NorthStar Navigation SONAR Explorer D310 User Manual

Explorer D310  
Depth Instrument  
Installation and Operation Manual  
 
Contents  
Units  
The factory default units are metres. To change these units, please refer to section 3-1 of this manual.  
 
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
3
1 Introduction  
The Explorer D310 measures and displays the depth  
of the water. An installed Explorer D310 usually has  
two parts:  
water. When the pulse meets the bottom, some of  
the pulse is reflected back up towards the boat and  
is received by the transducer.  
The display unit.  
The display unit analyses the reflections from  
each pulse. It removes unwanted reflections (from  
bubbles and other objects) and calculates the  
depth by measuring the time between sending the  
pulse and receiving its echo.  
A depth transducer, which is attached to the  
hull and wired to the display unit.  
The unit is powered from the boat’s power supply.  
The Explorer D310 is part of the Northstar family of  
instruments for boats, which includes instruments  
for speed, depth, wind and repeaters. These  
instruments can be connected together to form an  
integrated data system for a boat (see section 4).  
Cleaning and maintenance  
Clean the display unit and any plastic transducers  
with a damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive  
cleaners, petrol or other solvents.  
When repainting the hull, cover or remove any  
visible transducers. Depth transducers may be  
coated with a thin layer of antifouling paint; gently  
sand off any previous paint first.  
For maximum benefit, please read this manual  
carefully before installation and use.  
How the transducer measures depth  
The depth transducer generates an ultrasonic  
(sound) pulse, which travels down through the  
The Explorer D310 display unit  
Alarm symbol  
Display  
(backlit)  
Display normally  
shows depth  
Depth units  
111 x 111 mm  
(4.4” x 4.4”)  
Four keys  
(backlit)  
2 Operation  
2-1 Turn on and off  
2-2 Basic operation  
The keys  
Turn the unit on and off with the auxiliary power  
switch on the boat. The unit does not have its own  
power switch. When you turn it off, any settings  
you have made are retained.  
The unit has four keys, labelled  
. In this manual:  
and  
Press means to push the key for less than one  
second.  
Hold for two seconds means to hold the key  
down for two seconds or more.  
If the word SIMULATE flashes at the top, left of the  
display, then the unit is in simulate mode (see section  
2-4).  
Press one key + another key means to push  
both keys together.  
 
4
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
 
Set backlight for screen and keys  
You can set the backlight to one of four brightness  
levels or off. Press once to display the current  
backlight level, press again to change the level:  
2-3 Alarms  
The Explorer D310 can be set to sound an alarm  
when the water is too deep or too shallow (see  
sections 3-2 and 3-3). When the alarm sounds,  
the internal beeper sounds, the symbol on the  
display flashes and any external beepers or lights  
operate.  
Backlight  
level 2  
Press to mute the alarm. The alarm stays muted  
until the depth becomes normal. The alarm will  
sound if the depth becomes too deep or too  
shallow again.  
2-4 Simulate mode  
Simulate mode allows you to become familiar  
with the unit off the water. In Simulate mode,  
the Explorer D310 functions normally except the  
transducer is ignored and the unit generates this  
data internally. The word SIMULATE flashes at the  
top, left corner of the screen.  
The display  
The display normally shows depth. If it displays  
dashes (— —) then it means that the depth is too  
deep or unknown.  
To turn Simulate mode on or off:  
1
2
Turn the power off.  
Hold down  
while you turn the power on.  
2-5 Key reference  
Turn power on  
Turn alarm  
on or off  
Set alarms  
Set Too Deep  
alarm  
Increase  
alarm  
depth  
Hold  
Turn Simulate  
on or off  
Hold  
2 sec  
Hold  
+
Decrease  
alarm  
depth  
Reset memory  
Set Too Shallow  
alarm  
5 sec  
Normal operation  
Hold  
2 sec  
Return to  
normal  
Hold  
2 sec  
operation  
Setup  
+
Increase  
value or  
change  
setting  
Set Keel Offset  
Change depth units (metres, feet  
or fathoms)  
+
Decrease  
value or  
change  
setting  
Set Backlight  
Group  
Mute an alarm  
+
Adjust backlight  
(4 levels or off)  
Return to  
normal  
operation  
 
