NS 3100 MULTI
Installation
Reference
Manual
and
Manual
FCC Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a normal installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc tions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an output on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.
A shielded cable must be used when connecting a peripheral to the serial ports.
Important
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducer/s in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal
injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices.
Northstar DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY
VIOLATE THE LAW.
This manual represents the NS3100 DEPTH as at the time of printing. Northstar reserves the right to make changes to specifications without
notice.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the product (Documentation)
may be translated to, or has been translated from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of
the Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation.
Copyright © 2005 Northstar.
Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 4
2 Operation ..........................................................................................................5
2-1 Turn on and off ............................................................................. 5
2-2 Basic operation .............................................................................. 5
2-3 Change units .................................................................................. 6
2-4 Alarms .............................................................................................. 6
2-5 Simulate mode .............................................................................. 6
2-6 Key reference .................................................................................7
3 Speed, average speed, maximum speed, trim speed ........... 8
3-1 Set speed and log units ..............................................................8
3-2 Reset average speed ................................................................... 8
3-3 Reset maximum speed ...............................................................8
3-4 Reset trim speed ........................................................................... 9
3-5 Set speed damping ...................................................................... 9
3-6 Set speed resolution ....................................................................9
3-7 Calibrate speed ............................................................................10
4 Log and total log .........................................................................................11
4-1 Reset log ........................................................................................11
4-2 Reset total log ..............................................................................11
5 Depth, keel offset, too deep alarm, too shallow alarm ....12
5-1 Set depth units ............................................................................. 12
5-2 Set too deep alarm ....................................................................12
5-3 Set too shallow alarm ...............................................................13
5-4 Anchor watch ...............................................................................13
5-5 Set keel offset .............................................................................. 13
6 Temperature ................................................................................................14
6-1 Set temperature units ................................................................ 14
6-2 Calibrate temperature ...............................................................14
7 Countdown timer ......................................................................................15
7-1 Start countdown timer ..............................................................15
7-2 Stop and reset countdown timer ...........................................15
7-3 Adjust start time ..........................................................................15
8 Systems of several instruments ......................................................16
8-1 NMEA .............................................................................................. 16
8-2 NavBus ...........................................................................................16
9 NS3100 Multi hardware .......................................................................17
9-1 What comes with your NS3100 Multi ................................. 17
9-2 Other parts required ..................................................................17
9-3 Transducers ................................................................................... 18
9-4 Accessories ....................................................................................18
10 Installation and setup .........................................................................19
10-1 Installation ..................................................................................19
10-2 Setup .............................................................................................21
10-3 Resetting to factory defaults ................................................21
Appendix A - Specifications ...................................................................22
Appendix B - Troubleshooting .............................................................23
1 Introduction
The NS3100 Multi measures and displays speed,
water depth and water temperature. It can calculate
and display average speed, maximum speed, trim
speed, trip log (distance) and total log.
An installed NS3100 Multi usually has two parts:
The unit is powered from the boat’s power supply.
The NS3100 Multi 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 8).
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 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.
Depth and speed / temperature transducers
which are attached to the hull and wired to the
display unit.
The NS3100 Multi 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.
How the transducer measures speed
The speed transducer has a small paddlewheel
which spins as the boat moves through the water.
The transducer measures how fast the paddlewheel
is spinning and calculates the boat speed by
averaging several measurements.
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.
4
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
2 Operation
2-1 Turn on and off
2-2 Basic operation
Backlight Level 2
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.
If the word SIM flashes at the bottom, right of the
display, then the unit is in simulate mode (see section
2-5) .
The keys
The unit has four keys, labelled and . In
this manual:
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.
Press one key + another key means to push both
keys together.
Set backlight level 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:
Change the items displayed
The display can show two values at once, one in the
top part of the screen and one in the bottom. If an
item displays as dashes (— —) then it means that the
value is outside the range, for example the depth
might be too deep or unknown.
To change what is displayed in the top part of the
screen, press
Speed.
Avg speed.
Max speed.
Trim speed.
Depth.
Tem p e r ature.
To change the value displayed in the bottom part of
the screen, press
Speed.
Depth.
Trip log ( di s t ance) .
Total log (distance).
Battery voltage.
Countdown timer.
one or more times to select:
one or more times to select:
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
5
2-3 Change units
2-4 Alarms
2-5 Simulate mode
To change the speed and log units, press until
Speed is displayed, then hold until the units
change; if necessary, hold again until the units
change again.
To change the depth units, press
displayed, then hold
necessary, hold until the units change again.
