Page 1
Explorer 660
Chartplotter and Fishfi nder
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
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 practices.
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
CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
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 660
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.
Copyright © 2006 Brunswick New Technologies
Inc. Northstar™ is a registered trademark of
Brunswick New Technologies Inc
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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Contents
Important ................................................................................................................................................ 6
1 Introdu ction ......................................................................................................................................... 7
1-1 Cleaning and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1-2 Plug-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1-3 Removing and replacing the display unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2 Basic Op eration .................................................................................................................................... 10
2-1 Turning on and off / auto power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-2 Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-3 Man overboard (MOB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2-4 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2-5 Simulate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2-6 The main displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
3 Navigati on: Chart ................................................................................................................................. 17
3-1 Introduction to navigating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3-2 Chart display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3-3 Distance and bearing calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3-4 GOTO: Navigating to a point or along a route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
3-5 Projected course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3-6 Tracks and tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
4 Navigati on: Highway display ................................................................................................................ 22
5 Navigati on: Waypoints ......................................................................................................................... 23
5-1 Waypoints display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
5-2 Managing waypoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5-3 Navigating to a waypoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
6 Navigati on: Routes .............................................................................................................................. 26
6-1 Routes display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6-2 Managing routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6-3 Navigating a route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
7 Satelli tes ............................................................................................................................................. 29
7-1 Satellite display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
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8 Sonar f ishfinding : Introductio n ........................................................................................................... 31
8-1 Using the Explorer 660 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
8-2 Interpreting the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
8-3 Single and Dual frequency fishfinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
8-4 Fish detection and display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
8-5 Gain, threshold and range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
9 Sonar f ishfinding : Displays .................................................................................................................. 39
9-1 Sonar history display - no split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
9-2 Sonar Zoom display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
9-3 Sonar Bottom display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
9-4 Sonar 50/200 display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
9-5 Sonar A-Scope display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
10 Data displ ay ....................................................................................................................................... 42
11 Fuel display ........................................................................................................................................ 43
12 Tides displ ay ...................................................................................................................................... 44
13 User card dis play ................................................................................................................................ 45
14 About disp lay ..................................................................................................................................... 46
15 Setting up t he Explorer 660 ................................................................................................................ 47
15-1 Setup > System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
15-2 Setup > Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
15-3 Setup > Sonar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
15-4 Setup > GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
15-5 Setup > Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
15-6 Setup > Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
15-7 Setup > Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
15-8 Setup > Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
15-9 Setup > Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
15-10 Setup > Comms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
15-11 Setup > Calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
15-12 Setup > Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
15-13 Setup > Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
15-14 Setup > Simulate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
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16 Installat ion ....................................................................................................................................... 61
16-1 What comes with this product? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
16-2 Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
16-3 Mounting the display unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
16-4 Mounting the GPS antenna and transducers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
16-5 Wiring the power/data cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
16-6 Systems of several instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Append ix A - Specifica tions ..................................................................................................................... 68
Append ix B - Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 70
B-1 General problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
B-2 GPS navigation problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
B-3 Sonar fishfinding problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
B-4 Fuel consumption problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Append ix C - Glossary an d navigation data .............................................................................................. 74
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Important
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the instrument in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing
safe boating practices.
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 aff ect the accuracy and per formance of all GPS equipment anywhere in the world
including the Explorer 660. Whilst the Northstar Explorer 660 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 Explorer 660, 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 Explorer 660 at sea.
Electronic Chart: The electronic chart used by the Explorer 660 is an aid to navigation and is designed
to supplement the use of offi cial government charts not replace them. Only offi cial government
charts supplemented by notices to mariners contain the information required for safe and prudent
navigation. Always supplement the information provided by the Explorer 660 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 Explorer 660 transducers are installed and used correctly.
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 fi lling
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.
As Northstar is continuously improving this product we retain the right to make changes to the product at
any time which may not be refl ected in this version of the manual. Please contact your nearest Northstar
offi ce if you require any further assistance.
The Explorer 660 is set up with default units of feet, °F (Fahrenheit), US gallons and knots.
To change the units, see section 15-9.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual6
Page 7
1 Introduction
The Northstar Explorer 660 is a compact, rugged,
highly integrated GPS navigation chartplotter
and sonar fishfinder. It is designed to be easy to
use and has a large, easy to read color display.
Complex navigation or fishfinding functions can
be performed with a few key presses, taking the
hard work out of boating.
This manual describes how to install and operate
the Explorer 660 and gives troubleshooting and
operating tips.
GPS Navigation
The Explorer 660 has a built-in chart of the world,
suitable for route planning and general interest.
To see chart details for a region, plug in a C-MAP™
chart card (an electronic chart).
The Explorer 660 receives GPS position
information from an external GPS antenna and
displays the boat’s position and speed.
The Explorer 660 can navigate to a point or
can navigate along a route. When the boat is
navigating to one of these points, the Explorer
660 displays course information for the
helmsman to follow. The Explorer 660 can control
an autopilot.
Sonar fishfinding
The Explorer 660 has a 50 kHz / 200 kHz dual
frequenc y sonar transducer and a 600 W RMS
power output to ensure that the Explorer 660
operates ef fectively in shallow and deep water.
The Explorer 660 can detect the bottom to a
depth of 3300 feet (1000 metres) depending on
the clarit y of the water, the ultrasonic frequency
chosen and the t ype of transducer used.
The Explorer 660 can be used to find fish, to
locate features on the bottom such as reefs or
wrecks and to help recognize favorite fishing
spots from the bottom profile.
The Explorer 660 uses Northstar’s proprietary SBN
technology for sonar processing. Digital adaptive
filter algorithms enhance all returned signals and
filter false returns. Active noise control rejects
interference, which can often be mistaken by
fishfinders for true returns.
Other fun ctions
With an optional fuel kit, the Explorer 660
becomes a sophisticated yet easy to use fuel
computer. Navigation data can be saved to
a plug-in user card so that it can be easily
transferred to another Northstar char tplotter.
The Explorer 660 is par t of the Northstar family
of instruments, which includes instruments
for speed, depth, wind and repeaters. These
instruments can be connected together to form
an integrated data system (see section 16-6).
For maximum benefit, please read this manual
carefully before installing and using the unit.
Special terms are explained in Appendix C.
1-1 Cleaning a nd maintenance
The Explorer 660 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 dirt y 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,
use only one coat of paint. Remove
coat of antifouling paint by sanding it lightly.
the previous
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 7
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
Explorer 660 is turned off.
Page 8
1-2 Plug-in cards
The Explorer 660 can use two kinds of plug-in
card:
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 Explorer
660 chart display.
C-MAP™ user cards are used to store
navigation data. Each user card expands the
Explorer 660 memor y and allows the data to
be transferred to another Explorer 660 easily
(see section 13).
Note: The older 5 volt user cards are not
suppor ted.
Changing the p lug-in card
The Explorer 660 has two card slots and can use
two plug-in cards at the same time. It does not
matter which slot a card is inserted in.
CAUTION
Handle plug-in cards carefully. Keep them in
their protective cases when not plugged into
the Explorer 660.
Keep the holders in place in the E xplorer 660
at all times to prevent moisture from entering
the card compartment.
3a
1
Turn Explorer 660 off
(see section 2-1).
Remove cover from right
side of case.
2
Pull old card out of
its slot.
Put the old card in
its case.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual8
To insert card into
front slot:
Hold card with gold
contacts visible; push
card fully into front slot.
3b
To insert card into
back slot:
Hold card with gold
contacts underneath;
push card fully into
back slot.
4
Hold cover correct
way round, push back
in place.
Turn Explorer 660 on
(see section 2-1).
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1-3 Removing and replac ing the display unit
If the display unit is bracket mounted then the
display unit can easily be removed and replaced
for security or protec tion.
Removing the display unit:
1 Turn the Explorer 660 of f (see section 2-1)
2 Push the dust cover over the display unit.
3 Hold the display unit and remove the knobs
from the mounting bracket.
4 Unplug each plug from the back of the
display unit by turning the locking collar
anticlockwise and pulling the plug out.
5 Push the attached dust covers over the
exposed ends of the plugs to protect them.
6 Store the display unit in a dry clean place,
such as the optional Northstar carry bag.
Replacing the display unit
1 Remove the dus t covers from the plugs. Plug th e
plugs into the bac k of the display unit:
Match the plug co lor to the socket color.
Insert each plug and turn the locking collar
clockwise.
Nothing will be damaged if a cable is
plugged into the wrong socket by mistake.
2 Hold the display unit in place in the mounting
bracket. Fit the mounting bracket knobs into
the display unit and do up the knobs loosely.
3 Adjust the tilt and rotation of the display for
best viewing, then hand tighten the knobs
on the mounting bracket. Remove the dust
cover.
Knob
Mounting
bracket
Adjust
tilt, then
tighten
knobs
Adjust
rotation
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 9
Page 10
2 Basic Operation
Overview of the keys
Go back to an earlier menu or display. Any changes
are ignored. In chart mode centers chart at boat's
position.
Show a menu of the main Explorer 660 displays. To
go to a display, select it from the menu (see section
2-6).
, , , Cursor keys, to move the cursor or the selection
highlight.
Show a menu of the options for the current display.
Press MENU again to display the Setup menu (see
section 15).
Start an action or accept a change.
, For the chart display: Zoom in or out to display dif-
ferent areas and detail on the chart.
For the sonar display: Change the depth range
displayed.
Switch the display to the next in the favorites list
(see section 2-6-2).
For a navigation display: Start navigating to a point,
waypoint or along a route (see section 3-4).
For sonar display: Select a sonar operating mode
(see section 8-1).
Create an instant waypoint at the boat position (see
section 5-2-1).
Man overboard (MOB, see section 2-3).
Turn Explorer 660 on and off (see section 2-1); adjust
the backlighting (see section 2-2).
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 13-1).
Selecting an item in a menu
The Explorer 660 is operated by selecting items
from menus shown on the display.
1 Press
2 Press ENTER to select the item.
or to move the highlight to the
item.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual10
Changing a number or word
To change a number or word on the display:
1 Press
Press
2 Repeat the above step to change any other
3 Press ENTER to accept the change.
or to move the highlight to the
digit or let ter to change.
or to change the digit or letter.
digits or letters.
Page 11
2-1 Turning on and of f / auto power
Auto power
If the Explorer 660 is wire d for auto power (see
section 16-5), then the Explorer 660 automatically
turns on and of f with the boat power, and can not
be turned on or off manually.
Turning on manual ly
If the Explorer 660 is not wired for auto power,
turn the unit on by pressing
adjust the display to be easy to read (see section
2-2).
. If necessary,
2-2 Backlight
The display an d keys are backlit, with a ch oice of 16
brightness l evels. To change the backlight level :
1. Press
2. Press
3. Press ENTER to confirm.
brief ly to show the display controls.
to dim or to brighten.
2-3 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 Explorer 660 does
not have a GPS fix.
1 Press
The Explorer 660 stores the boat’s position as
a waypoint called MOB.
2 The Explorer 660 changes to the chart display,
with the MOB waypoint at the centre of the
chart.
