Airmar H2183 Instruction Manual

1
Record the serial number found on the underside of the sensor.
Serial No.____________ Date of Purchase______________
17-472-01 rev.02 03/10/09
Heading Sensor
with Rate Gyro and Accelerometer
Model H2183
Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions

2
Copyright © 2008, 2009 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.

3
Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................. 4
Safety Instructions.................................................................... 5
Hardware, Tools & Materials................................................... 6
Choosing the Mounting Location............................................. 7
Installing................................................................................... 8
Mounting on a Vertical Surface................................................ 8
Flush Mounting on a Horizontal Surface..................................11
Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines..................................12
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display.................................... 12
Connecting to an NMEA 2000® Network................................14
Calibrating the Compass........................................................... 15
Maintenance & Updates............................................................16
Troubleshooting........................................................................ 16
Specification..............................................................................16
Trademarks................................................................................16

4
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Airmar’s solid-state Heading Sensor. This exciting
product is actually three sensors in a single unit—a three-axis magnetic compass,
a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis rate gyro. The compact housing is
waterproof with a single removable cable. Data is output in digital NMEA 0183 and
NMEA 2000® formats.
Functions
• Magnetic compass heading
• Angle of vessel pitch (attitude)
• Angle of vessel roll (attitude)
• Rate of Turn
Features
• Waterproof housing
• Waterproof cable system
• Fast response time
• Stable and accurate data in dynamic conditions
• Can be programed to compensate for an installation that is not aligned to the
vessel and/or level
• Can be calibrated to compensate for magnetic deviation caused by ferrous
metals and other electro-magnetic fields
IMPORTANT: Please read the instructions completely
before proceeding with the installation. These
instructions supersede any other instructions in your
instrument manual if they differ.

5
WARNING: Correct Installation Important
The Heading Sensor must be installed and operated according to the instructions
in this owner’s guide. Failure to do so may result in poor product performance,
damage to the boat, and/or personal injury.
WARNING: Compass Safe Distance
The compass safe distance for standard and steering compasses is 1.2m (4').
Observe this distance from ferrous metals and anything that can create a magnetic
field to prevent interference to the magnetic compass. Failure to do so may result in
poor product performance, damage to the boat, and/or personal injury. Do not
install in a steel vessel (magnetic hull). Use Airmar’s model GH2183, a
combination GPS and compass that can be mounted above the deck.
WARNING: Calibrating the Compass
The internal compass must be calibrated. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate
compass readings, contributing to damage to the boat and/or personal injury.
WARNING: Electrical Safety
The power supply voltage must be 12VDC (±3VDC). Any other voltage may damage
the product and/or result in fire, damage to the boat, and/or personal injury.
WARNING: Fuse or Circuit Breaker
A safe installation requires a 1 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker. Failure to do
so may damage the product and/or result in fire, damage to the boat, and/or
personal injury.
WARNING: Installation Safety
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when installing to avoid personal injury.
CAUTION:Disassembly
Do not disassemble the sensor. Removing the screws from the sensor (part A) will
damage the waterproof seal, thus voiding the warranty.
IMPORTANT: Battery
Make power connections to a 12 VDC power source that is isolated from the
engine start battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the Heading Sensor to lose
information and/or change operating mode.
WARNING
Navigation Aid Only—The Heading Sensor is only an aid
to navigation and should never be solely relied upon. It is
not a replacement for traditional navigation aids and
techniques. Only official government charts contain all the
information needed for safe navigation.

