Airmar GH2183 User Manual

17-489-01 rev. 06 04/11/14

Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions

Solid-State Compass

with GPS Receiver

U.S. Patent No. 8,326,561

UK Patent No. 2 460 158

Model

GH2183

Record the serial number found on the underside of the sensor.
Serial No._______________ Date of Purchase_____________

1

All Rights Reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be

Copyright © 2008 - 2014 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.

reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded, or stored in any storage
medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of Airmar. Airmar hereby grants
permission to download a single copy of this manual and of any revision of this manual onto
a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this
manual or any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual
or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that
any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly
prohibited.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Airmar reserves the right to
change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to
notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the Airmar website at
www.airmar.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and
operation of this and other Airmar products.

2

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................ 4

Safety Instructions.................................................................. 5

Hardware, Tools & Materials................................................. 6

Choosing the Mounting Location........................................... 7

Installing................................................................................. 8

Pole or Rail Mount................................................................. 8

Flush Mounting on a Horizontal Surface............................. 10

Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines............................. 11

Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display................................ 12

Connecting to an NMEA 2000® Network........................... 13

Calibrating the Compass....................................................... 14

Maintenance..........................................................................15

Troubleshooting.................................................................... 15

Firmware Revisions.............................................................. 15

NMEA 2000®: Load Equivalency Number......................... 15

Where to Purchase Parts....................................................... 15

Trademarks........................................................................... 16

3

Introduction

IMPORTANT: Please read the Owner’s

Guide completely before proceeding.

Thank you for purchasing the Airmar’s solid-state Compass with GPS Receiver.
This exciting product is actually four sensors in a single unit—a three-axis
magnetic compass, a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis rate gyro, and a GPS
receiver. The compact housing is waterproof with a single removable cable. Data
is output in digital NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats.

Functions & Outputs

• Magnetic compass heading

• Angle of vessel pitch (attitude)

• Angle of vessel roll (attitude)

• Rate of Turn

• GPS using WAAS and EGNOS

• NMEA 0183 interface: RS232 or RS422

Features

• Fast response time

• GPS position updates every second

• Stable and accurate data in dynamic conditions

• Can be programmed to compensate for an installation that is NOT aligned to
the front of the boat/vehicle and/or level

• Can be calibrated to compensate for magnetic deviation caused by ferrous
metals and other electro-magnetic fields

• Simultaneously outputs data in NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats

• Waterproof housing

• Waterproof cable system

• Pole, rail, or flush mount

4

Follow the safety precautions below to reduce the risk of poor product

WARNING

Navigation Aid Only: The sensor is only an aid to

navigation and should never be solely relied upon. It is
not a replacement for traditional navigation aids and
techniques. Only official government charts contain all
the information needed for safe navigation.

performance, property damage, personal injury, and/or death.

WARNING: GPS Accuracy

The GPS position and velocity accuracies are controlled by the U.S. Department
of Defence. Therefore the position accuracy described in the specifications cannot
be guaranteed.

WARNING: Correct Installation Important
The sensor must be installed and operated according to the instructions in this
owner’s guide.

WARNING: Installation Safety
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when installing.

WARNING: Compass Safe Distance
The sensor must be a minimum of 0.3m (1') from other standard and steering
compasses.

WARNING: Do Not Install Near Artificial Magnetic Fields
Observe a safe distance from ferrous metals and anything that can create a
magnetic field to prevent interference to the magnetic compass.

WARNING: Electrical Safety
The power supply must be OFF before making electrical connections.

WARNING: Voltage
The power supply voltage must be 9 - 40 VDC.

WARNING: Battery
Make power connections to a power source that is isolated from the engine start
battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the compass to lose information and / or
change operating mode.

WARNING: Fuse or Circuit Breaker
A safe installation requires a 0.5 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker.

WARNING: Calibrating the Compass
The internal compass may need to be calibrated after the sensor is installed. Perform
the pretest to determine if calibration is necessary.