The chart zooms in for accurate navigation.
If the chart can not show the required small
scale, the Explorer 660 changes to plot ter
mode (a white display with crosshatching and
no chart details, see section 15-2).
3 If the autopilot output (NMEA) is of f (see
section 15-10) the Explorer 660 immediately
starts navigating back to the MOB waypoint.
If the autopilot output is on, the Explorer 660
asks if the autopilot is active. Select:
No: The Explorer 660 immediately starts
.
navigating back to the MOB waypoint.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 11
Turning off ma nually
If the Explorer 660 is not wired for auto power,
turn the unit off by holding down
display turns off.
Press
twice to return to the maximum
backlight setting.
Yes: The Explorer 660 asks if the boat is to go
to the MOB waypoint.
Select:
Yes: To immediately star t navigating to
the MOB waypoint.
!
WARNING
This might result in a sudden and dangerous
turn.
No: To allow time to disengage the
autopilot; then use Goto to navigate back
to the MOB waypoint (see section 3- 4).
To cancel MOB or set another MOB.
1 Press
2 Select an option from the menu.
again to display a 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.
until the
Page 12
2-4 A larm s
When the Explorer 660 detects an alarm condition, it displays a warning message on the display, the
internal beeper sounds and any external beepers or lights operate.
Press ESC to clear the alarm. The alarm will sound again if the alarm condition occurs again.
The Explorer 660 has twelve user set table alarms (see section 15-8).
In addition, the Explorer 660 has a fixed alarm for loss of GPS fix.
2-5 Simulate mode
Simulate mode allows a user to become familiar
with the Explorer 660 off the water. There are two
simulate modes:
In GPS simulation mode, data from the
GPS receiver is ignored and the E xplorer
660 generates this data internally. GPS
simulation f lashes at the bottom of the
display.
In sonar simulation mode, data from the
sonar transducers is ignored and the Explorer
660 generates this data internally. Sonar
simulation f lashes at the bottom of the
display.
Otherwise, the Explorer 660 functions normally.
If both GPS and sonar simulation are selected,
Sim ulate flashes at the bot tom of the display.
To start and stop Simulate mode, see section 15-14.
!
WAR NING
Never have Simulate mode on when the
Explorer 660 is navigating on the water.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual12
Page 13
2-6 The main displ ays
To show a display, press
DISPLAY, press or to
select the type of display to
show (Chart, Sonar or
Other), press or to
select the display from the list,
then press ENTER.
To return to the chart display,
press ESC.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 13
Page 14
Highway
Fuel
Data
Waypoints
Routes
Satellite
Tides
User card
About
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual14
Page 15
2-6-1 Dual displays
The Explorer 660 can show two displays at once,
for example Chart + sonar or Sonar + highway
(see section 2-6). When two displays are shown at
once, one of the displays, called the active display,
is controlled by the user. For example :
If Chart is the active window, then pressing
MENU will display the options for Char t.
If Sonar is the active window, then pressing
MENU will display the options for Sonar.
The active display has a yellow border.
To change the active display, press
DISPLAY twice:
For example, if Chart + sonar is shown:
If Chart is the active window, then press
DISPLAY twice to make Sonar the active
display.
If Sonar is the active window, then press
DISPLAY twice to make Chart the
active display.
Chart display is ac tive
Yellow bord er
Press
Press
2-6-2 Favorite displays
The Explorer 660 has a list of commonly used
displays, called favorite displays. There can be up
to six favorite displays and three can be selected
by the user (see section 15-13).
Chart, first
favorite
Press
PAGE S
Sonar,
second
favorite
Chart+
sonar, third
favorite
Press
PAGE S
Chart display is not active
DISPLAYDISPLAY
DISPLAYDISPLAY
Yellow bord er
To change the display to the next favorite, press
PAGE S. For example, with five favor ites:
Fourth
favorite
display
Press
PAGE S
Fifth
favorite
display
Press
PAGE S
Sixth
favorite
display
Press
PAGE S
Press PAGE S
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 15
Page 16
2-6-3 Data header a nd compass
The chart, sonar and highway displays can show
data and a compass at the top of the display.
The data head er
1 Press MENU and select Data header.
2 To turn the data header off or on:
i Select Data.
ii Select Off or On.
3 To choose the size of the numbers:
i Select Size.
ii Select:
Small: displays three fi elds per line
and up to four lines.
Medium: displays two fi elds per line
and up to six lines.
Large: displays same amount of data
4 To change the data header:
5 Press ESC to return to the chart display.
as medium but with a larger font.
i Select Data setup.
ii Change a data fi eld:
a Press the cursor keys to highlight the
fi eld.
b Press ENTER to display a menu of the
data that can be shown in the fi eld.
c Select the data to show in the fi eld;
select None to leave the fi eld empty.
iii Repeat the above step to set the other
data fi elds. Press ESC.
Tip: If less than the maximum number of
lines of data are used, the data will take up
less of the display area.
The compass
When the boat is navigating to a point, the
compass shows the bearing to the destination
(BRG) in the middle and the boat’s course over
ground (COG), for example here BRG is 4° and
COG is 12°:
A typical display with data and compass
Data header
Compass
Otherwise the compass shows the boat’s COG in
the middle, for example here COG is 12°:
COG
BRG (red)
To turn the compass off or on
1 Press MENU and select Data header.
2 Select Compass and select Off or On.
3 Press ESC to return to the display.
COG
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual16
Page 17
3 Navigation: Chart
The chart display shows the chart, the boat’s position course and navigation data. To show the Chart
display, press ESC until the chart is displayed.
3-1 Introduction to navigating
The Explorer 660 has t wo ways of navigating,
going straight to a point or following a route.
Enter waypoints at points of interest before
starting to navigate (see section 5-2-1).
Tip: Create a waypoint at the star t of the trip
to navigate back to.
Goto: Going st raight to a point
The Explorer 660 can navigate straight to a
waypoint or to any arbitrar y point:
1 Switch to the chart display
(see section 2-6).
2 Start navigating using the GOTO/AUTO key
(see section 3-4).
When the Explorer 660 is navigating, the
chart, data and highway displays show
navigation data. The chart shows:
The boat position .
The destination point marked with
a circle.
The boat’s plotted course to the
destination.
Two CDI lines, parallel to the boat’s
plotted course (see Appendix C, CDI).
If the Explorer 660 is connected to an
autopilot, the Explorer 660 will send data
to the autopilot to steer the boat to the
destination. Start the autopilot.
If the XTE alarm is enabled, an alarm will
sound if the boat deviates too much from its
intended course (to set the XTE alarm, see
section 15-8).
3 If the arrival radius alarm is enabled, then,
when the boat comes within the arrival
radius of the destination, an alarm will sound
to show that the boat has reached the
destination (to set the arrival radius alarm, see
section 15-8).
4 To stop the Goto, see section 3-4.
Following a route
A route is a list of waypoints that the boat can
follow (see section 6).
1 To create waypoints before creating the
route, see section 5-2-1.
2 To create a route, see sec tion 6-2-1.
3 To start the route, see sec tions 3-4 or 6-3-1.
When the Explorer 660 is navigating,the
chart, data and highway displays show
navigation data. The chart shows:
The boat position .
The waypoint at the end of the current
leg marked with a circle.
The boat ’s plotted course along the leg.
Two CDI lines, parallel to the boat’s
plotted course (see Appendix C, CDI).
If the Explorer 660 is connected to an
autopilot, the Explorer 660 will send data
to the autopilot to steer the boat to the
destination. Start the autopilot.
If the XTE alarm is enabled, an alarm will
sound if the boat deviates too much from its
intended course (see section 15-8).
If the arrival radius alarm is enabled, then,
when the boat comes within the arrival radius
of the waypoint at the end of the current leg,
an alarm will sound (to set the arrival radius
alarm, see section 15-8).
4 The Explorer 660 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 the waypoint is skipped (see section
6-3-2).
5 When the boat has reached the final
waypoint, or to stop the boat following
the route at any time, cancel the route (see
section 6-3-3).
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 17
Page 18
3-2 Chart display
A typical chart display shows:
Data header. To turn the
data off or on or to change
what data is displayed, see
section 2-6-3.
The chart. To change
the types of information
displayed, (see section
15-2 ).
Boat position
(see section 3-2-1).
Boat track
(see section 3-6).
Boat course and CDI lines
(see Appendix C, CDI).
Boat is going to the
waypoint called FISH06.
Distance and bearing of
cursor from boat.
A compass
(see section 2-6 -3).
Typical waypoint
(see sec tion 5).
The cursor
(see section 3-2-1).
Sea
Land
3-2-1 Chart modes
The Chart has two modes, centre on boat mode
and cursor mode. These are explained below.
Centre on boat mode
To switch to centre on boat mode in the chart
display, press ESC. The boat is at the centre of
the chart. As the boat moves through the water,
the chart automatically scrolls to keep the boat
in the centre of the chart. The cursor (see below)
is turned of f.
Cursor mode
The keys
To switch to cursor mode in the chart display,
hold down a cursor key. The cursor
and moves away from the boat:
, , and are called cursor keys.
appears
Press the key which points in the direction
that the cursor will move, for example press
to move the cursor down.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual18
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 (+DST) and bearing (+BRG) of
the cursor from the boat are displayed at the
bottom, left corner of the display.
The char t does not scroll as the boat m oves.
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.
to move the
Page 19
3-2-2 Latitude and longit ude
Latitude and longitude can be displayed in the
data header. Normally the position is the boat’s
position, and the latitude and longitude has a
boat symbol to show this:
36° 29.637' S
175° 09.165' E
Degrees
Minutes, to 3 decimal places
(about 2 m (6 ft) resolution)
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:
Latitude
Longitude
+ 36° 29.684' S
+ 175° 09.201' E
!
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
and display a bigger area in less detail.
The chart scale can be displayed (e.g. scale
= 8 nm, see below). The scale is the vertical
distance across the currently visible chart area.
For example if the scale is 8 nm then a portion
of chart eight nautical miles high is currently
displayed.
to zoom out
3-2-4 Chart symbols and info rmation
The chart will show symbols, such as waypoints
and chart symbols (for example buoys, beacons,
wrecks and marinas). When the cursor is placed
over a symbol for at least two seconds, a data
window appears at the bottom left of the display
with information about the symbol.
To see stored information about a point on the
chart (for example, a chart symbol):
1 Move the cursor to that point on the chart.
2 Press MENU and select Chart info.
3 A menu of objects is displayed:
i Select an object to display.
ii Press ESC to return to the menu. Select
other objects.
iii Finally, press ESC to return to the chart.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 19
3-2-5 Find nearby pl aces
To find and display nearby places of interest:
1 To see places near the boat’s position, press
ESC to switch to centre on boat mode. To see
places near a dif ferent point, move the cursor
to that point on the chart.
2 Press MENU and select Find.
3 Select the type of place. There are three
types, Ports, Por t services and Tide stations.
For a Port ser vice, select the type of ser vice to
find.
