Navico mx420, MX420/2 GPS/DGPS, MX420/8 GPS/DGPS, MX420/BR, MX420/BRIM Operator's Manual
...
Product Information
The model and serial number of your instrument are given on the
instrument. Enter the model and serial number in the spaces provided
below. Always refer to this information when you contact your dealer.
MX420 CDU Serial No.:_________________
MX421/MX521 GPS Antenna S/N: _______________
MX525 GPS Sensor S/N _________________
Copyright May, 2007
Doc. P/N 3508 102 70040
By: G.Dorotheo
MX420/2 GPS/DGPS
MX420/8 GPS/DGPS
MX420/BR
MX420/BRIM
MX420/MKD
MX420/AIS DGPS
IMPORTANT NOTICE!!
THE MX420 IS AN AID TO NAVIGATION ONLY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD IT BE USED IN LIEU OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT
CHARTS. ITS ACCURACY CAN BE AFFECTED BY MANY FACTORS SUCH
AS EQUIPMENT DEFECTS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, OR IMPROPER OPERATION. THE USER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFE NAVIGATION OF THE VESSEL. THIS INCLUDES CONSULTING AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT CHARTS AND EXERCISING COMMON PRUDENCE AND NAVIGATIONAL JUDGEMENT AT ALL TIMES.
MX420 Operator’s Manual
Symbols Used In This Manual
Danger
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Warning
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Caution
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury and/or appreciable material, financial and environmental damage. This symbol is also used to alert against
unsafe practices.
Important paragraphs which must be adhered to in practice, as they
enable the product to be used in a technically correct and efficient
manner.
This manual contains important safety directions as well as instructions for setting up the instrument and operating it. Read carefully
through the Operator’s Manual, Options Manual, and Installation
& Service Manual before you switch on the instrument.
Scope Of This Manual
This manual reflects the software capabilities in version 2.0 software.
We have attempted to take care and develop manuals which provide
in-depth information. Where possible, we have attempted not only to
describe what you see on the screen, but how to understand and use
it as well. Obviously, we can’t teach you how to navigate, but we can
help make your work more thorough and enjoyable. Throughout the
manual, you will find helpful hints about the interaction of various
functions. In a piece of equipment that has the many capabilities of
this receiver, important details can sometimes become obscured in one
or two lines of text. In our effort to ensure you get the most out of this
documentation, and to protect against important details becoming lost,
don’t be surprised if you see the same or similar information more than
once.
This manual is organized by describing first the various MX420 models covered in this book. Then the special front panel features including the traffic light indicator. The sections that follow detail each primary function as it is presented on the front panel (i.e. NAV, RTE, WPT,
PLOT, ...CFG). The appendixes describe important details about special functions.
Appendix-A is a special section describing the AIS displays and setups of the MX420/AIS model.
We hope you find the manual enjoyable and informative reading. As
always, we welcome your comments on improving our products or
manuals. We wouldn’t mind if you wrote to tell us that we did the job
right the first time either. You can find a Reader Comment Card at the
back of the manual.
Related Documents
MX 420 Installation Manual (P/N 3508 102 70060)
MX 420 Quick Reference Guide (P/N 3508 102 70050)
MX420/AIS Reference Card (P/N 725626) (for AIS models only)
How To Contact Us?
Contact your local MX Marine dealer for:
• Installation, Service, & Technical Support
• Sales of Accessories
• Hardware and Software Upgrades
Unlike many other consumer electronics industries which only
sell consumer electronic devices, your marine dealer is often your
best advisor for installation and service of your new GPS receiver.
MX Marine strongly encourages you to utilize the knowledge and
experience of your sales and service dealer.
Should you need to contact us directly for new sales, upgrades,
repair service, or technical support, we can be reached at the
following:
International:
MX Marine (US)
A Division of NAVICO, Inc.
