ComNav Vector G2 User manual

PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1)
Vector G2 & G2B
GPS Compasses
(Second Generation)
Installation & Operation Manual
Addendum #1 – Revisions to Wiring & Configuration
COMPLIES WITH
CE REGULATIONS

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Introduction
Introduction
As a result of feedback from customers, the factory-default configuration of the Vector G2 &
G2B has been changed, in order to provide improved “out of the box” operation of the units.
This document describes those changes, and where the information in here should be used
instead of the information in the supplied Installation & Operation manual (v1r6).
Note: This Addendum applies only to the second generation of the Vector G2 & G2Bs,
mainly to the early-2009 manufacturing runs (date codes 0902 – 0907, & possibly up
to 0914).
Vector Generations
The generation of a Vector G2 & G2B can be determined by the initial 4 digits of its serial
number, which are a “date code” identifying the year and week it was manufactured. The
serial number is on the label on the underside of the enclosure.
The first generation had date codes of 0721 or less. For that generation, please refer to
revision 1.2 of this manual.
The second generation began with a date code of 0722. The second generation’s date
codes, prior to the early-2009 builds, reached 0850. All those 0722 – 0850 date code
second-generation units were shipped with the factory-default configuration described in
revisions 1.4 through 1.6 of this manual.
However, customers may, if they wish, change those earlier date code second-generation
units to the revised configuration, and re-wire the unit’s installation, as described in this
Addendum.
Indeed, ComNav recommends that customers using the Vector G2 & G2Bs with any ComNav
autopilot make these changes in configuration & wiring, since one significant result of the
revisions is better steering performance by the autopilot.
Differences between Generations
All Vector G2 & G2B GPS Compasses are customised OEM versions of certain GPS
Compasses made by Hemisphere GPS™ (formerly CSI Wireless), of Calgary, Alberta,
Canada and Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A. (www.hemispheregps.com).
•The first-generation ComNav Vector G2 is based on Hemisphere’s Vector GPS
Compass, while the ComNav Vector G2B is based on the Vector PRO. All these models
use Hemisphere’s SLX GPS receiver technology.
•The 2007 second-generation Vector G2 & G2B are based on Hemisphere’s initial MV100
series (which uses their Crescent™ GPS custom receiver/processor chip technology);
the G2 is based on the MV100, the G2B on the MV110.
•The 2008 & 2009 second-generation Vector G2 & G2B are based on Hemisphere’s
late-2007 revision of the MV100 series – the G2 on the MV100, the G2B on the MV110.
All ComNav Vectors have slight differences from the corresponding Hemisphere models, in
their operational specifications & factory-default configuration settings; for details, please
refer to the respective ComNav & Hemisphere models’ specifications.
Note: ComNav Vectors do not support any of Hemisphere’s various optional GPS/DGPS
receiver features or subscription applications (e-Dif, OmniSTAR, L-Dif™, etc.).
Document History
Revision Date By Description
1R6
(Addendum #1) 31 March 2009 DTO •first release
•valid for date codes 0902 - 0907
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 1 -

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
The information on pages 2– 13 in this document replaces the Wiring information on
pages 16 – 18 in Revision 1.6.
Wiring
A single cable, included with the Vector G2, supplies power to it, and also carries
NMEA 0183 data & control signals from & to it. The G2 end of the cable is an
environmentally sealed, mechanically-keyed/locking connector; the other end is
un-terminated, and requires field stripping and tinning.
The cable should be wired to your vessel’s autopilot, and/or other equipment of your choice
that can use NMEA 0183 data. Some typical examples are shown in Figure 1, Figure 3and
Figure 4.
When choosing a route for the cable:
•Keep the cable well away from rotating machinery
•Avoid running the cable in areas of excessive heat
•Keep the cable away from corrosive chemicals
•Do not run the cable through door or window jams
•Do not excessively bend, or crimp, the cable
•Secure the cable along the route using plastic tie wraps as necessary
Cables & Extensions
There are two standard cable lengths supplied with the Vector G2: 15 metres & 30 metres.
If the standard-length cable supplied with your kit is too long, you may shorten it as required.
If the standard-length cable is too short for your installation, longer cables are available on
special order (contact your ComNav dealer for details).
Alternatively, you can route the cable into a customized break-out box with internal terminal
strips, to a simple set of strips mounted on a bulkhead or other surface, or use good-quality
soldered or crimped, marine-grade, wire-to-wire connection techniques.
Or, if you are using the G2 with a Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display, the latter’s
Distribution Unit has a terminal strip for connecting an extension cable.
But, no matter which extension cable connection method you use:
•The cable should be similar to the standard cable (shielded, marine grade).
•The extension’s serial data (both RS-232 & RS-422) & alarm wires should be at least 20
AWG, and the respective pairs of signals (see Table 2) should be twisted in pairs.
⇒The total length of RS-232 signal wires (cable plus extension) should be no
longer than industry standards for such cables, although the specific maximum
length may depend on what equipment you are wiring them to; for example, PCs
(especially laptops) often can not handle more than about 25 metres of RS-232
wiring.
⇒The RS-422 signal wires can support much longer cable runs than the RS-232
wires, since that standard provides for more immunity to noise and attenuation.
•The extension’s power input wires should be at least 18 AWG, to ensure that there is
minimal additional voltage drop in the extension.
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 2 -