4 A list of places is displayed. If there are more
places than will fit on the display, press
to scroll up or down a page at a time.
or
To search for a port by name:
i Press MENU and select Find.
ii Enter some or all of the letters of the port
name. Press ENTER.
5 Select the place and press ENTER. The chart
display changes to show the selected place in
the middle of the display.
6 To see stored information about the selected
place, press MENU and select Chart info
(see section 3-2-5). To display a tide char t for a
selected tide station, select Tide height
from the char t info.
Page 20
3-3 Distance and bear ing calculator
The distance and bearing calculator can plot a
course of one or several legs and to 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:
ESC until the chart display is displayed.
1 Press
Press MENU and select Distance.
2 Move the cursor to the star t of the first leg. It
does not matter if this point is a waypoint or
not. Press ENTER.
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
ENTER.
3-4 GOTO: Navigating to a po int or along a route
The GOTO/AUTO key is a shortcut to start
navigating to a point on the chart, to a waypoint
or along a route.
Starting to na vigate
Navigating to a point on the chart
1 Press ESC until the chart display is displayed.
2 Move the cursor to the destination point.
3 Press GOTO/AUTO and select
Goto cursor.
Navigating to a waypoint
See section 5-3-1.
Navigating along a route
See section 6-3-1.
4 To remove the last leg from the course, press
MENU and select Remove.
5 Repeat the above two steps to enter the
whole course.
6 To save the new course as a route, press
MENU and select Save. This also saves any
new points on the course as new waypoints,
with default names. If necessary, edit the
route later (see section 6 -2-2) and edit any
new waypoints later (see section 5-2-3).
7 Finally, press ESC to return to the
chart display.
Note: See section 15-7 for Log functions.
Cancelling navigation
Cancelling navigating to a point on the chart
or to a waypoint
ESC until the chart display is displayed.
1 Press
GOTO/AUTO and select
2 Press
Cancel goto.
Cancelling navigating along a route
See section 6-3-3.
!
WARNING
Make sure the course does not pass over land
or dangerous waters.
The Explorer 660 navigates to the destination as
described in section 3-1.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual20
Page 21
3-5 Projected cour se
If Projected course is turned on, then the Explorer
660 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 15-2.
Projected position
Boat’s projected course
Boat position
3-6 Tracks and tra cking
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 Explorer 660 can
display one track while recording another.
To work with track s, (see section 15-6).
The Explorer 660 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 the 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 inter val: a small interval will give a
shorter, more detailed track and a long inter val
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.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 21
Page 22
4 Navigation: Highway display
The highway display has a bird’s eye view of the
boat’s course to a destination:
To show the Highway display, press DISPLAY,
select Other, then select Highway.
The highway display shows:
Optional data header (see section 2-6-3)
Optional compass (see section 2- 6-3)
Destination waypoint
Boat’s plot ted course to destination
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.
!
WARNING
The highway display does not show land,
dangerous waters or chart symbols.
Boat position is at the bottom, centre of
the display
CDI scale
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual22
Page 23
5 Navigation: Waypoints
A waypoint is a position of interest that is saved
by the Explorer 660, for example a fishing spot or
a point on a route. The Explorer 660 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 disp lay
To go to the waypoints display, press DISPLAY,
select Other, then select Way points
(see right).
The waypoints display 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
15- 8) .
A display option:
Controls how the waypoint is displayed when
the Waypo ints setup option is set to Selected
(see section 15-2):
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 the Wayp oints
setup option are Hide all (no waypoints are
displayed on the chart) an d Show all (all the
waypoints are displa yed on the chart) (see section
15- 2) .
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 23
Page 24
5-2 Managing wayp oints
!
WARNING
Do not create a navigation waypoint on land
or in dangerous water.
5-2-1 Creating a new way point
Creating a new waypoint from any display
Press
Creating and editing a new waypoint from
the chart display
1 To create a waypoint at the boat position,
Or, to create a waypoint at a dif ferent point,
2 Press MENU and select New waypoint.
3 A new waypoint, with the default name and
4 Change the waypoint data if necessar y (see
Creating a new waypoint from the waypoints
display
1 In the waypoints display, press MENU and
2 A new waypoint, with a default name and
3 Change the waypoint data if necessar y (see
Note: Waypoints can also be created when a route is
created (see section 6-2-1).
. A new waypoint is created at the
boat position with the default name and
data. To change the default data, see section
5-2-3.
press ESC to switch the chart to centre on
boat mode.
move the cursor to that point on the chart.
data is created.
section 5-2-7). Select Save.
select Create.
data, is created at the boat position.
section 5-2-7). Select Save.
5-2-2 Moving a waypoint
Moving a waypoint from the chart display
1 In the chart display, move the cursor to the
waypoint to move.
2 Press MENU and select Move.
3 Move the cursor to the new position and
press ENTER.
Moving a waypoint from the waypoints
display
To move a waypoint from the waypoints display,
edit the waypoint (see section 5-2-3) and change
the latitude and longitude.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual24
5-2-3 Editing a wayp oint
Editing a waypoint from the chart display
1 In the chart display, move the cursor to the
waypoint to edit.
2 Press MENU and select Edit.
3 Change the waypoint data (see section 5-2-7).
Select Save.
Editing a waypoint from the waypoints
display
1 In the waypoints display, press
highlight the waypoint to edit. Press MENU
and select Edit.
2 Change the waypoint data (see section 5-2-7).
Select Save.
or to
5-2-4 Displaying a waypoi nt on the chart
This goes to the chart display, and shows the
selected waypoint at the centre of the display.
1 In the waypoints display, press
to highlight the waypoint to display. Press
MENU and select Display.
Or, in the Chart display, press MENU, select
Find, then select Way points. Selec t a
waypoint from the list.
2 The Exp lore r 660 switches to the chart display,
with the selected waypoint at the centre of the
chart.
or
5-2-5 Deleti ng 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.
Deleting a waypoint from the chart display
1 In the chart display, move the cursor to the
waypoint to delete.
2 Press MENU and select Delete.
3 Select Ye s to confirm.
Page 25
Deleting a waypoint from the waypoints
display
1 In the waypoints display, press
highlight the waypoint to delete. Press MENU
and selec t Delete.
2 Select Ye s to confirm.
or to
5-2-6 Deleting al l waypoints
1 In the waypoints display and press MENU
and selec t Delete all.
2 Select Ye s to confirm.
5-2-7 Changing a wayp oint’s data
To change the waypoint data when it is displayed
in a window:
1 Select the data to change.
Press ENTER.
Use the cursor keys to change the data.
Press ENTER.
2 If necessary, repeat the above step to change
other data.
3 Select Save.
5-3 Navigating to a waypoi nt
5-2-8 Sort Waypoints
To change how the waypoints list is displayed:
1 Press MENU and select Sort by.
2 Select how to display the list:
Name: In alphabetical order by name.
Ico n: 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.
5-3-1 Starting to n avigate to a waypoint
From the chart or highway display
1 Press GOTO/AUTO and select Waypoint.
2 Select a waypoint f rom the list.
From the waypoints display
1 Press
2 Press MENU and select Goto.
Make sure the course does not pass over land
or dangerous waters.
The Explorer 660 navigates to the waypoint as
described in section 3-1.
or to highlight the waypoint to
go to.
!
WARNING
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 25
5-3-2 Cancelli ng navigation to a waypoin t
1 Press ESC until the chart display is displayed.
GOTO/AUTO and select Cancel
2 Press
goto.
Page 26
6 Navigation: Routes
A route is a list of waypoints that the boat can
navigate along. Routes can be created, changed
and deleted.
The Explorer 660 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.
6-1 Routes display
The routes display 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 display, press DISPLAY, select
Other, then select Routes.
If there are more routes than will fit on the display,
press
or
at a time.
6-2 Managing routes
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
display
While creating the route:
Press
the chart by moving the cursor to the edge of
the chart.
A data box at the top, left 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 start or end at an
existing waypoint then a new waypoint will
to scroll up or down a page
!
WARNING
to change the range; scroll
or
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual26
The Explorer 660 can navigate along a route in
either direc tion. Waypoints on the route can be
skipped.
Routes are a powerful feature when the Explorer
660 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.
be created automatically (to change the new
waypoint data, see section 5-2-7).
1 In the chart display, press MENU and select
New route.
2 The route is given a default name:
i Change the name if necessary.
ii Select Ok.
3 To enter the first leg of the route:
i Move the cursor to the start of the route
and press ENTER.
ii Move the cursor to the end of the first leg
and press ENTER.
4 To add a waypoint at the end of the route:
i Press ENTER.
ii Move the cursor to where the new route
waypoint will be.
iii Press ENTER.
Page 27
5 To insert a waypoint in the route:
i Move the cursor to the chosen leg to
insert the waypoint.
ii Press MENU and select Insert.
iii Move the cursor to where the new route
waypoint will be.
iv Press ENTER.
6 To move a waypoint in the route:
i Move the cursor to the waypoint to
move.
ii Press MENU and select Move.
iii Move the cursor to where the waypoint will
be.
iv Press ENTER.
7 To remove a waypoint from the route:
i Move the cursor to the waypoint to
remove from the route.
ii Press MENU and select Remove. The
waypoint is removed from the route, but
the waypoint is not deleted.
8 Repeat this process until the route is finished.
Review the route and check that the route
does not cross land or dangerous water.
Then press ESC.
Or, to delete the route that is b eing created:
i Press MENU and select Delete.
ii Select Ye s 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
display
1 In the routes display, press MENU and selec t
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 ENTER.
ii Change the name if necessary.
iii Press ENTER.
4 To insert a waypoint in the route:
i Select where the waypoint will be:
To insert the first waypoint in a new route,
select Leg 1.
To insert a waypoint at the end of the
route, selec t the unused leg at the end of
the list of waypoints.
Otherwise, selec t the waypoint to insert
the new waypoint in front of.
ii Press ENTER. A list of waypoints is
displayed. Select the waypoint to use.
As waypoints are inserted, 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 MENU and select Remove.
6 Repeat this process until the route is finished.
7 Press ESC.
8 Display the route on the char t (see sec tion
6-2-3) and check that the route does not cross
land or dangerous water.
or to see them.
6-2-2 Editing a route
Editing a route from the chart
1 In the routes display, select the route to edit.
Press MENU and select Edit on chart.
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 display
1 In the routes display, press
highlight the route to edit. Press MENU and
select Edit.
2 The selected route is displayed: the route
name and a list of the waypoint s.
3 Edit the route as described in section 6-2-1 B,
starting at step 3.
or to
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 27
Page 28
6-2-3 Displaying a route on the char t
To view the selec ted route at the centre of the
display:
1 In the routes display, press
highlight the route to display. Press MENU
and selec t Display.
Or, in the Chart display, press MENU, select
Find, then select Route. Select a route
from the list.
2 The Explorer 660 displays the selected route
on the chart.
or to
6-3 Navigating a route
6-3-1 Starting a route
To start the boat navigating along a route:
1 In the routes display, press
highlight the route to use. Press MENU and
select Start.
Or, from the chart or highway display, press
GOTO/AUTO and select Route, then select
a route from the list.
