NorthStar Navigation EXPLORER 657 User Manual

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Explorer 657

Fishﬁ nder and Chartplotter

Installation and Operation Manual

www.northstarnav.com

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DANGER

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Please read carefully before installation and use.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards, Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

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, could result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

DISCLAIMER: It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducers 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 prac tices.

BRUNSWICK NEW TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILIT Y FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.

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 conf lict between any Translation of the Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation.

This manual represents the Explorer 657 as at the time of printing. Brunswick New Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates reserve the right to make changes to specifications without notice.

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 instructions, 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.

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Important

The choice, location, angle and installation of the instrument & transducers are critical to performance of the system as intended. Follow instructions in this manual carefully. If in doubt, consult your Northstar dealer.

Ensure that any holes cut are in a safe position and will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult a qualified boat builder.

Do not install plastic through hull transducers in solid wooden hulls. Leaking through the hull may result.

Do not install bronze transducers in metal hulls. This will cause electrolytic corrosion that may result in damage to the hull or transducer.

Sonar Performance: The accuracy of the sonar depth display can be affected by many factors, including the type and location of the transducer and water conditions. Ensure that the transducer is located and used correctly.

Global Positioning System: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the US Government which is solely responsible for its operation, accuracy and maintenance. The GPS system is subject to changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment anywhere in the world including the 657. Whilst the Northstar 657 is a precision navigation instrument, it can be misused or misinterpreted, which can result in its use being unsafe. To reduce the risk of misusing or misinterpreting the 657, the user must read and understand all aspects of this Installation and Operation manual. We also suggest that the user practice all operations using the built in simulator before using the 657 at sea.

Electronic Chart: The electronic chart used by the 657 is an aid to navigation and is designed to supplement the use of official government charts not replace them. Only official government charts supplemented by notices to mariners contain the information required for safe and prudent navigation. Always supplement the information provided by the 657 with other plotting sources such as observations, depth soundings, radar and hand compass bearings. Should the information not agree then the discrepancy must be resolved before proceeding any further.

Sonar fishfinder: The accuracy of the sonar depth display can be limited by many factors, including the type of the transducers, the location of the transducers and water conditions. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the 657 transducers are installed and used correctly.

AIS: The AIS features on this chart-plotter are designed as a safety aid only and do not guarantee safety at sea. AIS transmission is mandatory on some, but not all, vessels. You should check your local laws and regulations for requirements in your area. As a result of different legal requirements, different vessel sizes and uses, you should not assume that your AIS equipped chart-plotter will show the location of ALL vessels in your area. Careful prudence, judgement, and safe navigation practices should always be exercised. AIS should be used to complement radar, but AIS is not a substitute for radar.

Fuel Computer: Fuel economy can alter drastically depending on the boat loading and sea conditions. The fuel computer should not be the sole source of information concerning available fuel onboard and the electronic information should be supplemented by visual or other checks of the fuel load. This is necessary due to possible operator induced errors such as forgetting to reset the fuel used when filling the tank, running the engine with the fuel computer not switched on or other operator controlled actions that may render the device inaccurate. Always ensure that adequate fuel is carried onboard for the intended trip plus a reserve to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

Failure to adhere to these warnings may lead to death, serious injury or property damage. Northstar disclaims all liability for installation or use of this product that causes or contributes to death, injury or property damage or that violates any law.

The 657 is set up with default units of feet, °F (Fahrenheit), US gallons and knots. To change the units, see section 17-10.

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Contents

1 Introdu ction ......................................................................................................................................... 7

1-1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1-2 Cleaning and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1-3 Plug-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1-4 Removing and replacing the display unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2 Basic Op eration .................................................................................................................................... 10

2-1 Using the keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

2-2 Turning on and off / auto power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2-3 Backlight and night mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2-4 Man overboard (MOB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2-5 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2-6 Simulate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2-7 The main windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

3 Navigati on: Chart ................................................................................................................................. 19

3-1 Introduction to navigating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3-2 Chart window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3-3 Distance and bearing calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3-4 Projected course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

3-5 Tracks and tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

4 Navigation: Highway w indow .............................................................................................................. 24

5 Navigati on: Waypoints ......................................................................................................................... 25

5-1 Waypoints window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

5-2 Managing waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6 Navigati on: Routes .............................................................................................................................. 27

6-1 Routes window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

6-2 Managing routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

7 Satelli tes ............................................................................................................................................. 30

7-1 Satellite window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

8 Sonar f ishfinding : Introductio n ........................................................................................................... 31

8-1 Using the 657 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

8-2 Interpreting the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

8-3 Single and Dual frequency fishfinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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8-4 Fish detection and display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

8-5 Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

8-6 Gain and threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

9 Sonar f ishfinding : Displays .................................................................................................................. 40

9-1 Sonar history display - no split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

9-2 Sonar Zoom and Full Screen Zoom displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

9-3 Sonar Bottom display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9-4 Sonar 50/200 display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9-5 Sonar A-Scope display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

10 Gauges window .................................................................................................................................. 44

11 Data window ......................................................................................................................................4 4

12 Fuel functi ons and display .................................................................................................................. 45

12-1 What the fuel computer does . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

12-2 Fuel window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

12-3 When you add or remove fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

12-4 Low fuel alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

12-5 Boat speed sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

12-6 Fuel consumption curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

12-7 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

13 Tides window ..................................................................................................................................... 52

14 User card wi ndow ............................................................................................................................... 53

15 AIS ..................................................................................................................................................... 54

15-1 Viewing AIS Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

15-2 Dangerous Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

15-3 AIS Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

16 DSC/Budd y track windows .................................................................................................................. 57

16-1 The displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

16-2 Using the displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

17 Setting up t he 657 .............................................................................................................................. 59

17-1 Setup > System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

17-2 Setup > Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

17-3 Setup > Sonar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

17-4 Setup > GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

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17-5 Setup > Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

17-6 Setup > Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

17-7 Setup > AIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

17-8 Setup > Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

17-9 Setup > Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

17-10 Setup > Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

17-11 Setup > Comms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

17-12 Setup > Calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

17-13 Setup > Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

17-14 Setup > Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

17-15 Setup > Simulate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

18 Installa tion ....................................................................................................................................... 74

18-1 Installation: What comes with the 657 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

18-2 Installation: Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

18-3 Installation: The display unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

18-4 Installation: Power/data cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

18-5 Installation: GPS antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

18-6 Installation: Sonar transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

18-7 Installation: Northstar petrol/gasoline sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

18-8 Installation: SmartCraft™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

18-9 Installation: Other NavBus instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

18-10 Installation: Other NMEA instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

18-11 Installation: Setup and test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Append ix A - Specifica tions .....................................................................................................................8 4

Append ix B - Troubleshootin g ................................................................................................................. 86

B-1 General problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

B-2 GPS navigation problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

B-3 Fuel consumption problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

B-4 Sonar fishfinding problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Append ix C - Glossary an d navigation data ..............................................................................................90

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1 Introduction

Quick reference to the built-in and optional features:

Feature Type See Requires

General How to use the keys and displays 2

Troubleshooting Appendix B

Simulate mode 2-6

Glossary of special names Appendix C

Speciﬁ cations Appendix A

MOB Man overboard key 2-4

Navigation Overview of how to navigate 3-1 GPS ﬁ x

Finding the boat’s position on the chart 3-2

Navigate to any point or to a waypoint 3-1

Navigate along a route 3-1

Projected course: An estimate of progress 3-4

Tracks: records of where the boat has been 3-5

GPS receiver status 7

Saving and loading data with a user card 14 User card

Chart data Chart features (built in world chart) 3-2

Chart details 3-2-4 & 5 C-MAP™ chart

Tides at a port 11 C-MAP™ chart

AIS 15

Alarms Built in alarms 2-5

SmartCraft™ engine alarms 1-1 SmartCraft™

Boat data Data at top of main displays 2-7-3

Compass at top of main displays 2-7-4

Dedicated data window 11

Fuel Fuel computer, petrol/gasoline engine 12 Fuel sensors

Fuel computer, SmartCraft™ engines 12 SmartCraft™

What to do when you add or remove fuel 12-1

Sounder Overview of the depth sounder

Depth, bottom features, water features

Fishﬁ nder

Other boats Track your buddy, polling other boats

Distress calls

Sounder

DSC VHF

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1-1 Ov ervi ew

The Northstar 657 is a compact, rugged, highly integrated marine chartplotter and fishfinder. It is easy to use and has an easy to read color display. Complex functions can be per formed with a few key presses, taking the hard work out of boating.

The available functions, displays and setup menus depend on the optional sensors and instruments that are installed:

Sonar functions require a sonar transducer to

be installed

Fuel functions require one or more

petrol/gasoline or diesel fuel sensors to be installed.

SmartCraft™ engine functions require a

SmartCraft™ system to be installed. For information on using SmartCraft™, see the

SmartCraf t™ Gateway Installation and Operation Manual.

1-2 Cleaning and main tenance

The 657 screen is covered by a proprietary anti-reflection coating. To avoid damage, clean the screen only with a damp cloth and mild detergent when dirty or covered in sea salt. Avoid abrasive cleaners, petrol or other solvents. If a plug-in card gets dir ty or wet, clean it with a damp cloth or mild detergent.

Cover or remove a transom-mounted transducer when repainting the hull. If painting over a through hull transducer with antifouling paint,

DSC/Buddy track functions require a

Northstar DSC VHF radio with Buddy track support to be installed.

The 657 can send data to other instruments,

such as an autopilot, and receive data from other instruments.

AIS functions require an optional AIS receiver

to be installed.

For information on installing options, see section 18-2 .

This manual describes how to install and operate the 657. Special terms are explained in Appendix C. For maximum benefit, please read this manual carefully before installing and using the unit. For more information on this instrument and other Northstar products, go to our website, www.northstarnav.com.

use only one coat of paint. Remove the previous coat of antifouling paint by sanding it lightly.

To optimize per forman ce, avoid w alking o n or jamming cables and connectors. Keep the transducer free of weed, paint and debris. Do not use a high pressure water blast on a speed sensor paddlewheel as it may damage the bearings.

Push the dust cover over the display when the 657 is turned of f.

1-3 Plug-in cards

The 657 can use two kinds of plug-in card:

1 C-MAP™ chart cards have chart details

required for navigating in a particular region. When a chart card is plugged in, the extra details automatically appear on the 657 chart window.

The 657 can use NT, NT+ and NT-MAX

cards. NT-MAX cards have much more chart information than earlier cards, including photos of points of interest.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual8

2 C-MAP™ user cards are used to store

navigation data. Each user card expands the 657 memory and allows the data to be transferred to another 657 easily. (see section 14).

Note: The older 5 volt user cards are not

supported.

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Changing the p lug-in card

Gold contacts under here

1 2 4

Card

Holder

CAUTION

Handle plug-in cards carefully. Keep them in their protective cases when not plugged into the 657.

Keep the holder in place in the 657 at all times to prevent moisture from entering the card compartment.

1-4 Removing and re placing the display u nit

If the display unit is bracket mounted then the display unit can easily be removed and replaced for security or protec tion.

Removing the dis play unit:

1 Turn the display unit of f (see section 2-2) and

put the dust cover on.

2 Loosen the knob on the mounting bracket

and lift the unit off the bracket.

3 Unplug the connectors from the display unit;

turning each locking collar anticlock wise until you can pull the plug out.

4 Push the attached dust covers over the

exposed ends of the connectors.

5 Store the display unit in a dry clean place,

such as the optional Northstar carr y bag.

Replacing the d isplay unit

1 Remove the dust covers from the connectors.

Plug the connectors into the back of the display unit:

Match the connector’s color to the socket color.

Turn the 657 off (see section 2-2).

Pull the card holder out of the 657 and pull any card out of holder.

Put the card in its case.

Push new card into holder. Ensure the gold contacts are on the outer edge and underneath (see above).

Keep the card’s case.

Push card holder fully into 657

Insert each connector and turn the locking collar clockwise until it is finger tight.

Nothing will be damaged if a cable is

plugged into the wrong socket by mistake.

2 Hold the display unit in place on the

mounting bracket. Adjust the tilt of the display for best viewing, then hand tighten the knob on the mounting bracket. Remove the dust cover.

Mounting

Knob

bracket

9Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

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2 Basic Operation

Overview of the keys

2-1 Using the keys

ESCAPE - Go back to an earlier menu or display. In chart mode,

centres chart at boat’s position.

DISPLAY - Show a menu of the main displays. To go to a display,

select it from the menu (see section 2-7).

CURSOR KEYS - to move the cursor or the selection highlight.

MENU - Show a menu of the options for the current window.

Press

areas and detail on the chart. Sonar window: Change the depth range displayed.

favorite displays.

POWER - Turn 657 on and off (see section 2-2); adjust the backlighting

(see section 2-3).

again to display the Setup menu (see section 17).

ENTER - Start an action or accept a change.

ZOOM - Chart window: Zoom in or out to display different

FAVORITES - Allows you to quickly switch between your saved

MOB - (Man Overboard, see section 2-4).

In this manual:

Press means to push the key for less than a

second.

Hold means to hold the key down.

The internal beeper beeps when a key is pressed (to disable or enable the beep, see section 17-1).

Using the menu s

Operate the 657 by selecting items from menus. Items can be submenus, commands or data.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual10

Selecting a submenu

after a menu item indicates a submenu, for

A example Chart highlight to the submenu, then press .

Starting a command

Press or to move the highlight to the command, for example Goto cursor, then press

. Press or to move the

Page 11

Changing data

First press data to change, then:

a) To change a tick box

means Off or No.

Press

b) To select an option

1 Press

2 Press or to move the highlight to the

or to move the highlight to the

means On or Yes

or to change the tick box.

to display the menu of options.

option you want, then press .

2-2 Turning on and o ff / auto power

Turning on manual ly

If the 657 is not wired for auto power, press to turn the unit on. If necessary, adjust the display to be easy to read (see section 2-3).

Note: If the 657 is not wired for auto power then the 657 does not record engine hours and might not record fuel consumption (see section 18-4).

Turning off ma nually

If the 657 is not wired for auto power or if the ignition switch is off, hold down until the display turns off.

c) To change a name or number:

1 Press

2 Press

change. Press digit.

Repeat this to change other letters or

numbers.

3 Press

d ) To change a slider value

Press the value.

to display the name or number:

or to select a letter or digit to

or to change the letter or

to accept the new value. Or press

to ignore the changes.

to decrease the value or to increase

Auto power

If the 657 is wired for auto power (see section 18- 4), t hen:

• The 657 automatically turns on when you turn the boat’s ignition switch on.

• You can not turn the 657 off while the ignition switch is on.

• If Auto power off (see section 17-1) is 657 automatically turns off when you turn the boat’s ignition switch of f.

• If Auto power off (see section 17-1) is , the 657 stays on when you turn the boat’s ignition switch off. You can now turn the 657 off manually.

, the

11Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

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2-3 Backlight and nigh t mode

To go to the Backlight display, press briefly.

Backlight

The display and keys are backlit. To change the backlight level, highlight select Backlight, then

press to dim or to brighten.

When you have finished, press

Tip: Press twice to give the brightest screen, with maximum backlight and Night mode off.

2-4 Man overboard ( MOB)

The MOB feature saves the boat’s position and then navigates back to this point.

WARNING

MOB will not work if the 657 does not have a GPS fix.

1 Press

The 657 stores the boat’s position as a

waypoint called MOB.

2 The 657 changes to the chart window, with

the MOB waypoint at the center of the chart.

The chart zooms in for accurate navigation.

If the chart can not show the required small scale, the 657 changes to plotter mode (a white display with crosshatching and no chart details, see section 17-2).

3 The 657 sets the MOB waypoint to be the

destination to navigate to.

If the NMEA out put (autopilot) is off

(see section 17-11) use the 657 to manually navigate to the destination MOB waypoint (see sections 3-1-1 and 3-1-2).

Night mode

Night mode sets the palette for all displays.

Normal palette, for day time

A palette optimised for night time.

To change mode, highlight Night mode, then press

or . To change only the chart

palette, see section 17-2.

If the NMEA out put (autopilot) is on, the

657 asks if the autopilot is active. Select:

No: Use the 657 to manually navigate to the

destination MOB waypoint (see sections 3-1-1 and 3-1-2).

Yes : The 657 asks if the boat is to go to the

MOB waypoint.

Select:

Ye s: to immediately start navigating to

the MOB waypoint.

WARNING

This might result in a sudden and dangerous turn.

No: disengage the autopilot; then use

the 657 to manually navigate to the destination MOB waypoint (see sections 3-1-1 and 3-1-2).

To cancel MOB o r set another MO B

1 Press

2 Select an option from the menu.

Tip: The MOB waypoint remains on the chart after the MOB has been cancelled. To delete the MOB waypoint, see section 5-2-5.

again to display a menu.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual12

Page 13

2-5 Al arms

When the 657 detects an alarm condition, it displays a warning message on the display, the internal beeper sounds and any external beepers or lights operate.

Press to clear the alarm. The alarm will sound again if the alarm condition occurs again.

The 657 has user set table alarms (see sec tion 17- 9) .

2-6 Simulate mo de

In Simulate mode, the 657 ignores data from the GPS antenna and other transducers and sensors and the 657 generates this data itself. Other wise, the 657 functions normally.

There are two simulate modes:

• Normal : Allows a user to become familiar with the 657 off the water.

• Demo: Simulates a boat moving along a route and automatically displays different 657 functions.

To start and stop Simulate mode, and for more information, see section 17-15. In simulate mode, Simulate or Demo f lashes at the bottom of the display.

WARNING

Never have Simulate mode on when the 657 is navigating on the water.

