Northstar Technologies, Inc.
30 Sudbury Road
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Part number GM1510, Revision B
www.northstargps.com
Service: 978/897-0770
Sales: 978/897-6600
Limited warranty policy
Northstar Technologies, Inc. warrants the Northstar 951/952 to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of two (2) years. This warranty applies to the original purchaser and to any
subsequent owner during the warranty period, which begins on the date of shipment of the unit,
F.O.B. Acton, Massachusetts, to an authorized Northstar dealer.
Systems may not be returned to Northstar without a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Call the Northstar dealer or Northstar for instructions.
During the unit’s warranty period, Northstar will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the unit it
finds to be defective due to faulty material(s) or workmanship. All such repairs and/or replacements
will be promptly performed by Northstar free-of-charge to the owner, excluding freight costs
incurred in shipping to the factory. Return shipments from Northstar to points within the United
States are made via ground transportation, freight prepaid. Special shipping charges (overnight,
two-day, and so on) are the responsibility of the owner.
To be covered by this warranty, the Northstar equipment must have been in normal use. This warranty does not apply to units with defects caused by improper installation, physical damage, abuse,
tampering, lightning or other abnormal electrical discharge, or to units with defaced or altered serial
numbers, or to units repaired by unauthorized persons or repaired in a manner that violates Northstar’s recommended service procedures.
All repairs and/or replacements made under this warranty must be performed at Northstar’s facilities
in Acton, Massachusetts. Performance of warranty work elsewhere will not be authorized, and Northstar will not pay for any charges for such work. Northstar will not be responsible for payment of any
charges imposed by a Northstar dealer or other party for services requested by and/or performed for
a unit’s owner in connection with this warranty. Such services might include removal of the unit
from a vessel, inspection, packaging, handling, reinstallation, and the like.
Northstar Technologies, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any consequential losses of any nature
with respect to any of its products or services sold, rendered, or delivered. The foregoing is the only
warranty expressed or implied. No other warranty exists.
how to install, interface, and troubleshoot the Northstar
951XW and 952XW GPS chart navigators. Also described are
the physical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of each
unit. The 952XW features a color display, but is otherwise
identical to the 951XW, except where noted.
For complete details about operating the unit, see the Northstar 951/952 Operator’s Manual (part number GM1500C).
The terms “unit” and “951/952” are used throughout this
manual to refer to both the 951XW and 952XW GPS chart
navigators, which are 951X and 952X navigators (not 951XD or
952XD navigators) that are equipped to receive WAAS satellite
signals. The term “DGPS” is used in this manual to refer to any
differential corrections of GPS signals (WAAS or radiobeacon).
The unit uses a high-performance GPS receiver as its primary
source of position data. Position, COG, and SOG are calculated
directly from the received GPS satellites, along with the time,
the date, and an estimate of the unit’s accuracy.
The 951XW/952XW uses a high-performance GPS receiver as
its primary source of position data. Position, COG, and SOG are
calculated directly from the received GPS satellites, along with
the time, the date, and an estimate of the unit’s accuracy.
Differential corrections to the GPS signals are received from
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) satellites.
951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision BPage 1
SECTION ONE Introduction
Like Coast Guard radiobeacons, WAAS satellites monitor GPS
signals to determine if errors exist and then provide differential
corrections. The Coast Guard radiobeacon system consists of
nondirectional, short-range beacons installed at lighthouses
and other coastal locations; their range is usually 10 to 175
nautical miles. Radiobeacon differential corrections improve
GPS position fixes to an accuracy of 1 to 3 meters in most cases.
WAAS consists of a network of communication satellites that
are in fixed positions at approximately twice the distance from
the earth’s surface as orbiting GPS satellites. WAAS provides
consistent position accuracy over a greater contiguous
geographic area because it is satellite-based. WAAS differential
corrections maintain a positioning accuracy of less than 3
meters 2dRMS, without the signal interference problems
periodically experienced with low-frequency ground-based
radio-beacon differential signals.
The 951XW/952XW accesses only WAAS signals, not Coast
Guard radiobeacon differential signals, unless it is interfaced to
an external radiobeacon receiver.
Who should read
this manual
NOTE:
In the future, Northstar will offer the option of
interfacing the 951/952 to an external
GPS receiver/antenna for receiving GPS (and/or
WAAS) and Coast Guard radiobeacon signals.
You may see references to radiobeacon signals on
some 951/952 screens while following the
installation procedure described in this manual.
However, these references currently apply only if
the unit is interfaced to an external source of
beacon signals that meets the SC104 standard.
You can connect the 951XW or 952XW to an
external source of radiobeacon signals using the
unit’s RS-232 port. For more information about that
option, see ”Configuring the RS-232 port” on page
51.
combined
The Northstar 951XW/952XW Installation Manual is intended
for marine technicians who are configuring and installing
either 951XW or 952XW GPS chart navigators.
Page 2951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision B
SECTION ONE Introduction
Scope of this
manual
Getting technical
support
You can email the
Northstar Service
Department directly from
Northstar’s website. The
address is
www.northstargps.com.
