Airmar PB100 WeatherStation User manual

Record the serial number found on the
WeatherStation for future reference.
Serial No._________________________
Date of Purchase___________________
WeatherStation
Powerboat Model PB100
Owner’s Guide
17-426-01 r01 02/01/06

Copyright © 2005, 2006 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.

3
Table of Contents
Introduction 4
Adding External Sensors 5
Choosing the Mounting Location 6
Tools & Materials 7
Installing 8
Cable Routing & Connecting 11
Connecting to a Converter 11
Connecting to a Combiner 13
Connecting to a Generic NMEA Display 23
Installing the Software 25
Setting Up the WeatherCaster Program 30
Using the WeatherCaster Program 35
Maintenance & Updates 43
Where to Purchase Parts 43
Troubleshooting 44
Appendix A—How the WeatherStation Works 51
Appendix B—Technical Information 57
Acronyms & Glossary 58

4
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Airmar Ultrasonic WeatherStation. This exciting
product is actually six different sensors in a single unit—without any moving parts.
The compact housing is fully waterproof with a single removable cable. Data is
output in digital NMEA 0183 format.
Functions of the WeatherStation
• Apparent wind speed
• Apparent wind direction
• Magnetic compass heading
• Air temperature
• Relative humidity
•Dew point temperature
• Wind chill temperature
• Barometric pressure
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
•Vessel speed over ground (SOG)
•Vessel course over ground (COG)
•True wind speed
•True wind direction
• Heading relative to true north
•True wind chill temperature
•True wind speed relative to water—requires speed-through-water input
IMPORTANT: Please read the owner’s guide
completely before proceeding with the installation.
These instructions supersede any other instructions
in your instrument manual if they differ.

5
Adding External Sensors
The WeatherStation can receive data from external sensors when they are
connected through an optional Combiner. This device processes additional
received data and transmits it to the WeatherStation for use in true wind
calculations. The WeatherStation will automatically detect whether these sensors
are internal, external, or not available at all. Simply connect the sensor(s) to the
Combiner or other NMEA 0183 repeater hardware.
The data provided by an additional sensor(s) such as heading or water depth can
also be seen on displays connected to the Combiner.
• GPS —An external NMEA 0183 GPS can be connected instead of or in addition
to the internal GPS. The WeatherStation gives priority to valid external GPS
data when available.
• Compass —If an external electronic compass is installed and working, this
external compass data will override the WeatherStation compass.
• Speed-through-water sensor —An external speed sensor with NMEA 0183
output can be installed, such as an Airmar Smart™ Sensor. Airmar
recommends installing the DST800V to receive water depth, boat speed, and
water temperature data.

6
Choosing the Mounting Location
For accurate readings and a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best location for
the WeatherStation is very important. Easy access and appearance should be
secondary considerations. Since each installation is unique, the best separation
distances from other equipment on the boat will vary depending on the particular
equipment and how it is configured. Choose a location that balances the
requirements below (see Figure 1).
•The WeatherStation
must be mounted in “clear air”—away from obstructions in
any direction that will interfere with air flowing through the unit. If there is an
obstruction, be sure to mount the WeatherStation at least 2m (6') away. On
land, avoid roof tops, chimneys, trees, etc.
• If possible, mount the WeatherStation higher than any other object. Mount it a
minimum of 500mm (20") above the surrounding surfaces. For land use, mount
a minimum of 10m (33') above sea level.
• Because the WeatherStation has an electronic compass, it should be at least
1 m (3') away from any on-board radar equipment or other strong magnetic
fields from equipment such as radio transmitters, boat engines, generators, etc.
• Because the WeatherStation has a GPS, it must be lower than any on-board
INMARSAT communications antenna.
• Because the WeatherStation has a GPS, be sure it is as far as possible from
high-powered transmitting antennas to avoid mutual interference.
• Because the WeatherStation has a GPS, check for any electromagnetic
shading. That is, any obstructions from other vessels or shoreline buildings that
will interfere with the GPS signals that the WeatherStation must receive.
Figure 1. Antennas
Courtesy of Northstar BNT, Acton, MA
Min. 1m