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
Standard Cables
There have been five different standard cables supplied with ComNav Vector G2 & G2B GPS
Compasses, across the two generations – three 15 metre cables, and two 30 metre cables.
The main difference between the various cables is in the colour-coding of the wires. The wire
colour codes depend on the cable’s “marking” number (which is in fact the Hemisphere GPS
part number) on the cable’s label. However, all cables of a given length have the same
ComNav part number, regardless of colour coding or marking.
Part Number 31110039 31110040
Length 15 metres 30 metres
Marking 1051-0063-003 051-0063-004 051-0157-002 051-0098-001 051-0158-001
Table 1 – Cable Types
1The Marking is on a plastic sleeve located near the connector. It is the only way to
indentify the cable, since the ComNav Part Number does not appear on it.
Shipped On Vector Generation
1st Initial 2nd Current 2nd
15 m 051-0063-003 051-0063-004 051-0157-002
30 m 051-0098-001 051-0158-001
Signal Description
(alternate signal) 3
Red 1Red 1Red 1n/a Power Input
Black 1Black 1Black 1n/a Power Ground
Blue Blue Blue RS-232, Tx Port A Transmit
Black Blue,
White stripe Black, Blue stripe RS-232, Rx Port A Receive
Green Green Green RS-422, ‘B’
Black Green,
White stripe Black, Green stripe RS-422, ‘A’ Port A Transmit
Brown Brown Brown RS-232, Tx
Port B Transmit
(Secondary Port A Tx)
Black Brown,
White stripe Black, Brown stripe RS-232, Rx Port B Receive
(Secondary Port A Rx)
Black White,
Black stripe Grey RS-232, Gnd Signal Ground
Yellow Yellow Yellow RS-422, ‘B’
Black Yellow,
Black stripe Yellow, Black stripe RS-422, ‘A’ Port B Transmit
(Secondary Port A Tx)
Orange Orange n/a HCMOS, ‘B’
Black Orange,
White stripe n/a HCMOS, ‘A’ 1 pulse/second
timing output
White White n/a n/a
(RS-232, Tx) Not connected (Port B Tx)
n/a n/a White n/a Alarm Output Pin 1
Wire Colour
n/a n/a
White,
Red stripe n/a Alarm Output Pin 2
Bare Wire Bare Wire Bare Wire 2n/a Drain for RF Shielding
!! DO NOT CONNECT !!
Table 2 – Colour Coding of All Standard Cables
1The Power Input & Ground (Red, Black) wires are 18 AWG; other insulated wires are 24 AWG.
2The Drain wire on the 30m cable is insulated with black heat-shrink.
3Some of the signal descriptions apply only to the 2nd generation; the alternate signal listed in
parentheses in those cases is for the 1st generation only. The RS-232 Port B on the 1st
generation only had the TX signal. The RS-232 Secondary Port A was useable only for
special purposes.
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ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
Cable Usage
All cables can potentially be used on all generations of the Vector G2.
For the 15 metre cable supplied on the first-generation G2s (marking 051-0063-003), there
are several black coloured signal wires, each carrying a different signal – which can be very
confusing.
To help prevent wiring errors caused by “many black wires”, all the wires in this cable are
twisted in pairs, with each black wire paired with its respective non-black coloured
counterpart. Each pair is also held together by a short piece of tubing, just after they exit
from the cable’s overall jacket. If you must cut type 051-0063-003, be sure to maintain the
signal wire pairings.
For all the other cable types, the second colour listed in the table below is either repeated
bands of the colour, or a thin spiralling stripe of that colour. The wires are twisted in pairs
(but without any pair-retaining tubing).
Caution! The coloured “stripe” is either repeated bands of the colour, or a thin spiralling
stripe. The stripe can be very hard to see (especially the Blue, Green & Brown
stripes, all on Black backgrounds); please inspect the wires carefully, under a good
light, to be sure you are using the right wires!
Note: the Colour Code information in the wiring diagrams (see Figure 1, Figure 3&
Figure 4) shows only the colour codes of the cable types currently supplied with the
Vector (cable type numbers 051-0157-002 & 051-0158-0001 – see the 3rd column in
Table 2 above).
For the earlier cable types, listed in the 1st & 2nd columns of Table 2, please use the
colours in either the 1st or 2nd column (whichever applies) that match the signals you
are using, instead of the colours shown in the Installation chapter.
Note: because there are differences – with respect to the output data signals – between
the first and subsequent generations of the Vector, the signals available on the cable
depend on both the cable type and the Vector’s generation.
L
L
If the older cable types are used with a second-generation Vector G2 & G2B, the
Alarm output is not provided!
Power Input
A 3 Amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker (not supplied) should be installed in series with the
Power Input wire. An in-line On/Off switch (not supplied) capable of handling 3 Amps should
also be installed (if a breaker is installed, it may be permissible at your locale to use it as the
On/Off switch).
The breaker/fuse/switch and all the power wiring must be done in accordance with the
applicable electrical safety standards for “low-voltage DC” wiring at your locale.
Please be sure to use adequate wire sizes for the expected maximum currents.
Caution! The Vector G2’s power supply is protected against reverse polarity power
input; the G2 will not operate with reverse polarity, however.
Note: the G2’s power supply is isolated from all the data communication lines. As well,
the plastic enclosure isolates the G2’s circuitry galvanically from the vessel – which
helps reduce hull electrolysis problems.
It is strongly recommended that the G2’s power wiring be run directly from the
power supply – especially for 12 Volt systems. The minimum supply voltage is
specified as 11 Volts, at the loose-wire end of the G2’s cable. On a “12 Volt”
battery system, it is possible (if the battery is weak or partially discharged, and if
there are other loads along the wiring from the battery to the end of the G2’s
cable) that the cable-end voltage will drop below 11 Volts. In such
circumstances, the G2 may exhibit erratic behaviour, such as periodic resetting.
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 4 -