Here, you also can access
additional technical
information under either
the Manuals
can download manuals
in PDF format) or
Support
link (you
link.
In this manual, you’ll find information about the following:
•mounting and wiring the unit
•installing the antenna
•testing and troubleshooting the unit
•configuring the NMEA output ports
•configuring the RS-232 port
•connecting two units to share waypoints and routes
•technical specifications
The rest of this chapter explains how to obtain technical
support and how to return a unit for factory service.
After you’ve followed the instructions in this installation guide,
if you need additional technical support or have any other
service-related questions, you can contact either your dealer or
the Northstar Service Department. You can reach Northstar’s
Service Department by email, fax, U.S. mail, or phone as
described in the table below. Whether you send an email or fax,
or write or phone, please have the unit’s serial number
available, and be as complete and accurate as possible when
describing the problem so that a service technician can
research the problem and provide the quickest possible
response.
Northstar’s Service Department is available between 9:00 a.m
and 5:00 p.m Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding
major holidays.
Main number: 978/897-6600 or 800/628-4487
Sales: 978/897-0770
Service: 978/897-6600
951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision BPage 3
SECTION ONE Introduction
Hearing from youYour feedback is important and helps Northstar ensure that
Table 1: Contacting Northstar (continued)
U.S. mail:
30 Sudbury Road
Acton, MA 01720
Website:
www.northstargps.com (you can send email to
Northstar directly from this site)
this manual is a valuable resource for all marine technicians.
Send your questions, comments, or suggestions about this
manual to:
manuals@northstarcmc.com
Servicing the unitRepair of the unit is performed only by authorized Northstar
dealers or at the Northstar factory. Service includes a complete
hardware and software check-out.
NOTE:
For a system under warranty, shipping charges to the factory
are the only cost for factory repair. Repaired units will be
returned via prepaid economy ground freight (units returned
overseas are chargeable).
Units and accessories returned for warranty repair that are
determined to be without fault are subject to a handling
charge.
For units still under warranty, field repairs are not
authorized and will void the warranty!
Page 4951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision B
Returning a unit
for service
Before returning the unit
to the Northstar factory,
to prevent delays it is
critical that you first
obtain a Return
Materials Authorization
(RMA) number from the
Northstar Service
Department. If you
purchased your unit
through a dealer, call the
dealer with your serial
number so they can give
you an RMA number.
Shipments without a
proper RMA number
will not be accepted!
SECTION ONE Introduction
CAUTION!
The unit is covered by a two-year hardware-only warranty,
which, in summary, states that if the unit is returned to the
Northstar factory by the owner or dealer during the warranty
period, Northstar will repair or replace, free of charge, any part
found to be defective due to faulty materials or workmanship if
the system has been properly installed and hasn’t been abused.
See the Limited Warranty Policy at the front of this manual for
further details. The only cost to the owner will be the one-way
shipping charges and any associated charges that may be
imposed by the dealer. If you have overnight or second-day
shipping requirements, before shipping the unit, please call
Northstar for turnaround time, freight charges, and payment
arrangements.
The unit should be shipped only in a properly designed carton
with packing material. Shipments to the Northstar factory
should be made to the following address:
Before returning the unit for repair, you may want to
back-up any user-defined waypoints and routes;
see the Northstar 951/952 Operator’s Manual (GM
1500C), “Transferring waypoints to and from a PC.”
Northstar Technologies, Inc.
Service Department
30 Sudbury Road
Acton, MA 01720 USA
951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision BPage 5
SECTION ONE Introduction
Page 6951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision B
SECTION TWO
Installing the unit
This chapter includes all the information needed to install the
unit. It begins with a review of the system components and
then provides information on unit and antenna installation.
The rest of this chapter describes how to wire the unit, power
the unit on and off, and troubleshoot. Proper installation of the
Northstar 951/952 is of utmost importance to accurately
receive and effectively use GPS and WAAS signals under a wide
variety of weather conditions.
Safety
considerations
WARNING!
951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision BPage 7
Be sure to turn the power off at the main
switchboard before starting the installation. Further,
it is highly recommended that you post a notice by
this switch telling others to keep power off while
you’re performing the installation. If power is left on
or turned on during the installation, then fire,
electrical shock, or other serious injury may occur.
Be sure to ground the equipment to prevent
electrical shock and mutual interference.
SECTION TWO Installing the unit
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
Be sure that the voltage of the power supply is
compatible with the unit’s voltage rating (10-40
volts DC), which can be found on the label at the
rear of the unit. Connecting to the wrong power
supply can result in fire or damage to the
equipment.
Be sure to use the proper fuse. Using the incorrect
fuse can result in fire or damage to the unit.
Keep the following safe compass distance from the
unit: 1.0 m standard, 0.8 m steering.
Be sure that the 951/952 doesn’t interfere with any
of the on-board systems. Check all other systems
to ensure that their performance doesn’t degrade
when the unit is turned on.