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2-7 The main windows

The display menu allows quick access to the main windows. Full-screen Char t and Sonar are at the top of the menu. O ther windows are available

More… sub menu.

from the

Note

1 The windows available depend

on the optional sensors and instrument s that are installed (see section 1-1).

2 Set up commonly used windows

as favorites and press switch bet ween windows (see section 2-7-2).

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual14

Page 15

Note: The windows below the menu divider can

only be shown full screen without a data header. (see section 2-7-3).

15Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

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2-7-1 Multi window displays

The 657 can show two windows at once.

Adding a window to the display

Press , select Add window and select a window to add. The 657 automatically rearranges the display to show the new window.

The active window

If there is more than one window displayed, the active window is indicated by a red border. Press

twice to change the active window.

Changing window size

1 Press

2 Press or to change the height of the

windows. Note: Some windows are fixed in size.

3 Press .

Exchanging two windows on the display

1 Press

window.

2 Press , select Replace and select the

second window.

The 657 exchanges the two windows.

Replacing a window on the display

1 Press

window.

2 Press , select Replace and select a

new window that is not currently visible.

Note:

When some windows are small then not all the data is shown.

Pressing will display the options menu for the active window.

and select Split ratio.

twice to change the active

Chart is active

Red border

Sonar is active

Red border

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual16

Page 17

2-7-2 Favorite displays

The 657 has a list of commonly used displays, called favorite displays. T here can be up to six favorite displays.

Sonar, Gauges, Fuel, Data, and Tanks windows can be combined in a display. Each of these displays can have a data header (see sec tion 2-7-3) and a compass (see section 2-7-4).

Selecting a favorite display

To select another favourite, press more times. For example, with six favourites:

one or

Deleting a favorite display from the list

1 Press

Favorites.

2 Highlight the display to delete, press

and select Delete.

twice then select

Adding a favorite display to the list

1 Set up the display with the window or

windows you want in the new favorite (see section 2-7).

2 Press

display. The 657 displays the favorites list.

3 Select where in the list to add the new

favorite. If you select an existing favorite display then the new favorite will replace the existing favorite in the list.

and selec t Save this

Changing the order of the favorites list

1 Press

Favorites.

2 Highlight the display to move, press

and select Move up or Move down.

twice then select

17Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

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2-7-3 Data header

The displays can show data at the top, called the data header.

When you select a window from the display

menu (see section 2-7) the 657 displays an appropriate data header for the window.

Each favorite display (see section 2-7-2) has

its own data header. When you press to recall a favorite display, the 657 recalls the favorite displays data header.

Setting the data header for a display

1 Press

2 To turn the data header on or of f:

i Select Data.

ii Select

3 To select the size of the data:

i Select Size.

ii Select the size to display.

4 To change the data displayed:

i Select Data setup.

ii Change a data field:

a Press the cursor keys to highlight the

b Press

c Select a data item that is available

iii Repeat the above step to set the other

data fields.

Tip: If all fields in a line are None then the line will not be displayed and the data header will take less space on the display.

5 Press .

Tip: The data header will change when you select another display. To set a data header that you can recall later, set the header as part of a favorites display (see below).

and selec t Data header.

or .

field.

to display a menu of

data items.

on your system or select None to leave the field empty.

Favorites displays and data headers

To set a data header for a favorites display, follow the steps to add a favorite (see section 2-7-2

- Adding a favorite display to the list). In step 1, set the data header for the favorite as described above.

2-7-4 Compass

The chart, sonar and highway displays can show a compass at the top of the window.

The compass always shows the boat’s course over ground (COG), a black symbol in the middle. When the boat is navigating to a point, the compass also shows bearing to the destination (BRG), a red symbol.

In this example, BRG is 332°M and COG is 341°M.

To turn the compass off or on:

1 Press

2 Set Compass to or .

and selec t Data header.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual18

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3 Navigation: Chart

The chart window shows the chart, the boat’s position course and navigation data.

3-1 Introduction to navigating

The 657 has two ways of navigating, going straight to a point or following a route.

3-1-1 Navigating to a point

When the 657 is navigating to a point, the chart and highway displays show navigation data:

A The boat position

B The destination point marked with a circle.

C The boat’s plotted course to the destination.

D Two CDI lines, parallel to the boat’s plotted

course, which indicate the maximum expected deviation from the plotted course.

For more information, see appendix C.

If the 657 is connected to an autopilot, the 657 will send data to the autopilot to steer the boat to the destination. Start the autopilot before starting to navigate to the point.

If the 657 has no autopilot, steer the boat manually:

a use the boat position and destination on the

chart or highway displays

b or use navigation data displayed on the data

header (see section 2-7-3)

c or use COG and BRG on the compass (see

section 2-7-4).

Note:

1 If the XTE alarm is enabled, an alarm will

sound if the boat deviates too much from its intended course (see section 17-9).

2 If the arrival radius alarm is enabled, then an

alarm will sound to show that the boat has reached the destination (see section 17-9).

3-1-2 Going to a waypoint or to a point on

the chart

A waypoint is a position that you can set on the 657 chart, for example a fishing spot or a point on a route (see section 5).

Going to a waypoint from the chart window

1 Go to the chart window.

2 Move the cursor to the waypoint:

either use the cursor keys or use Find (see section 3-2-5).

3 Press

Going to a waypoint from the waypoints window

1 Go to the waypoints window.

2 Press

goto.

3 Press

Going to a point on the chart

1 Switch to a chart window.

2 Move the cursor to the destination point:

either use the cursor keys or use Find (see section 3-2-5).

Make sure the course does not pass over land or dangerous waters.

3 Press

Navigating

The 657 navigates to the point as described in section 3-1-1.

Cancelling navigating

Go to a Chart window, press Cancel goto.

Tip: Before starting, create waypoints at points of interest. Create a waypoint at the start of the trip for you to navigate back to (see section 5-2-1).

and select Goto.

or to highlight the waypoint to

and select Goto.

WARNING

and select Goto cursor.

and select

19Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

Page 20

3-1-3 Following a route

Preparing

A route is a list of waypoints that the boat can follow (see section 6).

To create waypoints before creating the

route, see section 5-2-1.

To create a route, see section 6-2-1.

Starting a route from the chart window:

1 Go to the chart window.

2 Press

3 Press

follow. Press .

4 The 657 asks for the direction to traverse the

route. Select Forwa rd (the order the route was created) or Reverse.

5 The 657 displays the chart with the route

marked and starts navigating from the start of the route.

Starting a route from the routes window:

1 Go to the routes window.

2 Then follow step 3 as in starting a route

from the chart window above.

Navigating

The 657 navigates to each waypoint on the route in turn as described in section 3-1-1.

The 657 stops navigating to the waypoint at the end of the current leg and starts the next leg of the route:

a when the boat comes within 0.025 nm of the

waypoint

b or when the boat passes the waypoint

c or if you skip the waypoint.

and selec t Start Route

or to highlight the route to

Skipping a waypoint

To skip a waypoint, go to a chart window, press navigating straight towards the next waypoint on the route.

Skipping a waypoint with the autopilot on might result in a sudden course change.

Cancelling a route

When the boat has reached the final waypoint, or to stop the boat following the route at any time, cancel the route. Go to a chart window, press

and selec t Skip. The 657 starts

WARNING

and selec t Cancel route.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual20

Page 21

3-2 Chart window

To go to the Chart window, press

Chart.

select

A typical chart window shows:

then

A Data header. To turn the data off or on or to change what data is displayed, see section 2-7-3

B Compass (see sec tion 2-7-4)

C Char t scale (see section 3-2-3)

D Boat position (see section 3-2-1)

E Boat track (see section 3-5)

F Boat course and CDI lines (see Appendix C, CDI).

G Distance and bearing of cursor from boat

HLand

ISea

J The cursor (see section 3-2-1)

K A typical waypoint (see section 5)

Note: To change the types of information displayed on the chart, see section 17-2. To change to a perspective view of the chart, see sec tion 3-2-6.

21Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

Page 22

3-2-1 Chart modes

The Chart has two modes:

Center on boat mode

To switch to center on boat mode in the char t window, press of the chart. As the boat moves through the water, the chart automatically scrolls to keep the boat in the center of the chart. The cursor (see below) is turned off.

Cursor mode

The keys and are called cursor keys. To switch to cursor mode in the chart window, hold down a cursor key. The cursor and moves away from the boat:

Press the key which points in the direction that the cursor will move, for example press

to move the cursor down.

Press midway bet ween two of the cursor keys to make the cursor move diagonally.

Hold a cursor key down to make the cursor move continuously across the display.

In Cursor mode:

The distance ( the cursor from the boat are displayed at the bottom corner of the display.

The chart does not scroll as the boat moves.

If the cursor reaches the edge of the display, the chart will scroll.

For example, hold down

cursor to the right side of the display and the chart will scroll to the lef t.

. The boat is at the center

DST) and bearing ( BRG) of

to move the

3-2-2 Latitude and longit ude

Latitude and longitude can be displayed in the data header. The display is degrees and minutes to three decimal places, about 2 m (6 ft) resolution. Normally the position is the boat’s position, and the latitude and longitude has a boat symbol to show this:

36° 29.637’ N or S Latitude

175° 09.165’ E or W Longitude

If the cursor has been moved in the last ten seconds, then the position is the cursor ’s position, and the latitude and longitude has a cursor symbol to show this:

36° 29.841’ N or S Latitude

175° 09.012’ E or W Longitude

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual22

appears

WARNING

When reading the boat position, make sure the position is not the cursor position.

3-2-3 Chart scale

Press to zoom in and display a smaller area of the chart in more detail. Press to zoom out and display a bigger area in less detail.

The chart scale is displayed at the top lef t of the chart:

3-2-4 Chart symbols and info rmation

The chart shows many kinds of symbols, such as waypoints, ports, marinas, buoys and beacons. If necessary, press or scale where the symbol is displayed.

To see stored information about a symbol:

1 Either move the cursor to the symbol on the

chart and wait two seconds

or use Find to move the cursor to a symbol

for a port or service (see section 3-2-5).

2 A window appears at the bottom of the

display with some information about the symbol.

3 To see more detail about a symbol or a list of

associated items for the symbol, press

i Select an item to display. If there are more

items than will fit on the display, press or to scroll up or down.

Select a camera icon to display a photo

of the item. If the photo is too big to fit on the display, press

scroll the photo.

Select Tide St ation to display a tide

chart for the position (see section 13).

ii Select other items or press

return to the char t.

To see stored information about nearby symbols press follow step 3 above.

or to choose a chart

, , or to

and selec t Chart info. Then

Page 23

3-2-5 Finding a char t symbol

To find and display a char t symbol:

1 Press

2 Select the type of symbol: Waypoints, Routes,

Ports by name, Ports & services, Tide stations or AIS Vessels.

3 For Ports & services: select the type of service

to find.

For Ports by name: press

enter a name or let ters contained in the port name, then press .

4 A list of items is displayed. If there are more

items than will fit on the display, press

and selec t Find.

, , or to

to page up and down.

3-3 Distance and bear ing calculator

The distance and bearing calculator can plot a course of one or several legs and show the bearing and length of each leg, as well as the total distance along the course. The completed course can be converted into a route.

To use the distance and bearing calculator:

1 Select the Chart window. Press

select Distanc e.

2 Move the cursor to the start of the first leg. It

does not matter if this point is a waypoint or not. Press

3 To add a leg to the course, move the cursor

to the end of the leg. It does not matter if this point is a waypoint or not. The display shows the bearing and length of the leg, as well as the total distance along the course. Press

and

For Ports by name: to search for a different

port name, press then press .

5 Select the item and press

window changes to show the item in the middle of the display.

To see stored information about the item,

press

(see section 3-2-4).

. change the name,

. The chart

3-2-6 Perspective view

Perspective view shows the chart from an angle instead of from straight above. To turn perspective view on or off, press and set Perspective to

4 To remove the last leg from the course, press

5 Repeat the above two steps to enter the

whole course.

6 To save the new course as a route, press

new points on the course as new waypoints, with default names. If necessar y, edit the route later (see section 6-2-2) and edit any new waypoints later (see section 5-2-3).

7 Finally, press

window.

or .

and selec t Remove.

and selec t Save. This also saves any

to return to the char t

3-4 Projecte d course

If Projected course is turned on, then the 657 will display the projected position based on the course over ground (COG), speed and a specified time. To turn Projected course on and off and to set the time, see section 17-2.

A Projected position

B Boat’s projected course

C Boat position

23Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

Page 24

3-5 Tracks and trackin g

Tracking records the boat’s position to memory at regular intervals, which can be:

Time intervals.

Or distance intervals.

The track of where the boat has been can be displayed on the chart. The 657 can display one track while recording another.

To work with track s, see section 17-6.

The 657 can store five tracks:

Track 1 can hold up to 200 0 points and is intended to record the normal progress of the boat.

Tracks 2, 3, 4 and 5 can hold up to 500 points each and are intended to record sec tions to be retraced accurately, for example entering a river mouth.

Tip: Record a reference tracks and then use the track to help navigate the same trip later. For example, record a reference track as you leave harbour. Then if you return to harbour and visibility is poor, selec t the chart and navigate manually along the reference track back into

4 Navigation: Highway window

A B

the harbour. Record reference tracks in good conditions.

When recording is on and the track becomes full then recording continues and the oldest points in the track are deleted. The maximum length of a track depends on the selected track interval: a small interval will give a shor ter, more detailed track and a long interval will give a longer, less detailed track, as shown in these examples:

Time intervals

Interval Track 1 Track 2, 3, 4 or 5

1 sec 33 minutes 8 minutes

10 sec 5.5 hours 1.4 hours

1 min 33 hours 8 hours

Distance intervals

Interval Track 1 Track 2, 3, 4 or 5

0.01 20 5

1 2,000 500

10 20,000 5,000

The track lengths are in the current distance units, for example nm.

The highway window has a bird’s eye view of the boat’s course to a destination:

To go to the highway window, press select More, then select Highway.

The highway window shows:

A Optional data header (see section 2-7-3)

B Optional compass (see section 2-7-4)

C Destination waypoint

D Boat’s plot ted course to destination

E CDI lines, parallel to the boat’s plotted course

(see Appendix C, CDI). The CDI lines are like a highway over the water where the boat will move.

F CDI scale

G The boat position is at the bottom, center of

the display.

WARNING

The highway window does not show land, dangerous waters or chart symbols.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual24

Page 25

5 Navigation: Waypoints

A waypoint is a position that you can set on the 657 chart, for example a fishing spot or a point on a route. The 657 can have up to 3000 waypoints. A waypoint can be created, changed or deleted.

A waypoint has:

A name (up to eight characters).

An icon showing what kind of waypoint it is. The available icons are:

A position.

A color for the waypoint symbol and name on the chart.

5-1 Waypoints windo w

To go to the waypoints window, press , select More, then select Waypoints.

The waypoints window is a list of the waypoints that have been entered, each with waypoint symbol, name, latitude and longitude, distance and bearing from the boat, type and display option.

If there are more waypoints than will fit on the display, press page at a time.

or to scroll up or down a

A type:

Normal: A normal waypoint can be

navigated to or included in a route.

Danger: A danger waypoint is a point

to avoid. If the boat comes within the danger radius of a danger waypoint the unit can sound an alarm. (see section 17- 9).

A display option:

Controls how the waypoint is displayed

when the

Waypoints setup option is set to

Selected (see sec tion 17-2):

Off: The waypoint is not displayed.

Icon: The waypoint icon is displayed.

I+N (Icon and Name): The waypoint

icon and name are displayed.

If there are many waypoints, use this feature

to select which waypoints are displayed on the chart.

Note: The other choices for Waypoints are Hide all and Show all (see section 16-2).

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Page 26

5-2 Managing wayp oints

WARNING

Do not create a navigation waypoint on land or in dangerous water.

5-2-1 Creating a new waypoint

Creating and editing a new waypoint from the chart window

1 To create a waypoint at the boat position,

press boat mode.

Or, to create a waypoint at a different point,

move the cursor to that point on the chart.

2 Press

3 A new waypoint, with the default name and

data is created.

4 Change the waypoint data if necessary (see

section 5-2-7).

Creating a new waypoint from the waypoints window

1 In the waypoints window, press

select Create.

2 A new waypoint, with a default name and

data, is created at the boat position.

3 Change the waypoint data if necessary (see

section 5-2-7).

Note: Waypoints can also be created when a route is created (see section 6-2-1).

to switch the chart to center on

and

5-2-2 Moving a waypoint

Moving a waypoint from the chart window

1 In the chart window, move the cursor to the

waypoint to move.

2 Press

3 Move the cursor to the new position and

press

Moving a waypoint from the waypoints window

To move a waypoint from the waypoints window, edit the waypoint (see section 5-2-3) and change the latitude and longitude.

and select Move.

5-2-3 Editing a waypoint

Editing a waypoint from the chart window

1 In the chart window, move the cursor to the

waypoint to edit.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual26

2 When the waypoint data is displayed, press

3 Change the waypoint data

(see section 5-2-7).

Editing a waypoint from the waypoints window

1 In the waypoints window, press

highlight the waypoint to edit. Press and select Edit.

2 Change the waypoint data (see section 5-2-7).

or to

5-2-4 Displaying a waypoint on the chart

This goes to the chart window, and shows the selected waypoint at the center of the window.

1 In the waypoints window, press

to highlight the waypoint to display. Press

and select Display.

Or, in the Chart window, press

Find, then select Waypoints. Select a waypoint from the list.

2 The 657 switches to the chart window, with

the selected waypoint at the center of the chart.

, select

5-2-5 Deleting a waypoint

A waypoint can not be deleted if the boat is navigating to it or if the waypoint is used in more than one route. A waypoint that is used in one route can be deleted.

WARNING

When a waypoint is deleted from a route, check that the changed route does not cross land or dangerous waters.