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
Data Connections (Autopilot, GPS Display, Chartplotter, PC, etc.)
There are a number of ways to make the data connections required between the Vector G2
and other equipment on the vessel. See Figure 1, Figure 3and Figure 4for examples:
•The G2 is typically used with a ComNav Autopilot System (e.g., Commander P2,
Admiral P3, 2001, 5001, etc.), an optional ComNav Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display
System, and a generic Chartplotter or other type of Navigation System.
⇒A PC can be used, instead of the Navigator G2 Display, to configure the Vector
and/or monitor its status.
⇒A PC can be used, instead of a Chartplotter or other type of NMEA Navigation
equipment, to perform the “Navigation display & control” functions – setting
waypoints, etc.
Each of those connection schemes is described in more detail below. Other schemes may
also be possible on your vessel, or in your application of the G2.
All data communications from/to the G2 is done with serial data signals; there is also a
separate Alarm signal from the G2, using the contacts of a relay.
Serial Ports
The G2 has two serial ports, denoted as “Port A” & “Port B”.
The serial ports are full-duplex – they can transmit & receive simultaneously.
Outputs
The G2 can output an extensive set of standard and proprietary NMEA 0183 sentences on
the serial ports – geographic position & vessel heading data, status of the visible GPS
satellites, internal sensor data, Beacon data & status, and so on.
The G2 is factory-configured to output “general Navigation data” on Port A, and “Autopilot
data” on Port B. You may change the configuration, if you wish (see page 18 for full details).
Each port’s output (Transmit) is duplicated, with one connection at the RS-422 electrical
levels specified in the NMEA 0183 Standard, and the other at the RS-232 levels typically
used for computers. Both of the outputs from a Port always have the same data signals &
timing, irrespective of electrical level.
The choice of which electrical level(s) to use depends on the serial port type(s) supported by
the other equipment you wish to connect to. You may find that the other equipment needs
one or the other type, or a mixture of both.
RS-422
Most marine equipment will require using the G2’s RS-422 output(s) – for example, ComNav
Commander P2, Admiral P3 and 5001 Autopilots all require RS-422 levels on their Heading,
Speed & NAV input ports.
The G2’s RS-422 ports are Talkers (i.e., transmit only), in accordance with the NMEA 0183
Standard (version 3.01), and the matching international Standard IEC 61162-1.
RS-422 uses a pair of balanced signals1, in paired wires, with the ‘A’ signal on one wire & the
complementary ‘B’ signal on the other.
•It is necessary to maintain the correct signal polarity, when connecting one of the G2’s
RS-422 output wire pairs to an NMEA 0183 Listener:
⇒The G2 output port’s transmit data ‘A’ signal wire must be connected to the
receive data ‘A’ input terminal of the other device; similarly, the G2’s ‘B’ output
wire must be connected to the ‘B’ input terminal of the other device2.
1All the G2’s RS-422 output signals are referenced to the G2’s RS-232 Signal Ground, although it is usually not
necessary to connect that Ground to the other device, if using only the RS-422 outputs (see page 6).
2… the ‘A’ connection is often labelled “Positive” (or “+ve”, or just “+”), and the ‘B’ is “Negative” or “-ve” or “-“.
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 5 -