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
5
 
3 Depth, keel offset, too deep alarm, too shallow alarm  
the depth from the surface to the bottom of  
the water.  
Depth and keel offset  
The displayed depth is the distance from the  
transducer on the boat to the bottom of the water,  
plus or minus an offset which is called the keel  
offset:  
A negative keel offset displays depth as  
measured from a point below the transducer.  
For example, if you set the offset to minus the  
distance from the transducer to the bottom  
of the keel, it will display the depth from the  
bottom of the keel to the bottom of the water.  
A positive keel offset displays depth as  
measured from a point above the transducer.  
For example, if you set the offset to the distance  
from the transducer to the surface, it will display  
Keel offset  
Keel offset  
Water surface  
Positive value  
Depth of transducer  
Negative value  
Transducer  
Note: The boat illustrated uses a through hull transducer  
3-1 Set depth units  
The units can be METERS, FEET or FATH:  
3-3 Set too shallow alarm  
The too shallow alarm sounds if the alarm is turned  
on and the depth becomes equal to or less than the  
too shallow alarm depth. To mute the alarm, press  
. To set the too shallow alarm:  
Press  
; if necessary, press  
again.  
3-2 Set too deep alarm  
The too deep alarm sounds if the alarm is turned on  
and the depth becomes equal to or more than the  
1
At the Too Deep Alarm screen, hold for  
two seconds to display the Too Shallow Alarm  
screen:  
Alarm  
is off  
too deep alarm depth. To mute the alarm, press  
To set the too deep alarm:  
.
1
Hold for two seconds to display the Too  
Deep Alarm screen:  
Alarm  
is on  
Shallow  
alarm  
value  
Deep  
alarm  
value  
2
3
4
To change the alarm depth, press  
To turn the alarm on or off, press  
or  
.
.
Press  
.
2
3
4
To change the alarm depth, press  
To turn the alarm on or off, press  
or  
.
.
Press  
.
 
6
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
 
3-4 Anchor watch  
To set an anchor watch, set the too shallow alarm to  
slightly less than the current depth and set the too deep  
alarm to slightly more than the current depth. Allow for  
tide changes.  
Keel offset  
(negative)  
3-5 Set keel offset  
Keel offset is described above. The range is 2.9 m ( 9.6  
ft, 1.6 fathoms):  
1
2
3
Press  
Press  
Press  
+
to display the Keel Offset screen.  
to change the keel offset.  
or  
.
4 Systems of several instruments  
Several Northstar instruments can be connected together to share data. There are two ways of connecting  
instruments together, NavBus or NMEA.  
4-1 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  
connected by NavBus:  
NavBus and the Explorer D310  
If the Explorer D310 does not have a depth  
transducer fitted then the unit will automatically  
take depth readings from another instrument,  
via NavBus, if the data is available. For more  
information, refer to the NavBus Installation and  
Operation manual.  
If you change the units, alarms or calibration  
in one instrument, then the values will  
automatically change in all other instruments of  
the same type  
Note: If a transducer is not fitted to the unit and the  
corresponding external data is not available then  
the displayed value will be dashes (— —).  
Each instrument can be assigned to a group  
of instruments (see section 6-2, step 2). If  
you change the backlight 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 you change the backlight  
in an instrument in group 0 then no other  
instruments are affected.  
4-2 NMEA  
NMEA is an industry standard, but is not as flexible  
as NavBus as it requires dedicated connections  
between instruments. Depth data is output by the  
Explorer D310 and can be read and displayed by the  
Northstar Explorer R310 or other NMEA instrument.  
If an alarm sounds, mute it by pressing on  
any instrument which can display that alarm.  
 