Page 27

Deleting a waypoint from the chart window

1 In the chart window, move the cursor to the

waypoint to delete.

2 Press

3 Select Yes to confirm.

Deleting a waypoint from the waypoints window

1 In the waypoints window, press

to highlight the waypoint to delete. Press

2 Select Yes to confirm.

and select Delete.

5-2-6 Deleting all waypoints

1 In the waypoints window and press

and select Delete all.

2 Select Yes to confirm.

5-2-7 Changing a waypoint’s data

To change the waypoint data when it is displayed in a window:

1 Select the data to change.

Press

Use the cursor keys to change the data.

Press

6 Navigation: Routes

A route is a list of waypoints that the boat can navigate along. Routes can be created, changed and deleted.

The 657 can have up to 25 routes. Each route can have up to 50 waypoints.

A route can:

Start and stop at the same waypoint .

Include waypoints more than once.

The 657 can navigate along a route in either direction. Waypoints on the route can be skipped.

2 If necessary, repeat the above step to change

other data.

3 Select Save.

5-2-8 Sort Waypoints

To change how the waypoints list is displayed:

1 Press

2 Select how to display the list:

Name: In alphabetical order by name.

Icon: Grouped by icon type.

Distance: In order of distance from the

boat.

An arrow at at the top of a column indicates how the waypoints are sorted.

and select Sort by.

5-2-9 Navigating to a waypoint

See section 3-1-2.

Routes are a powerful feature when the 657 is connected to an autopilot, allowing the vessel to be automatically guided along the route.

WARNING

Make sure the course does not pass over land or dangerous waters.

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6-1 Routes window

The routes window is a list of the routes that have been entered, each with route name, start waypoint, end waypoint, number of legs and total distance.

To go to the routes window, press More, then select Routes.

If there are more routes than will fit on the display, press

or to scroll up or down a page at

a time.

, select

6-2 Managing routes

WARNING

After creating or changing a route, display the route on the char t and check that it does not cross land or dangerous water.

6-2-1 Creating a new rou te

A. Creating a new route from the chart window

While creating the route:

Press

or to change the range; scroll the chart by moving the cursor to the edge of the chart.

A data box at the bottom lef t of the display shows the route name and total distance. If the cursor is near a leg, it shows the length and bearing of the leg as well.

The legs of a route must star t and end at waypoints. If a leg does not star t or end at an existing waypoint then a new waypoint will be created automatically (to change the new waypoint data, see sec tion 5-2-7).

You can not use a Danger waypoint in a route.

1 In the chart window, press

New route.

2 The route is given a default name:

and selec t

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual28

i Change the name if necessary.

ii Select OK.

3 To enter the legs of the route:

i Move the cursor to the start of the route

and press

ii A waypoint is created with a default

name. to save this waypoint press enter, to edit the waypoint refer to 5-2-7

iii Press

from the cursor to the previous waypoint

iv Move the cursor to the end of the first leg

and press

v Repeat i to iv until the last waypoint in

the route is placed and saved

vi Press

Menu options while creating a route:

1 To add a waypoint to the route

i Press

2 To insert a waypoint in the route by breaking

one leg into two:

i Move the cursor to the leg you want to

break.

ii Press

iii Move the cursor to where the new route

waypoint will be.

a dotted leg line is displayed

to complete the route

and selec t Add.

and selec t Insert.

Page 29

iv Press .

3 To move a waypoint in the route:

i Move the cursor to the waypoint to

move.

ii Press

iii Move the cursor to where the waypoint

will be.

iv Press

4 To remove a waypoint from the route:

i Move the cursor to the waypoint to

remove from the route.

ii Press

waypoint is removed from the route, but the waypoint is not deleted.

5 To start navigating the route

i Press

6 To end creating the route

i Press

7 To delete the route

i Press

ii Selec t yes to confirm.

Tip: The distance and bearing calculator can also be used to enter a course and save it as a route (see section 3-3).

B. Creating a new route from the routes window

1 In the routes window, press

select Create.

2 A new route, with a default name and no

waypoints, is displayed.

3 To change the route name:

i Select the route name at the top of the

display and press

ii Change the name if necessary.

iii Press

4 To insert a waypoint in the route:

i Select where the waypoint will be:

route, select Leg 1.

the route, select the unused leg at the end of the list of waypoints.

insert the new waypoint in front of.

and selec t Move.

and selec t Remove. The

and selec t Star t

and selec t End

and selec t Delete

and

To insert the first waypoint in a new

To insert a waypoint at the end of

Otherwise, selec t the waypoint to

ii Press

displayed. Select the waypoint to use.

As waypoints are inser ted, the distance and

bearing of each leg is shown automatically. If the route has more waypoints than will fit on

the display, press

5 To remove a waypoint from the route:

i Select the waypoint to remove.

ii Press

6 Repeat this process until the route is finished.

7 Press

8 Display the route on the chart (see section

6-2-3) and check that the route does not cross land or dangerous water.

. A list of waypoints is

or to see them.

and selec t Remove.

6-2-2 Editing a route

Editing a route from the chart

1 In the routes window, select the route to edit.

Press

2 The selected route is displayed on the chart,

with a circle around the first waypoint.

3 Edit the route as described in section 6-2-1 A,

starting at step 4.

Editing a route from the routes window

1 In the routes window, press

highlight the route to edit. Press and select Edit.

2 The selected route is displayed: the route

name and a list of the waypoints.

3 Edit the route as described in section 6-2-1 B,

starting at step 3.

and selec t Edit on cha rt.

or to

6-2-3 Displaying a route on the char t

To view the selec ted route at the center of the display:

1 In the routes window, press

highlight the route to display. Press and select Display.

Or, in the Chart window, press

Find, then select Route. Select a route from the list.

2 The 657 displays the selected route on the

chart.

or to

, select

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6-2-4 Deleting a route

1 In the routes window, press or to

highlight the route to delete. Press and selec t Delete.

2 Select Yes to confirm.

7 Satellites

GPS worldwide navig ation

The US Government operates the GPS system. Twenty-four satellites orbit the earth and broadcast position and time signals. The positions of these satellites are constantly changing. The GPS receiver analyses the signals from the closest satellites and calculates exactly where it is on earth. This is called the GPS position.

The accurac y of the GPS position is typically better than 10 m (33 ft) for 95% of the time. A GPS antenna can receive signals from the GPS satellites when it is almost any where on earth.

DGPS

A DGPS system uses correction signals to remove some of the errors in the GPS position. The 657 can use one of two types of DGPS system:

WAAS and EGNOS DGPS

WAAS and EGNOS are two satellite based

DGPS systems. The correction signals are broadcast by satellites and are received by the 657’s standard GPS antenna. The accuracy of the correc ted GPS position is typically better than 5 m (15 ft) for 95% of the time.

WAAS covers all of the USA and most of

Canada. EGNOS will cover most of Western Europe when it becomes operational.

6-2-5 Deleting all routes

1 In the routes window, press and

select Delete all.

2 Select Yes to confirm.

6-2-6 Navigating a route

See section 3-1-3.

Differential beacon DGPS

Differential beacons are land based radio

transmitters that broadcast correc tion signals that can be received by a special receiver on the boat. Differential beacons are usually only installed near por ts and important waterways, and each beacon has a limited range. The accuracy of the corrected GPS position is t ypically better than 2 to 5 m (6 to 16 f t).

GPS receiver

Northstar GPS units have a sensitive 12-channel receiver, which tracks signals from all GPS satellites visible above the horizon and uses measurements from all satellites more than 5° above the horizon to calculate the position.

Each time a GPS receiver is turned on, it normally takes about 50 seconds before it output s the first position. Under some circumstances it will take up to two minutes or longer.

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7-1 Satellite window

The satellite window has information about the GPS satellites and GPS position.

To go to the satellite window, press select More, then select Satellite.

The satellite window shows:

8 Sonar fishfinding: Introduction

Sonar functions require an optional sonar transducer to be installed and set up.

This section explains how to interpret the sonar displays, when and why to use the dif ferent frequencies and how fish are detected and displayed.

A Status of GPS antenna, for example

Acquiri ng, GPS fix, No GPS. If the unit is in Simulate mode it displays Simu late (see section 2-6).

B Time and date from GPS satellites. Time is

local time (UTC [GMT] plus local of fset, see section 17-13)

C HDOP: The error in the GPS position caused

by satellite geometry. A low value indicates a more precise fix, a high value a less precise fix

D Signal strengths of up to twelve visible GPS

satellites. T he higher the bar the stronger the signal

E Boat position

F Positions of visible GPS satellites:

Outer circle is horizon

Inner circle is 45° elevation

Center is directly above

North is at top of display

G If the boat is moving, COG is a line from

center

It also describes Gain and Range and shows examples of some of the different sonar displays.

8-1 Using the 657

The 657 uses a sonar transducer attached to the hull. The transducer generates an ultrasonic pulse (sound that is above the hearing range of the human ear), which travels down towards the bottom at a speed of about 4800 ft/sec (1463 m/sec), spreading out into a cone shape.

When the pulse meets an object, such as a fish or the bottom, it is partly reflected back up towards the boat as an echo. The depth of the objec t or bottom is calculated by the 657 by measuring

the time taken between sending a pulse and receiving the echo. When an echo has been returned, the next pulse is sent.

The 657 converts each echo into an electronic signal, displayed as a vertical line of pixels. The most recent echo appears on the extreme right of the display, with the older echoes being scrolled towards the left, eventually disappearing off the display.

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The scroll sp eed depends upon the water depth and scroll speed setting. See sections 17-3 and section 8-2, for more information.

The appearance of echoes displayed are affec ted by:

• the 657 settings (see sections 17-3, 8-5 and

8-6)

• echoes (dif ferent fish types, different bot tom

types, wrecks and seaweed; see section 8-2)

• noise (water clarity and bubbles; see section

8-2).

Cruising, Fishi ng and Manual Mode s

The 657 has three sonar operating modes:

• Cruising mode: Use this when on the move.

The 657 automatically adjusts its settings to compensate for water clarit y and to display the bottom.

8-2 Interpreting the d isplay

The sonar displays do not show a fixed distance travelled by the boat; rather, they display a history, showing what has passed below the boat during a certain period of time.

The histor y of the sonar signal displayed depends the depth of the water and the scroll speed setting.

In shallow water, the echoes have a short distance to travel between the bot tom and the boat. In deep water, the history moves across the display more slowly because the echoes take longer to travel between the bot tom and the boat. For example, when the scroll speed is set to Fast, at depths over 1000 f t (300 m) it takes about 2 minutes for the data to move across the display, whereas at 20 ft (6 m) it takes only about 25 seconds.

The scroll speed can be set by the user to display either a longer history with less fish information or a shorter history with more fish details (see section 17-3).

If the boat is anchored, the echoes all come from the same area of bottom. This produces a flat bottom trace on the display.

The screen shot shows a typical sonar display with the Fish symbols turned Off.

• Fishing mo de: Use this when fishing. The

657 automatically adjusts its settings to compensate for water clarity and to best display fish, the bottom and other details.

• Manual mode: Use this to fine-tune the

657 settings by hand. Best results are often achieved in manual mode, but practice and experience are required to obtain the optimum settings for dif ferent conditions.

For more information about modes, see sections 8-5 and 8- 6.

WARNING

Use the automatic Cruising or Fishing modes when learning to use the 657 or when travelling at speed.

Strength of echoes

The colours indicate differences in the strength of the echo. The strength varies with several factors, such as the:

• Size of the fish, school of fish or other objec t.

• Depth of the fish or object.

• Location of the fish or object. ( The area covered by the ultrasonic pulse is a rough cone shape and the echoes are strongest in the middle.)

• Clarit y of water. Particles or air in the water reduce the strength of the echo.

• Composition or densit y of the object or bottom.

Note: Planing hulls at speed produce air bubbles and turbulent water that bombard the transducer. The resulting ultrasonic noise may be picked up by the transducer and obscure the real echoes.

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A B

A Single fish

B Large school of fish

C Small school of fish

D Bottom

Bottom typ es

Mud, weed and sandy bottoms tend to weaken and scatter the sonar pulse, resulting in a weak echo. Hard, rocky or coral bottoms ref lect the pulse, resulting in a strong echo.

Frequency a nd cone width

The sonar pulse generated by the 657 transducer travels down through the water, spreading outwards in a cone shape. The cone width is dependent upon the frequency of the pulse; at 50 kHz it is approximately 45°, and at 200 kHz it is approximately 11°.

The differences in the cone width af fect what is displayed. See section 8-3.

Water Cone width Cone width Depth at 50 kHz at 200 kHz

25 20 5 50 40 10 100 80 20 150 130 30 200 170 40

300 250 60

400 330 80

600 500 120

800 660 150

1000 830 190

A Kelp / Weed

B Soft bot toms such as mud, weed and sand

show as narrow bands

C Hard bottoms such as rock or coral show as

wide bands

45° cone

11° cone

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Shadows

Shadows are created around areas where the ultrasonic beam cannot ‘see’. These areas include hollows on the bottom or beside rocks and ledges, where the strong echoes returned off the rocks obscure the weak echoes of the fish and may also create a double bottom trace. See following for an example of the sonar display in such an environment. A double bottom trace is shown on the display.

When looking for fish with the wide angled 50 kHz frequency, be aware of increased shadows. Use the high frequency 200 kHz in areas that have rocks and ledges because this frequency reduces the shadow effect considerably.

Exampl e of shadows

A Fish is visible on the display

B Fish is hidden by the strong

echoes of f the bottom and is not shown on the display

8-3 Single and D ual frequency fi shfinding

Sonar frequ encies

The 657 has two sonar frequencies, 200 kHz and 50 kHz. To select the sonar frequency to use:

1 Go to a sonar display (see section 9).

2 Press

200 k Hz , 50 k Hz,or Mixed.

, select Frequency and selec t

When to use 200 kHz

The 200 kHz frequenc y is especially suitable for use in shallow and medium depth water, typically less than 500 f t (150 m) and while running at speed.

At 200 kHz, the narrow cone reduces any noise caused by air bubbles.

The 200 kHz frequency generates a higher definition pulse which produces little shadow and returns excellent detail over a small area of bottom. Therefore, it gives excellent bottom

Sonar displ ay of same area

discrimination capability and is par ticularly good at showing individual fish, including bottom dwellers.

When to use 50 kHz

The 50 kHz frequency is particularly suitable for use in deep water, typically greater than 500 ft (150 m).

At 50 kHz, the cone covers an area of water about four times wider than the 200 kHz cone and penetrates to a greater depth with minimal loss of the return signal.

However, it produces a lower definition display with more shadow compared to the 20 0 kHz frequenc y. This means that a group of small fish, for example, could be displayed as a single item, while any fish ver y close to the bottom may not be found at all.

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This frequency is useful for getting a deep, wide overview of the area so that any areas of interest can be identified and then examined in detail with the 200 kHz frequency.

When to use Mix ed

The Mixed frequenc y combines the 200 kHz and the 50 kHz echoes on one sonar display, filling in detailed echoes in the center of the sonar cone.

When to use 50/200 kHz

Operating the 657 at both 50 kHz and 200 kHz simultaneously on a split display can be very useful when operating in shallow to medium water, typically less than 500 ft (150 m), because the 50 kHz sec tion of the display shows the general area, while the 200 kHz section can be viewed simultaneously for a more detailed look at any interesting feature.

To use 50/200 kHz, select the Split 50/200 display (see section 9- 4).

B B

A Narrow angle, more detailed 200 kHz cone

B Wide angle, less detailed 50 kHz cone

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Comparison of th e same fish scenario displ ayed at different f requencies:

1 minute ago 30 seconds ago Now

50 kHz display 200 kHz display

200/50 Khz display M ixed display

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8-4 Fish detec tion and display

Where to find f ish

Underwater features like reefs, wrecks and rocky outcrops attract fish. Use the 50 kHz or 50/200 kHz frequency display to find these features, then look for fish by passing over the feature slowly several times using the Zoom display (see section 9-2). If there is a current, the fish will often be found downstream of the feature.

When fishing with the 657 with the Fish symbols Off, a weak fuzzy band may appear between the bottom trace and surface. This might indicate a thermocline - a rapid change in water temperature, such as the edge of a warm or cold current. The temperature difference can form a barrier which the fish may not swim through. In fresh water, fish often collect around a thermocline.

Fish sy mbols

The 657 uses Northstar’s SBN II technology to analyse sonar echoes and identif y which are likely to be fish. The 657 can be set up to display a fish symbol and the depth over these echoes (see section 17-3, Fish symbols). While SBN is very sophisticated it is not foolproof - there will be times when the 657 will not be able to differentiate between fish and large air bubbles or rubbish.

Depending on the strength of a fish signal, the 657 can display a small, medium or large symbol (see section 17-3, Fish filter).

To see the maximum amount of information from the echoes, turn Fish symbols off. Fish appear as arches on the display.

Fish a rches

In good conditions, a fish passing through the cone-shap ed ultrasonic pulse is displayed as a fish arch. The 50 kHz frequency uses a wider cone than the 200 kHz frequenc y. This makes the fish arches easier to see.

A fish arch star ts when a fish enters the weak edge of the sonar cone, generating a weak echo that is displayed as the start of the fish arch. As the fish moves closer to the middle of the cone, the distance b etween the transducer and the fish reduces and the echo is displayed at progressively shallower depths, producing a rising shape. When the fish passes directly beneath the middle of the cone, the echo b ecomes strongest and thickest. As the fish passes out of the middle of the cone the reverse happens with a progressively weaker and deeper echo.

There are many reasons why fish arches may not be seen. For example:

• Poor transducer installation (see Trans om

Transducers Installa tion Guide).