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
RS-232
The only electrical standard specified in NMEA 0183 is RS-422. However, it is common for
non-marine equipment to be able to accept NMEA-formatted data – not at RS-422 levels, but
only at RS-232 levels; for example, the “COM port” on a PC is always at RS-232 levels.
Such equipment (often described as being “NMEA compatible”) will require using one or both
of the G2’s RS-232 outputs.
The G2’s Transmit (Tx) signal wire(s) must be connected to the Receive (Rx) pin(s) of the
other device.
Inputs
Both ports’ Receive inputs (Rx wires) are at RS-232 levels only.
The Receive inputs are used for controlling the G2 (with commands sent to it on Port A – to
enable sentences, set update rates, set Baud rates, etc.), and for firmware upgrades (via the
input of Port B).
Port B may also be used for receiving DGPS correction data (RTCM SC-104) from an
external-source – see the $JDIFF command on page 22.
If you are going to use the G2’s RS-232 input connections, the Tx signal wire(s) from the
other device must be connected to the Rx wire(s) of the G2.
Signal Grounds
Whether or not to connect the G2’s Signal Ground to the Signal Ground (or the Main or
Power Ground, if there is no Signal Ground) of the other device or devices on your vessel
depends on how your vessel, and any other equipment, is wired.
•RS-422: per the NMEA 0183 Standard, the Listener will have optically (or galvanically)
isolated RS-422 inputs; thus, it is usually not strictly necessary – and sometimes it is not
even possible – to connect the Grounds.
⇒For example, the Commander P2’s NAV1/2 inputs (NMEA 0183 Listeners) are
optically isolated – no Signal Ground pin for those inputs is provided.
In contrast, for the P2’s NAV output (which is an NMEA Talker), there is a
Ground pin – but that is a “current-controlled, AC-coupled” ground, not the P2’s
main Signal Ground.
•RS-232: the G2’s RS-232 Signal Ground MUST be connected to the other device’s Signal
Ground, when using the RS-232 ports.
Caution! The G2’s RF Shield wire (the bare wire in the cable) must not be
connected at the other device, no matter whether RS-422 or RS-232
signal wires – or both – are being used. Cut it back near the end of the
cable’s outer jacket, and insulate the stub with electrical tape.
•On the other hand, it is sometimes better – from the perspective of signal integrity and/or
electrical noise-reduction – to connect some or all of the Grounds in a system.
Consult your ComNav Dealer for help, if you are unsure what will work best on your vessel.
Serial Port Settings
Both ports use ordinary asynchronous serial data formatting, as specified in the NMEA 0183
Standard; the formatting is fixed, and can not be changed:
•1 Start Bit, 8 Data bits, No Parity Bit & 1 Stop Bit (commonly described as “8-N-1”).
The baud rates of the G2’s serial ports must be the same as the device(s) to which they are
connected. The factory-default configuration is 4800 Baud on both ports – per the
NMEA 0183 Standard.
The baud rates can be changed, if you need to; also, Port A and Port B may have different
Baud rates. See pages 17 & 28 for more details.
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 6 -