23868 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 201
Torrance, California 90505
USA
+1-310-791-8213 Telephone (International)
+1-310-791-6108 Fax
Internet:
www.mx-marine.com
Version 2.0 i
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
About GPS Navigation ............................................................................... 1
Special Notes ..................................................................... 2
GPS .......................................................................... 2
DGPS ........................................................................ 2
Charts and Navigational Aids ................................... 2
Functional Description ................................................................................ 3
MX420 Configurations .................................................................... 3
MX420/2 GPS ...................................................................... 3
MX420/2 DGPS ................................................................... 3
MX420/8 GPS ...................................................................... 3
MX420/8 DGPS ................................................................... 3
MX420/BR ........................................................................... 4
MX420/BRIM (Dual Control Integrity Monitor) ........................ 4
MX420/MKD ......................................................................... 5
MX420/AIS ........................................................................... 5
DGPS Beacon System ............................................................................... 7
Keypad & Display Description ................................................................... 8
Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation: .............................. 9
Red Flashing ............................................................ 9
Red/Yellow Solid ...................................................... 9
Red Solid .................................................................. 9
Yellow/Green Solid ................................................... 9
Yellow Solid ............................................................ 10
Green Solid ............................................................. 10
GPS Traffic Light Operation: .............................................. 10
Red Flashing .......................................................... 10
Red/Yellow Solid .................................................... 10
Red Solid ................................................................ 10
Yellow Solid ............................................................ 11
Green Solid ............................................................. 11
The Display: ...................................................................... 11
The Softkeys: ............................................................ 12
The Function Keys: ............................................................ 12
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Operator Manual Table of Contents
Mark Position ................................................. 12
GOTO ............................................................ 13
LIGHT ............................................................ 13
POWER ON/OFF ........................................... 13
MAN OVER BOARD (MOB) ............................ 14
E
E (EDIT) ......................................................... 15
C
C (CLEAR) ..................................................... 15
CURSOR ....................................................... 15
NAV
1
ABC
FUNCTION .................................................... 15
AIS
9
YZ
Automatic Identification System (AIS) ........... 17
Navigate .................................................................................................. 18
Dead Reckoning ......................................................................... 19
NAV1 - The Panorama Screen .................................................... 19
NAV2 - Basic Steering Information ............................................... 22
NAV 3 - Expanded Navigation Information .................................. 23
NAV4 - Sensor Input Navigation .................................................. 24
Route ....................................................................................................... 28
RTE1 - The Active Route ............................................................. 29
Creating a Route Using the GOTO Key: ............................ 30
Erasing an Existing Route ................................................. 33
Creating a Multi-Waypoint Active Route ............................ 34
Insert By Number ............................................................... 35
Choose in Bank ................................................................. 36
Insert New Waypoint ......................................................... 37
Insert Route ....................................................................... 38
Version 2.0 iii
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
Maneuvering Within the Route ........................................... 39
Scrolling ........................................................................... 39
Skipping and Unpassing Waypoints ................................ 39
Inserting Waypoints or Routes into an Existing Route....... 40
Reversing the Active Route .............................................. 42
ETA Setup ................................................................................... 43
SOG Based on Arrival Date & Time: ................................. 44
ETA Based on Speed: ...................................................... 44
RTE2 - The Route Bank .............................................................. 45
Waypoint .................................................................................................. 47
Creating and Editing Waypoints .................................................. 48
Waypoint Lock/Unlock ...................................................... 53
To Lock a Waypoint ................................................ 53
To Unlock a Waypoint ............................................ 54
To Lock all Waypoints ............................................ 54
To Unlock all Waypoints ......................................... 55
Removing Waypoints .................................................................. 55
Moving waypoints ........................................................................ 57
Downloading Waypoints & Routes to Other Devices .................. 58
Rnn - Routes: .......................................................... 59
RTE - Active Route: ................................................ 59
WPL - Waypoint Location - NMEA 0183 Standard: .. 60
WPL - Waypoint with Symbols & Description - NMEA
0183 Expanded: ....................................................................... 60
Downloading Waypoints to a Personal Computer ............. 61
Uploading Waypoints from Other Devices .................................. 63
Uploading Waypoints from a Personal Computer ............. 64
Mark or Event .................................................................................. 66
GOTO .............................................................................................. 67
Plot ........................................................................................................... 70
PLOT 1 - Relative to Boat ............................................................ 72
Modifying the Active Route Using the Plot Screen ............. 72
iv Version 2.0
Operator Manual Table of Contents
Customizing the Display .................................................... 73
PLOT 2 - Relative to Marker ........................................................ 77
PLOT3 - AIS Plotter Display ......................................................... 77
Plot Screen Use Examples ......................................................... 78
Station Keeping ................................................................. 78
Grid Search ....................................................................... 79
Man Over Board .............................................................................. 79
Remote MOB ............................................................................... 81
Tide.......................................................................................................... 82
