Airmar G2183 Instruction Manual

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Record the serial number found on the GPS Receiver.
Serial No.___________ Date of Purchase__________
17-484-01 rev. 02 04/01/09
GPS Receiver
Model G2183
Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions

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

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Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................. 4
Safety Instructions.................................................................... 5
Hardware, Tools & Materials....................................................6
Choosing the Mounting Location............................................. 7
Installing................................................................................... 8
Pole or Rail Mount....................................................................8
Flush Mounting on a Horizontal Surface..................................10
Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines..................................11
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display.................................... 11
Connecting to an NMEA 2000® Network................................13
Maintenance & Updates............................................................14
Troubleshooting........................................................................ 14
Specification..............................................................................14
Trademarks................................................................................14

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Airmar’s GPS Receiver and combined antenna.
This sensor fixes position using Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The
compact housing is waterproof with a single removable cable. Data is output in
digital NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats.
Functions
• GPS with WAAS and EGNOS
Features
• Waterproof housing
• Waterproof cable system
• Fast response time
• Simultaneously outputs data in digital NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats
• Pole, rail or flush mount
IMPORTANT: Please read the instructions completely
before proceeding with the installation. These
instructions supersede any other instructions in your
instrument manual if they differ.

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WARNING: GPS Accuracy
The GPS position and velocity accuracies are controlled by the U.S. Department
of Defence. Therefore the position accuracy described in the specifications cannot
be guaranteed.
WARNING: Correct Installation Important
The GPS receiver 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: Electrical Safety
The power supply voltage must be 12VDC (±3VDC). Any other voltage may
damage the product and/or result in fire, causing 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 unit
(part A) will damage the waterproof seal, thus voiding the warranty.
IIMPORTANT: Battery
Make power connections to a 12 VDC power source that is isolated from the
engine start battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the GPS receiver to lose
information and/or change operating mode.
WARNING
Navigation Aid Only—The GPS receiver 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.

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Cables & Converting/Connecting Hardware
The GPS receiver 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
Junction Boxes
• NMEA 0183 to USB Converter Part No. 33-801-01
• NMEA 0183 Combiner Part No. 33-800-01
• NMEA 2000® CAN to USB Converter
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Junction Box Kit 15m
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Junction Box Kit 30m
Tools & Materials
NOTE: The sensor has standard marine 1"-14 threads.
Pole/rail mounting hardware (some installations)
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Screwdrivers (Pole/Rail Mount installation)
Teflon pipe thread tape, 1/2" wide (some installations)
Pencil (some installations)
Electric drill (some installations)
Drill bits and hole saws (some installations):
Pilot hole 3mm or 1/8"
Flush mount stud holes 6mm or 1/4"
Flush mount cable hole 38mm or 1-1/2"
Deck gland (some installations)
Loctite® 242® or other removable thread locker (Flush Mount installation)
Grommets (some installations)
Cutting pliers (some installations)
Heat-shrink tubing (some installations)
Wire strippers (some installations)
Cable ties (some installations)

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Choosing the Mounting Location
For a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best location for the receiver is very
important. It can be mounted on a pole, rail, or flat surface. Choose a location that
balances the requirements below.
• The GPS receiver must have a clear view of the sky to the horizon in all
directions. However, the lower it can be mounted, the more stable it will be, to
better track satellites low on the horizon.
• Mount away from any VHF radio, satellite, radar, or other antennas to avoid
mutual interference (see Figure 1).
• The compass safe distance for standard and steering compasses is 0.30m (1').
Observe this distance to prevent interference to a magnetic compass.
• Mount above or below any radar beam. Do not mount within a radar beam.
• Mount reasonably level with the earth’s surface—not tilted to one side.
• Do not mount on top of a sailboat mast. The sway will cause jitter in the data.
• Do not mount where the GPS receiver could be a tripping hazard or be tread
upon. Note that frozen water spray on the unit may degrade reception.
• Be sure there is access to the underside of the mounting surface.
• 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').
Min. 1m
GPS receiver
Figure 1. Minimum distance from GPS receiver
Courtesy of Northstar, Acton, MA
antenna insulator