2 The Explorer 660 asks for the direction to
traverse the route.
Select Forwa rd (the order the route was
created) or Reverse.
3 It d isplays a chart with the ro ute marked and
start s navigating from the st art of the route.
!
WARNING
Make sure the course does not pass over land
or dangerous waters.
or to
6-2-4 Deleting a route
1 In the routes display, press or to
highlight the route to delete. Press MENU
and select Delete.
2 Select Ye s to confirm.
6-2-5 Deleting all routes
1 In the routes display, press MENU and selec t
Delete all.
2 Select Ye s to confirm.
The Explorer 660 navigates along the route as
described in section 3-1.
6-3-2 Skipping a waypoint in a ro ute
To skip a waypoint when the boat is navigating
along a route:
In the chart display, press MENU and select
Skip.
The Explorer 660 starts navigating straight
towards the nex t waypoint on the route.
!
CAUTION
Skipping a waypoint with the autopilot on
might result in a sudden course change.
6-3-3 Cancelling a route
To stop the boat navigating along a route:
In the char t display, press MENU and select
Cancel route.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual28
Page 29
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
Explorer 660 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 Ex plore r
66 0’s standard GPS antenna. The accuracy of the
corrected GPS position is typically better than 5 m
(16 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.
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 correc ted GPS
position is t ypically better than 2 to 5 m (6 to
16 f t).
GPS antennas
The Explorer 660 must be used with an external
GPS antenna:
• Normally, use the GPS antenna supplied.
• Fit 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.
• The Explorer 660 can use GPS satellite data
from a optional compatible instrument or
antenna connected by NavBus or NMEA (see
section 16-6). In this case, the Explorer 660
does not need its own antenna.
To configure the Explorer 660 for different
antenna options, see section 15-4. For more
information, contact your Northstar dealer.
Startup
Each time a GPS receiver is turned on, it normally
takes about 50 seconds before it outputs the first
position. Under some circumstances it will take
up to two minutes or longer.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 29
Page 30
7-1 Satellite di splay
The satellite display has information about the GPS satellites and GPS position.
To go to the satellite display, press DISPLAY, select Other, then select Satellite.
The satellite display shows:
Time and date from GPS
satellites. T ime is local
time (UTC [GMT ] plus
local of fset, see section
15-12 )
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
Signal strengths of up
to twelve visible GPS
satellites. The higher
the bar the stronger
the signal
Status of GPS antenna, for example Acquiring, GPS fix,
No GPS. If the unit is in GPS Simulate mode it displays GPS
Sim ulation (see section 2-5)
Positions of visible
GPS satellites:
Outer circle is
horizon
Inner circle is 45°
elevation
Centre is directly
above
North is at top of
display
If the boat is moving,
COG is a line from
centre
Boat position
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual30
Page 31
8 Sonar fishfinding: Introduction
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.
8-1 Using the Explore r 660
The Explorer 660 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 reflec ted back up towards
the boat as an echo. The depth of the objec t
or bottom is calculated by the Explorer 660 by
measuring the time taken between sending a
pulse and receiving the echo. When an echo has
been returned, the nex t pulse is sent.
The Exp lorer 6 60 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.
The scroll speed depends upon the water depth
and scroll speed setting. See sections 15-3 and
section 8-2, for more information.
The appearance of echoes displayed are affected
by:
• the Explorer 660 settings
(see sec tion 8-5)
• echoes (dif ferent fish types, dif ferent bottom
types, wrecks and seaweed; see section 8-2)
• noise (water clarity and bubbles; see section
8-2).
It also describes Gain and Range and shows
examples of some of the different sonar displays.
Cruise, Fishing a nd Manual Modes
The Explorer 660 has three sonar
operating modes:
• Cruise mode: Use this when on the move.
The Explorer 660 automatically adjusts its
settings to compensate for water clarit y and
to display the bot tom.
• Fishing mode: Use this when fishing. The
Explorer 660 automatically adjusts its settings
to compensate for water clarit y and to best
display fish, the bottom and other details.
• Manual mode: Use this to fine-tune the
Explorer 660 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.
To select an operating mode, press GOTO/AUTO
and selec t the mode. When you select Manual
mode, the Explorer 660 reverts to your last
manual settings.For more information on
operating modes and the E xplorer 660 settings,
see section 8-5.
!
WARNING
Use the automatic Cruise or Fishing modes
when learning to use the Explorer 660 or
when travelling at speed.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 31
Page 32
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 bottom 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 15-3).
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.
Single fish
Large
school of
fish
Small
school of
fish
Bottom
Strength of echoes
The colors indicate dif ferences in the strength of
the echo. The strength varies with several factors,
such as the:
• Size of the fish, school of fish or other object.
• 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.)
• Clarity 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.
Kelp / Weed
Soft bottoms
such as mud,
weed and
sand show as
narrow bands
Hard bottoms
such as rock
or coral show
as wide bands
Bottom typ es
Mud, weed and sandy bot toms 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. See section 9-3.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual32
Page 33
Frequency a nd cone width
The sonar pulse
generated by the Explorer
660 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
45° cone
11°
cone
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 bot tom 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.
Example of shadows
Sonar display of same area
fish is visible on the display
fish is hidden by the strong echoes off the
bottom and is not shown on the display
fish is visible on the display
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 33
Page 34
8-3 Single and D ual frequency fi shfinding
Sonar frequ encies
The Explorer 660 has t wo sonar frequencies, 20 0
kHz and 50 kHz . To select the sonar frequency to
use, set Frequency (see section 15-3).
When to use 200 kHz
The 200 kHz frequency is especially suitable for
use in shallow and medium depth water, typically
less than 500 ft (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 discrimination
capability and is particularly 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.
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 frequency combines the 200 kHz and
the 50 kHz echoes on one sonar display, filling in
detailed echoes in the centre of the sonar cone.
When to use 50/200 kHz
Operating the Explorer 660 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
kHz section of the display shows the
the 50
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).
Narrow angle,
Wide angle,
less detailed
50 kHz cone.
more detailed
200 kHz cone.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual34
Page 35
Comparison of the same fish scenario displayed at different frequencies:
30 seconds ago
1 minute ago
Now
50 kHz display
Note the wider
bottom trace
200 kHz display
50/200 kHz display 50+200 display
Dual sceen
Note the
smaller, defined
fish arches and
more bottom
detail.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 35
Page 36
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 downs tream
of the feature.
When fishing with the Ex plore r 660 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 Explorer 660 uses Nor thstar’s SBN technology
to analyse sonar echoes and identify which are
likely to be fish. The Explorer 660 can be set up
to display a fish symbol and the depth over these
echoes (see section 15-3, Fish symbols). While
SBN is very sophisticated it is not foolproof - there
will be times when the Explorer 660 will not be
able to differentiate between fish and large air
bubbles or rubbish.
Depending on the strength of a fish signal, the
Explorer 660 can display a small, medium or large
symbol (see section 15-3, 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 starts 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 between 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 Installation 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 Fish archFun symbol + depthNormal fish symbol
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual36
Page 37
8-5 Gain, thres hold and range
The Explorer has three settings that affect the
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
frequenc y, 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 frequency, 50 kHz and
200 kHz.
To display the current set tings for gain and
threshold, select a sonar display and press
ENTER:
This display is called the gain window.
• Range: The vertical depth covered by a
Explorer 660 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.
If the bottom is deeper than the specified
depth range, it will not be shown on
the display.
The Explorer 660 has three operating modes,
Cruise, Fishing and Manual (see sec tion 8-1).
In Cruise and Fishing modes, the Explorer 660
automatically adjusts gain and threshold for
good per formance and adjusts range to always
show the bottom. In manual mode, you can hand
adjust the settings.
8-5-1 Changing betwe en automatic and
manual modes
Select a sonar display before changing mode (see
section 9).
a Using an automatic mode
Press GOTO/AUTO and select Cruise or
Fishing (see section 8-1). The Explorer
660 will adjust gain, threshold and range
automatically.
b Using manual mode
Press GOTO/AUTO and select Manual. The
Explorer 660 reverts to your last manual
settings (see section 8-1).
c Adjusting gain or threshold manually
1 Press ENTER to display the gain window:
2 Press
3 Press
If the Explorer 660 is in Cruise or Fishing
modes, it will stop adjusting gain and
threshold automatically but will continue to
adjust range automatically.
set gain or threshold manually (see section
8-5-2).
To revert to automatic:
• Either press GOTO/AUTO and select Cruise
or Fishing.
• Or press ENTER to display the gain window,
select Manual and press .
The Explorer 660 will not adjust threshold
automatically; if gain is manual it will stay
manual.
d Adjusting range manually
• Either press or to increase or
• Or press MENU, select Range and select
If the Explorer 660 is in Cruise or Fishing
modes, it will stop adjusting range
automatically but will continue to adjust gain
and threshold automatically.
or to select the setting
to adjust.
or adjust the setting.
Tip: Use the A-scope display to help
decrease range.
Manual. Range does not change.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 37
Page 38
Manual range is useful in areas of rapidly
changing bottom depth, such as around
pinnacles, to prevent the display from
redrawing of ten to always show the bottom.
To revert to automatic range, with the
bottom always displayed:
• Either press GOTO/AUTO and select
Cruise or Fishing.
• Or press MENU, select Range and select
Auto. If gain and threshold are manual,
they will stay manual.
8-5-2 Using the A-scope to set gain a nd
threshold manually
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 If necessary, selec t the sonar frequency to
adjust the settings for
(see section 15-3).
2 Selec t the sonar display (see sec tion 2-6). If
necessary, press
that the bottom is displayed.
3 Press MENU, select Sonar splits then
select Split A-scope.
4 Press ENTER to display the Gain window. To
adjust gain or threshold for a frequency, press
or to select the setting to adjust, then
press or to change the setting.
or to adjust range so
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.
8 Press ESC to close the gain window.
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 bot tom.
Threshold line
Peak of
bottom
signal
Gain line
Unwanted noise signal
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual38
Page 39
9 Sonar fishfinding: Displays
To show the Sonar display, press DISPLAY, select
Chart or Sonar, then select a sonar display.
There are five kinds of sonar display. To use a
display:
1 Press MENU and select Sonar splits.
Select the type of display to use.
2 If the display is split, adjust the split ratio if
required:
a Press MENU and select Sonar
window split.
b Press
c Press ENTER.
9-1 Sonar history d isplay - no split
or to adjust the ratio.
Optional data header
(see section 2-6 -3)
Optional compass
(see section 2-6 -3)
Sonar histor y display at a single or mixed frequency
- not split (see section 9-1)
Sonar split display: histor y plus a zoomed section
(see section 9-2)
Sonar split display: histor y plus a flat bottom trace in a
zoomed section (section 9 -3)
Sonar split display: histories at 50 and 200 kHz
frequencies (section 9-4)
Sonar split display: histor y plus echo strength (sec tion
9-5)
Surface
Depth (medium size digits)
Color bar
Note: The display scrolls from
right (most recent echo es) to left
(oldest echoes).