• If the boat is anchored then fish will tend to

show on the display as horizontal lines as they swim into and out of the transducer sonar beam. Slow speeds in deeper water give the best fish arch returns.

• Range is impor tant. It will be much easier to

see fish arches when using zoom mode to concentrate on a particular section of water, rather than just displaying everything from the surface to the bottom. Zooming increases screen resolution and is necessary for good fish arches.

• It is difficult to get fish arches in shallow water

as the transducer sonar beam is ver y narrow near the surface and fish do not stay within the beam long enough to display an arch. Several fish in shallow water tend to display as randomly stacked areas of color.

• Wave motion may result in distorted fish arches.

Fun fish symbol Normal fish symbol Fun symbol + depth Fish arch + depth

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8-5 Range

Range is the ver tical depth displayed on the 657 sonar display. For example, if the range is 100 m, then the sonar display shows depths between 0 and 100 m. The range is displayed at the bottom, right corner of a sonar display.

The 657 has two range modes:

Auto: The 657 adjusts the range automatically

so that the bot tom of the water is always shown at the bot tom of the display. Auto range is recommended for normal operation.

To set Auto mode:

1 Go to a sonar display (see section 9).

2 Press

Auto.

Manual: The 657 does not adjust the range

automatically. If the bottom depth is below the range, the bottom will not appear on the display. Manual range is useful if the bottom depth changes rapidly, because Auto range will cause the display to change range frequently.

, select Range and select

To set Manual range or to change the range:

1 Go to a sonar display (see section 9).

2 Either press

press to decrease range

Use the Auto range when learning to use the 657 or when travelling at speed.

Zoom range and offset

The sonar Zoom and Bottom displays can show a magnified part of the range (see sections 9-2 and 9-3).

to increase range or

WARNING

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8-6 Gain a nd threshold

Gain and threshold settings control the amount of detail displayed on a sonar display:

Gain: The gain of the sonar receiver. The gain should be high to display good detail, but if the gain is too high then information from the strong bottom signal is lost and false echoes might be displayed. There is a separate gain setting for each sonar frequency, 50 kHz and 200 kHz.

Threshold: Return echoes less than the threshold are ignored. The threshold should be as low as possible, but if the threshold is too low, unwanted noise will be displayed. Threshold is set as a percentage of gain. For example, if the threshold is 50 %, then return echoes less than 50 % of the maximum signal are ignored. There is a separate threshold setting for each sonar frequenc y, 50 kHz and 200 kHz.

The gain wind ow

To display or change the current settings for gain, select a sonar display and press . Select Threshold to display the thresholds.

This display is called the gain window.

Changing mode

The 657 has three operating modes, In Cruising and Fishing modes, the 657 automatically adjusts gain and threshold for good performance. In manual mode, you can hand adjust the settings.

To change the mode from the Gain window, Select Mode and then selec t Fishing,

Cruisi ng or Manual. When you select Manual, the 657 reverts to your last manual

settings.

Changing gain and threshold

1 In the Gain window, press

the setting to adjust.

2 Press

or adjust the setting. The 657

changes to Manual mode.

Tip: Use the A-scope window to help set gain

or threshold manually (see section 9 -5).

or to select

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9 Sonar fishfinding: Displays

To show the Sonar display, press , then select Sonar.

There are five kinds of sonar display. To use a display, press then selec t the type of display to use:

No split: Sonar histor y display at a single or

mixed frequency (see section 9-1).

Split zoom: Sonar histor y plus a zoomed section

(see section 9-2).

Full screen zoom: See section 9-2.

Split bottom: Sonar histor y plus a bottom trace

in a zoomed section (see section 9-3).

Split 50/200: Sonar histories at 50 and 200 kHz

(see section 9- 4).

9-1 Sonar history d isplay - no split

, select Sonar splits,

Split A-Scope: Sonar histor y plus echo strength

(see sec tion 9-5).

If the display is split, adjust the split ratio if required:

1 Press

2 Press

3 Press

A Optional data header (see section 2-7-3)

B Depth

C Color bar

D Bottom

E Range

F Fish symbols with depth

G Depth line

The window scrolls from right (most recent echoes) to left (oldest echoes).

and selec t Sonar display split.

or to adjust the ratio.

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9-1-1 Extended h istory mode

To review an old sonar echo, use or to move back and forward through the sonar history. The time since the echoes shown on the screen were recorded is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press to return to the most recent echo.

The digital depth shown is always the current depth, even in extended history mode.

The Histor y Position Bar indicates the age of the most resent echo on the screen, and the position of the current screen in the recorded histor y.

9-2 Sonar Zoom and Full Scree n Zoom displays

A Divider line

B Depth line mark s the center of the zoomed

area

C Zoom bar

D Zoom section

E Sonar history

History position bar

These windows show a zoomed section of the sonar histor y. The Sonar Zoom display shows the sonar history on the right and the zoomed section on the left. The Full Screen Zoom display shows the zoomed section only.

The zoom bar on the far right shows the area of the history that is magnified in the zoom section:

• Press

• If Bottom lock is on, the zoom depth

If Bottom lock is off, press

Bottom lock

To turn Bottom lock on or off:

1 Press

2 Select On or Off.

or If Bottom lock is on, pressing

or to adjust the zoom range (the range of depths included in the zoom section).

(the depth of the zoom section) is adjusted automatically so that the bottom is always displayed in the zoom section.

or to

manually adjust the the zoom depth.

and selec t Bottom lock.

will turn it off.

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9-3 Sonar Bottom d isplay

A Zoomed bottom signal

B Sonar history

9-4 Sonar 50/ 200 display

The display shows the sonar history on the right and the bottom signal as a flat trace in the center of the zoom section on the left. The flat trace make it easy to compare the echo strengths shown in the bot tom signals. This can help to identify the type of bottom and objec ts close to the bottom.

The zoom bar on the far right shows the area of the history that is magnified in the zoom section:

• Use the range.

• The 657 calculates the zoom depth automatically.

It is not necessary to turn Bottom lock on for this

display.

The display shows:

A the 50 kHz sonar history on the left

B the 200 kHz sonar history on the right.

Gain can be set independently for each frequenc y (see section 8- 6). Range applies to both frequencies (see section 8-5).

or keys to adjust the zoom

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9-5 Sonar A-Scope display

The display shows the sonar history on the left and the A-Scope display on the right. T he A-Scope shows:

A, B, C The strengths of echoes being received

now from dif ferent depths - the longer the horizontal line the stronger the signal:

A Unwanted noise echoes.

B Echoes from fish and the bottom

C The strongest echo, usually from the

bottom

D A vertical line showing the threshold, the

weakest echo to display on the sonar history

E A vertical line showing the gain setting;

echoes above this strength will display as the maximum signal strength

Use the A-Scope while adjusting the gain and threshold set tings manually (see section 8-6).

Setting ga in and threshold

It is convenient to use the A-scope display when adjusting gain and threshold manually. Follow this procedure to adjust gain and threshold for normal circumstances:

1 Switch to a sonar display (see section 9). If

necessary, press so that the bottom is displayed.

2 If necessary, select the sonar frequency to

adjust the settings for. Press

Frequency and selec t 200 kHz or 50 kHz.

3 Press

Split A-scope.

4 Press

adjust gain or threshold for a frequency, press

or to select the setting to adjust, then

press or to change the set ting.

5 Set threshold to zero.

6 Adjust Gain so the peak of the strong signal

from the bot tom just touches the gain line.

7 Adjust threshold so that it is just to the right

of the noise.

or to adjust range

, select

, select Sonar splits then select

to display the Gain window. To

8 Press

9 If required, repeat these steps to adjust gain

and threshold for the other frequency.

Note: Setting the gain higher will display more detail from weak echoes, like fish, but will loose detail from the strong echo from the bottom.

to close the gain window.

Fish recogniti on

The echo strengths shown on the A-scope can be useful in recognising the type of fish. Different species of fish have different sizes and shapes of swim bladders. The air in the swim bladder reflec ts the ultrasonic pulse, so the strength of the echo varies between fish species according to the size and shape of the swim bladder.

When catching fish from a school, note the species and the strength of the echo that it returns on the A-scope. Then, when that particular echo is seen again, it is likely to be the same fish species.

Bottom typ e

The shape of the echo strengths in the A-Scope can help you to recognise the type of bot tom.

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10 Gauges window

The Gauges window shows boat data, such as water speed, as analog gauges. To select the Gauges window, press , select More, then select Gauges. Before using the Gauges window, set Speed range, Max RPM and Max fuel f low (see section 17-12).

Selecting a Gauges layout

To select a layout from the Gauges window, press

, select Layout, then select a layout from

the list.

Changing a gauge layout

You can change the data displayed on each gauge in a layout.

1 Select the layout to change (see above).

2 Press

3 Highlight the gauge to change. Press

and selec t the data to display in the gauge.

4 Repeat the above step to change other

gauges.

5 Press

and select Gauge setup.

11 Da ta wi n do w

The data window has large numeric data fields and a graph of depth and water temperature if available. To go to the data window, press , select More, then select Data.

To select what data is displayed:

1 Press

2 Change a data field:

i Press the cursor keys to highlight the

ii Press

iii Selec t a data item that is available on your

3 Repeat the above step to set the other data

fields.

Press .

and selec t Data setup.

field.

to display a menu of data

items.

system or select None to leave the field empty.

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12 Fuel functions and display

The Fuel functions require optional petrol/gasoline or SmartCraf t™ fuel sensors to be installed and set up.

12-1 Wh at the fuel computer d oes

Each engine has a f low sensor installed to measure the engine’s fuel flow.

The 657 uses these f lows, together with boat speed and engine RPM if available to estimate the fuel remaining in the tank(s), fuel used, range and fuel economy. This data is displayed on the fuel window (see section 12-2).

You c an:

display the fuel used during a trip

(see section 12-2)

set low fuel alarms (see section 12-4)

make fuel consumption curves - graphs

of fuel consumption and boat speed as a function of engine RPM - to monitor and optimise boat performance. (see section 12-6)

12-2 Fuel window

To go to the Fuel window, press , select More, then select Fuel.

The display differs according to the number of engines and tanks. If engine RPM is available and if you have made and selected a Fuel Consumption Cur ve (see section 12-6), press to switch between a Summary or a Fuel curve display.

The Fuel window sho ws

Speed

To selec t a boat speed s ens or, see section 12-5-1.

RPM (if available)

If engine RPM is not available, the display shows depth.

Remaining

The fuel remaining in the tank(s) is shown as a vertical gauge on the right of the display. The height of the yellow bar(s) show how much fuel remains in the tank(s). If you have set a low fuel

To ensure the fuel data is accurate:

When you add or remove fuel from a

tank, tell the 657 (see section 12-3)

If the boat has petrol/gasoline sensors,

calibrate them during installation or if the fuel readings seem inaccurate (see section 12-7)

Choose an appropriate type of boat

speed sensor to calculate economy, range and the fuel consumption curve (see sec tion 12-5)

If the boat uses a paddlewheel sensor

to measure speed, calibrate it during installation or if the speed readings seem inaccurate.

alarm (see section 12-4), a red bar shows the level at which the alarm will trigger. If there are two tanks, the left bar shows the por t tank, the right bar shows the starboard tank.

Used

The fuel used during a trip. On a multi-engine boat, the data for the por t engine is on the left of the display.

When you want to start measuring how much fuel is used, go to the Fuel window and:

In a single engine boat, press and

select Clear used.

In a multi-engine boat, the fuel used by each

engine and the total fuel used are shown. Press , select Clear u sed and select:

Port or Starb oard to clear the fuel used

by one engine

Both to clear the total fuel used.

WARNING

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Fuel window

12-3 When you add or re move fuel

When you add or remove fuel, you must tell the 657, otherwise the fuel data will be meaningless.

A When you completely fill a tank

Go to the fuel window and press

Then:

On a single-tank boat, select Fill ta nk.

On a multi-tank boat, select Fill tank,

then selec t the tank you have filled.

Note: Underf loor fuel tanks are often dif ficult to refill to the same level twice, due to air pockets.

With underfloor fuel tanks:

Trim the boat to the same angle in the water

each time you follow procedure A.

Mostly use procedure B below when adding fuel, but completely fill the tank and follow procedure A about every tenth time you add fuel.

Fuel flow

The fuel f low for the engine(s). On a multi engine boat, the data for the por t engine is on the left of the display. Use the f lows to check the load of each engine.

Range

The estimated boat range at the current fuel flow. The value can depend on the type of speed sensor (see section 12-5).

Economy

The distance travelled per unit of fuel used. The value can depend on the type of speed sensor (see section 12-5). The larger the value, the better the fuel economy. Adjust the throttle and trim to achieve the best economy.

Fuel consumption curve

A graph of fuel consumption and boat speed as a function of engine RPM. Use the curve to monitor and optimise boat performance (see section 12-6).

B When you partially fill a tank

1 Add fuel to a tank and write down how much

fuel you add.

2 From the Fuel window, press

select Add fuel.

3 On a multi-tank boat, select the tank that you

have added fuel to.

4 Change the number to the amount of fuel

that you added.

Note: If you follow procedure B ever y time you add fuel, then a small error will accumulate, because it is hard to measure exactly how much fuel you add. To avoid this, completely fill the tank and follow procedure A about every tenth time you add fuel.

and

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C When you remove fuel

1 Before removing fuel, go to the Fuel window,

press

2 On a multi-tank boat, select the tank that you

are removing fuel from.

3 Write down the value of Remaining for the

tank; this is the amount of fuel originally in the tank.

4 Remove fuel from the tank and write down

how much fuel you remove.

5 Subtract the amount of fuel you removed

from the amount of fuel originally in the tank to calculate the amount of fuel now in the tank.

and selec t Set remaining.

12-4 Low fuel alarm

To set a low fuel alarm for a tank:

1 Press

Setup tanks.

2 On a multi-tank boat, select the tank to set

the alarm for.

3 Select Tan k

trigger the low fuel alarm.

twice, select Fuel then select

alarm and enter a fuel level to

12-5 Boat speed senso rs

12-5-1 Selecting a boat spee d sensor

The fuel calculations can use boat speeds from the GPS, or from a paddlewheel sensor or pitot sensor if these optional sensors are installed:

Paddlewheel and pitot sensors measure the

speed through the water; GPS speed is speed over ground; these sensors can give different values for Range, Economy and the fuel consumption curves (see section 12-5-2).

A pitot sensor is more accurate than a

paddlewheel sensor at high speeds but is not accurate at low speeds. A paddlewheel sensor is more accurate than a pitot sensor at low speeds.

6 Change the number on the Set Remaining

menu to the amount of fuel that you calculated was now in the tank .

7 Press

Note: You can also use this procedure when you add fuel to a tank. In this case, add the fuel you have added to the amount of fuel originally in the tank to calculate the amount of fuel now in the tank.

When a low fuel alarm is set, the alarm’s fuel level is shown on the fuel window tank levels as a red bar. The alarm can also be set using the Alarms setup menu (see section 17-9)

To select an optional speed sensor

1 Press

Speed source.

2 To use a paddlewheel or pitot sensor, select

Water speed, otherwise select Ground speed to use GPS speed.

3 If you selected Water speed and you have

both a paddlewheel sensor and a pitot sensor:

i Press

ii Select Padd lewheel or Pitot.

Tip: You can select a different speed sensor

during a trip.

twice, select Fuel and select

, select SmartCraft and

select Speed type

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12-5-2 Water speed and grou nd speed

A paddlewheel sensor and a pitot sensor measure water speed, the boat speed through the water. A GPS measures ground speed, the boat speed over the bot tom of the water. If there is a current, then these speeds will be different, and the log, trip log, economy and range will be different, as shown below.

When the current is from ah ead, ground speed is less than water speed

Water speed 10 knots

Water speed is better for measuring the boat’s potential performance, Ground speed is better for going to a destination because it takes currents into account. To select a speed sensor, see section 12-5-1.

Water speed 10 knots

Current 4 knots

Gives a ground speed of 6 knots

For this example:

If the boat travels for one hour, uses 3 gallons of fuel per hour and has 50 gallons of fuel left:

Speed Log Economy Range

Using water speed: 10 knots 10 nm 3.3 nm / gal 165 nm

Using ground speed: 6 knots 6 nm 2.0 nm / gal 100 nm

When the current is from behind, g round speed is m ore than water sp eed

Water speed 10 knots

Current

4 knots

Gives a ground speed of 14 knots

For this example:

If the boat travels for one hour, uses 3 gallons of fuel and has 50 gallons of fuel left:

Speed Log Economy Range

Using water speed: 10 knots 10 nm 3.3 nm / gal 165 nm

Using ground speed: 14 knots 14 nm 4.7 nm / gal 235 nm

Gives a ground speed of about 8 knots Current 4 knots at 45º

Water speed 10 knots

Gives a ground speed of about 13 knots

Current 4

knots at 45º

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12-6 Fuel consumption cur ves

A fuel consumption curve shows fuel consumption (fuel used per unit of distance travelled) and boat speed as a function of engine RPM. Fuel consumption cur ves require engine RPM, which requires SmartCraft™ or diesel sensors to be installed. Fuel consumption curves are powerful tools for assessing boat performance in dif ferent conditions and for helping you to run at the most economical speed and trim for the conditions.

12-6-1 Making a fue l consumption cur ve

To make a fuel consumption curve you will need to run the boat in a straight line for about 15 minutes using the engine’s full RPM range. For your first curve, choose a calm day with light wind and little current; have a typical load and a freshly cleaned hull. Later, you can make fuel consumption cur ves for different boat, weather or sea conditions. Compare these with your first cur ve to see how your boat’s per formance changes with conditions.

Making a curve

1 Start running the boat in a straight line.

2 Choose a speed source for the curve (see

section 12-5-1). Normally choose Water speed to measure the boat ’s potential per formance.