5

Cables & Connecting/Converting Hardware

The Compass with GPS Receiver (sensor) can be connected in several ways.

You must have the correct cable and any needed hardware before beginning
the installation.

Sensor Cables Length Part No.

• NMEA 0183 Cable 10m 33-862-02

• NMEA 2000® Cable 6m 33-1029-02

• NMEA 2000® Cable 10m 33-1029-06

NOTE: Additional cable lengths are available.

Connecting/Converting Hardware Length Part No.

• NMEA 0183 to USB, Data Converter 33-801-01

• NMEA 0183 to USB Combiner NDC-4-AIR

• NMEA 2000® CAN to USB, U200 Gateway 33-727-01

• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 15m 33-641-02

• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 30m 33-641-03

Tools & Materials

CAUTION: Vehicles/boats traveling above 30MPH—Do not use the plastic

Cable Side-exit Adaptor (part D) supplied. Purchase a stainless steel part. At high
speeds, the plastic adaptor may break, causing the sensor to fall off.

NOTE: The sensor has standard marine 1"-14 threads.

Pole/rail mounting hardware (some installations)
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Screwdrivers (Pole/Rail Mount installation)
Teflon pipe-thread tape, 1/2" wide (some installations)
Pencil (some installations)
Electric drill (some installations)
Drill bits and hole saws (some installations):

Pilot hole 3mm or 1/8"
Flush mount stud holes 6mm or 1/4"
Flush mount cable hole 38mm or 1-1/2"

Loctite® 242® or other removable thread locker (Flush Mount installation only)
Grommet(s) (some installations)
Cutting pliers (some installations)
Heat-shrink tubing (some installations)
Heat gun (some installations)
Wire strippers (some installations)
Cable ties (some installations)
Multimeter (some installations)

6

Choosing the Mounting Location

Figure 1. Minimum distance from sensor

Courtesy of Northstar, Acton, MA

Min. 2m

antenna insulator

metal hull / deck

1.5m

Min.

Min. 2m

GH2183

For accurate compass readings and a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best
location for the sensor is very important. It can be mounted on a pole, rail, or flat
surface. Choose a location that balances the requirements below.

• The sensor must have a clear view of the sky to the horizon in all directions.
However, the lower it can be mounted, the more stable it will be. It will better
track satellites low on the horizon and give more accurate compass readings by
minimizing pitch and roll.

• Do not mount on top of a sailboat mast. The sway will cause jitter in the data.

• To prevent interference to the magnetic compass, mount the sensor:

- A minimum of 0.3m (1') from other standard and steering compasses.

- Above a metal hull/deck.

- Away from any structures or equipment that contain ferrous metals.

- Away from anything that may create a magnetic field such as: magnetized

material, electric motors and equipment, power/ignition cables, and batteries.
For distances, follow the respective manufacturer’s recommendations.

• To prevent interference to the GPS (see Figure 1):

- It must have a clear view of the sky to receive satellite signals. Check for any

obstructions such as buildings or boats.

- Mount it as far as possible from high-powered transmitting antennas to avoid

mutual interference.

- Mount it lower than any on-board INMARSAT communications antenna.

- Mount above or below any radar beam. Do not mount within a radar beam.

• Mount reasonably level with the earth’s surface—not tilted to one side.

• Do not mount where the sensor could be a tripping hazard or be tread upon.
Note that frozen water spray on the unit may degrade reception.

• Be sure there is access to the underside of the mounting surface.

• Be sure the cable(s) can be routed to reduce electrical interference from other
electrical wiring and any on-board equipment with a strong magnetic field such as
radar equipment, radio transmitters, engines, generators, etc. Separate the cables
by at least 1 m (3').

7

Installing

socket

serial number

alignment

tab

nut assembly

sensor

captive

nut

connector

a.

b.

cable

slot for

cable exit

side-exit

mount base

sensor unit

lock washer (2)

machine screw (2)

adaptor

(part C)

(part D)

(part A)

Figure 2. Pole/Rail mount

Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Cor p.

