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NorthStar Explorer 660 User Manual

NorthStar Explorer 660
76 pages
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www.northstarnav.com
Explorer 660
Chartplotter and Fishfi nder
Installation and Operation Manual

Table of Contents

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NorthStar Explorer 660 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Display TypeColor LCD
GPSYes
TransducerIncluded
Waterproof RatingIPX7
Sonar Frequency200 kHz

Summary

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Important

1 Introduction

1-1 Cleaning and Maintenance

Guidance on cleaning the display screen and transducers to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.

1-2 Plug-in Cards

Details on using C-MAP chart and user cards for navigation data storage, transfer, and chart details.

1-3 Removing and Replacing the Display Unit

Instructions for safely detaching and reattaching the display unit from its mounting bracket for security or protection.

2 Basic Operation

Overview of the Keys

Explanation of the function of each key on the Explorer 660 control panel for efficient operation.

2-1 Turning On and Off / Auto Power

Procedures for powering the unit on and off manually or via auto power wiring for convenient use.

2-2 Backlight

Instructions for adjusting the display and key backlighting levels for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.

2-3 Man Overboard (MOB)

How to activate the Man Overboard feature to save position and navigate back to a person overboard.

2-4 Alarms

Information about the Explorer 660's audible and visual alarm system for various navigation and system conditions.

2-5 Simulate Mode

Guidance on using simulation modes to practice operations without affecting real-time data or vessel status.

2-6 The Main Displays

Overview of how to access and switch between the primary display modes like Chart, Sonar, and Others for data viewing.

2-6-1 Dual Displays

How to view two different displays simultaneously and manage the active display for multitasking.

2-6-2 Favorite Displays

Instructions for selecting and switching between commonly used favorite displays using the PAGES key.

2-6-3 Data Header and Compass

How to configure and display data headers and the compass on various screen modes for enhanced situational awareness.

3 Navigation: Chart

3-1 Introduction to Navigating

Overview of navigation methods: going straight to a point or following a defined route.

3-2 Chart Display

Detailed explanation of the chart display elements and how to interpret them, including modes and symbols.

3-3 Distance and Bearing Calculator

How to use the calculator to plot courses, measure distances, and calculate bearings between points.

3-4 GOTO: Navigating to a Point or Along a Route

Using the GOTO/AUTO key to initiate navigation to waypoints or routes, and how to cancel the process.

3-5 Projected Course

How to display projected position based on speed, course, and time for advanced route planning.

3-6 Tracks and Tracking

Recording and displaying the boat's course history on the chart at set time or distance intervals.

4 Navigation: Highway Display

5 Navigation: Waypoints

5-1 Waypoints Display

How to view the list of entered waypoints, including their details, icons, and display options.

5-2 Managing Waypoints

Core functions for creating, editing, moving, and deleting waypoints from the system.

5-3 Navigating to a Waypoint

Starting and cancelling navigation to a selected waypoint, ensuring safe course plotting.

6 Navigation: Routes

6-1 Routes Display

Viewing the list of created routes with their names, start/end points, number of legs, and total distance.

6-2 Managing Routes

Steps for creating, editing, and displaying routes on the chart for planning and safety checks.

6-3 Navigating a Route

How to start, skip waypoints within, and cancel navigation along a defined route for efficient travel.

7 Satellites

GPS Worldwide Navigation

Explanation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) operation and its satellite-based navigation principles.

DGPS

Details on Differential GPS systems (WAAS/EGNOS, beacon) for improving position accuracy.

GPS Antennas

Requirements for using external GPS antennas and configuring different antenna options for optimal reception.

Startup

Information on the initial startup sequence and time required for the GPS receiver to acquire a fix.

7-1 Satellite Display

How to view satellite status, signal strength, HDOP, and GPS position information on the display.

8 Sonar Fishfinding: Introduction

8-1 Using the Explorer 660

Basic principles of sonar operation, echo reflection, pulse transmission, and display scrolling mechanics.

8-2 Interpreting the Display

Guidance on understanding sonar echoes, their color strength, fish symbols, and bottom types for effective fishing.

8-3 Single and Dual Frequency Fishfinding

When to use 50 kHz, 200 kHz, or mixed frequencies for optimal sonar performance in different water conditions.