The NS3100 Multi can be set to sound an alarm
when the water is too deep or too shallow (see
sections 5-2 and 5-3). When the alarm sounds, the
internal beeper sounds, the symbol on the display
flashes and any external beepers or lights operate.
Simulate mode allows you to become familiar with
the unit off the water. In Simulate mode, the NS3100
Multi functions normally except that the transducers
are ignored and the unit generates this data
internally. The word SIMULATE flashes at the bottom,
right corner of the screen.
until the units change; if
until DEPth is
To change the temperature units, press
the temperature is displayed, then hold until
the units change.
Press
to mute the alarm. The alarm stays muted
until the depth becomes returns to the pre-alarm
condition or is within the alarm parameters. The
alarm will sound if the depth becomes too deep or
too shallow again.
To turn Simulate mode on or off:
1 Turn the power off.
2 Hold down
while you turn the power on.
until
6
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
2-6 Key reference
Turn power on
Hold
Hold
+
5 sec
Normal operation
Hold
+
Turn Simulate
on or off
Reset memory
2 sec
Set alarms
Set Too Deep
alarm
Set Too Shallow alarm
Setup
Hold
sec
Hold 2
sec
2
Turn alarm
on or off
Increase
alarm
depth
Decrease
alarm
depth
Return to
normal
operation
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
+
+
Hold
2 sec
Hold
2 sec
Change top display
(Speed, Avg speed, Max speed,
Trim speed, Depth, Temperature)
Change bottom display
(Speed, Depth, Log, Total log,
Battery voltage, Countdown
timer)
Mute an alarm
Adjust backlight
(4 levels or off)
Reset top value to zero
(Avg speed, Max speed,
Trim speed)
Reset bottom value to zero
(Log, Total log (hold for 5 sec)
Start or stop countdown timer)
Change units of top value
(e.g. knots, metres, °C)
Change units of bottom value
(e.g. knots, metres)
+
Mode
is SEn
Mode
is GPS
Set Speed
Damping
Set Countdown
Timer Start Time
Set Keel Offset
Set Temperature
Calibration
Set Speed Mode
Sen(sor) or GPS
Set Speed
Calibration
Set Log
Calibration
Set Speed
Resolution
Set Backlight
Group
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Increase
value or
change
setting
Decrease
value or
change
setting
Return to
normal
operation
7
3 Speed, average speed, maximum speed, trim speed
The unit can display several speeds:
Speed: The current boat speed.
Avg speed: The average speed since Avg speed
was reset or the unit was switched on.
Max speed: The maximum speed since Max
speed was reset or the unit was switched on.
Trim speed: Trim speed may be used for tuning
racing boats. Trim speed measures changes in
3-1 Set speed and log units
The speed units can be selected to be KNOTS, K PH
and MPH. Selecting one of these automatically sets
the log distance units to NM, KM or M (miles):
Press
until the units change; if necessary, hold again
until the units change again.
3-2 Reset average speed
Resetting makes the NS3100 Multi calculate a new
average speed:
1 Press
2 Press
boat speed, relative to when you reset trim speed
to zero. For example, if the boat is travelling at 10
knots and you reset trim speed, then trim speed is
zero. Then:
If the boat speed increases to 11.5 knots, the trim
speed is 1.5 knots.
If the boat speed decreases to 8.5 knots, the trim
speed is -1.5 knots.
until Speed is displayed, then hold
until Avg speed is displayed.
+ .
3-3 Reset maximum speed
Resetting makes the NS3100 Multi calculate a new
maximum:
1 Press
2 Press
8
until Max speed is displayed.
+ .
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
3-4 Reset trim speed
Resetting sets the trim speed to zero:
1 Press
2 Press
3-5 Set speed damping
until TRIM speed is displayed.
+ .
Waves and wind cause the boat speed to fluctuate
slightly. To give a stable reading, the NS3100
Multi calculates the boat speed and trim speed by
measuring the speed several times and averaging
the measurements. The speed damping value ranges
from 1 to 5:
A lower value averages readings over a shorter
Damping
equals 3
A higher value averages readings over a longer
Set the speed damping to the lowest value which
gives a stable speed reading. Values of 1, 2, 3, 4
and 5 average readings over a time period of 6,
12, 18, 24 and 30 seconds respectively. To get the
most accurate, stable trim speeds, you may need to
increase the damping. To set speed damping:
3-6 Set speed resolution
This sets how speeds are displayed. It has two
settings:
0.0 Displays speeds as 0.0 to 19.9, 20 up.
0.00 Displays speeds as 0.00 to 19.99, 20.0 to
period of time. This gives the most accurate speed
but has the most fluctuations.
period of time. This gives the most stable speed
but will ignore some true speed changes.
