the power
Power & data
connections
on and continue to hold the keys down for at
least five seconds.
Power/data cables
Group 2
NavBus cable
Junction box
Depth units
Keel offset
m
0
Depth alarms
SIMULATE mode
Backlight level
Backlight group
Off
Off
0
Power & data
connections
Power/data cable
1
For information on how to connect NavBus
and to use junction boxes, refer to the NavBus
Installation and Operation manual.
2
Tape or cover any unused wires or connectors
to protect them from water and keep them
from shorting together.
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10
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
Appendix A - Specifications
Appendix B - Troubleshooting
This troubleshooting guide assumes that you have
Physical
read and understood this manual.
Case size 111 mm (4.4”) square.
It is possible in many cases to solve difficulties
without having to send the unit back to the
manufacturer for repair. Please follow this
troubleshooting section before contacting the
nearest Northstar dealer.
LCD display 82 mm (3.2”) wide, 61 mm (2.4”) high;
twisted nematic.
LCD digits 38 mm (1.4”) high.
Four operator keys, laser etched.
Backlighting for display and keys, amber, four
levels and off.
Operating temperature 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F).
Transducer cable length 8 or 9 metres (26.25 or
29.5 ft).
There are no user serviceable parts. Specialized
methods and testing equipment are required to
ensure that the unit is reassembled correctly and is
waterproof. Repairs to the unit must only be carried
out by a service centre approved by Northstar.
Users who service the unit themselves will void the
warranty.
Power Cable length 1 m (3.25 ft).
Electrical
More information can be found on our website:
Power supply 10.5 to 16.5 V DC, 30 mA without
backlighting, 190 mA with full backlighting and
transducer.
External beeper or light output, switched to
ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA maximum.
1
Unit will not turn on:
a
Fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped.
b
Battery voltage is outside the range 10.5 to
16.5 V DC.
Depth
c
Power/data cable damaged.
Range 0.5 to 130 m (1.5 to 400 ft, 0.3 to 67 fa).
2
Depth reading wrong or erratic:
Typical accuracy < 2% (depends on type of
depth transducer, installation and water clarity).
Displays 0.0 to 19.9, 20 up.
Adjustable keel offset 2.9 m ( 9.6 ft, 1.6 fa).
Too deep and too shallow alarms (run both at
once to provide anchor watch facility).
a
Unit temporarily unable to detect bottom,
for example water too deep or too shallow,
water not clear, boat reversing and
transducer in turbulent water.
b
c
Depth transducer cable unplugged or
damaged.
Depth transducer fouled or damaged.
Check for fouling, damage or too thick a
layer of paint over it.
Interfaces
NavBus connection to other Northstar
instruments.
d
Depth transducer installed incorrectly or
transducer does not have a smooth flow of
clear water over it. Review installation.
Interference from the ultrasound pulse
from another depth sounder.
NMEA 0183 outputs: DBT, DPT, PTTKD.
Standards compliance
EMC compliance
e
f
USA (FCC): Part 15 Class B.
Europe (CE): EN50081-1, EN50082-1.
New Zealand and Australia (C Tick):
AS-NZS 3548.
Interference from electrical noise. Review
installation.
To check the transducer, disconnect it and
connect a known good transducer temporarily.
Hold it over the side of the boat in the water
and check if the unit displays a depth.
Environment: IP66 from front when correctly
mounted.
Power/data cable wires
Wire Signal
3
The word SIMULATE flashes at top, left of
screen, values displayed are unexpected:
Unit is in simulate mode (see section 2-4).
Red
Power positive, 12 V DC, 190 mA maximum
a
Black Power negative, NMEA common
Green External beeper or light out, switched to
ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA max.
4
The display fogs:
a
Moist air has entered the breathing tube at
the rear of the unit. Air the boat or run unit
with backlight fully on.
Orange NavBus +
Blue
NavBus -
b
Water has entered the breathing tube.
Return unit for service.
White NMEA out
Yellow No connection
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Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual
11
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