TIDE1 - Current Tide Display ....................................................... 82
TIDE2 - Tide Table Port List ........................................................ 83
Adding a Port ............................................................................... 85
Auxiliary .................................................................................................... 86
AUX1 - Alarm Log ..................................................................... 86
AUX2 - Speed Graph ................................................................. 87
AUX3 - Not Used ....................................................................... 87
AUX4 - Sun Almanac ................................................................. 87
AUX5 - Moon Phases ................................................................ 88
AUX6 - Batteries ........................................................................ 88
AUX7 -Unit Information ............................................................... 89
Position .................................................................................................... 90
POS1 - Position Display (Large) .................................................. 90
UTM .................................................................................. 91
User GRID ......................................................................... 91
POS2 - Position, Altitude, Magnetic Variation, & Time ................. 92
POS3 - Position & Log ................................................................. 92
GPS .......................................................................................................... 94
GPS1 - GPS Status Screen .......................................................... 94
GPS2 - GPS Health Screen ......................................................... 94
GPS5 - RAIM Status Screen (For RAIM enabled models) ........... 96
Version 2.0 v
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
GPS6 - DGPS STATUS............................................................... 98
GPS7 - DGPS Messages .......................................................... 100
Configuration ............................................................................................ 99
AIS Config .................................................................................... 99
AIS Static ..................................................................................... 99
AIS Voyage ................................................................................. 99
Alarms ....................................................................................... 100
Anchor - Anchor Watch Alarm .................................................... 100
COG SOG - Course & Speed Filter Settings & Setup ................. 100
Compass - External Compass Input & Magnetic Variation Table101
Datum - Current Position Calculation .......................................... 102
Depth - NMEA Input Control ....................................................... 103
DGPS - DGPS Configuration...................................................... 104
DR - Dead Reckoning ............................................................... 106
Dual Control - Dual Station Control ............................................. 106
GPS - Elevation Mask Control ................................................... 107
Init Pos - Initial Position Entry...................................................... 108
Language - Language Configuration ......................................... 109
Lighting - Display/Keyboard Light & Contrast Control ................. 109
Log - Speed Log Input (Pulse or NMEA 0183) ............................ 109
Log Pulses - GPS SOG Log Pulse Output .................................. 111
MX480 - MX480 PC Chart Interface Control ................................. 111
Navigation ................................................................................. 112
NMEA Out 1 through n* - NMEA 0183 Output Data Control ......... 115
Other Special Cases Affecting NMEA 0183 Records: ..... 120
Operation - General Setup and Control Settings ........................ 121
Organizer - Automated Message Reminders ............................ 122
Position - Positioning Reference, Mode, & Alarm Control .......... 123
Printout 2 - Printer Output Control ................................................ 125
ROT (Rate of Turn) .................................................................... 128
vi Version 2.0
Operator Manual Table of Contents
Security ..................................................................................... 128
Serial I/O .................................................................................... 129
Time - Mode and Format Control ............................................... 129
Wind .......................................................................................... 130
Wpt & Rte Input - Uploading Waypoints into the Receiver ......... 131
Appendix A - Automatic Identification System (AIS) ................................ 133
Introduction ................................................................................ 133
AIS System Setup ..................................................................... 142
AIS Config Setup ....................................................................... 142
Configuring the AIS Static Setup ................................................ 143
Configuring the AIS Voyage ....................................................... 148
AIS Function Key ...................................................................... 151
AIS 1 – OWN SHIP DATA.......................................................... 151
AIS 2 - Remote Ship List ........................................................... 153
AIS 3 - RECEIVED (RX) SAFETY MESSAGES ......................... 155
AIS 4 - TRANSMIT (TX) SAFETY MESSAGE ............................ 156
AIS 5 - TX Safety List ................................................................ 158
AIS 6 - REGIONAL AREAS ....................................................... 159
AIS 7- LONG RANGE (LR) DISPLAY ......................................... 161
AIS 8 – AIS DATA LINK STATUS................................................ 163
AIS 9 – AIS STATUS .................................................................. 164
AIS 10 - AIS Password .............................................................. 165
PLOT 3 – AIS Plot Screen ......................................................... 167
Appendix B - Datum List ......................................................................... 168
Appendix C - Beacon List ....................................................................... 169
Appendix D- Engineering Mode ............................................................. 183
AUX7 - Unit Information & Self Test ............................................ 183
CDU Cold Start - Clearing Memory to Factory Default................ 185
GPS - GPS CDU Troubleshooting ............................................. 186
GPS3 - Visible Satellite Information ................................. 186
GPS4 - GPS Position Uncertainty .............................................. 187
GPS5 - GPS Debug Screen ....................................................... 187
MX421 Reset ............................................................................. 190
Appendix E - Dual Control Head Mode .................................................. 191
Version 2.0 vii
Table of Contents Operator’s Manual
Appendix F - Demonstration Mode ......................................................... 195
Glossary ................................................................................................. 197
PRODUCT WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ........................... 221
ADDENDUMS
viii Version 2.0
Operator Manual Table of Contents
Version 2.0 1
About GPS Navigation Operator’s Manual
About GPS Navigation
This GPS receiver is a precision navigation instrument utilizing the
latest technology available today to provide optimum performance
from the GPS satellite and Beacon land signals received. As with all
other forms of radio signals, the ultimate navigation result is dependent upon the quality of these signals. Radio signals may, on occasion, be distorted, jammed, or otherwise incorrect. As a result, your
position accuracy may occasionally be less than that which can normally be expected.