CAUTION: The alignment tab on the sensor must be facing forward and parallel to
the centerline of the boat/vehicle for accurate compass readings.

CAUTION: Be sure to use the correct parts for your installation. Do not use the
flush mount parts (gasket, part B) to mount the receiver on a pole. Using the
wrong parts may allow water to leak into the unit.

CAUTION: If you use a thread locker, use teflon pipe thread tape. Do not use a
liquid thread locker as it may weaken the plastic, causing it to swell and crack.

IMPORTANT: Plan the cable route between the sensor and the display and/ or
network before beginning the installation.

Pole or Rail Mount

The nut assembly supplied has standard marine 1"-14 threads that can be
screwed to a standard marine antenna mount, extension pole, or rail-mount
bracket. Before beginning the installation, plan for securing the pole / rail bracket to
the selected mounting surface and purchase all the necessary hardware. It may
be helpful to fasten the pole/rail bracket in place before proceeding.

1. Remove the label from the sensor unit’s socket (see Figure 2). Fasten the mount
base (part C) to the sensor unit (part A) with the two machine screws and lock
washers supplied. The torque for the screws is 1.35Nm.

8

2. Decide if you want the cable to exit through the center or along the side of the
pole/rail bracket. Slide the nut assembly onto the end of the cable at the sensor

connector. Do not connect the sensor at this time.

a. Center exit—Pass the sensor connector end of the cable through the center

of the pole. Be sure to leave several inches of cable extending beyond the

nut assembly.

b. Side exit—Place the cable side-exit adaptor (part D) over the cable. Being

sure the cable is passing through the slot in the side, screw the nut assembly

onto the adaptor. Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.

NOTE: Use the adaptor supplied as it has smooth edges that will not chafe the
cable. Do not use a purchased part.

3. Screw the extension pole/rail bracket onto the nut assembly /side-exit adaptor.
Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.

4. Remove the protective cap from the sensor connector on the cable. (Save the
cap to protect the connector when the receiver is removed.) Plug the cable
firmly into the sensor.

5. With the alignment tab on the sensor facing forward and parallel to the
centerline of the boat / vehicle, slide the captive nut upward and screw it onto
the mount base. Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.

9

Flush Mount

socket

serial number

alignment

tab

Figure 3. Flush mount

Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technol ogy Corp.

sensor unit

arrow

M5 stud (2)

sensor connector

gasket (part B)

mounting surface

thumb nut (2)

lock washer (2)

(part A)

flat washer (2)

1. Remove the label from over the sensor unit’s socket (see Figure 3). Apply
removable thread locker to the two studs supplied. Screw the studs into the
underside of the sensor unit (part A).

2. Using the gasket (part B) as a template, position it at the selected mounting
location upside down with the arrow facing forward and parallel to the centerline
of the vehicle/boat. Mark the position of the two mounting holes and the center
hole for the cable.

3. Using a 3mm or 1/8" bit, drill the pilot holes. Using a 6mm or 1/4" bit, drill the two
mounting holes for the studs. Drill the cable hole with a 38mm or 1-1/2" hole saw.

Fiberglass—Minimize surface cracking by running the drill in reverse until the
gelcoat is penetrated.

4. Pass the sensor connector-end of the cable through the center of the gasket
and through the center mounting hole in the boat /vehicle.

5. Plug the cable firmly into the sensor unit.

6. Orient the gasket with the arrow facing in the same direction as the alignment tab
on the sensor unit. Push the gasket onto the studs and slide it over the connector.

NOTE: The gasket fits one way only. A groove in the gasket fits over the
alignment tab on the connector.

7. With the sensor’s alignment tab pointing forward and parallel to the centerline of
the boat/vehicle, push the studs through the mounting surface. Check to be
sure the gasket is tucked under the lip of the unit. From underneath the
mounting surface, slide a flat washer and lock washer onto each stud. Fasten
them with the thumb nuts. Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.