Fish symbols with depth
Bottom
Range
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 39
Page 40
9-2 Sonar Zoom display
Sonar histor yZoom section
9-3 Sonar Bottom d isplay
Sonar histor yZoomed bottom
signal
Depth line
marks the
centre of the
zoomed area
Zoom bar
Divider line
The display shows the sonar history on the right
and the zoomed section on the lef t.
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 MENU and select Bottom lock.
2 Select On or Off.
or If Bottom lock is on, pressing
The display shows the sonar history on the right
and the bottom signal as a flat trace in the centre
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 objects 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
• The Explorer 660 calculates the zoom depth
It is not necessary to turn Bottom lock on for
this display.
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. If
bottom lock is on it will turn off.
or
will turn it off.
or keys to adjust the zoom
range.
automatically.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual40
Page 41
9-4 Sonar 50/ 200 display
The display shows the 50 kHz sonar history on
the left and the 200 kHz sonar histor y on the
right. Gain can be set independently for each
frequency (see section 8-5). Range applies to
both frequencies (see section 8-6).
50 kHz sonar
history
200 kHz sonar
history
9-5 Sonar A-Scope display
Threshold line
Unwanted
noise signal
Peak of
bottom
signal
Gain line
A-scope displaySonar histor y
The display shows the sonar history on the
left and the A-Scope display on the right. The
A-Scope shows:
• the strengths of echoes from different depths
- the longer the horizontal line the stronger
the signal
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 41
• a ver tical line showing the gain threshold, the
weakest echo to display on the sonar history
• a ver tical line showing the gain set ting;
echoes above this strength will display as the
maximum signal strength
Use the A-Scope while adjusting the gain and
threshold settings manually (see sec tion 8-5).
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.
Page 42
10 Data display
The data display has eight large numeric data
fields, four lines with two fields per line, plus a
graph of the water temperature and depth over
the last 20 minutes.
To show the data display, press DISPLAY, select
Other, then select Data.
To select what data is displayed:
1 Press MENU and select Data setup.
2 Change a data field:
i Press the cursor keys to highlight the
field.
ii Press ENTER to display a menu of the
data that can be shown in the field.
iii Select the data to show in the field; select
None to leave the field empty.
3 Repeat the above step to set the other data
fields.
4 Press ESC.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual42
Page 43
11 Fuel display
To show the Fuel display, press DISPLAY, select
Other, then select Fuel. The Fuel display can
only be used when the optional single or twin
engine fuel kit has been installed. See section
15-5 for information about setting up the fuel
display. If the number of engines is set to 0, the
fuel features are turned off.
Used shows total fuel used since this was last
reset with the Cle ar Use d command.
Remaining shows the amount of fuel
remaining in the tank(s).
Flow shows the fuel consumption per hour.
For twin engine installations, the fuel flow for
each engine is shown separately. This is useful
for checking that both engines are under the
same load.
Economy is the distance travelled per unit of
fuel used. The Explorer 660 calculates this from
the boat speed and fuel used. The bigger this
number, the better the fuel economy. Adjust
the throttle and trim to achieve the best fuel
economy. Note that the Explorer 660 uses a
paddlewheel transducer to measure speed,
used to calculate the fuel economy. Therefore,
calibration of the boat speed measurement is
essential for an accurate fuel economy reading.
See section 15-11.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 43
Page 44
12 Tides display
The tides display shows tide information at a tide
station for the selected date.
To show the tides display for the tide station
nearest to the boat, press DISPLAY, select
Other, then select Tid es.
To go to the tides display for any tide station:
1 From the chart display, press MENU and
select Find.
2 Select Tid e stat ions.
3 A list of tide stations are displayed. Select the
tide station to display. The chart redraws with
the tide station centred.
4 Press MENU and select Chart info.
5 Select Tid e heig ht.
The tides display shows data for the chosen date:
Choosing the date of the tide chart
1 Press MENU.
2 Select To day, Next day or Prev day.
To choose a different date from these, selec t
Set date, edit the date, press ENTER.
Tide station name
Distance from boat
Chosen date for display
Press
Tide height at that time
Current time
Tide chart
Night
Dawn
Day
Tide height
Time cursor
or to move
cursor sideways
Time of cursor
Moon phase for moon
at the current time on
the chosen date
Night
Dusk
Day
Tide height cursor. Press
or to move cursor
up and down.
Time of day, 0
to 24 hrs
Height of cursor
Times on
selected date
Height and time of highest high water
and lowest low water on tide chart.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual44
Page 45
13 User card display
A C-MAP™ user card is an optional plug-in card
that can store data files (see section 1-2). There
are three types of files: waypoints, routes or a
track.
To go to the user card display, press DISPLAY,
select Other, then select User car d.
Note: The older 5 volt cards are not su pported.
The user card display has:
File list
A list of the files on any user card in the Ex plor er
660. If there are more files than will fit on
the display, press
down a page at a time.
Waypts, Routes
The number of waypoints and routes
currently in the Explorer 660.
Track 1 to Track 5
The number of points in tracks 1 to 5
currently in the Explorer 660.
Note:
To save Explorer 660 data onto the user card, use
the Save command (see below).
Data stored on the user card and shown on the
fi le list is not available to be used by the Explorer
660 until loaded into the Explorer 660 with the
LOAD command (see below).
Saving data to the use r card
This saves all the Explorer 660’s waypoints, all the
Explorer 660’s routes or one of the Explorer 660’s
tracks to one file on the user card.
1 Press MENU and select Save.
2 Select Way pts, Routes or Tracks.
3 For Tracks, selec t the track number to save.
4 The new file is created. Change the name if
required. The new file appears in the file list.
or to scroll up or
Loading da ta from the user card to the
Explorer 660
This loads one file from the user card to the
Explorer 660:
A waypoints file: The new waypoints are
added to any existing waypoints in the
Explorer 660. If a new waypoint has the
same name as an existing waypoint but has
different data, the Explorer 660 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.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 45
Page 46
A routes file: The new routes are added to any
existing routes in the Explorer 660. If a new
route has the same name as an existing route
but has different data then the Explorer 660
asks which route to keep.
A track file : The new track will replace the
existing track in the Explorer 660.
To load a file to the Explorer 660:
1 Select the file to load.
2 Press MENU and select Load.
Deleting a f ile from the user card
1 Selec t the file to delete.
2 Press MENU and select Delete.
3 Select Ye s to confirm.
14 About display
Reading the f ile information
This reads the file names from the user card and
displays them. Reading does not load any file
data into the Explorer 660.
1 Press MENU and select Card.
2 Select Read .
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.
1 Press MENU and select Card.
2 Select For m at.
3 Select Ye s to confirm.
Sorting th e file names
This sorts the displayed file names.
1 Press MENU and select Sort.
2 Select sort by Na me, Ty pe or Time.
To show the about display, press DISPLAY, select
Other, then select About.
The about display shows:
The software version and date.
The world chart version.
Any card fitted.
The number of waypoints, routes and tracks
in the Explorer 660.
Wiring information for the E xplorer 660
connectors.
In the unlikely event of having to contact a
Northstar dealer for service, quote the soft ware
version number and date.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual46
Page 47
15 Setting up the Explorer 660
The Explorer 660 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
settings before making any changes to the data
in these menus.
Press MENU one or more times, to show the
Setup menu, then select a par ticular option
using the
describes how to use the keys in more detail.)
15-1 Setup > System
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Sy stem:
Language
Select the language for the displays. The options
are: English, Italian, French, German, Spanish,
Dutch, Swedish, Portuguese, Finnish and Greek.
Tip: In case you can’t read the current langu age, the
language settin g is found at the top of the system
menu.
Backlight
The backlight control is displayed. The bar setting
represents the current level of backlighting.
Key beep
Enables or disables the beep when a key is pressed.
Auto power off
Select On to have the Explorer 660 power off
automatically every time the boat’s ignition is
switched of f. This applies only if the display unit
is wired for Auto Power. See section 6 -5 Wiring
Options.
or cursor keys. (Section 2
The Setup menu and options are summarized
on the next page. The factor y default sett ings
are shown where applicable.
Each Setup menu option is explained in the
following sections.
Factory reset
This option returns all of the Explorer 660 set tings
(except the language) to the default factory
settings shown on the nex t page.
A warning box asks: Are you sure? Select
Yes and press ENTER to confirm.
Instant display changing
Controls how the display changes when you
press the DISPLAY key and use the display menu
to choose a new display (see section 2-6). The
options are:
Off: The display only changes when you
press finally ENTER to choose a display..
On: The display changes each time you
highlight another display in the display menu.
Sonar
Disable any sonar transducer and disable
sonar func tions.
A sonar transducer is fit ted. Enable
sonar operation.
SmartCraft
No SmartCraft gateway is fit ted. Disable
SmartCraft functions.
SmartCraft gateway is fitted. Enable
SmartCraft operation.
Buddy track
No DSC VHF radio is fit ted. Disable Buddy
track.
A DSC VHF radio is fitted. Enable Buddy
track.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 47
Page 48
Setup menu and o ptions
Factory default settings are shown
where applicable.
Fuel (see 15-5)
Chart (see 15-2)
Sonar (see 15-3)System (see 15-1)
Water depth (see 15-2)
GPS (see 15-4) Logs (see 15-7)
Alarms (see 15-8)
Time (see 15-12)
Units (see 15-9)
Favorites (se e 15-13)
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual48
Track (see 15-6)Smartcraft
Comms (see 15-10)
Simulate (see 15-14)
Calibrate (see 15-11)
Page 49
15-2 Setup > Chart
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Chart:
Rotation
The options for chart rotation are:
North up: North is always at the top of the
chart display.
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 Explorer 660 asks for a
course deviation; 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.
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.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 49
Projecte d course
The Explorer 660 can estimate the course after
a given time, based on the current speed and
heading (see section 3-5). The options are 2
minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours
or Off.
CDI Scale
The CDI Scale is described in Appendix C, CDI.
The options are 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and
10.0 distance units.
Plotter m ode
Occasionally it is desirable to use a chart scale
which is not available on a chart card. Examples
are:
To zoom in to a small scale to track ver y small
boat movements.
If there is no detailed chart for an area, for
example when crossing an ocean.
If Plotte r m o d e is On, then if the chart zooms
to a scale which is not available, the Explorer
660 will enter plotter mode and will only display
the boat position and track (if enabled). Chart
information will no longer be displayed and the
display is white with black crosshatch lines.
For normal use, turn Plotter mod e to Off.
Mixing levels
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.
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.
Compa ss mode
COG in center: Displays course over
ground in center of compass
BRG in center: Displays bearing in
center of compass
Page 50
Map datum
Explorer 660 GPS positions are based on a
worldwide reference (datum) known as WGS
84. Most paper charts are based on WGS 84.
However, some paper charts are based on other
datums In these cases, the latitude and longitude
coordinates of objects on the Explorer 660 chart
display 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, rock s,
buoys and depth contours.
Use Map datum to select the Explorer 660 map
datum to match the datum of the paper chart.
Then, the latitude and longitude coordinates of
objects displayed on the Explorer 660 will change
to match the corresponding coordinates on the
paper char t.