Ordering
To order spare parts or replacement/missing parts, call the
Northstar Sales Department at 978-897-0770.
information
System overviewThe unit is shipped ready to install and operate (however, you’ll
need special tools for assembling the coaxial cable connectors;
see “Mounting the AN150 antenna” on page 20).
It is recommended that you follow the steps below:
1.Check the shipping carton for any damage, and
immediately report any damage to the carrier. Save all
packing material in case you have to return the unit to
the factory for repair or evaluation.
2.Unpack the carton, and compare its contents with those
on the packing list and what you ordered.
The shipping carton contains:
• the Northstar 951XW or 952XW
• yoke-mount kit
• flush-mount gasket
• AN150 GPS and WAAS antenna
• 50-foot coaxial antenna cable
Page 8951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision B
SECTION TWO Installing the unit
• 10-foot interface cable
• 10-foot power cable
• flush-mount drilling template (full size)
• connectors and parts kit
• sunshield
• Northstar 951XW/952XW Installation Manual
• Northstar 951/952 Operator’s Manual
• Northstar 951/952 Operator’s Manual Addendum
• warranty card
3.After reviewing the components, next, review the
components of a proper installation. For details, see
”Ensuring a proper installation” on page 10.
4.Select the desired unit mounting location. For details, see
”Choosing a system location” on page 11.
5.Make the appropriate power wiring connections. For
details, see ”Wiring the unit” on page 16.
6.Select the desired antenna mounting location. For details,
see ”Installing the antenna” on page 18.
7.Turn on the unit. For details, see ”Turning the unit on
and off” on page 23.
8.To ensure that the system is running properly, perform a
functional test. For details, see ”Testing and
troubleshooting the 951/952” on page 27.
9.If desired, interface the NMEA output ports; for details,
see ”Configuring the NMEA output ports” on page 34. If
desired, interface the RS-232 port; for details, see
”Configuring the RS-232 port” on page 51.
Installation
considerations
CAUTION!
951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision BPage 9
The following basic setup information isn’t a
substitute for all the details in SECTION TWO. To
ensure that you meet all critical installation
parameters, be sure to read and follow all of the
requirements.
SECTION TWO Installing the unit
Ensuring a proper
installation
To ensure a proper installation, it is highly recommended that
you perform all of the following activities before starting the
installation:
•preview/survey the vessel’s layout and existing
equipment
•review all the installation materials
•review all the installation requirements, including:
■the physical requirements (spacing, location with
regard to other equipment, etc.)
■the electrical and electronic requirements (interfer-
ence between other pieces of equipment, power
requirements, etc.)
Although the unit itself is very straightforward and easy to
understand, it has a few basic requirements that must be met
before safe and proper operation can be assured. The major
parts of the rest of this section address several topics regarding
the minimum installation requirements for the unit, to:
•minimize electrical wiring hazards
•accurately receive GPS and WAAS signals
•navigate safely
Pre-installation checkoutNorthstar recommends you perform a pre-installation checkout
of the unit before installing it on the vessel. This ensures that
the equipment is fully operational, and allows the GPS receiver
to collect its almanac and ephemeris data for the installed
location, which results in less on-board installation time.
Using the AN150 antennaThe AN150 antenna is best mounted in the clear, and low on
the vessel to avoid extra motion from pitching and rolling. It
should be mounted lower than directional high-power
transmitting antennas such as radar or satcom. The length of
coaxial cable (supplied with the unit) to the “active” AN150
antenna must be a minimum of 20 feet, but not more than 50
feet. Coil up any unused length of cable; do not cut it to less than 20 feet! Be sure that all cable connectors are securely
fastened, and that the cable itself isn’t subject to any tight
bends.
For complete details on the AN150, see ”Choosing the antenna
location” on page 18.
Page 10951XW/952XW INSTALLATION MANUAL, Revision B
SECTION TWO Installing the unit
Choosing a
system location
The unit houses the receiver for GPS and WAAS signals,
computer, power supply, lights, controls, and specially-coated
display screen.
Before any drilling or cutting takes place, the mounting
location should be chosen carefully: Choose a mounting
location that allows good visibility of the unit’s display screen,
is within comfortable reach, and provides a reasonably direct
path for running the required electrical cabling.
Be sure you have easy access to the control panel’s keys and
that the display can be clearly seen from the normal vantage
point when the user is navigating. Even though the display
screen contains an effective anti-reflective coating, choose a
location that will minimize glare from windows or other bright
objects. Although the unit is direct-sunlight viewable, for
optimal viewing it is recommended that you install the unit in a
location that’s out of direct sunlight.
Although the unit itself is waterproof, the connectors at the
back of the unit aren’t immune to corrosion from saltwater
spray. Protect the unit from prolonged exposure to the
elements by mounting it in a relatively dry area, if possible. At
the end of the day, wipe off the unit with a damp cloth. When
not in use, the unit should be covered with the sunshield to
protect it from excessive heat.
To help plan the installation, see Figure 1: ”951/952 dimensions
(side),” below and Figure 2: ”951/952 dimensions (front),” on
page 13.