29.9, 30 up.
1 Press + several times until the Speed
Damping screen is displayed.
2 Press
3 Press
To set the speed resolution:
1 Press
Resolution screen is displayed.
2 Press
0.0 or 0.00.
3 Press
or to change the damping.
.
+ several times until the Speed
or to change the resolution setting to
.
Value equal
0.0 or 0.00
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
s
9
3-7 Calibrate speed
Measured speed
Distance travelled
Calibration may be required, because different hull
shapes have different water flow characteristics.
Speed calibration can be done either by the speed or
by the log, as described below. If speed readings are
taken from a GPS receiver (see section 8-1), then you
can not calibrate it.
Calibrate by speed
In this method, travel at a measured, constant speed.
Use the speed displayed on a GPS receiver, follow
another boat travelling at a known speed or make a
timed run over a known distance.
Note that for accurate calibration:
The speed from a GPS receiver should be above 5
knots.
The speed from another paddlewheel transducer
e.g. another boat - should be between 5 and 20
knots.
Best results are achieved in calm conditions where
there is minimal tidal current (best at high or low
tide).
Continue travelling at this measured, constant speed
and calibrate the speed as follows:
1 Press + several times until the Speed
Calibration screen is displayed (after this, it does
not matter if the boat speed changes).
2 Press
3 Press
or to change the displayed speed to
the measured boat speed.
.
Calibrate by log
In this method, travel a known distance in a straight
line over a course. Best results are achieved in calm
conditions where there is minimal current (best at
high or low tide). Tidal effects may be reduced by
making the trip twice, parallel to the current, once in
each direction.
1 At the start of the course, reset the trip log (see
section 4-1). Travel in a straight line over the
course, then repeat in the other direction.
2 At the end, note the trip log distance (see section
4).
3 Press
4 Press
5 Press
+ several times until the Log Calibration
screen is displayed.
or to change the displayed distance
travelled to the actual distance you travelled over
the course.
.
10
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
4 Log and total log
Total log
4-1 Reset log
4-2 Reset total log
The NS3100 Multi has two distance logs:
LOG: Trip distance. The distance travelled since
log was reset.
TOTAL LOG: Total distance. The distance travelled
since total log was reset:
Resetting zeros the log (trip distance):
1 Press
2 Press
Resetting zeros the total log (total distance), as well
as the log and avg speed:
1 Press
2 Hold
until LOG is displayed.
+ .
until TOTAL LOG is displayed.
+ for 5 seconds.
The log units are NM, KM or M (miles ) and
correspond to the speed units, for example if you set
the speed units to K PH then the log units are KM (see
section 3-1).
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
11
5 Depth, keel offset, too deep alarm, too shallow alarm
5-1 Set depth units
5-2 Set too deep alarm
Alarm is on
Deep alarm
value
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 positive keel offset displays depth as measured
from a point above the transducer.
For example, if you set the offset as the distance
from the transducer to the surface, it will display
the depth from the surface to the bottom of the
water.
Keel offset
Water surface
Depth of transducer
Note: The boat illustrated uses a through hull transducer
The units can be METERS, FEET or FATH:
Press until DEPth is displayed, then hold until
the units change; if necessary, hold until the
units change again.
The too deep alarm sounds if the alarm is turned on
and the depth becomes equal to or more than the
too deep alarm depth. To mute the alarm, press .
A negative keel offset displays depth as
measured from a point below the transducer.
For example, if you set the negative offset as 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.
Keel offset
Positive value
Transducer
To set the too deep alarm:
1 Hold
2 To change the alarm depth, press
3 To turn the alarm on or off, press
4 Press
for two seconds to display the Too Deep
Alarm screen:
.
Negative value
or .
.
12
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
5-3 Set too shallow alarm
Alarm is off
Shallow alarm
value
5-4 Anchor watch
5-5 Set keel offset
Keel offset (negative)
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:
1 At the Too Deep Alarm screen, hold
seconds to display the Too Shallow Alarm screen.
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 is described above. The range is ± 2.9 m
(± 9.6 ft, ± 1.6 fathoms):
for two
2 To change the alarm depth, press or .
3 To turn the alarm on or off, press
4 Press
1 Press
2 Press
3 Press
.
+ several times until the Keel Offset
screen is displayed:
or to change the keel offset.