Setting map datum
1 In the Chart setup menu, select Map
datum.
2 Select the map datum for the paper chart you
are using.
3 The Explorer 660 asks if you want to apply
the datum of fset to latitude and longitude
coordinates sent on the NMEA output. The
options are:
Ye s: Latitude and longitude coordinates
displayed on any NMEA repeaters match the
coordinates on the Explorer 660. However,
latitude and longitude coordinates broadcast
on any NMEA VHF transmitter will be slightly
offset from coordinates on a WGS 84 chart.
No: Latitude and longitude coordinates
displayed on any NMEA repeater do not
match the coordinates on the Explorer
660. Latitude and longitude coordinates
broadcast on any NMEA VHF transmitter will
be the same as the coordinates on a WGS 84
chart.
!
WARNING
When you change to a chart with a different
datum, change the Explorer map datum
again.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual50
Map shif t
Some charts have cons iste nt position errors. To
correct this, apply a map shift. After a map shift:
The positions of cartographic features (such
as land, rock s, buoys and depth contours)
move on the Explorer 660 chart display to
where they should be.
The positions of the boat, waypoints, tracks,
and lines of latitude and longitude on the
Explorer 660 chart display remain unchanged.
!
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.
Applying a map shift
1 Move the boat to a known point on the chart,
for example a marina berth.
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 ENTER 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 Explorer
660 chart display.
1 In the Chart setup menu, select Map shift.
2 Press MENU and select Clear.
Waypoi nts
Controls how waypoints are displayed on the
chart. The options are:
Hide all: No waypoints are displayed
(except for waypoints on any selected route).
Show all: All waypoints are displayed.
Selected: Waypoints with their display
option set to Icon or I+N (Icon and Name) are
displayed (see section 5).
Chart di splay options
The other char t setup options allow an ex tensive
range of char t card features to be shown.
Configure the most useful display format.
Page 51
Bathymetric Lines and soundings
Chart cards contain a large amount of spot
sounding and depth contour data. This can be
selectively displayed by turning Bathymetric Lines
and Spot Soundings on, then selecting the range
to display with Bath and Sndgs Min and Max.
Attention Areas
Areas of importance, such as restricted anchorages
and shallow areas, are highlighted as Attention
Areas.
The options are:
On: displays at tention area boundaries and
information icons
Off: does not display attention area
boundaries or information icons
.
.
15-3 Setup > Sonar
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Sonar:
Frequency
There is a choice of: 200 k H z, 50 k Hz and
50+200. 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: Very Fast, Fast, Medium,
Slow and Pause. The depth of the water also
affec ts 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).
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 51
Note: In some early char t cards the information
are inactive.
icons
Depth area limits
The depth area limits control the chart water
colors for different depths. There are three water
colors:
Surface to Depth area limit 1:
Shallow water color.
Depth a rea lim it 1 to Depth
area lim it 2:
Medium water color.
Below Dept h area li mit 2:
Deep water color.
The actual water colors depend on the palette in
use (see above).
Fish symbols
The Explorer 660 always displays echoes from
fish (fish arches, see section 8-4). If fish symbols
are on, a symbol is displayed over the arch (see
section 8-4). The options are:
• Off: No fish symbol is displayed..
• Fun or Normal: A fish symbol is displayed.
• Fun
depth: A fish symbol is displayed and the depth
shown beside the fish symbol.
Fish filter
Use this to select the minimum fish size to be
displayed and to trigger the Fish alarm. The
options are: Small, Medium and Large.
Digit size
Use this to remove or change the size of the
depth display on the sonar displays. There is a
choice of: Small, Medium and Large.
Depth line
This is a horizontal line that can be moved up or
down using the
line can be used to find the depth of a fish or
other objec t shown. When in the Sonar Zoom
display, the depth line marks the centre of the
zoomed area.
It can be switched On or Off. If switched On, it
appears on all the sonar displays.
depth or Normal
or cursor keys. The depth
Page 52
Color bar
This shows the range of colors used for the
selected color palette.
It can be switched On or Off. If switched On, it is
displayed down the left hand side of all the sonar
displays.
Zoom bar
This shows the ver tical range that is enlarged in
the Zoom sec tion.
It can be switched On or Of f. If switched On, it
appears as a ver tical scroll bar displayed on the
right hand side of all the sonar displays.
Palette
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 co lor palettes: Black, Blue,
White, Vivid and 8 color. The first four
pallettes 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
This filters the echo signal to reduce high-level,
spiky inter ference, such as engine noise.
It can be switched On or Off.
Pulse length
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 bat tery and produces a
clear display in shallow water.
There is a choice of Auto, Low, Medium or
High. The Auto setting is recommended.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual52
Page 53
15-4 Setup > GPS
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select System:
GPS Source
There are two options:
• NMEA: Use the external GPS antenna
supplied or an external GPS or DGPS source
connected via NMEA (see section 16-6).
• NavBus: Use an external GPS or DGPS source
connected via NavBus (see section 16-6).
DGPS Source
Enables or disables the satellite based DGPS
correction (see section 7). T he 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 WASS, the GPS antenna must have a clear
view of the sk y towards the equator. EGNOS will
cover most of Western Europe.
Static Navigation
When the boat stops or moves ver y slowly, the
calculated GPS speed and course become erratic.
Static navigation is a number, and the options are:
• 0.01 t o 99.9 : If the boat speed is slower
than this, the speed is displayed as zero and
the course stays unchanged.
• 0 (Off): 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 Explorer 660 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. This gives the most
stable value but will ignore some true 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).
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 53
Page 54
15-5 Setup > Fuel
These features can be used only when the optional
single or twin engine fuel kit has been installed. Press
MENU once or more until the Setup menu is
displayed, then select Fuel:
!
WARNING
Northstar fuel kits are only suitable for
petrol/gasoline engines. Fuel consumption
can change drastically depending upon the
boat loading and the sea conditions. Always
carry adequate fuel for the journey, plus
a reserve.
It is recommended that the fuel tank capacity is
measured by draining the fuel tank, then filling it
to capacit y. After filling, note the reading from the
fuel dispenser’s gauge.
Note: Beware of air pocke ts, especially in underf loor
tanks .
Tank full
Select Tank full each time the fuel tank(s)
are completely refilled. When asked Are you
sure? select Ye s. Otherwise, the Fuel display
and the Low Fuel Alarm are meaningless.
Set remaining
Before doing a partial refill of the tank or removing
fuel manually from the tank (for example, by
siphoning it of f):
1. Note the Remaining reading on the Fuel
display.
2. Note how much fuel is added or removed.
3. Calculate how much fuel is now in the tank.
4. Select Set
reading.
It is essential to do this whenever some fuel is
added or removed. Otherwise, the Fuel display
and the Low Fuel Alarm are meaningless.
remaining and update the
Clear Used
Select Clear used to set Used (the amount
of fuel used) to zero. Do this to start measuring
the amount of fuel used over a cer tain time or
distance.
When asked Are you sure? select Yes.
Tank size
Enter the capacity of the fuel tank.
Num. engines
Set the number of engines to 0, 1 or 2. If 0 is
selected the fuel features are turned off.
Calibrate
See section 15-11 Setup > Calibrate, for information
about calibrating the fuel transducer(s).
Flow filter
Most engines do not draw fuel from the tank at a
steady rate. To give a stable fuel flow reading, the
Explorer 660 calculates the flow value(s) 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
satisfac tory 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 display but it does
not affect the Fuel used reading.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual54
Page 55
15-6 Setup > Track
Press MENU one or more times until the Setup
menu is displayed, then selec t Track:
Tracking records and displays the boat’s course
on the chart (see section 3-6). 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 Explorer 660 stops recording
a track.
1 to 5 (selec t a track number): The E xplorer
660 star ts recording the boat’s course into
the selec ted 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.
15-7 Setup > Logs
Press MENU one or more times until the Setup
menu is displayed, then selec t Logs:
Plotting Interval
The options are Distance 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 display to check the
number of points recorded in each track (see
section 13).
Send track
This option is included for compatibility with
older units. For information, see your Nor thstar
dealer.
Delete track
The data in the track selected for Record (see
above) is deleted.
The values can be changed independently of
each other. These log values are saved when the
unit is turned off.
Reset trip dist
This resets the trip distance to zero.
Reset total dist
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 service or to count the
engine hours between service intervals.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 55
Page 56
15-8 Setup > Alarms
Press MENU one or more times until the
Setup menu is displayed, then selec t Alarms:
The Explorer 660 has thirteen alarms. All except
Loss of GPS fix can be turned on
(enabled) or off (disabled).
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 alarm trigger value
Danger boat comes closer to a danger waypoint than the alarm trigger value
Too shallow depth is less than the alarm trigger value
Too deep depth is greater than the alarm trigger value
boat is closer to the destination or to a waypoint than the alarm trigger
value
The Fish and Loss of DGPS fix alarms
can be set to on or off. For the other alarms,
enter a trigger value to turn the alarm on. The
alarm will sound each time the alarm value
equals the trigger value. For example, the Too
shallow alarm will sound if the depth is less
than its trigger value and the Too deep alarm
will sound if the depth is more than its trigger
value. To turn these alarms off, enter a trigger
value of 0 (zero).
Icons for alarms that are on can be displayed in
the data header (see sections 2-6 -3 and 10). An
alarm icon is normally black and turns red when
the alarm sounds.
Fish echo matches the profi le of a fi sh
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
Loss of DGPS fi x
Loss of GPS fi x
Explorer 660 can not receive the DGPS signal
(beacon, WAAS or EGNOS)
Explorer 660 can not receive the GPS signal
(this alarm is always on)
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual56
Page 57
15-9 Setup > Units
Press MENU one or more times until the Setup
menu is displayed, then selec t Units:
The default units are shown in this example.
Distance
Select from:
• nm (nautical miles)
• mi (miles)
• km (kilometres)
Speed
Select from:
• kn (knots)
• mph (miles per hour)
• kph (kilometres per hour)
15-10 Setup > Comms
Use this feature when the Explorer 660 is
connected to other Northstar instruments
through NavBus or any compatible NMEA
instrument.
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Co mm s:
NMEA
NMEA is generally used with third part y
instruments (see sec tion 16-6). Selec t On to
transmit NMEA sentences, for example to an
autopilot. Otherwise, select Off.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 57
Depth
Select from:
• ft (feet)
• m (metres)
• fa (fathoms)
Fuel
Select from:
• Litres
• USGal (US gallons)
• ImpGal (Imperial Gallons)
Compass
Select either:
• °T (True nor th)
• °M (Magnetic north)
Temperature
Select either:
• °F (Fahrenheit)
• °C (Celsius)
Wind (optional)
Select either:
• Tru e
• App (Apparent)
Note: that the units for wind speed are the sp eed
units.
NMEA data
Use this to specify which NMEA sentences will be
transmitted (see Appendix A)
.
NavBus
NavBus is the preferred method for connecting
the Explorer 660 to other Northstar instruments.
Select On if the instruments are connected using
NavBus. Otherwise, select Off.