8-4 Fish Detection and Display

Techniques for finding fish, interpreting fish symbols, understanding fish arches, and dealing with noise.

8-5 Gain, Threshold and Range

How to adjust gain, threshold, and range settings for optimal sonar performance and clarity.

9 Sonar Fishfinding: Displays

9-1 Sonar History Display - No Split

Description of the standard sonar history display showing echoes over time without splitting the screen.

9-2 Sonar Zoom Display

How to use the zoom function to magnify specific sections of the sonar display for detailed analysis.

9-3 Sonar Bottom Display

Using the bottom display mode to analyze bottom signals, types, and identify objects close to the seabed.

9-4 Sonar 50/200 Display

Viewing simultaneous 50 kHz and 200 kHz sonar history on a split screen for comparative analysis.

9-5 Sonar A-Scope Display

Utilizing the A-scope display for real-time echo analysis and manual adjustment of gain and threshold settings.

10 Data Display

11 Fuel Display

12 Tides Display

Choosing the Date of the Tide Chart

Steps to select the desired date for viewing tide station information and tide height data.

13 User Card Display

14 About Display

15 Setting Up the Explorer 660

15-1 Setup > System

Configuring system settings like language, backlight, key beep, auto power off, and factory reset options.

15-2 Setup > Chart

Customizing chart display settings such as rotation, CDI scale, plotter mode, mixing levels, palette, and compass.

15-3 Setup > Sonar

Adjusting sonar parameters like frequency, scroll speed, fish symbols, filter, digit size, depth line, and display elements.

15-4 Setup > GPS

Configuring GPS source, DGPS, static navigation, and speed/course filters for accurate positioning and navigation.

15-5 Setup > Fuel

Setting up and calibrating fuel monitoring features, including engine count, tank size, and flow filters.

15-6 Setup > Track

Managing track recording settings, display options, plotting intervals, and deleting tracks.

15-7 Setup > Logs

Resetting trip distance, total distance, and engine hours logs for accurate record keeping.

15-8 Setup > Alarms

Configuring various audible and visual alarms for navigation, safety, and system status conditions.

15-9 Setup > Units

Setting preferred units for distance, speed, depth, fuel, compass, temperature, and wind for display.

15-10 Setup > Comms

Configuring communication settings for NMEA and NavBus connections to other instruments and data sharing.

15-11 Setup > Calibrate

Calibrating speed, temperature, fuel sensors, and keel offset for accurate measurements and readings.

15-12 Setup > Time

Setting local time offset, time format (12/24 hour), and date format for accurate timekeeping.

15-13 Setup > Favorites

Configuring favorite display presets accessible via the PAGES key for quick access to frequently used screens.

15-14 Setup > Simulate

Using simulation modes to practice operations with simulated speed, heading, or routes without affecting live data.

16 Installation

16-1 What Comes With This Product?

List of items included in the Explorer 660 package, ensuring all components are accounted for.

16-2 Options and Accessories

Details on optional accessories and compatible add-ons that enhance the functionality of the Explorer 660.

16-3 Mounting the Display Unit

Instructions for flush or bracket mounting the display unit securely and optimally for viewing and operation.

16-4 Mounting the GPS Antenna and Transducers

Guidance on installing the GPS antenna, sonar transducer, and optional fuel kit for proper system function.

16-5 Wiring the Power/Data Cable

Step-by-step instructions for wiring the power/data cable for basic or auto power operation.

16-6 Systems of Several Instruments

Connecting the Explorer 660 to other instruments via NavBus or NMEA for data sharing and integrated system operation.

Appendix A - Specifications

Appendix B - Troubleshooting

B-1 General Problems

Troubleshooting common issues related to power, display, basic operation, and general unit behavior.

B-2 GPS Navigation Problems

Solutions for GPS fix issues, position inaccuracies, chart display problems, and autopilot communication errors.

B-3 Sonar Fishfinding Problems

Diagnosing and resolving issues with sonar operation, bottom detection, signal quality, and transducer performance.

B-4 Fuel Consumption Problems

Troubleshooting inaccurate fuel readings, flow issues, economy calculations, and sensor connection problems.

Appendix C - Glossary and Navigation Data

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