.
.
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
13
6 Temperature
Temperature is measured by a sensor in the speed transducer.
6-1 Set temperature units
The units can be either °C or °F:
Press until the temperature is displayed, then
hold until the units change.
6-2 Calibrate temperature
The unit is factory calibrated and should not
normally need calibrating. To calibrate:
1 Measure the water temperature near the speed
transducer.
2 Press
Calibration screen is displayed.
Water temperature
+ several times until the Temperature
3 Press or to change the temperature to the
value measured in step 1 above.
4 Press
.
14
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
7 Countdown timer
You can adjust the countdown timer to start counting
down between one and ten minutes, in increments
of one minute. The factory default start time is 10
minutes. When the timer is counting down, the
countdown timer symbol flashes and the time
remaining is displayed in minutes and seconds:
Timer counting
down
Countdown timer
symbol flashes
7-1 Start countdown timer
The timer starts at the start time (to adjust the start
time, see section 7-3).
1 Press
2 Press
until the countdown timer is displayed.
+ . The timer displays On briefly and
starts counting down from the start time.
7-2 Stop and reset countdown timer
1 Press until the countdown timer is displayed.
2 Press
+ . The timer stops and the time resets
to the start time ( see section 7-3).
The beeper sounds and any external beepers or
lights operate:
Four beeps at four minutes to go.
Three beeps at three minutes.
Two beeps at two minutes.
One beep at one minute.
Ten beeps at the end; the last beep is longer and
marks the end of the countdown.
In each case, the end of the last beep marks the exact minute.
7-3 Adjust start time
1 Press
Timer start time is 9 min
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
+ several times until the Countdown
Timer Start Time screen is displayed:
2 Press or to set the start time in minutes.
3 Press
. The timer does not start now (to start the
timer, see section 7-1).7-3 Adjust start time
15
8 Systems of several instruments
Several Northstar instruments can be connected together during installation to share data. There are two ways
of connecting instruments together, NavBus or NMEA.
8-1 NMEA
NMEA is an industry standard. Speed, depth,
temperature and log data may be output which
can be read and displayed by any compatible
Northstar (eg. NS3100 Multi Depth) or other NMEA
instrument. Speed (RMC) can be received via NMEA
and displayed by the NS3100 Multi (see section 10-1
for wiring).
If an external RMC (speed) input is available from
a GPS instrument, then you can set up the NS3100
Multi to use this for speed readings (see section 10-2,
step 2);
8-2 NavBus
NavBus is a Northstar proprietary system. It is high
speed and allows a wide range of data to be shared
by the instruments.
When instruments are connected by NavBus:
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
Each instrument can be assigned to a group of
instruments (see section 10-2, step 3). 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.
Note:
A speed from a paddlewheel sensor is the speed
that the boat is moving through the water. A
speed from a GPS is the speed over the ground.
If there is a current then these two speeds will be
different.
If a transducer is not fitted to the unit and the
corresponding external data is not available then
the displayed value will be 0 (for example, when
using a GPS input for speed and no speed/
temperature transducer is fitted then temperature
displays as 0 ).
If an alarm sounds, mute it by pressing on any
instrument which can display that alarm. For
example, mute a depth alarm on any instrument
that can display depth.
If the unit does not have a depth or a speed/
temperature transducer fitted then the unit will
automatically take depth, speed and temperature
readings from another instrument, via NavBus, if the
data is available.
For more information, refer to the NavBus
Installation and Operation manual.
16
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
9 NS3100 Multi hardware
9-1 What comes with your NS3100 Multi
The NS3100 Multi comes in several configurations.
Standalone configuration
NS3100 Multi unit with protective cover.
Warranty card.
Mounting template.
This Installation and Operation Manual.
In addition, the standalone configuration usually
requires a depth transducer and a speed/
temperature transducer (see section 9-3).
9-2 Other parts required
One or more 3100 series instruments will be
connected to the boat 12 V power supply via:
An accessory switch to turn the instruments on
A fuse. Use a 1 A fuse for between one and five
and off.
instruments.
Kit configuration
The NS3100 Multi is available in several kit
configurations with different grades of through hull
transducer, with:
The parts for the standalone configuration, listed
above.
Through hull depth transducer.
Through hull speed/temperature transducer.
Transducer Installation Manual.
Optional external beepers or lights can be fitted.
The NS3100 Multi 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 8 or your
NavBus Installation and Operation Manual).