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 setting on one instrument
in the group is adjusted, the other instruments
change automatically. Otherwise, select 0.
Page 58
15-11 Setup > Calibrate
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Calibrate:
The fuel options can be calibrated only when the
optional single or twin engine kit is installed on
petrol/gasoline engines.
Speed
This calibrates the speed from the paddlewheel
transducer. 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).
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 fluctuate slightly. To
give stable readings, the Explorer 660 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 settings 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 15-9.
Temperature filter
Water turbulence and currents cause the water
temperature to f luctuate slightly. To give stable
readings, the Explorer 660 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).
Fuel
Calibrating the fuel usage can improve the
accuracy of fuel measurements.
Twin engine installations require each fuel
transducer to be calibrated. This can be done
at the same time with two portable tanks or at
different times using one portable tank.
Calibrating the fuel transducer(s) requires accurate
measurement of the fuel consumption. This is best
done using a small portable tank. At least 4 gallons
(15 litres) of fuel should be used to ensure an
accurate calibration.
It is often very difficult to fill underfloor tanks to the
same level twice due to air pockets, so the more
fuel used, the more accurate the calibration.
To calibrate the fuel transducer(s), perform the
following steps:
1. Record the level of the fuel in the tank(s).
2. Connect the portable tank(s) to the engine
through the fuel transducer(s).
3. Run the engine at normal cruising speed until
at least 4 gallons (15 litres) of fuel has been
used per engine.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual58
Page 59
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) from
the fuel dispenser’s gauge.
5. Select Fuel. Use the cursor keys to change
the reading for each engine to match that on
the fuel dispenser’s gauge.
6. Press ENTER when the reading is correc t.
Note: If the fuel calibration options appear to give
erroneous readings after a while, fi rst check that the
fuel sensor has been installed correctly according to
the installation instructions supplied with it, then see
Appendix B - Troubleshooting.
Note: Boat illustrated uses a through hull transducer
15-12 Setup > Time
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Ti me:
Keel Of fset
Keel offset is a depth correction representing the
vertical distance between the depth transducer and
the location from which the depth is to be measured.
Enter a positive keel offset value when the
transducer is located below the water surface but
the total depth is required.
Enter a negative keel offset value when the
depth below the deepest part of the boat is
required (such as the keel, the rudder or the
propeller) and the transducer is located closer to
the water surface.
Use the cursor keys to selec t Keel offset,
then press
Use the
Depth of transducer
Transducer
to display the Keel offset box.
or cursor keys to adjust the value.
Water surface
Positive
value
Negative
value
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.
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.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 59
Page 60
15-13 Setup > Favorites
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Favorites. The
favorites are used by the PAGES key (see sec tion
2-6-2).
The first three favorites are preset to Chart, Sonar
and Chart + sonar, and can not be altered. To
select a display for Favorite 4, 5 or 6:
1 Select the favorite to set.
2 A list of choices is displayed. Select one.
15-14 Setup > Simulate
Simulate mode is a way of becoming familiar with
the Explorer 660 (see section 2-5).
Press MENU once or more until the Setup menu
is displayed, then select Si m ulat e:
!
WARNING
Never have sonar or GPS simulate mode on
when the Explorer 660 is navigating on the
water.
Sonar simulation
The data from the sonar sensor is ignored and
the Explorer 660 generates this data internally
to simulate the depth of the water. Turn sonar
simulation Off or On.
GPS simulation
The data from the GPS receiver is ignored and
the Explorer 660 generates this data internally
to simulate the movement of the boat. Turn GPS
simulation Off or On.
Mode
There are two choices for Mode:
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.
Heading: The simulated bearing for the
boat to follow.
Note: To select the start point, go to the
chart display before star ting the simulation.
Then:
• To start the simulation from the boat
position, press ESC to switch to centre on
boat mode.
• To start the simulation from a different
point, move the cursor to that point on
the chart.
Tip: To calculate a heading, use the cursor
(see section 3-3).
Tip: As the boat moves, var y Heading to
simulate the boat moving off course.
Demo
Simulates the boat moving along a route
at a given speed. When it reaches one end
it retraces the route in the other direction.
Before setting this mode enter at least one
route (see section 6-2-1). The options required
for Demo are:
Speed: The simulated boat speed to use.
Route: The route to follow.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual60
Page 61
16 Installation
Correct installation is critical to the performance
of the unit. There are three components to
install, the E xplorer 660 display unit, the sonar
transducer and the GPS antenna. In addition,
install the optional fuel kit to use the Explorer 660
as a fuel computer.
The Explorer 660 can:
Drive external beepers or lights for the alarm.
Send and receive data from other Northstar
instruments connected via NavBus. The
backlight setting is shared (see section 16-6).
Send NMEA data to an autopilot or other
instrument.
Accept and display NMEA wind data from an
optional compatible wind instrument.
16-1 What comes with this pro duct?
• Explorer 660 display unit, with a holder
for plug-in cards and blanking cap for fuel
connector.
• Dust cover for display unit
• Power cable
• Mounting bracket (screws included)
• Warrant y registration card
• This manual
• Northstar 124 GPS antenna
• Flush mounting kit
• Dual frequency transom sonar transducer
(includes cable kit and screws)
• Transom Mount Transducer Installation
Manual.
The Explorer 660 can be wired for auto power
so that it automatically turns on and off with
the boat power and can not be turned on or off
manually. Wire auto power if the fuel option is
installed, so that the Explorer 660 records all the
fuel that is used (see section 16-5).
It is vital to read the entire installation section of
this manual and the documentation that comes
with the antenna and any other units before
starting installation.
Screws
Mounting bracket
Display unit
Dual frequency
transom transducer
GPS antenna
Power cable
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 61
Page 62
16-2 Options and Accessorie s
• Through hull dual frequency sonar transducer
• Through hull speed/temperature transducer
• Fuel kit for single or twin petrol/
gasoline engines.
If a fuel kit is installed, wire auto power on
so that the Explorer 660 is on all the time
the engine is on and no fuel consumption is
missed (see section 15-3).
If the NMEA input on the fuel sensor cable
is used, then a Northstar special fuel cable is
required (see section 16-6).
• Replacement paddle wheel
• Northstar’s Explorer R310 (see sec tion 16-6).
• C-MAP™ chart cards.
• C-MAP™ user cards (3 V) for storing data. ( The
older 5 volt cards are not suppor ted)
• Beepers with built-in drivers or lights. The
Ex plo rer 660 output is switched to ground, 30 V
DC and 200 mA maximum. If the beepers and
lights require more than 200 mA, fit a relay.
• 5 m (16 ft) extension cable for Northstar 133
GPS antenna.
• GPS or DGPS antenna (see section 7).
• Northstar carry bag.
Please consult your Northstar dealer for
more information.
Through hull
speed/temperature
Tra nsd uce r
Fuel flow kit
Through hull
dual frequency
Tra nsd uce r
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual62
Page 63
16-3 Mounting the dis play unit
There are two mounting arrangements:
• Flush mounting requires a solid panel
with access behind for wiring and mounting
screws. Af ter flush mounting, the Explorer
660 cannot be tilted or moved after
installation to reduce any unwanted glare or
reflec tions. Carefully select the best viewing
position before installation. This would
generally be in a shaded area.
• Bracket mounting requires a panel for
mounting the bracket. Ensure that the panel
is not likely to deform and is not subjec t
to excessive vibration. The bracket can be
tilted and rotated so the Explorer 660 can be
removed after each use.
Select a position where the display unit will be:
• At least 4" (100 mm) away from the compass.
• At least 12" (300 mm) away from any
radio transmitter.
• At least 4 ft (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.
• Not exposed to the direct sun or water.
• Protected from physical damage during
rough sea passages.
• Easy to access the 12 / 24 V DC power source.
• Convenient to route the transducer cables.
Flush Mounting
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.
Adjust
tilt, then
tighten
knobs
Knob
Mounting
bracket
Adjust
rotation
Bracket mounting
Bracket Mounting
1 Fix the mounting bracket onto the boat
using the three stainless steel screws. Do not
overtighten the screws, as the bracket may
not rotate.
2 Hold the display unit in place in the mounting
bracket. Fit the mounting bracket knobs into
the display unit and do up the knobs loosely.
3 Adjust the tilt and rotation of the display for
best viewing, then hand tighten the knobs on
the mounting bracket.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 63
Page 64
16-4 Mounting the GPS a ntenna and transduce rs
GPS antenna
Fit the GPS antenna (see section 7) and install the
antenna cable back to the Explorer 660. Follow
the instructions in the manual supplied with the
antenna. Connect the antenna to the Explorer
660:
• The cable on the GPS antenna supplied has
a plug with a yellow collar. Plug this into the
connector on the back of the Explorer 660
with a yellow nut. Tighten the locking collar.
• If the GPS source is NavBus or NMEA, see
section 16-6.
Sonar transducer
Either:
• Fit the transom mount sonar transducer
supplied, following the instructions in the
Transom Mount Transducer Installation
Manual supplied with the Explorer 660.
• 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.
The sonar transducer cable has a plug with a blue
collar. Plug this into the connector with a blue nut
on the back of the Explorer 660. Turn the collar to
lock the connector.
Optiona l fuel kit
1 Fit the optional fuel kit following the
instructions supplied with the kit.
Note: If the NMEA input on the fuel sensor
cable is used, then a Northstar special fuel
cable is required (see sec tion 16-6).
2 Wire the Explorer 660 for auto power (see
section 16-5)
3 The fuel sensor cable has a plug with a white
collar. Plug this plug into the connector with
a white nut on the back of the Explorer 660.
Turn the collar to lock the connector.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual64
Page 65
Conne ctions
Blue
connector
Yellow con-
nector
Transom mount dual
frequency sonar
transducer
Black
connector
connector
GPS antenna
Power/data
cable
White
Optional fuel
sensor
Power/data cable
Pin Wire Function
1 Black Ground: power negative,
NMEA ground
Note: The cable has two wires with black
coverings, the black wire (pin 1) and the shield
(covered with heatshrink). These wires are connected within the cable and
therefore it does not matter which black wire
you use.
2 Brown Power out, 9 V DC (NOT USED)
3 White NMEA out
4 Blue NavBus5 Red Positive power in, 10 to 35 V DC
6 Orange NavBus+
7 Yellow Auto power in (connect to red
wire [positive power in] to
enable Auto power).
8 Green External beeper or light out,
switched to ground, 30 V DC 200
mA maximum.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 65
Page 66
16-5 Wiring the power/data ca ble
1 Wire the power:
• Either Basic wiring: When the main
switch is on, the E xplorer 660 must be
powered on manually with the key. The
engine hours counter and fuel counter
are disabled.
• Or Auto p ower wiring: The Explorer 660
turns on and of f automatically when the
ignition is turned on and of f. The engine
hours counter and fuel counter are
enabled. Choose auto power when the
optional fuel kit is fit ted.
Note: With auto power, the Explorer 66 0
can not be turned of f using the
2 Wire any ex ternal beepers or lights. If the
current is more than 200 mA, fit a relay.