3 Press

4 Select Fuel consum ption cur ve, then

select New.

5 Enter the comfortable maximum RPM you

know you can achieve for the engine rather than the maker’s value.

twice, then select Fuel.

Now, do not change the engine speed. Wait for about 60 seconds for the boat to stabilise, then press . Wait while the fuel computer records the data.

7 The 657 then asks you to set the throttle to

achieve a vessel RPM. On a multi engine boat set all engines to about the vessel RPM. When the engine RPMs are correct, the Vessel RPM box will turn green. Now, do not change the engine speed. Wait for about 60 seconds for the boat to stabilise, ensuring the Vessel RPM box stays green. Then press computer records the data.

8 The 657 repeats the above step to record data

up to the maximum RPM. Then the 657 ask s if you want to save the curve. Select Ye s. The fuel computer asks for a name for the cur ve. Change the default name if required. Then press . The 657 stores the new curve.

Note: To interrupt making the curve at any time, press

. Wait while the fuel

6 The 657 then asks you to set the minimum

RPM. Set the throttle to idle; on a multi engine boat set all engines to about the same idle RPM.

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12-6-2 Managing fuel consu mption curves

Renaming a curve

1 Press

2 Select Fuel consum ption cur ve.

Select Name and select the name of the curve to rename.

3 Select Rename and press

the name.

twice, then select Fuel.

. Change

12-6-3 Using fuel consumptio n curves

Deleting a curve

1 Press

2 Select Fuel consumption curv e.

Select Name and select the name of the curve to delete.

3 Select Delete.

Selecting a curve

1 You must make a fuel consumption curve

before you can use it (see section 12-6-1).

2 On the Fuel window, press

Fuel consumption curve and select the name of the curve to use.

3 On the fuel window, press

to select Fuel curve and display the fuel consumption curve.

Note:

a On a multi engine boat, keep the RPM of all

engines similar while using a curve.

b The shape of the curve depends on the type

of speed sensor you selected when making the curve (see sections 12-5-1 and 12-5).

twice, then select Fuel.

, select

if necessary

Using a curve

Compare your boat’s performance now, at the current RPMs, with the boat’s performance when you made the curve. You can compare your boat’s per formance now with a curve made under ideal conditions or with a curve made under similar conditions.

Inform ation in a curve

A RPM of the boat now. For a twin engine boat,

the RPM is the average of the two RPMs.

B Red cur ve: boat speeds at dif ferent

RPMs recorded when you made this fuel consumption curve.

C Red marker: the boat speed now. This marker

is below the red curve, showing that the boat speed now at this RPM is less than when you recorded the curve.

D Blue curve: fuel consumption at different

RPMs recorded when you made this fuel consumption curve.

E Blue marker: the fuel consumption now. This

marker is below the blue curve, showing that the fuel consumption now at this RPM is better than when you recorded the curve.

F If the blue curve has a dip, then running the

boat at this RPM will give the best speed for the least fuel consumption.

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12-7 Cal ib rat ion

Calibrate petrol/gasoline fuel flow sensors during installation, or if the fuel readings seem inaccurate and the other troubleshooting suggestions do not help (see appendix B troubleshooting).

Note

SmartCraft™ fuel sensors are factory

calibrated and should never need recalibrating.

On a multi engine boat, calibrate each

engine’s sensor. This can be done at the same time with a portable tank for each engine or at different times using one portable tank.

Calibrating a sensor requires accurate

measurement of the fuel consumption. This is best done using a small por table tank. At least 4 gallons (15 litres) of fuel should be used to ensure an accurate calibration.

It is often very difficult to fill underf loor tanks

to the same level t wice due to air pockets, so the more fuel used, the more accurate the calibration.

To calibrate the sensor(s):

1 Record the level of the fuel in the tank(s).

2 Connect the por table tank(s) to the engine

through the fuel sensor(s).

3 Run the engine at normal cruising speed until

at least 4 gallons (15 litres) of fuel has been used per engine.

4 Check the actual amount of fuel used per

engine by refilling the por table tank(s) to the original level and noting the reading(s) of the fuel dispenser’s gauge.

5 Press

Setup engines.

6 On a single engine boat, select Calibrate

and change the displayed value to be equal to the reading of the fuel dispenser’s gauge, then press

On a multi-engine boat select the engine.

Select Calibrate and change the displayed value to be equal to the reading of the fuel dispenser’s gauge, then press Repeat for the other engines.

twice, select Fuel then select

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13 Tides window

The tides window is available on C-MAP charts. The tides window shows tide information at a tide station for the selected date.

Note: The tides window requires the local time offset to be set to work correctly (see sec tion 17-13 )

To show the tides window for the tide station nearest to the boat, press then select Tides.

To go to the tides window for any tide station:

1 From the chart window, press

select Find.

2 Select Tide statio ns.

The tides window shows data for the chosen date

H J

CAUTION

The tides window requires the local time offset to be set to work correctly (see sec tion 17-13 )

, select More,

and

3 A list of tide stations are displayed. Selec t the

tide station to display. The chart redraws with the tide station centred.

4 Press

5 Select Tide height.

Choosing the date of the tide chart

1 Press

2 Select Today, Next day or Prev day.

To choose a different date from these, select

Set date, edit the date, press

A Tide station name and distance from boat

B Current time and chosen date for display

C Tide chart

D Night

E Dawn

F Day

G Dusk

H Tide height

I Time cursor, a vertical dotted line. Press

to move cursor sideways

J Time of cursor and tide height at that time

K Data for the chosen date

L Tide height cursor, a horizontal dotted line.

Press

M Height of cursor on the tide char t

N Moon phase for moon at the current time on

the chosen date

and selec t Chart info.

or to move cursor up and down.

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14 User card window

A C-MAP™ user card is an optional plug-in card that can store data files (see section 1-3). There are three types of files: waypoints, routes or a track.

To go to the user card window, press select More, then select User c ard.

CAUTION

1 Before using a user card, remove any chart

card and plug the user card in. When you have finished with the user card, remove the user card and replace the char t card (see section 1-3).

2 The older 5 volt cards are not supported.

The user card wind ow has:

File list

A list of the files on any user card in the 657. If there are more files than will fit on the display, press

or to scroll up or down a page at

a time.

Waypts, Routes

The number of waypoints and routes currently in the 657.

Track 1 to Track 5

The number of points in tracks 1 to 5 currently in the 657.

Note:

1 To save 657 data onto the user card, use the

Save command (see below).

2 Data stored on the user card and shown on

the file list is not available to be used by the 657 until loaded into the 657 with the LOAD command (see below).

Saving data to the use r card

This saves all the 657’s waypoints, all the 657’s routes or one of the 657’s tracks to one file on the user card.

1 Press

2 Select Waypts, Routes or Tracks.

3 For Tracks, select the track number to save.

4 The new file is created. Change the name

if required. The new file appears in the file list.

and selec t Save.

Loading da ta from the user card to the 657

This loads one file from the user card to the 657:

A waypoint s file: The new waypoints are

added to any existing waypoints in the 657. If a new waypoint has the same name as an existing waypoint but has different data, the 657 displays both waypoints. Select:

Skip: Do not load the new waypoint.

Replace: Load the new waypoint and

replace the existing one.

Skip all: Do not load any new

waypoints which have the same names as existing waypoints.

Rplc all: Load all new waypoints

which have the same names as existing waypoints; the new waypoints replace the existing waypoints.

A routes file: The new routes are added to any

existing routes in the 657. If a new route has the same name as an existing route but has different data then the 657 ask s which route to keep.

A track file: The new track will replace the

existing track in the 657.

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To load a file to the 657:

1 Select the file to load.

2 Press

and selec t Load.

Deleting a f ile from the user card

1 Select the file to delete.

2 Press

3 Select Yes to confirm.

and selec t Delete.

Rereading t he file information

This reads the file names from the user card and displays them. Reading does not load any file data into the 657. You should not need to do this.

1 Press

2 Select Read.

and selec t Card.

Formatting the u ser card

Formatting prepares a user card for use. Format the card if there is an error message saying that the card is not formatted. Any data files on the card are deleted.

15 AIS

AIS is short for Automatic Identification System. The International Convention for Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) requires all vessels greater than 300 tons and all passenger vessels to be equipped with AIS Transponders. All vessels equipped with AIS permanently broadcast via one or more of the two dedicated VHF channels. This transmission may include information about the vessels MMSInumber, its call sign, name, position, course, heading, speed, rate of turn and type of vessel.

This unit can receive and display AIS information when connected to an AIS receiver. Available AIS vessels transmitting in the local area are show on the chart when this feature is enabled.

1 Press

2 Select Format.

3 Select Yes to confirm.

and selec t Card.

Sorting th e file names

This sorts the displayed file names.

1 Press

2 Select sort by Na me, Ty pe or Time.

Do not format a chart card.

The following AIS receivers are supported by this unit:

• Comar SLR20 0 (external GPS).

• Weatherdock Two Channel AIS Receiver “EASY AIS”, Part No. 5-A-013 (external GPS).

• NASA Marine AIS Engine 2 channel Receiver (external GPS).

Other AIS receivers may work but have not been tested with this unit.

To enable AIS from the system menu check the AIS box. (see section 15-1)

and selec t Sort.

WARNING

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15-1 Viewing AIS Vessels

A AIS Vessel

B Dangerous Vessel

C Projected Course

D Data Box

When the cursor is placed over an AIS vessel for at least two seconds, a data box appears at the bottom of the window with information about the AIS vessel.

For complete AIS information on the AIS vessel place the cursor over an AIS vessel for at least two seconds and press

Press either or to clear the information.

15-2 Dangerous Vessels

The 657 calculates the time of closest point of approach (TCPA) and closest point of approach (CPA) for each AIS vessel.

This is used to determine potential dangerous vessels. If the TCPA and the CPA is below the trigger values then it will be considered dangerous. (See section 17-9 for setting the dangerous vessel alarm)

A dangerous vessel is indicated on the chart by a red circle around the icon.

TCPA 15 min

CPA 0.5 nm

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15-3 AIS Windows

To go to the AIS windows, press , select

More, then press or to select one of the

two windows: Vessels or Safet y msgs (rx).

If there are more items than will fit on the window, press

or to see the others.

Vessels

This is a sorted list of vessels currently being received by the AIS receiver. The maximum number of vessels that the system will support is

250. Once maximum is reached, vessels furthest away from the current location will be replaced. A vessel will be removed from the list if no information is received within 6 minutes from the last message.

Displaying a n AIS vessel on the chart

1 Press

2 Press

to select a vessel.

Instrument switches to char t window, with the selected vessel position in the middle.

and selec t Display. The

Displaying Ful l AIS Details

1 Press

2 Press

This window displays all information for

to select a vessel.

press .

the selected AIS vessel provided by the AIS receiver.

and select More Info or

Sorting Vessel s

Press , select Sort and selec t one of

the options.

This sorts the list based on the chosen

category.

Safety msgs (rx)

Safety msgs (rx) are broadcasted messages received by the AIS receiver. This window displays the date and time of message received, MMSI of AIS vessel that broadcasted the message, and the message itself. Safety msgs (rx) list will store up to 10 messages. The oldest message is replaced when the list is full.

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16 DSC/Buddy track windows

Buddy track requires an optional Northstar DSC VHF radio to be installed. Buddy track tracks other boats which have DSC radios connected to their GPS receivers by NavBus and are in VHF range. For information on setting up and using the VHF radio for buddy track, see the radio’s operation manual.

16-1 The displays

To go to the DSC/Buddy track windows, press

, select More, then select DSC. Then from

the DSC/BuddyTrack window press or to select one of the three displays: Distress, Poll or Buddy track.

If there are more items than will fit on the display, press

or to see the others.

Distress

Boats that have sent DSC distress messages and their positions.

When your DSC radio receives a distress message, the 657 creates a distress waypoint at the boat position. Distress waypoints have default names like DSTRSS01. The 657 displays a Distress warning.

Select:

OK to return to what you were doing.

Display to switch to Chart and display the

position of the boat sending the distress message.

Poll

Boats you have manually polled on the VHF radio, and their position at that time.

Buddy track

Buddy boats from your DSC radio. The radio regularly calls the boats and updates their positions.

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Boat positio ns

The boat positions on the 657 can differ from the true boat positions:

Distress: The position is the distress waypoint,

which is where the boat was when it sent the distress message.

16-2 Using the displays

Displaying a bo at on the chart

1 Press or to select a boat.

2 Press

switches to char t window, with the selected boat position in the middle (see Boat positions above).

and selec t Display. The 657

Going to a boat

1 Press or to select a boat.

2 Press

navigating to the boat’s position (see Boat positions above).

and selec t Goto. The 657 starts

Creating a waypoint

Polled and buddy track boats are not waypoints. To create a waypoint at the position of a polled boat (see Boat positions above):

1 Press

2 Press

or to select a boat.

and selec t Create waypoint. Edit the waypoint data if required (see section 5-2-7).

Editing a waypo int

A distress message creates a waypoint for the boat or you can create a waypoint at a polled boat’s position. To change the data of these waypoints:

1 Press

2 Press

or to select a boat.

and selec t Edit waypoint. Edit the waypoint data if required (see section 5-2-7).

Polled boats: The position is where the boat

was when you last polled the boat.

Buddy track: The position is where the boat

was when your radio last polled the boat.

On a chart window:

A Distress boats are distress waypoints

B Buddy track boats are buddy symbols

Deletin g a boat

At the Distress or Poll displays:

1 Press

2 Press

Buddy track boats automatically disappear from the Buddy track window when your DSC radio can not pick up their signal.

or to select a boat.

and selec t Delete. The boat is deleted from that display. Delete any boat waypoint manually (see section 5-2-5).

Deletin g all boats

At the Distress or Poll displays:

1 Press

2 Press

or to select a boat.

and selec t Delete all. All boats are deleted from that display and any boat waypoints are deleted.

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17 Setting up the 657

The 657 has a number of advanced features which are set up through the setup menu. We recommend that you become familiar with the operation of the unit using the default set tings before making any changes in these menus.

To go to a setup option menu, press twice, then select an option.

Note:

1 The Setup menu options are explained in the

following sections.

2 Section 2-1 describes how to set or change

data in the setup menus.

3 The setup data available will depend on the

optional sensors and instruments installed.

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Setup option me nus

Factory default settings are shown. The setup data available will depend on the optional sensors and instruments installed.

System (see 17-1) Chart (see 17-2) Sonar (see 17-3)

General, Water, Land and Other submenus (17-2)

Track (see 17-6)Fuel (see 17-5)GPS (see 17-4)

Alarms (see 17-9) Units (see 17-10) Comms (see 17-11)Logs (see 17-8)

Calibrate (see 17-12) Simulate (see 17-15)

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual60

Favorites (see 17-14)Time (see 17-13)

AIS (see 17-7)

SmartCraft™

(See the SmartCraft™

Gateway Installation

and Operation Manual)

Page 61

17-1 Setup > System

Press twice, then select System:

Language

Select the language for the displays.

Tip:

In case you can’t read the current language, the language setting is found at the top of the system menu.

Backlight

Select the backlight level for the keys and display (see also section 2-3)

Night mode

Night mode sets the palette for all displays.

Normal palette, for daytime

All displays have a palette optimised for night

time.

See also section 2-3. To change only the chart palette, see section 17-2.

Key beep

Enables or disables the beep when a key is pressed.

Auto power off

See section 2-2.

Factory reset

This option returns all of the 657 settings (except the language, waypoints and routes) to the default factory settings shown on the setup menus.

About window

The about window shows:

• The software version and date.

• The world chart version.

• Any card fitted.

• The number of waypoints, routes and tracks you have stored.

• Connector wiring information.

In the unlikely event of having to contact a Northstar dealer for service, quote the software version number and date.

Sonar

Disable any sonar transducer and disable sonar

functions.

A sonar transducer is fitted. Enable sonar

operation.

See section 18-6.

SmartCraft™

No SmartCraft™ gateway is fitted. Disable

SmartCraft™ functions.

SmartCraft™ gateway is fitted. Enable

SmartCraft™ operation.

See section 18-8.

AIS

No appropriate AIS receiver is fitted. Disable

AIS.

An appropriate AIS receiver is fitted.

Enable AIS.

See section 17-11.

Buddy track

No DSC VHF radio is fitted. Disable Buddy track.

A DSC VHF radio is fitted. Enable Buddy track.

See section 18-8

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17-2 Setup > Chart

Press twice, then select Char t:

Rotation

The options for chart rotation are:

North up: North is always at the top of the

chart window.

Track u p: The chart is rotated so that the

boat direction is to the top of the display. This option is useful for navigating narrow harbours or rivers. The 657 asks for a course deviation resolution; this is how much the boat direction needs to change to make the chart redraw.

Tip: If the chart redraws too frequently, increase the course deviation setting.

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual62

Course up: This option is only available

if the boat is navigating to a destination. The chart is rotated so that the plot ted course to the destination is vertical.

Pale tte

Select the color scheme for the LCD display. The options are:

Normal

Sunlight: Brighter colors, more visible in

sunlight.

Night: Reversed colors for night, to preserve night vision.

Map datum

657 GPS positions are based on a worldwide reference (datum) known as WGS 84. Most paper charts are based on WGS 84. However, some paper char ts are based on other datums In these cases, the latitude and longitude coordinates of objects on the 657 chart window are dif ferent to the latitude and longitude coordinates of these objects on the paper char t. This applies to all objects, such as the boat, waypoints, tracks, lines of latitude and longitude and cartographic features such as land, rocks, buoys and depth contours.

Use Map d atum to select the 657 map datum to match the datum of the paper char t. Then, the latitude and longitude coordinates of objects displayed on the 657 will change to match the corresponding coordinates on the paper chart.