6
Cables & Converting/Connecting Hardware
The Heading Sensor can be connected in several ways. You must have the correct
cable(s) and any needed junction box before beginning the installation.
Cables
NOTE: Additional cable lengths are available.
• NMEA 0183 Cable 10m Part No. 33-862-02
• NMEA 2000® Cable 6m Part No. 33-1029-02
• NMEA 2000® Cable 10m Part No. 33-1029-06
Converting/Connecting Hardware
• NMEA 0183 to USB Converter Part No. 33-801-01
• NMEA 0183 Combiner Part No. 33-800-01
• NMEA 2000® CAN to USB Gateway
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 15m
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 30m
Tools & Materials
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Torpedo level
Pencil
Electric drill
Drill bits and hole saws:
Pilot hole 3mm or 1/8"
Bracket screw holes 4mm, #23, or 9/64"
Flush mount stud holes 6mm or 1/4"
Flush mount cable hole 38mm or 1-1/2"
Phillips screwdrivers
Marine sealant (aluminum hull)
Loctite® 242® or other removable thread locker (Flush Mount installation)
Deck gland (some installations)
Grommets (some installations)
Cutting pliers (some installations)
Heat-shrink tubing (some installations)
Wire strippers (some installations)
Multimeter (some installations)
Cable ties (some installations)
Where to Purchase Parts
Obtain parts from your instrument manufacturer or marine dealer. Lost, broken, or
worn parts should be replaced immediately.
Gemeco Tel: [phone]
(USA) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Airmar EMEA Tel: [phone]
(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

7
Choosing the Mounting Location
WARNING: Do not install the Heading Sensor H2183 in a steel vessel (magnetic
hull). For a steel vessel, use Airmar’s model GH2183, combination GPS and
compass that can be mounted above the deck.
For accurate readings, selecting the best location for the sensor is very important.
It can be mounted on either a vertical or a horizontal surface. Choose a location
that balances the requirements below.
• Mount the Heading Sensor as close to the boat’s center of gravity as possible.
The lower it can be mounted, the more stable it will be, thus giving more
accurate compass readings.
• Mount near the center of the vessel’s fore-aft axis. This will give more accurate
pitch and roll readings. Avoid the areas near the bow and the stern.
• To prevent interference to the magnetic compass, mount the sensor 1.2m (4')
away from any structures or equipment that contains ferrous metals.
Do not install in a steel vessel (magnetic hull).
• To prevent interference to the magnetic compass, mount the sensor 1.2m (4')
away from anything that may create a magnetic field such as: magnetized
materials, electric motors, electronic equipment, power/ignition cables, and
batteries.
• Choose a surface with minimal vibration for more stable data.
• Mount reasonably level with the waterline for accurate pitch and roll readings.
• Be sure the cable(s) can be routed to reduce electrical interference from other
electrical wiring and any on-board equipment with strong magnetic fields such as
radar equipment, radio transmitters, boat engines, generators, etc. Separate the
cables by at least 1 m (3').

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Installing
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid personal injury.
CAUTION: The word “forward” on the sensor must be facing forward and parallel
to the centerline of the boat for accurate compass readings.
CAUTION: Mount the sensor near the center of gravity of the boat and reasonably
level with the waterline for accurate pitch and roll readings.
IMPORTANT: Plan the cable route between the sensor and the display and/or
network before beginning the installation.
Mounting on a Vertical Surface
Mounting the Bracket
1. At the selected mounting location, draw a level line using a torpedo level (see
Figure 1).
2. Holding the bracket even with the level line, trace the outline of the two vertical
slots. Do not mark the location of the two interior screw holes at this time.
3. Using a 3mm or 1/8" bit, drill the pilot holes in the CENTER of the slots. This will
allow you to adjust the bracket up and down.
4. Using a 4mm, #23, or 9/64" bit, drill the two mounting holes.
Fiberglass—Minimize surface cracking by running the drill in reverse until the
gelcoat is penetrated.
5. Lightly fasten the bracket to the mounting surface with two of the stainless steel
screws supplied. Place the torpedo level on the top of the bracket. Adjust the
bracket until it is level. Tighten the screws.
Aluminum hull—Apply marine sealant to the threads of all four stainless steel
screws before fastening them in place. This will prevent electolytic corrosion
between the dissimilar metals.
6. Using a 3mm or 1/8" bit, drill the pilot holes for the two center screws. Then use a
6mm or 1/4" bit to drill the holes.
7. Fasten the remaining two stainless steel screws in the center holes to lock the
bracket in place.
Figure 1. Mounting the bracket
Copyright © 2008, 2009 Airmar Technology Corp.
level
bracket
vertical slot (2)
stainless steel
screw (4)