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
7
 
5 Explorer D310 hardware  
5-1 What comes with your Explorer D310  
The Explorer D310 comes in several configurations.  
Standalone configuration  
Explorer D310 unit with protective cover.  
Warranty card.  
Mounting template.  
This Installation and Operation manual.  
In addition, the standalone configuration usually  
requires a depth transducer (see section 5-3).  
Kit configuration  
The Explorer D310 is available in several kit  
configurations with different grades of through hull  
transducer, with:  
A plastic through hull transducer is suitable  
for GRP or metal hulls. Plastic through hull  
transducers are not suitable for solid wooden  
hulls (use Northstar’s bronze transducers).  
The parts for the standalone configuration,  
listed above.  
A bronze transducer is suitable for wood  
or fibreglass hulls. Never install a bronze  
transducer in a metal hull, because it will cause  
electrolytic corrosion.  
Through hull depth transducer.  
Transducer Installation manual.  
5-2 Other parts required  
One or more 310 series instruments will be  
connected to the boat 12 V power supply via:  
A range of Northstar through hull transducers  
are available, plus in hull and transom mount  
transducers. For more information, refer to the  
Transducer Installation manual or consult your  
Northstar dealer.  
An accessory switch to turn the instruments on  
and off.  
A fuse. Use a 1 A fuse for between one and five  
instruments.  
5-4 Accessories  
These accessories are available from your Northstar  
dealer.  
Optional external beepers or lights can be fitted.  
The Explorer D310 output is switched to ground,  
30 V DC and 250 mA maximum. If the beepers and  
lights require more than 250 mA, fit a relay.  
For systems of several instruments, wiring and  
connectors are required (see section 4 or the  
NavBus Installation and Operation manual).  
5-3 Transducer  
The Explorer D310 is usually used with a through  
hull depth transducer. However, the unit can take  
readings from another instrument, in which case it  
may not need a transducer (see section 4).  
NavBus junction box  
(See section 4)  
4 m (13 ft) depth  
transducer extension  
cable  
A through hull transducer generally gives the  
best performance and is the best choice for  
displacement hulls. It is mounted in a hole drilled  
through the bottom of the boat.  
 
8
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
 
6 Installation and setup  
Correct installation is critical to the performance of  
the unit. It is vital to read this section of the manual  
and the documentation that comes with the other  
parts before starting installation.  
2
3
The unit must mount on a flat panel which  
is less than 20 mm (0.75”) thick. Stick the  
mounting template in place. Drill a 50 mm  
(2”) fixing hole through the centre hole in the  
template. Note that the template allows space  
around the unit for the protective cover.  
The Explorer D310 can:  
Drive external beepers or lights for the alarm.  
Remove the fixing nut from the back of the  
unit. Insert the stud at the back of the unit  
through the mounting hole. Hand tighten the  
fixing nut.  
Send and receive data from other Northstar  
instruments connected via NavBus. Settings for  
alarms, units, calibration and backlighting are  
shared (see section 4-1).  
Transducers  
1
Send and receive NMEA data from other  
instruments (see section 4-2).  
If the Explorer D310 does not come with a  
transducer, choose a suitable transducer (see  
section 5-3). If the Explorer D310 is supplied  
with a transducer, see section 5-3 to ensure that  
it is suitable.  
CAUTION  
The unit is waterproof from the front. Protect  
the rear of the unit from water, or else water  
might enter the breathing hole and damage  
the unit. The warranty does not cover damage  
caused by moisture or water entering the back  
of the unit.  
2
3
Choose a suitable location for the transducer  
and install it by following the instructions in the  
Transducer Installation manual.  
Fit the cables between the transducer and the  
display unit:  
Keep the cable away from other cables,  
engines, fluorescent lights, power inverters  
and radio or radar transmitters.  
Ensure that any holes that you cut will not  
weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult  
a qualified boat builder.  
Ensure no connectors lay in the bilge.  
If necessary, extend the cable by adding  
extension cables.  
The choice, location, angle and installation  
of the transducers is the most critical  
part of the installation. If they are not  
correct, the unit can not perform at its  
designed potential. If in doubt, consult  
your Northstar dealer. Plastic through  
hull transducers are usually unsuitable for  
wood hulls. If in doubt, consult a marine  
surveyor or marine engineer.  
Do not cut the cable on any depth  
transducer.  
Secure the cable at regular intervals.  
4
Connect the transducer to the display unit  
connector.  
Side view of display unit mounting  
Fixing nut  
20 mm (0.75”)  
Fixing hole  
50 mm (2”)  
maximum thickness  
6-1 Installation  
Explorer D310 display unit  
1
Choose a location for the display unit that is:  
Easily seen and protected from damage.  
At least 100 mm (4”) from a compass and at  
least 500 mm (1.65 ft) from a radio or radar  
antenna.  
Display  
unit  
Away from engines, fluorescent lights, and  
power inverters.  
Accessable from behind; the minimum  
clearance required at the back is 50 mm (2”)  
(see mounting diagram).  
Cables  
Clearance 50 mm (2”) minimum  
With the back of the unit protected from  
moisture.  
 