The Navstar Global Positioning System, commonly referred to as GPS,
is a satellite navigation system developed by the U.S. Department of
Defense to provide both military and civilian users with highly accurate, worldwide, three dimensional navigation and time. By receiving
signals from orbiting GPS satellites, authorized users are able to continuously navigate with an accuracy on the order of 5 meters 2D RMS
or better
A technique referred to as Differential GPS (DGPS), allows users to
obtain maximum accuracy from the GPS system. DGPS requires the use
of two GPS receivers. One receiver, known as the Reference Station, is
placed at a surveyed location, the coordinates of which are precisely
known. The purpose of the differential GPS system is to use the reference station to measure the errors in the GPS signals and to compute
corrections to remove the errors. The corrections are then communicated in real-time to the navigators, where they are combined with the
satellite signals received by the navigators, thereby improving their
navigation or positioning. The geographic validity of these corrections decreases with distance from the reference station, but the corrections are valid for navigators hundreds of kilometers from the reference station.
Marine radio beacons operating in the 283.5 to 325.0 KHz frequency
range are in widespread use for direction finding in coastal navigation.
Because the beacon system has been in place and widely used for
many years, it provides an effective means for the transmission of
DGPS signals. Depending on their local environment and power output, their signals may be usable to several hundred miles. Marine beacons provide an economical means of obtaining DGPS accuracy for
coastal navigators. GPS receivers with built-in beacon receivers are
designed to provide low cost reception of DGPS corrections broadcast (normally free of charge) by coastal authorities.
!
2 Version 2.0
Operator’s Manual About GPS Navigation
Special Notes
GPS
Never rely solely on any single navigational aid. Always use whatever
information is available, and cross-check information when possible.
GPS expected position accuracy is better than 30 meters (95% of the
time) but may be up to 100 meters occasionally. The derived speed and
course readings may be hampered accordingly. The GPS system was
declared operational in 1994; however, the system’s availability and
accuracy are subject to change at the discretion of the US Department
of Defense.
DGPS
This GPS receiver’s position accuracy is improved to 2 meters or better
for 95% of the time, subject to the availability, accuracy, and control of
the DGPS correction transmission from the Beacon Station.
The beacon radio signal which carries the DGPS corrections may be
hampered by weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and thunder storms. The beacon radio signal may also be interrupted by powerful radio transmitters operating in long wavelength bands.
Charts and Navigational Aids
Positions obtained from charts are not always as accurate as your
navigator (due to environmental changes, the dates of charts, and
datum offsets if the datum differs from the one in use by the navigator). The position of a floating aid can differ due to tide, set and drift.
!
!
!
Version 2.0 3
Functional Description Operator’s Manual
Functional Description
MX420 Configurations
The MX420 Navigation System is available in several configurations.
Please refer to the Auxiliary Unit Information section of the manual to
view sample screens to identify your particular model. Described below are the various MX420 configurations and their differences.
MX420/2 GPS
This is a basic MX420 Control and Display Unit (CDU) model with two
(2) bidirectional user NMEA ports. This model is supplied with a MX
Marine GPS only smart antenna. The smart antenna can achieve autonomous GPS accuracy better than 3 meters.
MX 422 Professional DGPS NavigatorMX422 ProfessionalDGPSNavigator
Mx420 CDU
MX421-10 or MX521
Smart GPS Antenna
Basic MX420/2 or MX420/8 GPS & DGPS Configuration
MX420/2 DGPS
This is a basic MX420/2 CDU supplied with a MX Marine combined
GPS and Beacon smart antenna (MX421B-10, MX521, MX525). The
smart DGPS antenna unit can achieve 1-2 meter accuracy in areas with
good beacon differential coverage.
MX420/8 GPS
This is an enhanced MX420 CDU equipped with eight (8) bidirectional
user NMEA ports. It is supplied with a GPS only smart antenna unit.
MX420/8 DGPS
This is a basic MX420/8 CDU supplied with a smart DGPS antenna
model.
4 Version 2.0
Operator’s Manual Functional Description
MX420/BR
This is a dual-control CDU system where a MX420/8 (operating as a
master) and a MX420/2 (operating as a slave) are supplied. Only one
smart DGPS antenna is required. The antenna unit is connected only
to the MX420/8 master unit.