Setting map datum

1 In the Chart setup menu, select Map

datum.

2 Select the map datum for the paper char t you

are using.

3 If you selec t a datum other than WGS 84

the 657 asks if you want to apply the NMEA datum offset (see below).

WARNING

When you change to a chart with a different datum, change the 657 map datum again.

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NMEA datum of fset

If you selec t a map datum other than WGS 84, the map datum of fset can be applied to latitude and longitude coordinates sent on the 657 NMEA output:

Latitude and longitude coordinates

displayed on any NMEA repeater do not match the coordinates on the 657. Latitude and longitude coordinates broadcast on any NMEA VHF transmitter will be the same as the coordinates on a WGS 84 chart.

Latitude and longitude coordinates displayed on any NMEA repeaters match the coordinates on the 657. However, latitude and longitude coordinates broadcast on any NMEA VHF transmitter will be slightly offset from coordinates on a WGS 84 chart.

Map shif t

WARNING

Map shift is for eliminating minor offsets. It should not be used if the correct datum is available. Use map shift with caution: incorrect application will cause incorrect boat positions.

General submenu

Plotter mode

Mixing levels

Anticlutter

Value added data

Normal: only scales available on the chart card can be displayed

If you press or to select a chart scale which is not available, on the chart card, the chart window will change to this scale but will only display the boat position and track (if enabled). The rest of the display is white with black crosshatch lines and no chart information is displayed. This is useful to zoom to a small scale to track small boat movements or if there is no detailed chart for an area

Mixes lower detail charts with higher detail charts on chart boundaries

Lower detail chart is not shown

Lower detail chart shown; this is slower to redraw

Names and icons shown. Note: this is independent of the change in detail shown at diﬀ erent

zoom levels

Hides some less important names and icons to make the chart clearer

Non marine chart data shown

Some charts have consistent position erro rs. To correct this, apply a map shift. Af ter a map shift:

The positions of cartographic features (such

as land, rock s, buoys and depth contours) move on the 657 chart window to where they should be.

The positions of the boat, waypoints, tracks,

and lines of latitude and longitude on the 657 chart window remain unchanged.

Applying a map shift

1 Move the boat to a known point on the chart,

for example a marina ber th.

2 In the Chart setup menu, select

Map shift.

3 Move the cursor to the position on the chart

where the boat actually is.

4 Press

5 Press

and selec t Set.

to set the new map shift. The boat will now be displayed at its actual location.

Clearing the map shift

Clearing the map shift removes any map shift from the car tographic features on the 657 chart window.

1 In the Chart setup menu, select

Map shift.

2 Press

3 Press

and selec t Clear.

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Projected course

The 657 can estimate the course after a given time, based on the current speed and heading (see section 3-4). The options are 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours or Off

CDI scale See Appendix C. T he options are 0. 05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4 .0 and 10.0 distance uni ts

Lat/lon grid

Displays a la titude and longit ude grid

Boundaries Displays boun daries around areas wh ere more detailed cha rt coverage is availab le:

Auto shows the ne xt four detail lev els; On show s all

Text/icon size Sele ct the size of char t text and icons

Water submenu

Water features

Displays marine sediment labels (for example, M shows areas of mud) and tide station icons

Bathymetrics Displays u nderwater depth co ntours between B ath & sndgs m in and max

Spot soundings Di splays depth soundi ngs between Bath & s ndgs mi n and max

Bath & sndgs min The minimum depth fo r Bathymetrics and Spot soundings

Bath & sndgs max The maxim um depth for Bathymetrics and Spot soundings

Tidal flow

Displays d ynamic tide flow s: arrows on a chart sho wing the present tide s tream and

orientation (requires a GPS ﬁ x and an NT-MAX card)

Land submenu

Land features

Land elevation

Displays land features, for example regions, rivers, roads, railways, airports

Displays land contours, shaded like depths (requires an NT Max card)

Other submenu

Waypoints Displays waypoints: Hide all only displays w aypoints on any selec ted route; Selected

Names

displays way points with their d isplay option set to Icon o r I+N (Icon and Name) (se e section 5)

Displays p lace names

Lights Li ght House display opti ons: Off hides a ll light indicators (th e icon still shows); No s ectors hides

sector s; On shows sector s; Animated activ ates light animation. Note: with light an imation enabled se ctors are not visibl e, animation only op erates in single chart vi ew or in the top chart of c hart + chart

Nav-aids Displays s ignals (fog, radar, rad io stations) and bou ys. Int and US select the icon f ormat;

Attention areas

Smpl draws simpler icon s

Displays at tention area boundar ies and information i cons ; at tention areas are impor tant

areas, such as re stricted anch orages or shallow are as

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17-3 Setup > Sonar

Press twice, then select Sonar:

Frequ ency

There is a choice of: 200 kH z, 50 k Hz and Mixed. For information about selecting a

suitable frequency for the water conditions. (see section 8-3)

Scroll speed

Use this to set the scroll speed on the display. There is a choice of: Ver y Fast, Fast, Medium, Slow and Pause. The depth of the water also af fects the speed of the display.

Faster scroll speeds combined with a slow boat speed (typically between 2 and 6 knots) shows the most fish detail. Medium or Slow scroll speeds result in sonar information being displayed over a longer period, but with less detail (see Section 8-2).

Fish sy mbols

The 657 always displays echoes from fish (fish arches, see section 8 -4). If fish symbols are on, a symbol is displayed over the arch (see sec tion 8-4). The options are:

• Off: No fish symbol is displayed.

• Fun or Normal: A fish symbol is displayed.

• Fun + depth or Nor mal + depth: A fish symbol is displayed and the depth shown beside the fish symbol.

Fish f ilter

Use this to select the minimum fish size that will be displayed as a fish symbol and to trigger the Fish alarm. The options are: Small, Medium and Large.

Fish sensitivity

Selects the minimum strength fish echo that will be displayed as a fish symbol. Higher values will display more fish symbols.

Digit size

Use this to remove or change the size of the depth window on the sonar displays. There is a choice of: Small, Medium and Large.

Pale tte

Use this to selec t a color palette. Each color within the palette represents a different echo strength, as shown on the sonar displays.

There is a choice of five color palettes: Black , Blue, White, Vivid and 8 color. The firs t four pallet tes display more detail, and each color covers a 1.5 dB signal range. The 8 color palette displays less detail, and each color covers a 3 dB signal range.

Interference filter

No filter, normal setting.

Filters the echo signal to remove spiky

interference such as engine noise or depth sounders on nearby boats.

Noise filter

Averages the echo signal to remove rapid changes. Select Meduim or High to give a smoother bot tom trace–this may help to detect a deeper bottom; however these settings may also remove fish echoes. Select Of f for best fishfinding.

Pulse leng th

This can be used to specif y the length of the transmitted ultrasonic pulse. A shor t pulse length improves the display detail but contains less energy, therefore it does not penetrate as deeply into the water as a longer pulse.

There is a choice of Auto, Short, Medium or Long. The Auto setting is recommended.

Pulse power

This can be used to specif y the power output of the transmitted ultrasonic pulse. Low power output conserves the battery and produces a clear display in shallow water.

There is a choice of Auto, Low, Medium or High. The Auto setting is recommended.

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17-4 Setup > GPS

Press twice, then select GPS:

GPS Source

• NMEA: Use the external GPS antenna supplied or an external GPS or DGPS source connected via NMEA (see section 18-10).

• NavBus: Use an external GPS or DGPS source connected via NavBus (see section 18-9).

DGPS Source

Enables or disables the satellite based DGPS correction (see section 7). The options are or WAAS/EGNOS. Do not enable WAAS/EGNOS outside their coverage areas or the accurac y of the position might be degraded.

WAAS covers all of the USA and most of Canada. To use WAAS, the GPS antenna must have a clear view of the sk y towards the equator. EGNOS will cover most of Western Europe when it becomes operational.

None

Restart GPS

Restar ts the internal GPS receiver for servicing or troubleshooting. The GPS receiver takes up to three minutes to restart. The satellite window

shows the status of the GPS receiver (see section

7). Restart the GPS if the receiver has not been used for some time and is taking a long time to get a GPS fix.

Static Navigation

When the boat stops or moves ver y slowly, the calculated GPS speed and course become erratic. Static navigation allows the erratic values to be filtered:

• 0.01 to 99.9: If the boat speed is slower than this, the speed is displayed as zero and the course stays unchanged.

• 0 (Of f): The calculated speed and course are always used.

Speed and Cou rse Filter

Waves and wind cause the boat speed and course to fluctuate slightly. To give stable readings, the 657 calculates these values by taking several measurements and averaging them.

A lower value averages measurements over

a shorter period of time. This gives the most accurate value but has the most f luctuations.

A higher value averages measurements

over a longer period of time. T his gives the most stable value but will ignore some [true] sudden speed changes.

Set the Speed and Course filters to the lowest values which give stable readings. The range of each filter is 1 to 60 seconds or Of f (0).

17-5 Setup > Fuel

WARNING

Fuel consumption can change drastically depending upon the boat loading and the sea conditions. Always carry adequate fuel for the journey, plus a reserve.

Fuel functions require optional fuel flow sensors to be installed. Press

twice, then select Fuel:

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Source

Select the fuel flow sensors to use if the boat has more than one set of fuel sensors. Normally select Auto.

Num engines

Set the number of engines, or select 0 to disable the fuel functions. If there are two engines they are called port and starboard.

Num tanks

Set the number of fuel tanks. If there are two tanks they are called port and starboard.

Setup engines

If the boat has more than one engine, select Engine and select each engine in turn.

For the selected engine, you can enter:

From tank: The fuel tank the engine is connected to.

Flow filter: Most engines do not draw fuel from

the tank at a steady rate. To give a stable fuel flow reading, the TRACKER calculates the flow by taking several measurements and averaging them. Use the Flow filter to set the period over which the fuel flow is averaged.

The Flow filter can be set from 0 to 30 seconds. Use the lowest value which gives a stable flow.Usually a value of 5 to 10 seconds will give a satisfactory result for two-stroke carburettor engines. Fuel injected or four-stroke engines may require a larger value.

This setting affects the Fuel flow and Fuel economy reading on the Fuel window but it does not affect the Fuel used reading.

Setup tanks

If the boat has more than one tank, select Tank and select each tank in turn.

For the selected tank, you can enter:

Add fuel, Fill tank, Set remaining:

See section 12-3.

Tank alarm: See section 12-4.

Tank size: The tank capacity. Northstar

recommends measuring tank size by draining the fuel tank, filling it to capacity and using the fuel dispenser’s reading. Beware of air pockets, especially in underfloor tanks.

Fuel consumption curve

See section 10-6.

Speed source

If both water speed and ground speed are available, select which to use for fuel calculations (see section 10-5-1).

Max fuel flow

The maximum fuel flow from a fuel tank to be displayed on an analog fuel flow gauge (see section 8)

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17-6 Setup > Track

Press twice, then select Track:

Tracking records and displays the boat’s course on the chart (see section 3-5). Five different tracks can be recorded: track 1 has up to 2000 points and tracks 2, 3, 4 and 5 have up to 500 points each.

Record

Off: The 657 stops recording a track.

1 to 5 (selec t a track number): The 657

starts recording the boat’s course into the selected track.

Display

Off: No track is shown on the chart.

1 to 5 (selec t a track number): The

selected track is shown on the chart.

Plotti ng Interval

Select the plotting and recording interval. The options are Dista nce or Tim e.

Distance

Select the distance plotting interval: 0.01, 0.05, 0.1,

0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 or 10.0 distance units.

Time

Select the time plotting interval: 1, 5, 10 or 30 seconds or 1 minute.

Memory used

The percentage of memor y used in the track being recorded.

Tip: Use the user card window to check the number of points recorded in each track (see section 14).

Send track

This option is included for compatibilit y with older units. For information, see your Northstar dealer.

Delete track

The data in the track selected for Record (see above) is deleted.

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17-7 Setup > AIS

Note: This feature requires an AIS receiver.

There are multiple methods to filter AIS vessels that are displayed onto the charts.

Filte r by dista nce

Vessels outside the radius selected from our current position is filtered off the chart. Default value is set to 300 nm allowing all vessels to be displayed onto the chart within that distance.

Filter by spee d

Vessels with speed below value selected by user is filtered off the charts. Default is set to 0 kn allowing all vessels to be displayed onto the chart.

17-8 Setup > Logs

Press twice, then select Logs:

The values can be reset independently of each other. These log values are saved when the unit is turned of f.

Show Dange rous Only

Show vessels that have a TCPA/CPA below the trigger values. This filter will override any other filter option.

Dangerous Vessel Alarm

When enabled an alarm will activate when both the TCPA and CPA is less than the trigger values. Even when this set ting is disabled the dangerous vessels will still be indicated on the char t.

TCPA Limit

Set the Time of Closest Point of Approach limit.

CPA Limit

Set the Closest Point of Approach limit.

Projecte d Course

Show the estimated course of all vessels based on their current SOG and COG.

Reset trip di st

This resets the trip distance to zero.

Reset total d ist

This option resets the total distance to zero.

Reset engine hours

Use this option to reset the engine hours to zero. This can be useful after an engine ser vice or to count the engine hours between service intervals.

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17-9 Setup > Alarms

Press twice, then select Alarms:

Symbol Alarm Alarm sounds when it is on and the:

Arrival radius

Anchor alarm Boat moves by more than the alarm trigger value

XTE Boat moves oﬀ course by more than the CDI scale (see section 14-2)

Danger Boat comes closer to a danger waypoint than the alarm trigger value

Loss of DGPS ﬁ x 657 can not receive the DGPS signal (beacon, WAAS or EGNOS)

Loss of GPS ﬁ x 657 can not receive the GPS signal (this alarm is always on

Loss of AIS receiver communication

Fish Echo matches the proﬁ le of a ﬁ sh

Boat is closer to the destination or to a waypoint than the alarm trigger value

657 is no longer receiving communication from the AIS receiver (Alarm is on when AIS is enabled)

All alarms except Loss of GPS fix can be turned on (enabled) or off (disabled).

For all alarms select select to turn the alarm off.

For most alarms there is a trigger value. The alarm will sound each time the alarm value equals the trigger value. For example, the alarm will sound if the boat comes closer to a danger waypoint than the trigger value and the

Anchor alarm will sound if the boat moves by

more than the trigger value.

Icons for alarms that are on can be displayed in the data header (see sec tion 2-7-3). An alarm icon is normally black and turns red when the alarm sounds.

to turn the alarm on or

Danger

Too shallow Depth is less than the alarm trigger value

Too deep Depth is greater than the alarm trigger value

Temperature Temperature equals the alarm trigger value

Temperature rate Rate of change of temperature equals the alarm trigger value

Low battery Battery voltage is less than the alarm trigger value

Low fuel Fuel remaining equals the alarm trigger value

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17-10 Setup > Units

Press twice, then select Units:

The default units are shown above.

Distance

nm (nautical miles), mi (miles) or km (kilometres)

Speed

kn (knots), mph (miles per hour) or kph

(kilometres per hour)

Depth

ft (feet), m (metres) or fa (fathoms)

17-11 Se tup > Comms

Use this feature when the 657 is connected to other Northstar instruments through NavBus or any compatible NMEA instrument.

Press twice, then select Comm s:

NMEA out

NMEA is generally used with third part y instruments (see sec tion 18-10). Select this to transmit NMEA sentences, for example to an autopilot.

NMEA data

Use this to specify which NMEA sentences will be transmitted (see sec tion 18-10 and Appendix A).

Height

ft (feet) or m (metres)

Fuel

Litres, USGal (US gallons) or ImpGal (Imperial Gallons)

Compa ss

°T (True north) or °M (Magnetic north)

Tem per atu re

°F (Fahrenheit) or °C (Celsius)

Wind (optional)

Requires a wind instrument: True or App (Apparent)

Note: that the units for wind speed are the speed units.

Pressure

Requires Smar tCraf t™: kPa or psi

Baro (Baromet ric pressure)

Requires a Northstar VHF receiver with barometer connected by NavBus: InHg or mB.

Lat/lon d ps

Select the number of decimal points used for latitude and longitude transmit ted in NMEA sentences.

NavBus

NavBus is the preferred method for connecting the 657 to other Northstar instruments. Select this if the instruments are connected using NavBus.

NavBus Group

Use this when a group of Northstar instruments are connected together using NavBus, to specify a group of instruments for backlighting, if required. Then, if the backlight set ting on one instrument in the group is adjusted, the other instruments change automatically. Otherwise, select 0. See section 18-9.

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17-12 Setup > Calibrate

Press twice, then select Calibrate:

Speed

This calibrates the speed from a paddlewheel sensor connected to the 657. Calibration may be required because different hull shapes have different flow characteristics. Obtain an accurate measurement of the boat’s speed from a GPS receiver; or by following another boat travelling at a known speed; or by making a timed run over a known distance.

Note: for accurate calibration:

• The speed from a GPS receiver should be greater than 5 knots.

• The speed from another paddlewheel transducer should be between 5 and 20 knots.

• Best results are achieved in calm conditions where there is minimal current (best at high or low tide).

Calibrating speed:

1 Travel at a constant, known speed.

2 In the Calibrate menu, selec t Speed.

3 Press

4 Press

or to change the displayed speed

to the true value.

Speed filter

Waves and wind cause the boat speed from the paddlewheel transducer to fluc tuate slightly. To give stable readings, the 657 calculates these values by taking several measurements and averaging them. Set the Speed filter to the lowest value which gives stable readings. The range is 1 to 30 seconds or Off (0).

Tem per atu re

The factory set tings should be sufficiently accurate for normal usage. To calibrate the temperature readout, first measure the water temperature with a thermometer known to be accurate.

