Northstar NS3300 AUTOPILOT INSTALLATION GUIDE

Reference Manual

Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

1-1 A typical PILOT 3300 system installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-2 Using the PILOT 3300 system with other instruments. . . . . . . . . .6

1-2-1 Using other instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-2-2 NavBus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1-2-3 NMEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2 PILOT 3300 system hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2-1 What comes with your PILOT 3300 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

2-2 Other parts required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-1 Installation sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-2 Installation guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-2-1 Location guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-2-2 Wiring guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-3 Installing the MCU600 (Main Control Unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

3-4 Installing the power supplies and steering drive . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3-4-1 Installing the power supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3-4-2 Installing the steering drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-5 Installing the RFU (rudder feedback unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-6 Installing the Compass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-7 Installing the Gyro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

3-8 Installing the PILOT 3300 display unit and other instruments. .24

4 Dockside setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4-1 Start dockside setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4-2 Calibrating the rudder feedback unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

5 Sea trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5-1 Calibrating the compass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5-2 Aligning the compass and the rudder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

5-2-1 Aligning the compass (Align heading). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5-2-

2 Aligning the Rudder (Centre rudder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Appendix A - Specifications - MCU600. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendix B - Specifications - NS3300 Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendix

C - User data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Note: This document has not been formally checked, it is for reference only.

Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation

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.

The choice, location, and installation of all components in any autopilot system is critical. If installation is not correct, the unit can not perform at its designed potential. If in doubt, consult your Northstar dealer. Ensure that any holes that cut are in a safe position and will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult a qualified boat builder.

Using the PILOT 3300 system :

The PILOT 3300 system is intended as an aid to save a helmsman from having to steer for long periods of time, not as the main means of steering the boat.

The PILOT 3300 system is not intended for use in extreme weather, in adverse conditions or in water near other boats, dangerous waters or land.

The PILOT 3300 system can not control the boat better than a helmsman. In adverse conditions steer the boat manually.

Never leave the helm unattended. Keep a watch at all times. The helmsman should always monitor the course of the boat and the PILOT 3300 system and be ready to resume steering the boat manually.

The performance of the PILOT 3300 system can be affected by the failure of a part, environmental conditions, improper installation and use.

Northstar DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.

As Northstar is continuously improving this product we retain the right to make changes to the product at any time which may not be reflected in this version of manual. Please contact your nearest Northstar office if you require any further assistance.

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.

Important

Reference Manual

1 Introduction

Using this manual

This manual describes how to install and set up the PILOT 3300 system. Refer to the separate PILOT 3300 Reference manual for information on how to operate the PILOT 3300 display unit.

To install a PILOT 3300 system, you must perform installation, dockside setup and sea trials (see sections 3, 4 and 5).

To fully set up a PILOT 3300 system after a part has been changed or if a problem is suspected, perform dockside setup and sea trials again (see sections 4 and 5).

To verify that the PILOT 3300 system is operating correctly, perform sea trials (see section 5).

Cleaning and maintenance

Clean the parts of the PILOT 3300 system with a damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners, petrol or other solvents.

Do not paint any part of the PILOT 3300 system except for the cables.

Manual helm

GPS

NMEA

SPEED

WIND

Display

unit

Light duty

Heavy duty

12 V DC Power supply

Gyro

Compass

MCU60

NavBus

Clutch drive

(optional)

Parts supplied with PILOT 3300 system

Other parts required

Optional parts

Rudder

feedback

unit

Rudder

Power switch or

switches and

power protection

Rudder

control

Key

1-1 A typical PILOT 3300 system installation

Optional instruments

Note: Above shows typical installation only. Please refer to the information supplied

with your drive for further information.

display

units

Steering

drive

Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation

1-2 Using the PILOT 3300 system with other instruments

1-2-1 Using other instruments

The PILOT 3300 system can use data from these instruments:

GPS: A GPS or chartplotter, such as a Northstar 6000i chartplotter must be connected to the PILOT 3300 system

for the PILOT to operate in GPS mode (see the PILOT 3300 Reference manual). Note: GPS must be via NMEA input. WIND: A wind instrument, such as a Northstar WIND series, must be connected to the PILOT 3300 system

for the PILOT to operate in WIND mode (see the PILOT 3300 Reference manual).

SPEED: A speed instrument, such as:

Northstar’s MULTI with a paddlewheel speed sensor or a GPS or chartplotter, such as Northstar’s 6000i series can be connected to the PILOT 3300 system to

increase steering accuracy.

Note: The speed from a paddlewheel sensor is the speed that the boat is moving through the water. The speed from

a GPS is the speed over the ground. If there is a water current then these two speeds will be different. If the PILOT

3300 system is connected to an instrument with a paddlewheel sensor and to a GPS, then the PILOT 3300 system will

automatically use the speed from the paddlewheel sensor instrument.