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Preparing the Sensor
1. Remove the label from over the sensor’s socket (part A) (see Figure 2).
2. There are two ways to attach the sensor to the bracket. Choose either a or b.
WARNING: Do not use the studs if there is any danger that a person may be
injured by the protruding metal.
a. Studs—It is easier to install and adjust the sensor using the M5 studs.
However they will protrude about 20mm (3/4") below the bracket after
installation. Apply removable thread locker to the two studs. Screw the studs
into the underside of the sensor.
b. Screws—Omit the studs. After the sensor is aligned in the bracket, use the
brass machine screws supplied to fasten it in place. The sensor will be flush
with the bracket when the installation is complete.
3. Remove the protective cap from the sensor connector on the cable. (Save the
cap to protect the connector, when the sensor is removed.)
4. Pass the instrument connector-end of the cable through the center of the gasket.
5. Plug the sensor connector firmly into the sensor. It fits one way only.
6. Push the gasket (part B) against the sensor (and onto the studs if applicable). Be
sure to orient the gasket so that the groove fits over the alignment tab on the
connector and the sensor’s socket. The screw holes in both the sensor and the
gasket must be aligned. (It may be helpful to hold the gasket in place with double-
sided tape.)
NOTE: The arrow on the gasket will face the same direction as the word “forward”
on the sensor.
Figure 2. Preparing the sensor
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor
arrow
M5 stud (2)
sensor connector
gasket (part B)
(part A)
socket
serial number
(points forward)
(a only)

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Attaching the Sensor to the Bracket
1. Feed the cable through the mounting bracket (see Figure 3).
2. Align the word “forward” pointing forward and parallel to the centerline of the
boat while holding the gasket firmly against the sensor.
a. Studs—Push the studs through the mounting bracket. Fasten the sensor to
the bracket with a flat washer, a lock washer, and a thumb nut (with the metal
side against the washer) on each stud. Hand-tighten only. Do not over
tighten.
b. Screws—Place the senor on the bracket, being sure the screw holes in both
the sensor and the gasket are aligned. From the underside of the bracket,
fasten the sensor with the two flat washers, lock washers, and brass machine
screws supplied.
3. Be sure the word “forward” is pointing forward and parallel to the centerline of
the boat. To prevent the sensor from rotating after it is aligned in the bracket,
fasten the 1/2" pan-head set-screw into the most convenient of the two
alternative holes.
Figure 3. Installing the sensor in the mounting bracket
Copyright © 2008, 2009 Airmar Technology Corp.
ab
sensor
cable
bracket
stud (2)
flat washer (2)
lock washer (2)
thumb nut (2)
brass machine screw (2)
set screw
gasket

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Flush Mounting on a Horizontal Surface
1. Remove the label from over the sensor’s socket (part A) (see Figure 4).
2. Apply removable thread locker to the two studs supplied. Screw the studs into
the underside of the sensor.
3. Using a torpedo level, check that the mounting surface is reasonably level. If
necessary, use shims to level the surface or choose another mounting location.
4. Using the gasket (part B) as a template, position it at the selected mounting location
upside down with the arrow facing forward and parallel to the centerline of the boat.
Mark the position of the two mounting holes and the center cable hole.
5. Using a 3mm or 1/8" bit, drill the pilot holes. Using a 6mm or 1/4" bit, drill the two
mounting holes for the studs. Drill the cable hole with a 38mm or 1-1/2" hole saw.
Fiberglass—Minimize surface cracking by running the drill in reverse until the
gelcoat is penetrated.
6. Pass the instrument connector-end of the cable through the center of the gasket
and down through the center mounting hole in the boat.
7. Plug the sensor connector firmly into the sensor’s socket.
8. Orient the gasket with the arrow facing in the same direction as the word
“forward” on the sensor. Push the gasket onto the studs and slide it over the
connector.
NOTE: The gasket fits one way only. A groove in the gasket fits over the
alignment tab on the connector.
9. With the word “forward” pointing forward and parallel to the centerline of the
boat, push the studs through the mounting surface. Check to be sure the gasket
is tucked under the lip of the sensor. From underneath the mounting surface,
slide a flat washer and lock washer onto each stud. Fasten them with the thumb
nuts: metal side touching the washer. Hand-tighten only. Do not over tighten.
Figure 4. Flush mount
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor
alignment tab
arrow
M5 stud (2)
sensor connector
gasket (part B)
mounting surface
thumb nut (2)
lock washer (2)
(part A)
flat washer (2)
socket
serial number