10

Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines

Depending on the equipment you will be using, route the sensor cable to an
Airmar Data Converter, Combiner, an NMEA 0183 display, an NMEA 2000
network, a laptop, or other device. After reading the cautions below, go to the
appropriate instructions.

CAUTION: Do not remove the waterproof connector(s) to ease cable routing. Buy
a cable without a connector. Instructions for wiring are supplied.

CAUTION: To reduce electrical interference from other electrical wiring and any
on-board equipment with a strong magnetic field such as radar equipment, radio
transmitters, engines, generators, etc., separate the cables by at least 1m (3').
Ensure that all the cables shields are appropriately grounded.

CAUTION: Be careful not to tear the cable jackets when passing them through
compartments, bulkheads, or walls. Use grommets to prevent chaffing.

CAUTION: Use a multimeter to check the polarity and the connections to the
power supply before applying power to the sensor.

CAUTION: Coil any excess cable(s) and secure with cable ties to prevent damage.

Connecting to a Data Converter, Combiner, or Splitter

Follow the installation instructions that are supplied with the unit.

11

Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display

Figure 4. NMEA 0183 sensor cable

sensor

BARE

NMEA 0183

x

10

10

RS422 interface

connector

NMEA 0183

RS232 interface

V+
V-

TX OUT

RX IN

NO CONNECTION

NO CONNECTION

SHIELD

locator

V+
V-

A /+ OUT

A/+ IN

B/- IN

B/- OUT

SHIELD

Copyright © 2007 - 2011 Airmar Technol ogy Corp.

Route the sensor cable to the display. Do not fasten the cable in place at this time.

Connector on Display End

If your sensor cable has a connector on the display end, and it can be plugged
into the port on your NMEA 0183 display; do so now. Coil any excess cable and
secure it with cable ties to prevent damage. Fasten the cable in place.

No Connector on Display End: Wiring

If your sensor cable does not have a connector on the display end, it must be hard
wired. Referring to the owner’s manual that came with your display, connect the
colored wires as shown in Figure 4.

NOTE: If your display does not have NMEA 0183 output connections, the yellow
and orange wires are not needed. Apply heat-shrink tubing to each unused wire.
(Alternatively, the yellow and orange wires can be connected to an external sensor.)

NOTE: The display power may be wired directly to the sensor cable, or it may be
wired separately.

1. Allowing an extra 25 cm (10") for wiring ease, cut the cable to length.

2. Strip 60mm (2-1/2") of the outer jacket and foil shielding from the cut end of the
cable (see Figure 4).

3. Strip 10 mm (3/8") of conductor insulation from the end of each colored wire.

4. Protect the cable’s foil shielding from causing a short by using heat-shrink tubing
around the jacket where the wires emerge from the cable. The tubing must
overlap the wires a minimum of 6mm (1/4"). Shrink the tubing using a heat gun.

5. Being sure the power supply is OFF, connect the wires to the display.

6. Fasten the cable in place.

7. Your installation is complete. To begin receiving data, refer to the owner’s
manual that came with your display.

12

Connecting to an NMEA 2000® Network

Figure 5. NMEA 2000® sensor cable [6m (20') shown]

Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Airmar Techno logy Corp.

10

sensor

NMEA 2000

network

connector

connector

locator

10

Figure 6. NMEA 2000® sensor cable [10 m (33') shown]

Copyright © 2009 - 2011 Airmar Te chnology Corp.

10

sensor

connector

NMEA 2000

network

connector

locator

120Ω

termination resistor in connector

10

CAUTION: Only two termination resistors are required on an NMEA 2000
network. More than two will degrade the bus performance.

Route the sensor cable to the NMEA 2000 network. Plug the NMEA 2000
connector into the network node (see Figure 5). Coil any excess cable and secure
with cable ties to prevent damage.

NOTE: Sensor cables longer than 6m (20') have a termination resistor built into
the sensor connector (see Figure 6).

13

Calibrating the Compass

WARNING: The internal compass may need to be calibrated after the sensor is

installed for maximum accuracy. Perform the pretest below to determine if
calibration is necessary.