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
9
 
Power/data wiring  
6-2 Set up  
1
Wire the display unit power/data cable:  
1
Take the boat for a trial run to check that all the  
instruments work correctly.  
The unit requires 12 V DC power. Fit a  
power switch and fuse to the power supply  
or power the unit from a fused auxiliary  
switch. The fuse should be 1 A for up to five  
instruments.  
2
If the unit is part of a system of 310 series  
instruments connected by NavBus, set the  
backlight group number (see section 4-1):  
i
Press  
+
several times until the  
If the external beepers and lights require  
more than 250 mA DC total, fit a relay.  
Backlight Group screen is displayed:  
A single unit can be wired as shown below:  
Backlight  
group 3  
Black  
Red  
12 V DC  
Switch Fuse  
External beepers or  
ii Press  
number.  
or  
to set the backlight group  
Green  
Yellow No connection  
White  
NMEA out  
iii Press  
Set:  
.
Orange  
}
NavBus (optional)  
3
Blue  
Depth  
The depth units (see section 3-1).  
The keel offset (see section 3-5).  
With several instruments, use the optional  
junction boxes to simplify wiring, as shown  
below:  
6-3 Resetting to factory defaults  
All settings may be reset to the manufacturer’s  
default settings (see below).  
Group 1  
Junction  
To reset to factory defaults:  
1
2
Turn the power off.  
Hold down  
+
while you turn the power  
Power & data  
connections  
on and continue to hold the keys down for at  
least five seconds.  
Power/data cables  
Group 2  
NavBus cable  
Junction box  
Depth units  
Keel offset  
m
0
Depth alarms  
SIMULATE mode  
Backlight level  
Backlight group  
Off  
Off  
0
Power & data  
connections  
Power/data cable  
1
For information on how to connect NavBus  
and to use junction boxes, refer to the NavBus  
Installation and Operation manual.  
2
Tape or cover any unused wires or connectors  
to protect them from water and keep them  
from shorting together.  
 