MX 422 Professional DGPS Navigat or
MX422Prof essional DGPS Navigator
MX420 CDU
MX420 CDU
Master Unit
Slave Unit
MX421B
Smart GPS
Antenna
MX420 BR Beacon and Remote Configuration
MX420/BRIM (Dual Control Integrity Monitor)
This is an enhanced Dual-Control configuration wherein two MX420/
8 CDUs and two smart DGPS antennas are supplied. These two MX420/
8 units are connected in dual-control configuration but they operate
as independent navigator units with dedicated antennas. The DualControl Integrity Monitoring (IM) feature is a software option that
works only in the MX420/8 CDU hardware.
This configuration allows data to be shared between two remotely
separated stations (i.e. navigator’s station and helmsman’s station),
with independent access to various information fields. The purpose of
this configuration is to enable each CDU to calculate its own position,
then check the operational status of the other GPS receiver. The GPS
receiver with the best overall operational status then provides the
system position. This provides a fully redundant system, with selfrecovery capabilities. The D-C Integrity Monitor function can be set
to Automatic switch over, forced to the Master unit, or forced to the
Slave unit for position and navigation functions.
MX 422 Professi onal D GPS Navigat or
MX422Pr ofessi onal D GPS Navigator
MX420/8 CDU
MX420/8 CDU
Unit 1
Unit 2
MX421B
Smart DGP S
Antenna
MX421B
Smart DGPS
Antenna
MX420/BRIM System Configuration
Version 2.0 5
DGPS Operator’s Manual
MX420/MKD (Minimum Keyboard and Display for AIS)
An entry level MX420/AIS CDU model supplied with an IMO-compliant AIS transponder unit. All the AIS transponder setups and controls
are done through the MX420. It also gathers the ship’s sensor data
and organizes the information for transmission via AIS. High-speed
serial data ports are provided for output to the ECDIS chartplotter,
ARPA radar and other shipboard systems.
It also collects and decodes AIS reports from other stations and provides a readout from all AIS-equipped ships and shore stations. This
model does not have any navigation functions.
MX 422 Professional DGPS Navigator
MX420/AIS
GPS
Ant.
M 423
AIS Transponder
X
MX420/AIS Basic Configuration
MX420/AIS (AIS & Navigation System)
An enhanced MX420/MKD unit supplied with the MX Marine smart
DGPS antenna. This model has full navigation and AIS features.
MX 422 Professional DGPS Navigat or
MX420/AIS
MX421B
Smart DGPS
Antenna
GPS
A
nt.
M423
AIS Transponder
X
MX420/AIS Navigation System Configuration
The Installation & Service Manual has more details on the parts
supplied with each configuration, and their associated part numbers.
Note:
1) In general, this manual will refer to all versions of this product line simply
as the MX420 CDU, MX420/AIS, CDU or navigator. Where distinction
between models is necessary, the particular model type will be indicated.
6 Version 2.0
Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
2) Three smart GPS/DGPS antenna models are compatible with the MX420
CDU. They are the MX421-10 (GPS or DGPS), MX525 (DGPS only) and
MX521 (GPS or DGPS ).
Version 2.0 7
Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
DGPS Beacon System
As Maritime Safety Administrations, Navy, and Coast Guard Organizations realize the limitations of standard GPS positioning, many have
begun installing DGPS Beacon Stations. While an understanding of
this system is not necessary for operating receivers with internal beacon receivers, you may want to read on to have a better understanding
of how your receiver is capable of achieving the high levels of accuracy made possible by this network of transmitters.
The DGPS Beacon System is comprised of three segments: the reference station, Integrity Monitor (IM) equipment located at the beacon
site, and the Navigator equipment located on board the user’s boat or
vehicle. The DGPS beacon system design is illustrated below.
5271-01C .500
Navigator Site
NAV
PLOT
POS
E
TIDE
GPS
CFG
RTE
A
UX
DGPS
C
WPT
MX420 Na vi ga tion Sy st em
MX 50M
DGPS Beacon Modulat or
MX 9400R
DGPS Reference
Reference Station Site
MX 9 400N
DGPS Navigator
MX 51R
Integrity Monitor Site
Surveyors / Commercial
Users
Professional / Commercial
/
Personal Craft Users
Because of the limited range of the beacon transmitters, typically 150
to 400 km, the corrections generated by the reference station are always valid for users who can receive the correction signals and maintain a 5 meter or better accuracy figure.
8 Version 2.0
Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
Keypad & Display Description
NAV
PLOT
POS
E
TIDE
GPS
CFG
RTE
AUX
AIS
C
WPT
6289-01A.400
Traffic
Lights
Function KeysDisplay
Softkeys Cursor Key
Refer to the illustration above. The Traffic Lights on the left side of
the display will tell you how your navigator is operating.