1-2-2 NavBus

NavBus is a Northstar proprietary system that allows systems of multiple instruments to be built using a single set of transducers. When instruments are connected by NavBus:

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, called a NavBus group (see NavBus group in

the Setup > Comms menu, in the PILOT 3300 Reference manual). 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.

If an alarm sounds, mute it on any instrument which can display that alarm. For more information, refer to the NavBus Installation and Reference manual.tt

Note: GPS must be via NMEA input.

NavBus and the PILOT 3300 system

The PILOT 3300 system will automatically work with additional PILOT 3300 displays.

The PILOT 3300 system can receive wind data from Northstar’s WIND over NavBus.

The PILOT 3300 system can receive speed data from Northstar’s MULTI over NavBus.

Reference Manual

1-2-3 NMEA

NMEA is an industry standard, but is not as flexible as NavBus as it requires dedicated connections between instruments. The PILOT 3300 system has one NMEA input port and one port that can be configured to be an input or an output (See PILOT 3300 Reference manual).

PILOT 3300 system NMEA inputs

GPS: The PILOT 3300 system can receive NMEA GPS data from a compatible GPS or chartplotter, such as

Northstar’s 6000i series chartplotter:

XTE (from APA, APB or XTE sentences) is required for the PILOT 3300 system to use GPS mode BRG (from APA sentences) and BOD (from APA or APB sentences) are optional and improve performance COG (from VTG sentences) is optional and can be displayed.

WIND: The PILOT 3300 system can receive NMEA wind data from a compatible wind instrument:

True or apparent wind direction (from MWV sentences) is required for the PILOT 3300 system to use Wind mode.

SPEED: The PILOT 3300 system can receive NMEA speed data from a compatible paddlewheel or GPS instrument:

SOG (from VTG sentences) is optional and improves performance.

Note: If the PILOT 3300 system is connected to a Northstar series wind or speed instrument using NavBus, then the PILOT 3300 system will automatically receive and use the wind or speed data, and the NMEA connection need not be wired.

PILOT 3300 system NMEA outputs

The NMEA 2 port can be configured to be an input or to be output:

either heading (HDG & HDT) and rudder angle (RSA) at once per second or heading (HDG) at ten times per second

(see NMEA mode in the Setup > Comms menu, See PILOT 3300 Reference manual ).

Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation

Power supply: The PILOT 3300 system requires two power supplies, both nominally 12 V DC:

A heavy duty supply for the steering drive

A light duty supply for the PILOT 3300 system electronics and display unit; this supply also powers any

additional display units and other instruments. The power supplies require one or two switches and fuses or circuit breakers (see section 3-4). Steering drive: The PILOT 3300 system can power a hydraulic pump, constantly running pump set, hydraulic

linear drive or mechanical drive rated at 12 V DC and up to 20 A. Rudder linkage: To link rudder to rudder feedback unit (see section 3-5). For wiring, see Select Wire Table in section 3-4-2. External beepers or lights (optional ): The external output is switched to ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA

maximum. If the beepers and lights require more than 250 mA total, fit a relay.

Other marine instruments (optional): Wind, speed or GPS instruments can be connected (see section 1-2). Other parts: For systems of several instruments, wiring and connectors are required. Northstar junction boxes

can simplify wiring several Northstar instruments together (see section 1-2 or the NavBus Installation and Reference manual).

Coupling connectors and 10 m (33 ft)

extension cables are available to extend the rudder feedback unit,

compass or g yro cables. Do not fit more than one extension cable to each unit. For more information, consult your Northstar dealer.

2-2 Other parts required

2 PILOT 3300 system hardware

MCU600 (Main Control Unit)

Gyro, with 10 m

(33 ft) attached cable

Protective cover for

display unit

PILOT 3300 Display unit

Compass, with 10 m

(33 ft) attached cable

2 mm (#14) twin

stranded cable for

high current wiring

RFU - Rudder feedback unit

2-1 What comes with your PILOT 3300 system

Documentation

• Warranty

• Display unit mounting template

• This Installation manual

• Reference manual

Additional hardware

• Mounting hardware

• Cable cover

• Strain relief

• Spare fuses

Reference Manual

The recommended installation sequence is: 1 Read this manual and the documentation that comes with the other parts. 2 Plan the installation: select where the equipment and wiring will be installed (see section 3-2). 3 Install the MCU600 (see section 3-3). 4 Install the steering drive and wire the heavy duty and light duty power supplies (see section 3-4). 5 Install the rudder feedback unit (see

section 3-5). 6 Install the compass (see section 3-6). 7 Install the gyro (see section 3-7). 8 Install the display unit and any other marine instruments that will be used with the PILOT 3300 system (see

section 3-8). 9 Carry out the dockside setup (see section 4). 10 Carry out the sea trials ( see section 5). If you are unsure where a part should be installed, mount and wire the part temporarily, without cutting holes in

the boat. After the sea trials have been completed, install and wire the part permanently.