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Installing
IMPORTANT: Plan the cable route between the GPS receiver and the display
and/or network before beginning the installation.
Pole or Rail Mount
The nut assembly supplied has standard marine 1"-14 threads that can be
screwed to a standard marine antenna mount, extension pole, or rail-mount
bracket. Before beginning the installation, plan for securing the pole/rail bracket to
the boat and purchase all the necessary hardware. It may be helpful to fasten the
pole/rail bracket to the boat before proceeding.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
1. Remove the label from the sensor unit’s socket (see Figure 2). Fasten the mount
base (part C) to the sensor unit (part A) with the two machine screws and lock
washers supplied. The torque for the screws is 1.35Nm.
socket
serial number
alignment
tab
Figure 2. Pole/Rail mount
nut assembly
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor
captive
nut
connector
a.
b.
cable
slot for
cable exit
side-exit
mount base
sensor unit
lock washer (2)
machine screw (2)
adaptor
(part C)
(part D)
(part A)

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2. Decide if you want the cable to exit through the center or along the side of the
pole/rail bracket. Slide the nut assembly onto the cable at the 9-pin sensor
connector end. Do not connect the sensor at this time.
a. Center exit—Pass the instrument connector end of the cable down through
the center of the pole. Be sure to leave several inches of cable extending
beyond the nut assembly.
b. Side exit—Place the cable side-exit adaptor (part D) over the cable. Being
sure the cable is passing through the slot in the side, screw the nut assembly
onto the adaptor. Hand-tighten only. Do not over tighten.
NOTE: Use the adaptor supplied as it has smooth edges that will not chafe the
cable. Do not use a purchased part.
CAUTION: If you use a thread locker, use teflon pipe thread tape. Do not use a
liquid thread locker as it may weaken the plastic, causing it to swell and crack.
3. Screw the extension pole/rail bracket onto the nut assembly /side-exit adaptor.
Hand-tighten only. Do not over tighten.
4. Remove the protective cap from the sensor connector on the cable. (Save the
cap to protect the connector, when the receiver is removed.) Plug the cable firmly
into the sensor.
5. With the alignment tab on the sensor facing forward, slide the captive nut
upward and screw it onto the mount base. Hand-tighten only. Do not over
tighten.

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Flush Mount
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
1. Remove the label from over the sensor unit’s socket (see Figure 3). Apply
removable thread locker to the two studs supplied. Screw the studs into the
underside of the sensor unit (part A).
2. Using the gasket (part B) as a template, position it at the selected mounting
location upside down with the arrow facing forward. Mark the position for the
two mounting holes and the center hole for the cable.
3. 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.
4. Pass the instrument connector-end of the cable through the center of the gasket
and down through the center mounting hole in the boat.
5. Plug the cable firmly into the sensor unit.
6. Orient the gasket with the arrow facing in the same direction as the alignment tab
on the sensor unit. 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.
7. With the sensor unit’s alignment tab pointing forward, push the studs through
the mounting surface. Check to be sure the gasket is tucked under the lip of the
unit. From underneath the mounting surface, slide a flat washer and lock
washer onto each stud. Fasten them with the thumb nuts. Hand-tighten only.
Do not over tighten.
Figure 3. Flush mount
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor unit
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
alignment
tab

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Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when installing.
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 provided. 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 4.
GPS Function GPS 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 4).
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 4. 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 5). 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)
sensor NMEA 2000
network
connector
connector
locator
Figure 5. NMEA 2000® cable
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.

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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
No GPS Fix
• Is there power to the GPS receiver?
• Are all the connections tight?
• Does the GPS receiver have a clear view of the sky?
• Is there interference from other antennas or instruments?
• Is the cable-run free of kinks or damage?
• Is there damage to the GPS receiver?
• Is there ice on the GPS receiver?
Specification
NMEA 2000® Load Equivalency Number (LEN).................3
Where to Purchase Parts
Lost, broken, or worn parts should be replaced immediately. Obtain parts from
your instrument manufacturer or marine dealer.
Gemeco Tel: [phone]
(USA) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Airmar EMEA Tel: [phone]
(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
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.

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Notes

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35 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, New Hampshire 03055-4613, USA
www.airmar.com