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
17
9-3 Transducers
9-4 Accessories
The NS3100 Multi is usually used with a through
hull depth transducer and a separate through hull
speed/temperature transducer. However, the unit can
take readings from another instrument, in which case
it may not need transducers (see section 8).
Through hull transducers generally give the
best performance and are the best choice for
displacement hulls. They are mounted in a hole
drilled through the bottom of the boat.
These accessories are available from your Northstar dealer.
Plastic through hull transducers are suitable for
GRP or metal hulls.
Bronze transducers are suitable for wood or
fibreglass hulls. Never install a bronze transducer
in a metal hull, because it will cause electrolytic
corrosion.
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.
18
4 m speed
transducer extension
cable
4 m depth
transducer
extension cable
Through hull
speed transducer
skin fi tting
Through hull speed
paddlewheel
NavBus junction
Box (See section 8)
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
10 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.
The NS3100 Multi can:
Drive external beepers or lights for the alarm and
countdown timer.
Send and receive data from other Northstar
instruments connected via NavBus. Settings for
alarms, units, calibration and backlighting are
shared (see section 8).
Warnings
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.
Ensure that any holes that you cut will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult
a qualified boat builder.
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.
Send and receive NMEA data from
other instruments.
10-1 Installation
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
NS3100 Multi 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
Away from engines, fluorescent lights, power
Accessible from behind; the minimum clearance
With the back of the unit protected from moisture.
500 mm (19.5”) from a radio or radar antenna.
inverters and radio or radar transmitters.
required at the back is 50 mm (2”) (see mounting
diagram).
2 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.
3 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.
19
Transducers
1 If the NS3100 Multi does not come with
transducers, choose suitable transducers ( see
section 9-3). If the NS3100 Multi is supplied
with transducers, see section 9-3 to ensure that
they are suitable.
2 Choose suitable locations for the transducers
and install them by following the instructions
in the Transducer Installation manual.
3 Fit the cables between the transducers and the
display unit:
Keep the cable away from other cables,
engines, fluorescent lights, power inverters and
radio or radar transmitters.
Do not lay the cable in the bilge.
If necessary, extend the cable by adding
extension cables.
Do not cut the cable on any depth transducer.
Secure the cable at regular intervals.
4 Connect the transducers to the display unit
connectors.
Side view of display unit mounting
20 mm (0.75”)
maximum thickness
Fixing hole
50 mm (2”)
Fixing nut
Power/data wiring
Wire the display unit power/data cable:
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.
If the external beepers and lights require more
than 250 mA DC total, fit a relay.
A single unit can be wired as shown below:
Black
Red
Green
Yellow
White
Orange
Blue
Speed/temperature transducer
Depth transducer
Switch
NMEA in (GPS, optional)
NMEA out (optional)
NavBus (optional)
}
-
12 V DC
Fuse
power
+
External beepers or
lights (optional)
With several instruments, use the optional
junction boxes to simplify wiring, as shown below:
For information on how to connect NavBus
and to use junction boxes, refer to the NavBus
Installation and Operation manual.
20
Display
unit
Cables
Clearance 50 mm (2”) minimum
Warning; Tape or cover any unused wires or
connectors to protect them from water and keep
them from shorting together.
Group 1
Group 2
Junction box
Power/data cables
NavBus cable
Power/data cable
Power & data
connections
Junction box
Power & data connections
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
10-2 Set up
1 Take the boat for a trial run to check that all the
instruments work correctly.
2 If the unit will take speed readings from a GPS
receiver, rather than a speed transducer or an
external speed input from an instrument with a
speed transducer (see section 8-1):
i Press
ii Press
iii Press
3 If the unit is part of a system of 3100 series
i Press
ii Press
iii Press
+ several times until the Speed Mode
screen is displayed:
or to change the mode to GPS (when
using a speed transducer, the mode should be
SEn).
.
instruments connected by NavBus, set the unit’s
backlight group number (see section 8).
+ several times until the Backlight
Group screen is displayed:
or to set the backlight group number.
.
4 Set:
Speed and log units ( see section 3-1).
The speed resolution (see section 3-6).
The depth units (see section 5-1).
The keel offset (see section 5-5).
The temperature units (see section 6-1).
5 Calibrate if required:
Speed (see section 3-7).
Temperature (see section 6-2).
10-3 Resetting to factory defaults
All settings may be reset to the manufacturer’s
default settings (see below).
To reset to factory defaults:
1 Turn the power off.
2 Hold down + while you turn the power on
and continue to hold the keys down for at least
five seconds.