3 Installation

3-1 Installation sequence

Warning: Correct installation is critical to the performance of the unit. It is vital to read this manual and the

documentation that comes with the other parts before starting installation. Warning:

The MCU600 is not waterproof. Mount the unit in a dry place. The PILOT 3300 system display unit is waterproof. The compass, gyro and rudder feedback unit are completely waterproof.

Warning: Ensure that any holes that you cut will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult a qualified boat builder.

Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation

3-2-2 Wiring guide

The PILOT 3300 system has two kinds of cables: The heavy-duty power supply and steering drive usually require high-current cables:

Select the wire gauge from the wire size table (see section 3-4-2). Fit high-current cables at least 1 m (3 ft) away from other electronic devices in the boat. Keep the cables as short as possible. Twin 2 mm (#14) cable is supplied with the PILOT 3300 system and can be used for the high current cable if

its gauge is suitable.

All the other cables are low-current:

Fit low-current cables at least 1 m (3 ft) away from sources of electrical signals or noise, such as the high-

current cables, other boat cables, engines, fluorescent lights, power inverters and radio or radar transmitters and antennas.

If the cable for the rudder feedback unit, compass or gyro is too long, do not shorten the cable; instead coil

the cable up near the main control unit.

The cable for the rudder feedback unit, compass or gyro can be extended by adding a 10 m (33 ft)

extension cable and coupling connector. Do not fit more than one extension cable to each unit.

When fitting any type of cable:

Do not crush, pinch or strain the cable. Secure the cable at regular intervals. Ensure no connectors or exposed terminals are in the bilge.

This is a general guide for locating and wiring the parts of the PILOT 3300 system. The instructions for a particular part may have additional requirements.

3-2-1 Location guide

Do not mount any part where it can be used as a handhold, where it will interfere with the operation of the

boat or where it might be submerged.

Do not mount any part where it will interfere with launching or retrieving

the boat. Do not mount any part within 0.5 m (20”) of the plane of a radar antenna. Mount the compass and gyro:

At least 1 m (3 ft) away from sources of electrical signals or noise, such as the batteries, high-current

cables, other boat cables, engines, fluorescent lights, power inverters, radio or radar transmitters and antennas.

At least 1 m (3 ft) away from equipment containing a magnet, such as a compass or speaker.

3-2 Installation guide

Reference Manual

3-3 Installing the MCU600 (Main Control Unit)

IMPORTANT: 200 mm (7.87”) clearance required for cover removal

Installation

Find a suitable location for the unit:

In a dry, cool place; if possible not the engine room. Close to the high-current power supply and the steering drive, to reduce the length of the high

current wiring. Accessible for installation and ser vice. If possible on a vertical panel which does not vibrate. Follow the location guide (see section 3-2-1).

Mount the unit with the cable connectors at the bottom or to one side, using the screws provided. Do not mount the unit with the connectors at the top, because dust or moisture might enter the unit.

200 mm (7.87”)

IMPORTANT: 60 mm (2.36”) clearance required for cables

200 mm (7.87”)

140 mm (5.10”)

60 mm (2.36”)

Screws 90 mm (3.54”) apar t

Screw holes 184 mm (7.24”) apart

55 mm

(2.16”)

RFU

Gyro

Compass / Heading Sensor

Physical

Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation

3-4 Installing the power supplies and steering drive

3-4-1 Installing the power supplies

The MCU 600 system requires a light duty and a heavy duty power supply, both 12 V DC.

Note:

Keep all wiring as short as possible. For the heavy duty supply, use the wire size given in the table (see section

3-4-2).

Follow the wiring guide (see section 3-2-2).

Fit strain relief

Connector

cover

Light duty power

Heavy duty

Fuse 1 A

12 V DC power supply, current to suit drive

Power supply: one switch conﬁguration Choose this conﬁguration to have one switch to turn the PILOT 3300 system and any other instruments on and off.

Circuit breaker or fuse

and switch, current rating

to suit steering drive

Power supply: two switch conﬁguration Choose this conﬁguration to be able to turn the drive power off and leave other instruments powered.

Fit strain relief

Connector

cover

Switch

Heavy duty power

Fuse 1 A

Light duty power

Note: If powering more than three extra display units or other series instruments, ﬁt another switch and fuse for the light duty power supply for these extra instruments

12 V DC power supply, current to suit drive

Circuit breaker or fuse and

switch, current rating to

suit steering drive

MCU600

+ 22 hidden pages