3 The power/data cable has a plug with a black
collar. Plug this plug into into the connec tor
with a black nut on the back of the Explorer
660. Turn the collar to lock the connector.
key.
Basic wiring
Main
switch
Fuse 2 A
12/24 V DC
Red
Yellow
Black
Power/data
cable
Auto power wiring
Ignition
Ignition
switch
Main
switch
Fuse 2 A
Fuse 2 A
12/24 V DC
Yellow
Red
Black
Power/data
cable
Wiring external beepers or lights
Red
External
beepers or
lights
Green
Power/data
cable
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual66
Page 67
16-6 Systems of several i nstruments
Several Nor thstar instruments can be connec ted
together to share data. There are two ways
of connecting instruments together, NavBus
or NMEA.
NavBus
NavBus is a Northstar proprietary system that
allows systems of multiple instruments to be
built using a single set of transducers. When
instruments are connec ted 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 t ype.
Each instrument can be assigned to a
group of instruments (see section 15-10). 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.
NavBus and the Explorer 660
The Explorer 660 can:
Display wind speed and direction from an
optional Wind instrument, such as a Northstar
W310 or W315.
Receive data from an optional GPS or
GPS/DGPS source.
Send data to optional Northstar instruments,
for example to a repeater.
NMEA
NMEA is an industry standard, but is not as
flexible as NavBus as it requires dedicated
connections between instruments. The Explorer
660 can:
Receive and display wind data from an
optional compatible wind instrument.
Receive data from an optional compatible
GPS or GPS/DGPS source.
Note: To use the NMEA input, a Northstar
special fuel cable is required (see below).
Send GPS position and other navigation
data to an autopilot or other instrument.
An autopilot requires APB, APA and VTG
sentences (see section 15-10).
Connecti ng the Explorer 660 to othe r instruments
Orange
instruments
+
Blue
_
White
NMEA in, from other compat-
ible instruments
To optional fuel sensors
(see section 16-4)
NavBus connection, to other
NavBus instruments
NMEA out, to other compatible
Other power/data wires
(see section 16-5)
To set up the Explorer 660 for these options, see sections 15-4 and 15-10.
White
Power/data cable
Black connector
Special fuel cable
White connector
Explorer R310
Repeater for depth, speed,
Explorer D210
Depth Repeater
water temperature and battery
voltage. Accepts NavBus or
NMEA data inputs from other
instruments.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 67
Page 68
Appendix A - Specifications
GENERAL
Size: 201 mm H x 190 mm W x 72 mm D
(7.9" x 7.5" x 2.8").
Weigh t: display unit 115 g (2.2 lB).
Display: 6.4" diagonal, TFT color,
800 x 480 pixels.
Backlight: Display and keys
Supply voltage: 10.5 to 30.5 V DC.
Supply current: at 13.8 V
350 mA min - no backlighting.
1 mA max - full backlighting.
Exte rnal beeper or l ight output: Switched to
ground to sound alarm, 30 V DC, 1 A maximum.
Operating temperature
0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F)
ALARMS:
User set: Arrival radius, anchor, XTE, danger,
too shallow, too deep, fish, temperature,
temperature rate, low battery, low fuel
(optional), loss of DGPS fix
Fixed: Loss of GPS fix
GPS NAVIGATION
Chart and user cards:
Capacit y: Two cards
Typ e: C-M AP ™ NT cards and NT+ cards, 3.3 V
C-MAP(tm) user cards.
Waypoints: Up to 300 0, with default or
user-defined alphanumeric names up to eight
characters.
Routes: 25 Routes, with up to 50 points each
Tra cks : By time or distance, one track of 2000
points and four of 500 points.
Chart datums
121 Chart datums (see next page)
One user-defined map shif t.
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 f t )
Sonar output:
Power: Variable, up to 600 W RMS
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual68
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)
Tem pe rat ure :
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 carburet ted 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
Input, from GPS or DGPS receiver: GGA, GLL,
GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG
Input, from a wind sensor: MWV
Output, for autopilot or other instrument:
APA, APB, BWR, GGA, GLL, GSA, GSV, RMB,
RMC, VTG, XTE, DBT, DPT, VHW, MTW, XDR
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)
Page 69
7.5" (190.0 mm)
7.2" (184.0 mm)
9.3" (236.0 mm)
9.3" (236.0 mm)
6.1" (156.0 mm) 4.3" (110.0 mm)
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
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 69
Page 70
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
B-1 General problems
1-1 The Explorer 660 won’t turn on:
a The E xplorer 660 is designed to operate on a
12/24 volt battery system, where the voltage
may vary from 10 to 35 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 connec tor 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 batter y 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 Ensure that the red wire is connected to the
positive bat tery terminal and the black wire
to the negative battery terminal. If wired for
the Auto Power option, ensure the yellow
wire is connec ted to the ignition circuit. Also
check the boat’s main switch circuit (see
section 16-5).
f Check for corrosion on the power cable
connector and clean or replace if required.
to ensure that the display unit is reassembled
correctly and is waterproof. Users who service the
product themselves will void the warrant y.
Repairs to the product may only be carried out
by a service centre approved by Northstar. If the
product must be sent into a service centre 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.
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.
1-2 The Explorer 660 won’t turn off:
The Explorer 660 may have been wired for
Auto power. In this case, the Explorer 660
cannot be turned off while the ignition
power is on (See Auto power in sec tion 16-5).
1-3 If the Explorer 660 beeps when turned on
but nothing is displayed:
The Explorer 660 may be operating, but the
backlight settings may have been set too low
(see section 2-2).
1-4 The wrong language is displayed:
See section 15-1.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual70
Page 71
B-2 GPS navigation proble ms
2-1 No GPS fix or long time to get fix
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 Explorer 660 GPS position different from
true position by more than 10 m (33 ft):
a Explorer 660 in simulate mode. Turn simulate
mode of f (see sec tion 15-14).
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 Explorer 660 position different from same
position on local charts:
a Explorer 660 in simulate mode. Turn simulate
mode of f (see sec tion 15-14).
b Incorrect chart datum. Select the correct
chart datum (see section 15-2).
c Map shift has been applied wrongly. Clear map
shift, then reapply if necessary (see section 15-2).
2-4 Can not see boat on chart:
Press ESC to switch to centre on boat mode
(see section 3-2).
B-3 Sonar fishfin ding problems
3-1 The Explorer 660 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
underway 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 Tran som Trans duce r
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.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 71
2-5 The time or date on satellite display is
wrong or off:
a No GPS fix.
b In simulate mode. Turn simulate mode off
(see section 15-14).
c Local time offset is wrong (see section 15-12).
The Local Time Offset must be changed
when daylight saving time starts or ends.
2-6 Autopilot not responding to Explorer 660;
no NMEA output:
a NMEA output disabled or the re quired NMEA
sentences are not turned on. Check NMEA
settings (see section 15-9).
b Check that the instrument is
connected correc tly.
2-7 No DGPS fix or loss of 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.
d With beacon DGPS: boat out of range of a
DGPS beacon.
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 Tr ans om
Transducers Installation Guide.)
f Check the transducer and power cable
connectors at the back of the display unit
are securely plugged in and the collars are
locked in place. The collars must be secure for
watertight connection.
Page 72
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 Explorer 660.
i Electrical noise from the boat’s engine or
an accessor y may be interfering with the
transducer(s) and/or the Explorer 660. This
may cause the Explorer 660 to automatically
decrease the Gain unless using Manual Gain.
The Explorer 660 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 elec trical wiring.
- routing the display unit’s power cable direc tly
to the batter y with an in-line fuse.
3-2 Bottom is not displayed:
a The Explorer 660 may have Manual Range
selected and the depth may be outside the
range value selected. Either change the
Explorer 660 to Auto Range or select another
depth range (see section 8-5).
b The depth may be outside the E xplorer 660’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.
3-3 The bottom is displayed too far up
the screen:
The Explorer 660 may have Manual Range
selected and the selected Range value is
too high for the depth. Either change the
Explorer 660 to Auto Range or select another
depth range (see section 8-5).
3-4 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 Installation Guide, for
more information.)
b The transducer may be in turbulent water.
Air bubbles in the water disrupt the echoes
returned, interfering with the Explorer
660’s abilit y to find the bot tom or other
targets. T his often happens when the boat is
reversed. The transducer must be mounted
in a smooth flow of water in order for the
Explorer 660 to work at all boat speeds.
c Elec trical noise from the boat’s motor can
interfere with the Explorer 660. Try some
suppression spark plugs.
3-5 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 w ater, the echoe s may bounce. Reduce
the gain set ting (see sect ion 8-5) and/or reduce
the sonar puls e power (see se cti on 15 -3).
c Decrease the Range.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual72
Page 73
B-4 Fuel consump tion problems
Note: For the Explorer 6 60 to measure fuel
consumption, the optional fue l flow kit must be
fitted.
4-1 Fuel used or remaining seem inaccurate:
a If the engine is run while the Explorer 660
is powered of f, the Explorer 660 does not
record the amount of fuel used during
that engine run. Consequently, the Fuel
remaining value will be higher than the
actual amount of fuel remaining in the tank .
To avoid this problem, use the Auto Power
Wiring option (see se ction 16-5). T his
ensures that the Explorer 660 powers on
automatically whenever the boat’s ignition is
switched on.
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 15-5).
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 5000 litres of
fuel.
4-2 Flow indicates no fuel or low fuel:
a Check that the number of engines is set to 1
(see sec tion 15-5).
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.
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 b etween 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.
4-3 A twin engine installation shows only one
flow rate:
a Check that the number of engines is set to 2
(see sec tion 15-5)
4-4 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 15-5)
4-5 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.
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 73
Page 74
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 15-2).
Bathymetric line - A depth contour line on
the chart.
Chart card - A plug-in card that stores chart data
for a region (see section 1-2).
C-MAP™ chart card - See Chart card.
C-MAP™ user card - See User card.
Cursor - A
3-2).
DGPS - Differential Global Positioning System. A
navigation tool based on GPS with some errors
corrected (see section 7).
Goto - A simple way of navigating straight to a
waypoint or to the cursor position (see section
3-4).
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
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
16- 6).
NMEA - National Marine Electronics Association.
NMEA 0183 - A standard for interfacing marine
electronic devices (see section 16-6).
Route: Two or more waypoint s linked in
sequence to form a course for the boat (see
section 6).
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).
Waypoint - A user-definable chart position (see
section 5).
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual74
Page 75
Navigation data
The boat is sailing from the start to the destination and has moved of f 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)
CDI Course Deviation Indicator : When the boat is navigating to a point, the chart and highway displays
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 15-2) to the maximum distance that the boat should deviate from
the plotted course. The chart and highway displays show the CDI lines, which are like a highway
over the water where the boat will move. The displays 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
15-8) 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.
+RNG Range to cursor: 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
Destination
Plotted
course
ne
I li
CD
CDI scale
(distance)
Boat position
Northstar Explorer 660 Installation and Operation Manual 75
Start
XTE
(distance)
Boat
position
CDI scale
(distance)
ne
I li
CD
Page 76
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