7
Tools & Materials
Antenna mount with standard 1” - 14 marine threads and a pass-through for the
cable (see Figure 2)
Hardware to install the antenna mount
Extension tube (optional)
Pencil
Level
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Electric drill
Drill bits
Phillips screwdrivers
Plumber’s tape (optional)
Cutting pliers (some installations)
Wire strippers (some installations)
Electrical tape (some installations)
Converter (some installations)
Combiner (some installations)
Where to Purchase
USA & Canada Gemeco Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
Europe Airmar Europe Tel: [phone]
& Rest of World Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Figure 2. Antenna mounts
ratchet mountdeck mount
cable
passes
through
center
deck mount
of mount
Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.
cable
pass-through
with extension
extension
with cable
pass-through

8
Installing
Caution : The blue metal plate and the blue film found in the wind channel of the
WeatherStation are essential to its operation (see Figure 3). Be careful not to
scratch the plate, puncture the film, or damage them in any way.
Caution : Do not remove the connector(s) to ease cable routing. If the cable must
be cut and spliced, use Airmar’s splash-proof Junction Box #33-035 and follow the
instructions provided. Cutting the cable or removing the connector, except when
using Airmar’s junction box, will void the sensor warranty.
1. Place the antenna mount at the selected location and mark the holes for the
screws (see Figure 2). Also, mark the hole in the center of the mount for the cable
to pass through. If you are using a ratchet mount,
be sure you have purchased
an extension with a cable pass-through.
Figure 3. The wind channel
Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.
metal plate
waterproof
film
wind channel

9
Caution : The WeatherStation must be installed vertically—not tilted to one side.
If the WeatherStation is tilted from the horizontal plane, it will introduce an error
in the compass reading.
2. Position the antenna mount at a 90º angle to the deck. If necessary, use shims
to make the mounting surface level (see Figure 4).
Warning : Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
3. Drill the holes for the mounting screws and the cable exit if necessary.
4. Using purchased screws, fasten the antenna mount in place.
5. Screw an extension tube onto the antenna mount if desired.
Figure 4. Installation
nut assembly
WeatherStation
extension tube
antenna mount
cable exit
alignment tabs
face forward
toward the bow
and parallel to
the centerline
of the vessel
wind channel
where air travels
through the sensor
(some installation)
(most installations)
Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.

10
6. With the nut assembly on the cable near the WeatherStation connector, thread
the cable through the extension tube (if used), antenna mount, and the cable
exit. Allow several inches of cable topped by the connector above the nut
assembly (see Figure 5).
Caution : If you use a thread lock, use plumber’s tape. Do not use a liquid
thread lock as it may weaken the plastic, causing it to swell and crack.
7. Screw the nut assembly onto the top of the antenna mount/extension tube.
Hand-tighten only . Do not over tighten.
8. Remove the protective cover from the connector. (Save the cap to protect the
connector, when the WeatherStation is removed.) Plug the 7-pin connector into
the WeatherStation. The alignment key on the connector fits into a notch in the
base of the WeatherStation.
Caution : Be sure the alignment tabs on the WeatherStation point forward
toward the bow and parallel to the centerline of the boat. This is necessary to
accurately measure wind direction and vessel heading.
9. Be sure the alignment tabs on the WeatherStation are facing forward toward the
bow and parallel to the centerline of the boat (see Figure 4). Slide the captive
nut upward and screw it onto the base of the WeatherStation (see Figure 5).
Hand-tighten only .
Do not over tighten. Be careful NOT to rotate the
WeatherStation or loosen the nut assembly from the antenna mount/extension
tube.
Double check to be sure the alignment tabs are still facing forward.
Figure 5. Connecting
WeatherStation
nut
captive
nut
alignment
key
assembly
Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.
connector