Use the cursor keys to display the temperature readout box, then increase or decrease the value to match the measured temperature. The temperature can be set from 32° to 99.9°F (0° to

37.7°C) with a resolution of 0.1° unit.

To change the units between °F (Fahrenheit) or °C (Celsius). (see section 17-10).

Temperature filter

Water turbulence and currents cause the water temperature to f luctuate slightly. To give stable readings, the 657 calculates these values by taking several measurements and averaging them. Set the Temperature filter to the lowest value which gives stable readings. The range is 1 to 30 seconds or Off (0).

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Keel Of fset

A depth transducer measures depths below where the transducer is mounted on the boat, usually the bot tom of the boat. The 657 calculates the depths to display by adding the keel offset to all measured depths.

A Have a zero keel offset to display depths

below the transducer.

B Enter a positive keel offset to increase the

displayed depth. For example to display the total depths below the surface, enter the depth of the transducer below the surface.

C Enter a negative keel offset to decrease the

displayed depth. For example, to display the depths of clear water below the boat, enter minus the depth of the deepest part of the boat below the transducer.

Speed range

The maximum reading to display on an analog boat speed gauge (see section 10). Choose a range suitable for your boat.

17-13 Setup > Time

Press

twice, then select Time:

Local off set

The difference bet ween local time and UTC (GMT). Change local of fset when daylight saving time star ts and ends. The range is 0 to ± 13 hours, in 30 minute steps.

Tra nsd uce r;

depths measured below here

Depths measured below here

Fuel

See section 12-7, Calibration.

1 Select Local offset.

2 Press

or to change the offset, then

press .

Time format

The options are 24 hour or 12 hour.

Date format

The options are dd/MMM/yy, MMM/dd/yy, dd/MM/yy or MM/dd/yy.

17-14 Setup > Favorites

See section 2-7-2

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17-15 Setup > Simulate

Simulate mode is a way of becoming familiar with the 657 (see sec tion 2-6).

Press

twice, then select Sim ulate:

Simulate

Turn simulate mode off

Turn simulate mode on

WARNING

Never have simulate mode on when the 657 is navigating on the water.

Mode

There are two choices for Mode:

18 Installation

Correct installation is critical to the performance of the unit. It is vital to read the entire installation sec tion of this manual and the documentation that comes with the antenna and any other units before starting installation.

WARNING

Ensure that any holes cut are in a safe position and will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult a qualified boat builder.

1 Normal

Simulates the boat moving from the selected start point at the given speed and heading. The options required for Normal are:

Speed: The simulated boat speed to use.

Course: The simulated course over ground.

Note: To select the start point, go to the char t

window before starting the simulation. Then:

• To start the simulation from the boat position, press mode.

• To start the simulation from a different point, move the cursor to that point on the chart.

Tip: To calculate a course, use the cursor (see

section 3-3).

Tip: As the boat moves, vary Course to

simulate the boat moving off course.

2 Demo

Simulates a boat moving along a route and automatically displays dif ferent 657 functions. The options required for Demo are:

Speed: The simulated boat speed to use.

Route: The route to follow.

to switch to center on boat

CAUTION

Do not mount any part where it can be used as a hand hold, where it might be submerged or where it will interfere with the operation, launching or retrieving of the boat.

To help ensure proper operation, do not mount any part or cable within 0.5 m (20”) of the plane of a radar antenna or within 1 m (3 ft) of a compass or source of electrical noise, such as engines, fluorescent lights, and power inverters.

When fitting a cable, do not crush or strain the cable. Secure the cable at regular intervals. Ensure no connectors or exposed terminals are in wet area.

If the cables supplied are too long, do not shorten the cable; instead coil the cable. Most cables can be extended with Northstar extension cables. Do not fit more than one extension cable.

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18-1 Installation: Wha t comes with the 657

657 display unit , with a holder for pl ug-in cards and bla nking cap for fue l connector.

Dust cover fo r display unit

Power cabl e

Mounting b racket (screws includ ed)

GPS connection cable

Warrant y registration c ard

Norths tar 124 GPS antenna

Flush mountin g kit

Dual freq uency transom s onar transducer (inc ludes cable kit an d screws)

Tra nsom Moun t Tran sduc er In sta llat ion M anua l

Full Instru ction Manual CD

18-2 Installation: Opti ons and Accessories

• Replacement paddle wheel

• C-MAP™ NT-MAX, NT+ or NT char t cards.

• C-MAP™ user cards (3 V) for storing data. (The older 5 volt cards are not suppor ted)

• Northstar carr y bag.

• Northstar NavBus junction boxes simplify wiring, par ticularly if several instruments are connected. For more information, see the NavBus Installation Manual.

Optional se nsors and instrument s

External alarms: Lights or sounders in the boat to sound alarms through the boat (see section 18- 4).

GPS or DGPS antenna: For GPS navigation (see section 18-5).

Sonar transducer: For depth sounding and fish finding (see section 18-6).

Fuel sensors: For fuel functions. T he 657 can use these optional fuel flow sensors, fitted to one or two engines:

• Northstar petrol/gasoline sensors (see section 18-7)

• SmartCraft™ fuel sensors (see section 18-10)

DSC VHF radio: Tracks other boats with GPS receivers and DSC radios and displays barometric pressure (see section 18-8).

SmartCraft™: With one or two SmartCraft™ capable Mercury petrol/gasoline engines, the 657 can display engine data and trim and can control troll speed (see sec tion 18-10).

Other instruments: The 657 can receive data from other instruments and send data to other instrument s by NavBus or NME A (see sec tions 18-11 and 18-12).

Please consult your Northstar dealer for more information.

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Conne ctions

Display unit

(18-3)

Black

Power (18-4)

External alarms (18-4)

NavBus instruments (18-9) and VHF radio (18-8)

NMEA out to instruments (18-10)

Yellow

Blue

GPS antenna (18-5), Petrol/gasoline sensors (18-7), NMEA in (18-10)

Sonar transducer (18-6)

Power/data cable

Pin Wire Function

1 Black Ground: - power in, NMEA ground. (The cable has two black wires which are

connected inside the cable and it does not matter which black wire you use)

2 Brown Not used

3 White NMEA out

4 Blue NavBus-

5 Red Power in, +10.5 V DC to +30.5 V DC

6 Orange NavBus+

7 Yellow Auto power in

8 Green External alarm out, 30 V DC 200 mA maximum.

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18-3 Installation: The d isplay unit

Select a position for the display unit:

• At least 4” (100 mm) away from the compass,

at least 12” (300 mm) away from any radio transmitter and at least 4 f t (1.2 m) away from any antenna.

• Easy to read and operate. If possible, mount

the display unit in front of the navigator or to the right of the navigator because the LCD display is more readable from these positions.

There are two mounting arrangements:

1 Flush Mounti ng

Requires a solid panel with access behind for wiring and mounting screws. After f lush mounting, the display unit cannot be tilted or moved after installation to reduce any unwanted glare or reflections. Carefully select the best viewing position before installation. This would generally be in a shaded area.

1 Cut a hole in the bulkhead for the display unit

using the flush mount template.

2 Drill four holes for the mounting studs using

the flush mount template.

3 Screw the four studs into the brass inserts in

the back of the display unit.

4 Sit the display unit in place and fit the

washers and nuts to the studs.

• Not exposed to the direct sun or water and

protected from physical damage during rough sea passages.

• Easy to access the power source and

convenient to route the transducer cables.

2 Bracket Mount ing

Requires a panel for mounting the bracket. Ensure that the panel is not likely to deform and is not subject to excessive vibration. The bracket can be tilted and rotated. The display unit can be removed when it is not in use.

1 Hold the bracket in place and mark the screw

holes.

2 Drill the screw holes and screw the bracket in

place. Do not overtighten the screws or the display unit might not rotate.

3 Hold the display unit in place on the

mounting bracket shaft. Hand tighten the knob on the mounting bracket.

Knob

Mounting bracket

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18-4 Installation: Power/data cable

The power/data cable has a black locking collar and flying leads.

1 Wire the 657 for auto power to have the 657 turn on with the boat’s ignition switch or to to record

engine hours or if the 657 must add up the total fuel used (for example if Northstar petrol/gasoline fuel sensors are installed or if SmartCraft™ is installed without fuel tank level sensors). Otherwise wire for basic power (for more information, see section 2-2).

Basic power

Power/data cable

Red

Black

Auto power

During setup, set up Auto pow er off (see sections 2-2 and 17-1)

Yellow

Black

Fuse 2A

Main switch

12/24 V DC

Power/data cable

Yellow

Black

2 Wire any external alarm beepers or lights. The

alarm output switches to ground to sound the alarm. If the current is more than 200 mA, fit a relay.

3 Connect the power/data cable to the black

display unit connector; turn the collar to lock the connector.

Red

Black

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual78

Fuses 2A

Black

Ignition

Ignition switch

Main switch

12/24 V DC

Power/data cable

Red

Green

External beepers or

lights

Page 79

18-5 Installation: GPS a ntenna

Selecting an antenna

Fit one of these GPS antennas:

• Normally use the GPS antenna supplied.

• An optional differential beacon DGPS

antenna to give enhanced accuracy within range of land based dif ferential beacons in areas where WAAS or EGNOS are not available. Such a DGPS antenna has both a GPS receiver and a beacon receiver, and it automatically applies the beacon correction to the GPS position.

• A compatible GPS or DGPS instrument or

antenna connected by NavBus (see sec tion 18-9) or NMEA (see section 18-10). In this case, the 657 does not need its own antenna.

Note:

• To configure the 657 for different antenna options, see section 17-4.

For more information, contact your Northstar dealer.

DGPS Source:

Enables or disables the satellite based DGPS correction (see section 7). The options are None or WAAS/EGNOS. Do not Enable WAAS/EGNOS outside their coverage areas or the accuracy of the position might be degraded.

WAAS covers all of the USA and most of Canada. To use WAAS, the GPS antenna must have a clear view of the sk y towards the equator. EGNOS will cover most of Western Europe.

Restart GPS:

Restar ts the GPS receiver, satellite reception will be lost until the receiver completes its restart and acquires the satellites.

WARNING

MOB will not work if the Instrument does not have a GPS fix.

Select restart GPS and press

Installing an antenna

If an external antenna is required, install the antenna and fit the antenna cable back to the display unit. Follow the instructions in the manual supplied with the antenna. Fit an optional Northstar extension cable if required.

If a SmartCraft™ system or Northstar petrol/ gasoline sensors are fit ted as well, fit a AIS cable:

Yel low

Otherwise:

Yellow

GPS/fuel AIS cable

White

GPS antenna

Other connections

During setup, configure the 657 for the chosen antenna, see section 17-4.

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18-6 Installation: Sonar transducer

WARNING

Do not install plastic through hull transducers in solid wooden hulls. Leakage through the hull may result.

Do not install bronze transducers in metal hulls. This will cause electrolytic corrosion that may result in damage to the hull or transducer.

Blue

Sonar cable

18-7 Installation: Nor thstar petrol/gasol ine sensors

Fit the optional petrol/gasoline fuel kit following the instructions supplied with the kit.

Note:

SmartCraft™ engines have fuel flow sensors,

therefore Nor thstar fuel sensors are not required as well.

For dual engines, fit two kits.

Wire the 657 for auto power (see section

18- 4).

An optional GPS/fuel AIS cable is required.

Either:

• Fit the transom mount sonar transducer

supplied, following the instructions in the Tra ns om Mo unt Tr ansducer Ins tall atio n Manual supplied with the 657.

• For enhanced performance, fit an optional

through hull dual frequenc y sonar transducer and through hull speed/temperature transducer. Contact the nearest Northstar dealer for more information.

Connect the transducer to the blue 657 connector; tighten the locking collar.

During setup

a set Sonar to

b set up the sonar options (see section 17-3)

Yellow

During setup:

a set up Auto power off (see sections 2-2 and

17-1)

b set the fuel data (see section 17-5)

(see section 17-1)

GPS antenna (optional)

Yellow

GPS/fuel AIS cable

White

Fuel sensor cable

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18-8 Installation: SmartCraft™

If the boat has one or two Smar tCraf t™ capable Mercury petrol/gasoline engines, connec t the 657 to the SmartCraft™ engines with an optional SmartCraft™ gateway. The display unit can display engine data and trim and can control troll speed.

Note:

Fit a single gateway for single engines and a

dual gateway for dual engines.

SmartCraft™ engines have fuel flow sensors,

therefore Nor thstar fuel sensors are not required as well.

An optional GPS/fuel splitter cable is required.

If the fuel tank does not have SmartCraf t™

level sensors, wire for auto power (see section 18- 4).

18-9 Installation: O ther NavBus instruments

NavBus is Northstar’s system for connecting instruments together to interchange data and share transducers. When instruments are connected by NavBus:

If the units, alarms or calibration are changed

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. If the backlight is changed 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 the backlight is changed in an instrument

in group 0 then no other instruments are affected.

If an alarm sounds, mute it by clearing the

alarm on any instrument which can display that alarm.

GPS antenna (optional)

Yellow

Enter the SmartCraft™ setup data. For information on installing, setting up and using SmartCraft™, see the SmartCraft™ Gatewa ys Installation and Operation Manual.

NavBus and the 657

The 657 can:

Display wind speed and direction from an

optional Northstar Wind instrument.

Receive and display depth from an optional

Northstar depth instrument.

Receive and display boat speed and water

temperature from a paddlewheel sensor on an optional Speed instrument.

Receive data from an optional Northstar VHF

radio (with NavBus functionality). The 657 can display:

Baro: barometric pressure

Baro history: barometer history

Weather: a predication, based on changes in

barometric pressure

Fish forecaster: a prediction based on

changes in barometric pressure

DSC/Buddy Track: (see section 16)

Receive data from an optional GPS or

GPS/DGPS source.

Send data to optional Northstar instruments,

for example to a repeater.

Yellow

GPS/fuel AIS cable

White

SmartCraft™ gateway

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During setup for NavBus instruments, set NavBus

Black

and assign the instrument a NavBus

to group number (see section 17-11)

Black

Power/data cable

Orange

Blue

Other Navbus instrument

18-10 Installation : Other NMEA instrument s

NMEA is an industry standard for interconnecting instruments. It is not as flexible or as easy to install as NavBus. The 657 can:

Receive and display wind speed and

direction from an optional compatible wind instrument.

Receive and display depth, paddlewheel

boat speed and water temperature from an optional compatible instrument.

Receive data from an optional compatible

GPS or GPS/DGPS source.

Send GPS position and other navigation

data to an autopilot or other instrument. An autopilot requires APB, APA and VTG sentences (see section 17-11).

Receive data from an optional AIS receiver.

For information on sending NMEA data to the 657, see your Northstar dealer.

During setup to send NMEA data to other instruments, set NMEA out to the NMEA data to send (see section 17-11).

and specif y

18-9-1 Installation: Nor thstar VHF radio

Fit and set up the optional Nor thstar VHF radio (with NavBus functionalit y) following the instructions supplied with the radio.

Black

Power/data cable

Black

Yellow

Orange Blue

Blue Grey

Radio data cable

Power/data cable

White NMEA out

Black NMEA ground

GPS antenna

Yellow

GPS/fuel AIS cable

White

White NMEA in (requires Special Fuel Cable)

Red AIS data in

Black and Shield Ground

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18-11 Ins tallation: Setup and te st

Setup and test

1 Put a blanking cap on any unused connector

on the back of the display unit. Ensure all connectors are plugged in and the display unit is in place.

2 If the display unit is bracket mounted, adjust

tilt and rotation for best viewing and hand tighten the knob.

3 Insert any required C-MAP chart card (see

section 1-3).

4 Turn the instrument on (see sec tion 2-2).

When the 657 is turned on for the first time, it displays an installation menu:

i Select the language to use.

ii Change the data if necessary (see section

2-1)

iii When the setup data is correct, press

This data can be changed later

(see section 17).

5 Enter setup data to set up the 657 to your

requirements and to set up any optional sensors or instruments (see section 17).

6 At the satellite display, check that it picks

up GPS satellites. Wait for the GPS receiver to start up and the fix t ype to change from ‘Acquiring’ to ‘GPS fix’. This should take less than two minutes (see section 7).

7 Go on a test run to check that the navigation

equipment works correctly, par ticularly when a radio trans mitter or radar is used.

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Appendix A - Specifications

GENERAL

Size: 5.9” H x 6.5” W x 2.6” D (150mm H x 164mm W x 65mm D)

Display: 127 mm (5”) diagonal, TFT color, 480 x

640 pixels.

Backlight: Display and keys Supply voltage

10.5 V DC to 30.5 V DC.

Supply current: at 13.8 V 350 mA min - no backlighting. 1A max - full backlighting. ]

External beeper or light output: Switched

to ground to sound alarm, 30 V DC, 200 mA maximum.

Operating temperature

0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)

ALARMS:

User set: Arrival radius, anchor, XTE, danger,

dangerous AIS vessels, too shallow, too deep, ﬁ sh, temperature, temperature rate, low battery, low fuel (optional), loss of DGPS fix

Fixed: Loss of GPS fix

GPS NAVIGATION Chart card: C-MAP™ NT-MAX, NT+ or NT User card: 3.3 V C-MAP™ Waypoints: Up to 3000, with default or user-

deﬁ ned alphanumeric names up to eight characters.

Routes: 25 Routes, with up to 50 points each Tracks: By time or distance, one track of 2000

points and four of 500 points.

Chart datums

121 Chart datums (see next page) One user-deﬁ ned map shift.

Chart scale: 0.05 to 4096 nm for chart (chart

dependent) down to 0.01 nm in plotter mode.