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Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid personal injury.
CAUTION: To reduce electrical interference from other electrical wiring and any on-
board equipment with strong magnetic fields such as radar equipment, radio
transmitters, boat engines, generators, etc., separate the cables by at least 1m (3').
CAUTION: Do not remove the waterproof connector(s) to ease cable routing. If
the cable must be cut and spliced, use Airmar’s splash-proof Junction Box No.
33-035 and follow the instructions supplied. Removing the waterproof connector
or cutting the cable, except when using a water-tight junction box, will void the
sensor warranty.
CAUTION: Be careful not to tear the cable jackets when passing them through
bulkheads and other parts of the boat. Use deck glands and grommets to prevent
chaffing.
CAUTION: Use a multimeter to check the polarity and the connections to the
12 VDC power supply before applying power to the sensor.
CAUTION: Coil any excess cable(s) and secure with cable ties to prevent damage.
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display
1. Route the sensor cable to the display. Do not fasten the cable in place at this
time.
2. Connect the sensor to the display in one of two ways.
a. Connector—If your sensor cable has a connector on the display end, and it
can be plugged into the port on your NMEA 0183 display, do so now. Coil any
excess cable and secure it with cable ties to prevent damage. Fasten the
cable in place.
b. No connector—If your sensor cable does not have a connector on the
display end, it must be hard wired. Refer to the owner’s manual that came
with your display and connect the colored wires as shown in the table below
and Figure 5.
Sensor Function Sensor Wire Color Display Function
NMEA input A/+ Yellow NMEA output A/+ (see Note 2)
NMEA input B/– Orange NMEA output B/–
NMEA output A/+ White NMEA input A/+
NMEA output B/– Blue NMEA input B/–
12 VDC + Red (see Note 1) 12 VDC + (see Note 3)
12 VDC –/ground Black 12 VDC –/ground
Shield Bare Shield

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NOTE 1: The sensor must be supplied with 12 VDC (±3 VDC) at 0.5 amp.
NOTE 2: If your display does not have NMEA 0183 output connections, the yellow
and orange wires are not needed and their ends should be taped separately.
(Alternatively, yellow and orange wires can be connected to an external sensor.)
NOTE 3: The display power may be wired directly to the sensor cable, or it may be
wired separately.
No Connector—Wiring
1. Allowing an extra 25 cm (10") for wiring ease, cut the cable to length.
2. Strip 60mm (2-1/2") of the outer jacket and foil shielding from the cut end of the
cable (see Figure 4).
3. Strip 10 mm (3/8") of conductor insulation from the end of each colored wire.
4. Protect the cable’s foil shielding from causing a short by using heat-shrink
tubing around the jacket where the wires emerge from the cable. The tubing
must overlap the wires a minimum of 6mm (1/4").
5. Connect the wires to the display (see Figure 5).
6. Fasten all cable in place.
7. Your installation is complete. To begin receiving data, refer to the owner’s
manual that came with your display.
Figure 5. NMEA 0183 cable
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor connector
BARE
NMEA 0183 display