CAUTION: Boat—The Pretest and AutoCalibration Procedure must be done in
calm seas in a 0.8 km (0.5 mile) open area away from other boats and ferrous
objects such as structures and aids to navigation. Avoid congested areas and
waters with strong currents as calibration will be difficult and possibly hazardous.

Pretest

Go to an appropriate site.

• Vehicle—Drive to an open parking lot or field, away from other vehicles and

ferrous objects.

• Boat—In calm seas, navigate to an open area of water, 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of

open space away from other boats and ferrous objects.

While making a full circle, compare the heading data to another compass. Check
all headings. If the data agrees, there is no magnetic influence on the sensor. The
compass does NOT need to be calibrated.

If the data does not agree, continue with the calibration instructions below.

How to Calibrate

Calibration can be done in one of two ways.

• Calibrate the compass using the WeatherCaster™ software and a PC.

• Follow the AutoCalibration Procedure below.

AutoCalibration Procedure

IMPORTANT: Calibration requires the vehicle/boat to complete 2 to 3 circles.

IMPORTANT: In the event of a calibration failure, repeat the procedure.

1. At the site where the pretest was performed, select the display page on the
NMEA Instrument that shows Heading.

2. Shut OFF and then turn ON the DC power that is connected to the sensor.

3. Within 2 minutes of cycling power to the sensor, start the vehicle/boat in a slow
[4.5 to 7 MPH (4 to 6 knots)] circular turn that takes about 2 to 3 minutes to
complete.*

If the vehicle/boat completes 1.5 circles within 3 to 4.5 minutes, AutoCalibration
will begin. Heading will stop being reported on any NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000
display until the calibration is finished.

4. Keep turning in the same circle for 1 to 2 more complete circles.
Do not change the speed or rate of turn through the circle.

5. When calibration is completed successfully, Heading will return to the display.
If calibration fails, the display will flash Heading ON and OFF in 10 second
intervals for 60 seconds. (Display times may vary by manufacturer.)

* The optimum rate of turn is 180°/ minute: 3°/second, 30°/10 seconds, 45°/15 seconds,

and 90°/30 seconds.

14

Maintenance

CAUTION: Do not disassemble the sensor. Removing the screws from the sensor

unit (part A) will damage the waterproof seal, thus voiding the warranty.

CAUTION: Do not immerse in water or pressure wash. Doing so may allow water
to infiltrate the sensor, voiding the warranty.

Since the sensor has no moving parts, it requires minimal maintenance. Clean
with a soft damp cloth and mild household detergent.

Troubleshooting

• Is there power to the sensor?

• Are all the connections tight?

• Is the cable-run free of kinks or damage?

• Is there interference from other antennas or instruments?

• Is there damage to the sensor?

• Is there ice on the sensor?

No GPS Fix

• Does the sensor have a clear view of the sky?

Inaccurate Compass Readings

• Is the sensor installed facing forward and parallel to the centerline of the boat/

vehicle?

• Is the compass calibrated?

• Is the sensor mounted near the boat/vehicle’s center of gravity?

• Is there interference from ferrous metals, electronic equipment, electric motors,
batteries, or cables that are creating a magnetic field?

Firmware Revisions

Airmar may release updated versions of the firmware. Periodically, check Airmar’s
website at www.airmar.com to down-load the latest revision, or contact Technical
Support for a CD.

NMEA 2000: Load Equivalency Number

LEN is the amount of current a devise draws from an NMEA 2000 network.
(1 LEN = 50 mA)

LEN............................................2

Where to Purchase Parts

Gemeco Tel: [phone]
(USA) Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Airmar EMEA Tel: [phone]
(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

15

Trademarks

35 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, New Hampshire 03055-4613, USA

www.airmar.com

Airmar® is a trademark of Airmar Technology Corporation.
Loctite® and 242® are trademarks of Henkel Corporation.
NMEA 2000® is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Assoc.
WeatherCaster™ is a trademark of Airmar Technology Corporation.

16