10  
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
 
Appendix A - Specifications  
Appendix B - Troubleshooting  
This troubleshooting guide assumes that you have  
Physical  
read and understood this manual.  
Case size 111 mm (4.4”) square.  
It is possible in many cases to solve difficulties  
without having to send the unit back to the  
manufacturer for repair. Please follow this  
troubleshooting section before contacting the  
nearest Northstar dealer.  
LCD display 82 mm (3.2”) wide, 61 mm (2.4”) high;  
twisted nematic.  
LCD digits 38 mm (1.4”) high.  
Four operator keys, laser etched.  
Backlighting for display and keys, amber, four  
levels and off.  
Operating temperature 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F).  
Transducer cable length 8 or 9 metres (26.25 or  
29.5 ft).  
There are no user serviceable parts. Specialized  
methods and testing equipment are required to  
ensure that the unit is reassembled correctly and is  
waterproof. Repairs to the unit must only be carried  
out by a service centre approved by Northstar.  
Users who service the unit themselves will void the  
warranty.  
Power Cable length 1 m (3.25 ft).  
Electrical  
More information can be found on our website:  
Power supply 10.5 to 16.5 V DC, 30 mA without  
backlighting, 190 mA with full backlighting and  
transducer.  
External beeper or light output, switched to  
ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA maximum.  
1
Unit will not turn on:  
a
Fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped.  
b
Battery voltage is outside the range 10.5 to  
16.5 V DC.  
Depth  
c
Power/data cable damaged.  
Range 0.5 to 130 m (1.5 to 400 ft, 0.3 to 67 fa).  
2
Depth reading wrong or erratic:  
Typical accuracy < 2% (depends on type of  
depth transducer, installation and water clarity).  
Displays 0.0 to 19.9, 20 up.  
Adjustable keel offset 2.9 m ( 9.6 ft, 1.6 fa).  
Too deep and too shallow alarms (run both at  
once to provide anchor watch facility).  
a
Unit temporarily unable to detect bottom,  
for example water too deep or too shallow,  
water not clear, boat reversing and  
transducer in turbulent water.  
b
c
Depth transducer cable unplugged or  
damaged.  
Depth transducer fouled or damaged.  
Check for fouling, damage or too thick a  
layer of paint over it.  
Interfaces  
NavBus connection to other Northstar  
instruments.  
d
Depth transducer installed incorrectly or  
transducer does not have a smooth flow of  
clear water over it. Review installation.  
Interference from the ultrasound pulse  
from another depth sounder.  
NMEA 0183 outputs: DBT, DPT, PTTKD.  
Standards compliance  
EMC compliance  
e
f
USA (FCC): Part 15 Class B.  
Europe (CE): EN50081-1, EN50082-1.  
New Zealand and Australia (C Tick):  
AS-NZS 3548.  
Interference from electrical noise. Review  
installation.  
To check the transducer, disconnect it and  
connect a known good transducer temporarily.  
Hold it over the side of the boat in the water  
and check if the unit displays a depth.  
Environment: IP66 from front when correctly  
mounted.  
Power/data cable wires  
Wire Signal  
3
The word SIMULATE flashes at top, left of  
screen, values displayed are unexpected:  
Unit is in simulate mode (see section 2-4).  
Red  
Power positive, 12 V DC, 190 mA maximum  
a
Black Power negative, NMEA common  
Green External beeper or light out, switched to  
ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA max.  
4
The display fogs:  
a
Moist air has entered the breathing tube at  
the rear of the unit. Air the boat or run unit  
with backlight fully on.  
Orange NavBus +  
Blue  
NavBus -  
b
Water has entered the breathing tube.  
Return unit for service.  
White NMEA out  
Yellow No connection  
 
Northstar Explorer D310 Installation and Operation Manual  
11  
 
FOR FURTHER CONTACT DETAILS GO TO:  
Made in New Zealand  
MN000626B-G  
 
 

Miele Refrigerator KFN 9755 IDE User Manual
Miller Electric Welder H 10 User Manual
Milwaukee Photo Printer MW101 User Manual
NEC Computer Monitor A3842 User Manual
Nintendo Video Games 71573A User Manual
Nokia Satellite TV System 9828 User Manual
Onkyo MP3 Docking Station 29344880A User Manual
OPTI UPS Power Supply DS10000B User Manual
Panasonic Car Video System DVDXV10 User Manual
Panasonic Cordless Saw EY3551 U1 User Manual