SONAR FISHFINDING Depth range:

0.6 m (2 ft) to 1000 m (3300 ft )

Sonar output:

Power: Variable, up to 600 W RMS Dual frequency: 50 khz and 200 kHz

Transom transducer cable length:

10 m (33 ft)

Depth acquisition time from startup:

Typically 2 seconds at 30 m (100 ft)

Temperature:

Range 0° to 37.7°C (32° to 99.9°F) Resolution of 0.1° unit.

Speed (from paddlewheel transducer):

1 to 96.6 kph (57.5 mph, 50 kn).

FUEL COMPUTER

(Optional fuel sensor(s) required)

Engine types:

Outboard carburetted two stroke and EFI

petrol/gasoline engines: 50 to 300 hp.

Outboard four stroke petrol/gasoline engines:

90 to 300 hp.

Inboard petrol/gasoline engines: 70 to 400 hp.

Flow rate:

Minimum: 5 litres per hour (1.3 U.S. gallons per

hour).

Maximum: 130 litres per hour (34 U.S. gallons

per hour).

COMMUNICATIONS NavBus

Connection to other Northstar instruments.

NMEA

NMEA 0183 ver 2 4800 baud

Inputs from compatible instruments: BWR, DPT, GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, HDG, HDM,

HDT, MTW, MWV, RMC, VHW, VTG and DBT

Outputs, for compatible instruments:

APA, APB, BWR, DBT, DPT, GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, RMB, RMC, MTW, VHW, VLW, VTG, XTE

STANDARDS COMPLIANCE EMC:

USA: FCC Part 15 Class B. Europe: (CE) EN64000-6-1 and EN64000-6-3 New Zealand and Australia: (C Tick) AS-NZS

3548.

Environment: IPx6/IPx7/CFR46 (with card holder

and connections in place)

Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual84

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33.1

164.0

mm ( 6.5 ")

mm ( 1.3 ")

32.0

mm ( 1.3 ")

)"9.5 ( mm

)"5.6 ( mm

0.051

0.661

)" 5 ( mm 721

88.5

mm ( 3.5 ")

List of datums

Adindan Afgooye AIN EL ABD 1970 American Samoa 1962 Anna 1 Astro 1965 Antigua Island Astro 1943 ARC 1950 ARC 1960 Ascension Island 1958 Astro Beacon ‘E’ 1945 Astro DOS 71/4 Astro Station 1952 Astro Tern Island (Frig) 1961 Australian Geodetic 1966 Australian Geodetic 1984 Ayabelle Lighthouse Bellevue (IGN) Bermuda 1957 Bissau Bogota Observatory Bukit Rimpah Camp Area Astro Campo Inchauspe 1969 Canton Astro 1966 Cape Cape Canaveral Carthage Chatham Island Astro 1971 Chua Astro Co-ord. Sys.1937 Estonia Corrego Alegre Dabola Deception Island Djakarta (Batavia) DOS 1968 Easter Island 1967 European 1950 European 1979 Fort Thomas 1955 Gan 1970 Geodetic Datum 1949 Graciosa Base Sw 1948 Guam 1963 Gunung Segara GUX 1 Astro Herat North Hermannskogel Hjorsey 1955 Hong Kong 1963 Hu-Tzu-Shan Indian Indian 1954 Indian 1960 Indian 1975 Indonesian 1974 Ireland 1965 ISTS 061 Astro 1968 ISTS 073 Astro 1969 Johnston Island 1961 Kandawala Kerguelen Island 1949 Kertau 1948 Kusaie Astro 1951 L. C. 5 Astro 1961 Leigon Liberia 1964 Luzon M’Poraloko Mahe 1971 Massawa Merchich Midway Astro 1961 Minna Montserrat Island Astro 1958 Nahrwan Masirah Is. Oman Nahrwan United Arab Emirates Nahrwan Saudi Arabia Naparima, BWI North American 1927 North American 1983 North Sahara 1959 Observatorio Meteorolog. 1939 Old Egyptian 1907 Old Hawaiian Oman Ord. Survey Great Britain 1936 Pico de las Nieves Pitcairn Astro 1967 Point 58 Pointe Noire 1948 Porto Santo 1936 Provis. South American 1956 Provis. South Chilean 1963 Puerto Rico Pulkovo 1942 Qatar National Qornoq Reunion Rome 1940 S-42 (Pulkovo 1942) Santo (DOS) 1965 Sao Braz Sapper Hill 1943 Schwarzeck Selvagem Grande 1938 Sierra Leone 1960 S-JTSK South American 1969 South Asia Tananarive Observatory 1925 Timbalai 1948 Tokyo Tristan Astro 1968 Viti Levu 1916 Voirol 1874 Voirol 1960 Wake Island Astro 1952 Wake-Eniwetok 1960 WGS 84 Yacare Zanderij

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Appendix B - Troubleshooting

This troubleshooting guide is written with the assumption that the user has read and understood the relevant sections in this manual.

It is possible in many cases to solve difficulties without having to send the display unit back to the manufacturer for repair. Please follow this troubleshooting section before contacting the nearest Nor thstar dealer.

There are no user serviceable parts. Specialized methods and testing equipment are required to ensure that the display unit is reassembled correctly and is waterproof. Users who service the product themselves will void the warrant y.

B-1 General problems

1-1 The 657 won’t turn on:

a The 657 is designed to operate on a 12/24

volt batter y system, where the voltage may vary from 10.5 to 30.5 volts. If an excessive voltage is supplied, a fuse will be tripped, turning the display unit off. Check the fuse.

b Check that the power cable connector at the

back of the display unit is securely plugged in and the collar is locked in place. The collar must be secure for watertight connection.

c Measure the battery voltage while the battery

is under load - turn on some lights, radio or other electrical equipment connected to the battery. If the voltage is less than 10 volts:

- the batter y terminals or wiring on the

terminals may be corroded.

- the battery may not be charging

correctly or may need replacing.

d Inspect the power cable from end to end for

damage such as cuts, breaks, squashed or trapped sections.

e Check power wiring (see section 18-4).

f Check for corrosion on the power cable

connector and clean or replace if required.

g Check fuses that are placed in line with the

power cable. A fuse can be blown despite appearing to be good or the fuse may be corroded. Test the fuse or replace it with a fuse known to be good.

Repairs to the product may only be carried out by a service center approved by Northstar. If the product must be sent into a service center for repair, it is essential to send in the transducer(s) at the same time.

More information can be found on our website: www.northstarnav.com.

1-2 The 657 won’t turn off:

The 657 may have been wired for Auto

power. In this case, the 657 cannot be turned off while the ignition power is on (see section 2-2).

1-3 If the 657 beeps when turned on but

nothing is displayed:

The 657 may be operating, but the backlight

settings may have been set too low (see section 2-3).

1-4 The wrong language is displayed:

See section 17-1.

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B-2 GPS navigation proble ms

2-1 No GPS fix or long time to get f ix at

startup:

a May occur occasionally if the antenna does

not have a clear view of the sky. The satellite positions are constantly changing.

b Antenna cable not connected to display unit.

2-2 657 GPS posi tion differ ent from true

position by more t han 10 m (33 ft):

a 657 in simulate mode. Turn simulate mode off

(see sec tion 17-15).

b The normal error in GPS position will exceed

10 m (33 ft) for about 5% of the time.

c Under special circumstances the US

Department of Defence may introduce a deliberate and changing error in the GPS positions of up to 300 m (1000 ft).

2-3 657 position different f rom same

position on loc al charts:

a 657 in simulate mode. Turn simulate mode off

(see sec tion 17-15).

b Incorrect char t datum. Select the correct

chart datum (see section 17-2).

c Map shif t has been applied wrongly. Clear

map shift, then reapply if necessar y (see section 17-2).

2-4 Can not see b oat on chart:

Press to switch to center on boat

mode (see section 3-2-1).

2-5 The time or date on satellite window is

wrong or off:

a No GPS fix.

b In simulate mode. Turn simulate mode of f

(see sec tion 17-15).

c Local time offset is wrong (see section 17-13).

The Local Time Offset must be changed when daylight saving time starts or ends.

2-6 Autopilot not res ponding to 657; no

NMEA output:

a NMEA output disabled or the required NMEA

sentences are not turned on. Check NMEA settings (see section 17-10).

b Check that the instrument is connected

correctly.

2-7 No DGPS fix or loss o f DGPS fix:

a To receive a DGPS fix, WAAS/EGNOS must be

enabled or an optional DGPS antenna fit ted (see section 7).

b With WAAS/EGNOS: Boat out of coverage

area (see sec tion 7).

c With WAAS: GPS antenna does not have a

clear view of the horizon towards the equator.

b With beacon DGPS: boat out of range of a

DGPS beacon.

B-3 Fuel consumption p roblems

3-1 Fuel used or remaining seem inaccurate:

a 657 is not wired for auto power (see section

18- 4).

b In rough seas, fuel may surge back and forth

through the fuel transducer, resulting in incorrect readings. Try installing a one-way valve between the fuel transducer and the fuel tank.

c The Set remaining fuel value must be

reset after every refuelling (see section 12-1).

d The fuel tank may not refill to the same

capacity each time due to air pockets.

This is particularly noticable with underfloor tanks.

e Fuel transducers wear out over time and

should be replaced after every 500 0 litres of fuel.

3-2 Flow indicates no fuel or low fuel:

a Check that the number of engines is set to 1

(see sec tion 17-5).

b Check that the fuel cable connectors are

securely plugged in and the collar is locked in place. The collar must be locked in place to give a watertight connec tion.

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c A fuel transducer may be clogged. If so,

remove the transducer from the fuel line and gently blow through it in the opposite direction to the fuel f low.

A fuel filter between the fuel transducer and

the fuel tank must be installed as per the fuel installation guide. Failure to do so will void the warrant y.

d Inspect the fuel cable from end to end for

damage such as cuts, breaks, trapped or squashed sections.

e Check that the fuel filter is clean.

3-3 A twin engine installation shows only one

flow rate:

a Check that the number of engines is set to 2

(see sec tion 17-5).

B-4 Sonar fis hfinding problems

4-1 The 657 operates erratically:

a Check that the transducer does not have

debris (e.g. weed, plastic bag) caught around it.

b The transducer may have been damaged

during launching, running aground or while under way with debris etc. If the transducer has been impacted, it may have been kicked up on the bracket. If it is not physically damaged, reset the transducer back to its original position. (See the Tr ans om Transducer Installation Guide.)

c When the transducer is less that 2 ft (0.6 m)

from the bot tom, the depth readings may become inconsistent and erratic.

d Manual Gain may be set too low, which may

cause weak bottom echo or no fish signals. If in Manual Gain, tr y increasing the Gain.

e Ensure the back of the bottom sur face of the

transducer is slightly lower than the front and the front is as deep in the water as possible in order to minimize the generation of bubbles through cavitation. (See the Tran so m Transducers Installa tion Guide)

f Check the transducer and power cable

connectors at the back of the display unit

3-4 Erratic Fuel Flow readings:

a The fuel flow transducer may have been

mounted too close to the fuel pump or may be subject to excessive vibration. Refer to the installation instructions supplied with the fuel transducer.

b Check for leaks in the fuel line or in the fuel

pickup in the tank.

c The Flow filter value is not suitable for

the engine. Check that the value is not set to zero, then try increasing the value until a steady flow rate is shown (see section 17-5).

3-5 There is no reading for fuel economy:

a The boat must be travelling through the

water to generate an Economy reading.

b Check that the paddlewheel on the

transducer is spinning freely and that the two magnets in the paddlewheel are still in place.

are securely plugged in and the collars are locked in place. The collars must be secure for watertight connection.

g Inspect the power cable from end to end for

damage such as cuts, breaks, squashed or trapped sections.

h Ensure there is not another fishfinder or

depth sounder turned on, which may interfere with this 657.

i Electrical noise from the boat’s engine or

an accessor y may be interfering with the transducer(s) and/or the 657. This may cause the 657 to automatically decrease the Gain unless using Manual Gain.

The 657 thus eliminates weaker signals such

as fish or even the bottom from the display. This may be checked by switching off other instruments, accessories (e.g. bilge pump) and the motor until the offending device is located. To stop problems from electrical noise, try:

- re -routing the power and transducer cable(s) away from the boat’s other electrical wiring.

- routing the display unit’s power cable directly to the batter y with an in-line fuse.

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4-2 Bottom is not displayed:

a The 657 may have Manual Range selected

and the depth may be outside the range value selected. Either change the 657 to Auto Range or select another depth range (see section 8-5).

b The depth may be outside the 657’s range.

While in Auto Range, the display unit will display “--.-” to indicate that there is no bottom detected. A display of the bottom should reappear when in shallower water.

4-3 The bottom is displayed too far up

the screen:

The 657 may have Manual Range selected

and the selected Range value is too high for the depth. Either change the 657 to Auto Range or select another depth range (see section 8-5)

4-4 Bottom echo disappears or erratic digital

reading while the boat is moving:

a Ensure the back of the bottom surface of

the transducer is slightly lower than the front and the front is as deep in the water as possible in order to minimise the generation of bubbles through cavitation. (See the Transom Transducers Installat ion Guide, for more information.)

b The transducer may be in turbulent water.

Air bubbles in the water disrupt the echoes returned, interfering with the 657’s ability to find the bot tom or other targets. This often happens when the boat is reversed. The transducer must be mounted in a smooth flow of water in order for the 657 to work at all boat speeds.

c Electrical noise from the boat’s motor can

interfere with the 657. Try some suppression spark plugs.

4-5 There is a double bottom trace displayed:

a The boat may be in an area that generates

shadows (see section 8-2).

b In shallow water, the echoes may bounce.

Reduce the gain setting (see sec tion 8- 6) and/or reduce the sonar pulse power (see section 17-3).

c Decrease the Range.

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Appendix C - Glossary and navigation data

Glossary

Attenti on Area - An important area on a chart, such as a restric ted anchorage or a shallow area (see section 17-2).

AIS - Automatic Identification System. A System where vessel information (location, course, speed, etc.) is broadcast by VHF radio, for use by other vessels in navigation and collision avoidance.

Bathymetric line - A depth contour line on the chart.

Chart card - A plug-in card that stores chart data for a region (see section 1-3).

C-MAP™ chart card - See Chart card.

C-MAP™ user ca rd - See User card.

CPA - Closest Point of Approach. The closest

distance two vessels will come to each other based on their current course and speed.

Cursor - A 3-2).

DGPS - Differential Global Positioning System. A navigation tool based on GPS with some errors corrected (see section 7).

DSC - Digital Selective Calling. A feature of marine radios enabling communication between specific vessels, as well as distress alerts.

Goto - A simple way of navigating straight to a waypoint or to the cursor position (see section 3-1).

GPS - Global Positioning System. A satellitebased navigation tool (see section 7).

Leg - The straight segments of a route between waypoints. A route with four waypoints has three legs.

symbol on the display (see section

MMSI - Maritime Mobile Service Identity. Unique identification number for a vessel, for use in Digital Selective Calling.

MOB - Man overboard.

MOB function - Starts navigating back to the

place where someone fell overboard (see section 2-4).

NavBus - A way of connecting Northstar instruments together to share data (see sec tion 18- 9).

NMEA - National Marine Electronics Association.

NMEA 0183 - A standard for interfacing marine

electronic devices (see section 18-10).

Route: Two or more waypoint s linked in sequence to form a course for the boat (see section 6).

SmartCraft - A feature of Mercury Marine engines for monitoring engine performance.

TCPA - Time to Closest Point of Approach. Time until the closest point of approach for two vessels.

User card - A plug-in card that stores waypoints, routes and tracks (see section 1-2).

UTC - Universal Time Coordinated or Coordinated Universal Time, which is a standard world time, formerly called Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

VHF - Very High Frequency. The frequency range used by marine radios.

Waypoint - A position that you can set on the 657 chart, for example a fishing spot or a point on a route (see section 5).

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Page 91

Navigation data

The boat is sailing from the start to the destination and has moved oﬀ the plotted course from the start to the destination.

BRG Bearing to Destination: Bearing to the destination from the boat.

BRG Bearing to cursor: Bearing to cursor from boat (cursor mode, see section 3-2-1 [note the -1 added

there])

CDI Course Deviation Indicator: When the boat is navigating to a point, the chart and highway

windows show a parallel line on either side of the plotted course. These two lines are called the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) lines. The distance from the plotted course to a CDI line is the CDI scale.

Set the CDI scale (see section 17-2) to the maximum distance that the boat should deviate from

the plotted course. The chart and highway windows show the CDI lines, which are like a highway over the water where the boat will move. The windows show how far the boat has deviated from the plotted course and if the boat is approaching a CDI line. If the XTE alarm is enabled (see section 17-9) an alarm will sound if the boat reaches a CDI line.

COG Course Over Ground: Direction in which the boat is moving over the ground.

CTS Course To Steer: Optimum course to steer to return to the plotted course.

DTG Distance To Go: Distance from the boat to the destination.

ETA Expected Time of Arrival: At the destination, assuming that SOG and COG remain constant.

DST Distance from boat to cursor (cursor mode, see section 3-2)

SOG Speed Over Ground: Current boat speed over the ground. This is not necessarily the same as

the boat speed through the water nor the speed at which it is approaching the destination.

STR Steering: The diﬀ erence between COG and CTS.

TTG Time To Go: The estimated time to reach the destination.

XTE Cross Track Error: The distance from the boat to the nearest point of the plotted course. XTE

may have a letter: R means steer to the right to return to the plotted course, L means steer to the left.

VMG Velocity Made Good: The speed at which the boat is approaching the destination.

Destination

SOG (speed)

STR

Plotted course

Start

DTG (distance)

VMG (speed)

BRG

COG

CTS

Boat position

Destination

Plotted course

I li CD

CDI scale (distance)

Start

XTE (distance)

Boat position

CDI scale (distance)

I li CD

91Northstar Explorer 657 Installation and Operation Manual

Page 92

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