Note: You need to take care in reading the traffic light indica-
tions, as there are overlapping possibilities between the
GPS and DGPS modes. If you are unsure of the current
operating mode, select the CFG function key and scroll
down to the DGPS selection. If the DGPS mode is selected to anything other than Off, then follow the Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation. If the DGPS mode is
selected to Off, then follow the GPS Traffic Light Operation.
Version 2.0 9
Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
Differential GPS Traffic Light Operation:
Red Flashing
Not tracking satellites (no position update). This is normal for the
first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The very first time you
turn the unit on, or if the memory is reset or lost, this condition is also
normal. Allow the receiver to run for at least 30 minutes under these
circumstances. If it still does not change to Red Solid, refer to the
troubleshooting section of the Installation & Service Manual. An
icon similar to the one at left will be displayed in the upper left corner
of screen.
Red/Yellow Solid
Dead Reckoning . When normal GPS or DGPS operation is not available, this LED sequence is provided to quickly identify the DR navigation mode. A DR indicator is also displayed on all screens.
Red Solid
Tracking one or more satellites (no position update). This is also
normal for the first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The very
first time you turn the unit on, allow the receiver to run for at least 20
minutes after changing to Red Solid to collect an almanac from the
satellites, regardless of whether a position update has been calculated
or not. This is also a normal indication if the HDOP is greater than 10,
if the receiver is tracking too few satellites, or for other reasons as well.
Read the GPS and DGPS function screens for more information.
Yellow/Green Solid
GPS position update; DGPS corrections are not being received. You
may see this from time to time during normal operation. It usually
occurs when the beacon signal is not available (either it is being blocked
by terrain or a local object or you are out of range of the transmitter)
and/or you are tracking 3, 4, or 5 satellites, and the satellites have poor
geometry relative to your position. The condition will normally go
back to green solid, when it picks up another beacon station. The
factory default level for dropping DGPS corrections is 60 seconds.
During this period, your positioning information is less than optimal,
and position accuracy may be off by as much as 3 to 5 meters. Press
the GPS function key and refer to the DGPS section in this manual for
guidance if this light condition occurs.
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10 Version 2.0
Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
Yellow Solid
DGPS position update with poor HDOP value. You may see this from
time to time during normal operation. It usually occurs when you are
tracking 3, 4, or 5 satellites, and the satellites have poor geometry
relative to your position. The condition will normally go back to Green
Solid when it picks up another satellite or the geometry of the existing
satellites improves. The factory default level for this indication is with
an HDOP of 4 to 10. During this period, your positioning information is
less than optimal, and position accuracy may be off by as much as 5 to
10 meters. You can press the GPS function key and refer to the GPS
section in this manual for guidance if this light condition occurs.
Green Solid
DGPS position update with HDOP value less than 4. This is the
normal operating condition. Position accuracy is normally better than
3 meters. Keep in mind that position accuracy is always only as good
as the corrections received, their age, your distance from the reference
station, and the geometry of the satellites. This is the normal operating
condition and no icon will be displayed.
GPS Traffic Light Operation:
Red Flashing
Not tracking satellites (no position update). This is normal for the
first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The very first time you
turn the unit on, or if the memory is reset or lost, this condition is also
normal. Allow the receiver to run for at least 30 minutes under these
circumstances. If it still does not change to Red Solid, refer to the
troubleshooting section of the Installation & Service Manual. An
icon similar to the one at left will be displayed in the upper left corner
of the screen.
Red/Yellow Solid
Dead Reckoning . When normal GPS or DGPS operation is not available, this LED sequence is provided to quickly identify the DR navigation mode. A DR indicator is also displayed on all screens in the upper
left hand corner of the display.
Red Solid
Tracking one or more satellites (no position update). This is also
normal for the first 2 minutes or so when turning the unit on. The very
first time you turn the unit on, allow the receiver to run for at least 20
Version 2.0 11
Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
minutes after changing to Red Solid to collect an almanac from the
satellites, regardless of whether a position update has been calculated
or not. This is also a normal indication if the HDOP is greater than 10.
The HDOP value can be read in the GPS function screens.
Yellow Solid
GPS position update has a poor HDOP value. You may see this from
time to time during normal operation. It usually occurs when you are
tracking 3, 4, or 5 satellites, and the satellites have poor geometry
relative to your position. If you are patient, the condition will normally
go back to Green Solid when you pick up another satellite or the geometry of the existing satellites improves. The factory default level for
this indication is with an HDOP of 4 to 10. During this period, your
positioning information is less than optimal, and position accuracy
may be off by as much as 10 to 30 meters. You can press the GPS
function key and refer to the GPS section in this manual for guidance
if this light condition occurs.