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Connecting to an NMEA 2000®Network
CAUTION: Only two termination resistors are required on an NMEA 2000
network. More than two will degrade the bus performance.
IMPORTANT: When using a cable that is longer than 6m (20'), remove the
termination resistor at the last node/tee on the NMEA 2000 network. Insert the
male-to-male pin into socket 5 of the sensor connector to activate the termination
resistor located inside the sensor (see Figure 6). Note that using a termination
resistor inside a sensor deviates from the published NMEA 2000 installation
practices.
Route the sensor cable to the NMEA 2000 network. Plug the NMEA 2000
connector into the network node (see Figure 7). Coil any excess cable and secure
with cable ties to prevent damage.
Figure 6. Inserting the male-to-male pin in the sensor connector
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
contact pin
inserted in
socket #5
tab
locator
(raised dot)
Figure 7. NMEA 2000® cable
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor NMEA 2000
network
connector
connector
locator

15
Calibrating the Compass
WARNING: The internal compass must be calibrated on the water after the
sensor is installed. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate compass readings,
possibly contributing to damage to the boat and/or personal injury.
CAUTION: Compass calibration needs to be done in calm seas in a 0.8 km (0.5
mile) open area away from other boats or ferrous objects (structures or aids to
navigation). Avoid congested areas and waters with strong currents as calibration
will be difficult and possibly hazardous.
IMPORTANT: Calibration requires the vessel to complete 2 to 3 circles.
The compass must be calibrated for maximum accuracy from the sensor.
Calibration can be done in one of two ways.
• Calibrate the compass using the WeatherCaster™ software and a PC.
• Follow the AutoCalibration Procedure below.
AutoCalibration Procedure
1. Navigate the vessel to an open area of water, 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of open space
away from other boats or ferrous objects (structures or aids to navigation).
Choose calm seas.
2. Select the display page on the vessel’s NMEA instrument that shows Heading.
3. Shut OFF and then turn ON the DC power that is connected to the sensor.
4. Within 2 minutes of recycling power to the sensor, start the vessel in a slow [4 to
6 knots (4.5 to 7 MPH)] circular turn that takes about 2 to 3 minutes to
complete.*
If the vessel completes 1.5 circles within 3 to 4.5 minutes, AutoCalibration will
begin. Heading will stop being reported on any NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000
display until the calibration is finished.
5. Keep turning the vessel in the same circle for 1 to 2 more complete circles.
Do not change the vessel speed or rate of turn through the circle.
6. When calibration is completed successfully, Heading will return to the display.
If calibration fails, the display will flash Heading ON and OFF in 10 second
intervals for 60 seconds. (Display times may vary by manufacture.)
IMPORTANT: In the event of a calibration failure, repeat the procedure.
* The optimum rate of turn is 180°/ minute: 3°/second, 30°/10 seconds, 45°/15
seconds, and 90°/30 seconds.

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Maintenance & Updates
Firmware Revisions
Airmar may release updated versions of the firmware. The latest revision will be
available for download through an email to you, from Airmar’s website,
www.airmar.com, or a CD can be mailed by Airmar’s technical support personnel.
Troubleshooting
• Is there power to the sensor?
• Are all the connections tight?
• Is the cable-run free of kinks or damage?
• Is the sensor wired correctly?
• Is there damage to the sensor?
• Is the sensor exposed to excessive vibration?
Problems with the Compass
• Is the sensor installed facing forward and parallel to the centerline of the boat?
• Is the compass calibrated?
• Is there interference from ferrous metals, electronic equipment, electric motors,
batteries, or cables that are creating a magnetic field?
• Is the sensor mounted near the boat’s center of gravity?
Problems with the Rate Gyro or Accelerometer
• Is the sensor installed reasonably level with the waterline?
• Is the sensor mounted near the center of the vessel’s fore-aft axis?
Specification
NMEA 2000® Load Equivalency Number (LEN).................3
Trademarks
Airmar® is a trademark of Airmar Technology Corporation.
Loctite® and 242® are trademarks of Henkel Corporation.
NMEA 2000® is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Assoc.
WeatherCaster™ is a trademark of Airmar Technology Corporation.
35 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, New Hampshire 03055-4613, USA
www.airmar.com