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NorthStar 957 - User Manual

NorthStar 957
204 pages
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NORTHSTAR 957
GPS/WAAS CHART
NAVIGATOR
Operator’s Manual

Table of Contents

Other manuals for NorthStar 957

Questions and Answers

  • D
    Darrell WilliamsAug 13, 2025
    Why does my NorthStar 957 2201 lose satellite signals?
    • R
      Richard JacksonAug 13, 2025
      If satellite signals are frequently lost or the NorthStar 2201 GPS works in one direction but not the opposite, it might be partially shaded by metallic objects. Try re-positioning or raising the 2201 GPS to ensure a better view of the sky.
  • M
    Mary CabreraAug 17, 2025
    How to obtain WAAS satellites on NorthStar GPS 957?
    • W
      Wendy AyalaAug 17, 2025
      If you're having trouble acquiring WAAS satellites on your NorthStar GPS 957, first verify that WAAS is available in your current location. Then, reset the satellite elevation setting to its default of 10 degrees. Lastly, confirm that the DIFFERENTIAL OPERATIONS option is set to either WAAS or AUTO.
  • L
    lsmithAug 20, 2025
    What to do if NorthStar GPS locks up with chart card?
    • M
      Mary JimenezAug 21, 2025
      If your NorthStar GPS 957 system freezes when using a chart card, the card might be faulty. Remove the card and inspect both the card's pin area and the 957's pins for any damage. If the 957's pins are bent, do not insert another card to prevent further damage. If the pins are intact, try inserting a new card after turning the power off.
  • B
    Billy ShortAug 25, 2025
    How to fix 'COMM FAIL TOO FEW SATS' on NorthStar GPS 957?
    • C
      Cody WellsAug 25, 2025
      If the error message 'COMM FAIL TOO FEW SATS' appears on your NorthStar GPS 957 display, take the following steps: * Check the antenna and wiring connections while the power is on. * Disconnect the 2201 from the 957, then measure the 7-pin 2201 connector for 10 - 36 volts at pin 7, ground at pin 6. * Check the 2201’s remote-on: Pin 5 should measure less than 5 ohms to ground. * After testing above, re-connect the cable and press the PWR key to turn the 957 off, then turn it back on again. * Ensure that nothing is obstructing the 2201’s view of the sky. * Allow up to 30 minutes for full initial acquisition, as the almanac may not be complete.
  • A
    albert09Aug 27, 2025
    Why won't my NorthStar GPS 957 turn on?
    • C
      Christopher MorenoAug 28, 2025
      If pressing the PWR key doesn't start your NorthStar GPS 957, check the fuse and the power supply to the unit. If this doesn't resolve the issue, the display may have failed.
  • J
    Julie EspinozaSep 1, 2025
    How to improve SNR readings on NorthStar GPS 957?
    • W
      William ClarkSep 1, 2025
      If you're getting poor SNR readings on your NorthStar GPS 957 even after running it for a while, check the antenna location. It should have a clear view of the sky. Also, make sure the antenna is clean and free from ice, snow, or exhaust soot.
  • N
    Nicole BraunSep 4, 2025
    Why does my NorthStar 957 GPS show color bars instead of video?
    • V
      Vicki HensleySep 4, 2025
      If color bars are showing instead of the video overlay image on your NorthStar GPS, ensure the video image is turned on by pressing STAR to display the VIDEO SETUP screen. Also, check the cables and connectors for any issues, and verify that the video equipment is functioning correctly.
  • L
    Luis GarnerSep 8, 2025
    Why does NorthStar GPS 957 screen dim automatically?
    • A
      Andrew SimmonsSep 8, 2025
      If the display screen on your NorthStar GPS 957 dims after being on for a while, it's likely activating its auto-dimming mode. This feature helps protect the display and reduce power use when the GPS is running too hot for its environment.

Summary

Limited warranty policy

Getting Started

Service and repair

Procedures and contact information for obtaining service or repair for the Northstar 957.

Turning the 957 on and off

Step-by-step instructions for powering the Northstar 957 unit on and off.

Displaying the chart screen

Guide on how to access and view the main chart display screen on the Northstar 957.

Displaying your vessels present position

Explains how to view the vessel's current location and orientation on the chart screen.

Using chart data

Information on using the built-in maps and Navionics chart cartridges for navigation.

Displaying detailed position information

How to view specific positional data like SOG, COG, and lat/lon on different screens.

Checking GPS and WAAS status

How to check the status and quality of GPS and WAAS signals received by the unit.

Introducing the 957

Introducing the controls

Overview of the physical buttons and keys on the Northstar 957 and their primary functions.

Introducing the display screen

Description of the Northstar 957's screen features, including overhead view and brightness adjustment.

Using the alarms

Explanation of how the Northstar 957 uses alarms for safety and alerts, including icons and messages.

Determining Your Position

Displaying position, heading, and speed

How the Northstar 957 determines and displays position, heading, and speed information.

Using GPS

Explanation of GPS operation, data calculation, and display on the Northstar 957.

Using DGPS

How to use Differential GPS (DGPS) for enhanced position accuracy with the Northstar 957.

Using loran

Instructions for navigating using Loran coordinates if connected to an external Loran receiver.

Understanding the Waypoints Function

Introducing waypoints

Definition and basic functions of waypoints in the Northstar 957 navigation system.

Creating new waypoints

Step-by-step guide for creating new waypoints graphically or numerically.

Understanding the Routes Function

Introducing routes

Definition of routes and their use in forming connected paths for navigation.

Creating routes from the chart

Method for creating a new route by selecting waypoints directly on the chart screen.

Creating routes from a waypoints list

How to build a route by selecting existing waypoints from a stored list.

Saving a route as you travel

Procedure for automatically saving a route by recording waypoints as you travel.

Understanding Waypoint;Route Navigation

Navigating to waypoints

Methods for navigating to a specific waypoint using chart cursor or coordinates.

Steering to a waypoint

Information and screens for guiding the vessel directly to a destination waypoint.

Navigating along routes

How to follow a previously stored route, including selecting start points and reversing direction.

Using Special Functions

Understanding alarms

Detailed explanation of Northstar 957 alarms, icons, messages, and their management.

Setting up your 957

Changing your display settings

Options for customizing display preferences such as units, clock format, and lat/lon precision.

Changing your navigation settings

Configuration options for navigation sources, magnetic variation, and waypoint switching.

Changing your receiver settings

Settings related to GPS speed averaging, beacon frequency, and DGPS corrections.

NorthStar 957 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Channels12
DisplayLCD
TypeHandheld
WaterproofYes (IPX7)
Resolution240 x 160 pixels

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