Green Solid
GPS position update with HDOP value less than 4. This is the normal
operating condition. Position accuracy is normally between 3 to 5
meters, but can be out as much as 30 meters. Keep in mind that position accuracy is always only as good as the geometry of the satellites
and the navigation information provided by the satellites. This is the
normal operating condition and no icon will be displayed.
The Display:
The CDU uses a Transflective LCD display screen. It provides opti-
mum viewing in virtually all lighting conditions. To change the display
contrast or backlight condition, select the CFG function key and scroll
down to the Lighting menu choice. Refer to the CFG section of the
manual for a complete description of menu options. The function key
(
) just above the Power On/Off key allows you to quickly change
between daytime and night time screen settings.
Information displayed on the screen is normally divided into windows,
similar to what you might see on a normal computer. Each screen has a
page number in the upper left hand corner
. These page numbers are there to help you quickly find the information you need, and
to help us guide you on the rare occasion that you might request our
assistance.
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Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
With the exception of a portion of the PLOT and MOB screens which
use two softkeys to change the view scale, all of the screens require
that you press the E (Edit Mode) function key before you are allowed
to change data on the screen. You can use the cursor key (the big key
with the arrows pointing in four directions) to move between edit fields
or menu choices on most screens when in the edit mode. When you
are not in the edit mode, you can use the cursor to scroll between
screens (i.e. NAV1, NAV2, NAV3, ...) or to move up and down on screens
(like the menu bar in the CFG screen).
The Softkeys:
The five softkeys under the display are so named because their purpose changes from one menu or screen to the next. With the exception
of a portion of the PLOT screens and the MOB screens, all of the
screens require that you press the E (Edit Mode) function key before
the softkeys can be accessed. Don’t forget to press the E function key
when you have finished editing a screen.
The Function Keys:
The Function Keys are the keys to the right of the display. There are 18
function keys in all. Eleven of the function keys access various screen
and editing displays. Three of these keys are used for editing or moving within the screens. One key is used to mark your present position,
another is used strictly for Man Over Board alarms. One switches
between two display lighting options, and finally there is the power
on/off key.
The ten function keys with alpha abbreviations on them are described
in the ensuing chapters. The eight function keys with symbols are
described below.
The function keys are also used in the edit mode to enter alphanumeric
information into screen data fields.
Mark Position
This function key stores your present position, date and time at the
next available waypoint location in the Waypoint Bank. A window
pops up on the screen to confirm your key depression, and to tell you
where the mark position is being stored. You can go into the WPT
menu and edit the coordinates or description later. The CDU is also
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Keypad & Display Description Operator’s Manual
capable of performing this function from a remote contact closure input via Cable B (MOB/Event) wire. Refer to the Installation & Service
Manual for interface instructions.
GOTO
This function key allows you to quickly create a route from your present
position to one other waypoint. This single waypoint route can use an
existing waypoint from the Waypoint Bank, or you can quickly create
one by either defining the appropriate coordinates or specifying a
range and bearing.
Be careful when you use this selection, as it will erase your current
active route when it creates the new one. Read through the ROUTE
and PLOT sections of this manual to find other ways to use this key
within an active route.
LIGHT
This function key allows you to quickly switch between two predetermined display lighting conditions. You can have two daytime settings,
two night time settings, or a daytime/night time setting. Select the CFG
function key and scroll down to the Lighting menu choice to make the
desired adjustments. Refer to the Configuration section of the manual
for a complete description of the Lighting menu options.
POWER ON/OFF
This function key turns the unit on and off. When depressed while the
unit is on, you will be prompted to select a YES or NO softkey to
confirm your action. This is known as a software power off.
If the operating program should hang up for any reason, you can also
perform a hardware power off by continuing to depress the power on/
off function key for about 5 seconds. When the GPS is turned off
using this technique, you can not reapply power for 10 seconds.
Note: An occasion may arise when you need to reset the memory back to the
factory default values. Doing this will cause the CDU to lose all of your
defined settings, as well as all 2,000 of your waypoints and routes. If
you hold down the fifth (right most) softkey when power is applied for
about two seconds, until you hear a
key
click, then the memory will
be reset.
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Operator’s Manual Keypad & Display Description
MAN OVER BOARD (MOB)
This dedicated function key is located at the bottom right hand corner
of the front panel. When depressed for a few seconds, it activates a
number of automatic functions:
¾ Most obviously, it brings up an MOB1 (Plot) screen.This is an
automatic scaling screen which selects the best zoom level to
display your present position and the MOB position. In addition,
the MOB position is displayed in the upper left corner, so that you
can quickly read the coordinates to others who may be available
to render assistance. This plot screen also provides the vital bearing and distance back to the MOB position, as well as your present
course over ground.