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
Speed units ...........................................Knots
Depth units ........................................ Metres
Temperature units ................................... °C
Speed resolution ......................................0.0
Speed damping .............................................2
Keel offset ........................................................0
Depth alarms ............................................. Off
Countdown timer start time .. 10 min
Distance logs ...................................................0
SIMULATE mode .....................................Off
Backlight Level ..............................................0
Backlight Group ...........................................1
21
Appendix A - Specifications
Physical
Case size 111 mm (4.4”) square.
LCD display 82 mm (3.2”) wide, 61 mm (2.4”) high;
twisted nematic.
LCD digits 30 mm (1.2”) high on top line, 20 mm
(0.8”) high on bottom line.
Four operator keys, laser etched
Backlighting for display and keys, white, 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).
Power Cable length 1 m (3.25 ft).
Electrical
Power supply 10 to 5 to 16.5 V DC, 30 mA without
backlighting, 200 mA with full backlighting and
transducer.
External beeper or light output, switched to
ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA maximum.
Speed
Displays current speed, average speed, maximum
speed, trim speed.
Range 0 to 50 knots (0 to 58 mph, 0 to 93 km/h).
Display resolution either 0.0 to 19.9, 20 up or
0.00 to 19.99, 20.0 to 29.9, 30 up.
Trim speed displays ± .00 to .99, 1.0 to 9.9, 10 up
Adjustable damping for speed and trim speed
gives stable readings in all sea conditions; values
of 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 average readings over a time
period of 6, 12, 18, 24 & 30 seconds respectively.
Log
Displays trip log and total log.
Range 0 to 99999 km, miles or nautical miles.
Displays 0.00 to 999.99, 1000.0 to 9999.9, 10000
up.
Depth
Range 0.5 to 130 m (1.5 to 400 ft, 0.3 to 67 fa).
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).
Temperature
Range 0 to 37.7°C (32 to 99.9°F); typical accurac y
< 2°C.
Resolution 0.1 degree.
Countdown timer
Can be set to between 1 and 10 minutes, in
increments of 1 minute.
Counts down in minutes and seconds.
Calibration
Speed and temperature can be calibrated.
Interfaces
NavBus connection to other Northstar
instruments.
NMEA 0183 outputs: DBT, DPT, PTTKD, PT TK V,
VHW, MTW, VLW; input RMC.
22
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
Standards compliance
EMC compliance
USA (FCC ): Part 15 Class B.
Europe (CE): EN50081-1, EN50082-1
New Zealand and Australia (C Tick) :
AS-NZS 3548.
Environment: IP66 from front when correctly mounted.
Power/data cable wires
Wire Signal
Red Power positive, 12 V DC, 200 mA maximum
Black Power negative, NMEA common
Green External beeper or light out, switched to ground,
30 V DC and 250 mA max.
Orange NavBus +
Blue NavBus -
White NMEA out
Yellow NMEA in
Reference Manual and Installation Manual
23
Appendix B - Troubleshooting
This troubleshooting guide assumes that you have
read and understood this manual.
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.
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.
More information can be found on our Website:
www.NorthstarNav.com
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.
c Power/data cable damaged.
2 Speed reading wrong or erratic:
a Calibration is incorrect (see section 3-7).
b Speed transducer cable unplugged or
damaged.
c Speed/temperature transducer fouled or
damaged. Check paddle wheel is aligned fore
and aft in the fitting. Remove paddlewheel
from fitting, check for fouling or damage.
Spin paddlewheel by hand, check for a speed
reading.
d Speed transducer installed incorrectly or
transducer does not have a smooth flow of
clear water over it. Review installation.
e Interference from electrical noise. Review
installation.
3 Depth reading wrong or erratic:
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 Depth transducer cable unplugged or
damaged.
c Depth transducer fouled or damaged. Check
for fouling, damage or too thick a layer of paint
over it.
d Depth transducer installed incorrectly or
transducer does not have a smooth flow of
clear water over it. Review installation.
e Interference from the ultrasound pulse from
another depth sounder.
f 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.
4 Temperature reading wrong:
a Calibration is incorrect (see section 6-2).
b Speed/temperature transducer cable damaged.
5 The word SIM flashes at bottom, right of screen,
values displayed are unexpected:
a Unit is in simulate mode (see section 2-5).
6 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.
b Water has entered the breathing tube. Return
unit for service.
24
Northstar NS3100 MULTI
30 Sudbury Road
Acton MA 01720 USA
www.NorthstarNav.com
(978) 897-6600
(800) NAVIG*R
MN000446A
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