NorthStar Navigation GM1708 961XD - Manual (Page 17)

SECTION TWO - Installation
961 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A Page 7
Ensuring a proper
961 installation
To ensure a proper installation, it is highly recommended that you per-
form all of the following activities before starting the installation:
• preview/survey the vessel’s layout and existing equipment
• review all the installation materials
• review all the installation requirements, including:
- the physical requirements (spacing, location with regard to other
equipment, etc.)
- the electrical and electronic requirements (interference between
other pieces of equipment, power requirements, etc.)
Although the unit itself is very straightforward and easy-to-understand, it
has a few basic requirements that must be met before safe and proper
operation can be assured. The major parts of the rest of this section
address several topics regarding the minimum installation requirements
for the unit to:
• minimize electrical wiring hazards
• be mounted correctly
• accurately receive GPS and DGPS signals
• navigate safely
Avoiding
shortcuts
The majority of installation problems are caused by shortcuts taken with
system cables. When installing your 961, be sure to:
• assemble the connectors carefully
• don’t make sharp bends in the cables
• leave service and drip loops
• tie-wrap all cables to keep them secure
• if cables are lengthened, seal all wiring splices
Using the GPS
antenna (AN150)
The “active” GPS antenna is best mounted in the clear, and low on the
vessel to avoid extra motion from pitching and rolling. It should be
mounted lower than directional high-power transmitting antennas such
as radar or satcom. The length of coaxial cable to the “active” AN150
antenna (supplied with the unit) must be a minimum of 20 feet, but not
more than 100 feet. Coil up any unused length of cable; do not cut it to
less than 20 feet!
Be sure that all cable connectors are securely fastened,
and that the cable itself is not subject to any tight bends.
For complete details about installing the AN150, see “Installing the
antenna” beginning on page 14.