¾ The MOB position, date and time are stored in the Waypoint Bank
for future reference (e.g. log book entries).
¾ Navigation data output on the NMEA ports (i.e. BWC and BWR),
are changed to reflect the current crisis situation. This way, other
interfaced equipment can also help guide you back to the MOB
position. When the MOB condition is canceled via a MOB screen
softkey, the NMEA sentences will automatically revert to the active route information. Don’t forget to cancel the MOB so your
interfaced equipment will read the correct data!
¾ The MOB function key and remote MOB input are disabled from
subsequent activation, until the MOB Cancel softkey is selected.
¾ Other functions such as Position and Navigate can still be ac-
cessed; however, the screen will revert to the MOB Plot screen
after 30 seconds. Bearing and distance information in these other
screens relate to the MOB position, not the next waypoint in the
active route, until MOB is canceled.
To cancel a MOB condition, make sure you are in the MOB Plot screen.
Press the E function key, then select the Cancel MOB softkey.
This MX420 receiver is also capable of performing the MOB function
from a remote contact closure. If the contact closure is made for less
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Navigate Operator’s Manual
than 2 seconds, the input is registered as a Mark Position. If the contact closure is made for more than 2 seconds, the input is registered as
a MOB Position. Refer to the Installation & Service Manual for inter-
face instructions.
E
E (EDIT)
This function key activates or deactivates the softkeys and edit fields
within any screen where editing is appropriate. You will quickly learn
that this is an important operating feature in the unit. Press the E key
when you want to start editing a screen and again when you have
finished editing. If after editing you press a function key and nothing
seems to happen, check to make sure you didn’t accidentally alter
your information and press the E key to end editing. Most edit screens
provides an Escape softkey. If you decide for some reason that you
don’t want to use the changes you have made, pressing the Escape
softkey will restore the original information. However, once you press
the E key, all changes are accepted and the original data is lost.
C
C (CLEAR)
This function key is probably the least used of all the function keys;
however, it can save you some otherwise frustrating editing time. This
key allows you to erase or clear one character at a time. If you hold it
down, it will erase the entire line that the cursor is currently on.
CURSOR
This function key is the most used of all the function keys. As its name
suggests, this key is used to move between edit fields. It also allows
you to move between function screen pages (by pressing left or right).
In addition, many of the edit fields allow you to use either the cursor
key or the Change softkey to scroll through or select from predetermined choices.
NAV
1
ABC
FUNCTION
You might have noticed that above and below each primary function
key there are numbers and letters. These numbers and letters are used
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Operator’s Manual Navigate
when you are in the edit mode. You will find that they are most often
used in the RTE, WPT, and CFG screens, but they are used in other
screens as well. If you are trying to enter text, simply locate the desired
letter and press the appropriate key repeatedly until the appropriate
letter or number appears. If you accidentally go past the desired letter,
repeat pressing the key and the letter will come up again. You can
toggle between upper and lower case characters by pressing the key
for a long period.
You will also find that some screens allow you to input symbols into
the text fields. These symbols are selected through a softkey selection
where symbols are allowed. Don’t forget to press the ‘E’ key to get out
of the edit mode!
Another helpful feature on this CDU is that successive depressions
on the function key (when not in the edit mode) allow you to page
through all of the screens available for that particular function. You
can accomplish the same thing by selecting a function and using the
left and right arrows on the cursor key (which is sometimes faster).
Whichever method you choose, it is impossible to get lost between
function screens. In addition, the software remembers which screen
you used last for each function. Each time you reenter a function (e.g.
you go from PLOT to NAV), you will enter the last screen you viewed
for that function. You can change this setting in the CFG 1 Operation.
Use the associated function key to access the international character
desired (i.e. A for Æ). The international characters supported are:
ABC = Ä, Å, Æ, À, Ç
DEF = É, È
GHI = Í
MNO = Ñ, Ó, Ö
STU = Ú, Ü
Use the CFG key when in the edit mode to cycle through these other
optional characters.
‘ “ $ & ! ( ) ? / + - ° . , :
Version 2.0 17
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AIS
9
YZ
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
This is a special function key used to display the various AIS related
data. You can page through the various AIS screens by pressing the
AIS key repeatedly. More information about the AIS displays are available in ‘Appendix-A Automatic Identification System’ on pages 131
through 150 of this manual. The number and letters on the top and
bottom of the AIS key can be used in the editing mode.
Note: The AIS display key is not functional in the MX420/2 and MX420/8 mod-
els. This is a special key that is active only in the MX420/AIS or MKD
models. Non-AIS models will show the message “AIS Not Available on
this Version” when the AIS key is pressed.
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