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
Interfacing to a ComNav Autopilot
Commander P2 or Admiral P3
Figure 1shows the typical connections used with a ComNav Commander P2 Autopilot
System (an Admiral P3 would be wired identically), a ComNav Navigator G2 GPS Compass
Display System, and a generic Chartplotter or other type of Navigation System.
Note: this wiring information assumes that the G2 is in its factory-default configuration:
Autopilot data on Port B, and General Navigation data on Port A (see pages 14 &
15).
The wiring from the G2 is to the P2’s J9 –NAV I/O connector, as follows (a small image of
the connector’s label is shown to the left of the table):
Note: all prior & current-build P2/P3 SPUs have an error on this label – the image below is correct.
J9 Pin Wire Color Signal Signal Data Carried
IN-2B user-supplied 1RS-422, ’B’
IN-2A user-supplied 1RS-422, ‘A’ from Chartplotter,
etc. Navigation: Waypoints, Position, etc.
IN-1B Yellow RS-422, ‘B’
IN-1A Yellow w/Black stripe RS-422, ‘A’ from G2,
Port B Transmit Heading, Speed
OUT-1A user-supplied 1RS-422, ‘A’
IN
J9
2A
2B
CH
1A
1B
OUT
NAV I/O
GD
B
A
OUT-1B user-supplied 1RS-422, ’B’ to Chartplotter,
etc. Autopilot status
Table 3 – Commander P2 Connection Details
1These wires are supplied by the user, thus colours are not specified here.
In addition to the above wiring, the Commander P2 must be configured to look for both
heading and speed data from its NAV1 input port, and for Navigation data from NAV2; for
details, see the respective Source selection descriptions for the Standby, Auto & Nav menus,
in the P2 Installation & Operation manual.
5001 System
The wiring for a 5001 is similar to that of a Commander P2: two RS-422 NAV input ports, and
one RS-422 output port (the 5001 also has an RS-232 I/O port, but that should not be used
with a Vector G2).
All G2 wiring connections to a 5001 must be made at the 5001’s Processor Card – see page
4-24 in the 5001’s Installation & Operation manual. You must then select the Compass,
Speed, and NAV sources (from NAV1, NAV2, according to how you have done the wiring
from the G2, a Chartplotter, etc.) – see page 5-15 in the 5001 manual.
It may also be necessary to configure the 5001’s COMM port to transmit NMEA output
signals, if you need those – see page 5-6 in the 5001 manual.
Other ComNav Autopilot Systems
All other ComNav autopilots require the use of an optional ComNav Sine-Cosine Interface
Box (PN 21010004), with matching interface cable (PN 31110023 or 31110051), to use them
with a Vector G2.
See the instructions included with the Sine-Cosine Box for wiring and setup information.
Note that the G2’s Port B RS-422 wires are the ones to be connected to the Convertor.
Interfacing to a ComNav Navigator G2 Display System
See Figure 1. Wiring of the Navigator G2 is fully described in the Navigator G2’s Installation
& Operation manual. Note that there is some flexibility in how the wiring between the Vector
& the Navigator can be arranged, since part of the function of the Navigator’s Distribution Unit
is to be a simple, convenient “terminal strip” for the G2.
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 7 -

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
WHITE & WHITE w/ RED STRIPE
Alarm Contacts
Alarm
System
Port A (RS-422)
GREEN
BLACK w/ GREEN STRIPE B
A
Navigation System Controller or Display
(Chartplotter, Radar, etc.)
NMEA 0183
In Out
To other
NMEA equipment
Autopilot System
(Commander P2 shown)
NMEA 0183
In-2 OutIn-1
Port B (RS-422)
YELLOW
YELLOW w/ BLACK STRIPE
To Navigation System Controller
&/or other NMEA equipment
Heading Source : NAV IN1
Speed Source : NAV IN1
Navigation Source : NAV IN2
GREY RS-232 Signal Ground
Port B (RS-232)
BROWN
BLACK w/ BROWN STRIPE
Port A (RS-232)
BLUE
BLACK w/ BLUE STRIPE
RS-232
Tx GndRx
GPS Compass Display System
(Navigator G2 shown)
Other Equipment
using RS-232
RED (18 AWG)
Fuse
or Breaker
Power
Switch
BLACK (18 AWG)
Ship’s
Battery
11 – 36 VDC
+
-
Cut off & tape back
Shield Drain wire
B
A
B
A
Tx
Rx
Tx
Rx
B
A
B
A
User-supplied
cable or wires
Vector G2 or G2B
Figure 1 – Typical Wiring Diagram of a Vector G2 System (with Autopilot & Compass Display)
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 8 -

ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
Interfacing to a PC
PC COM Ports
PC serial ports – commonly referred to as “COM ports” – always use RS-232 signal levels,
and so the only possible direct connection to the Vector G2 is via the G2’s RS-232 signals.
LIf it is necessary to connect a PC to any RS-422 signals (for example, when the
PC is being used to run a Navigation program, which sends steering commands
to an NMEA 0183 autopilot – i.e., at RS-422 levels), a signal level convertor will
be required (see page 13).
PC COM ports typically use a DE93male (a “pin type”, aka DE9-P) connector; some older
PCs may use a DB25 (aka DB25-P) connector.
•Desktop PCs sometimes have 2 (or more) COM ports, although newer models usually
only have one COM port. It is possible to add COM ports to most desktop PCs, by
adding a suitable “COM Port Expander” card.
•Laptop PCs usually have only one COM port.
•Many newer PCs – desktops & especially laptops – do not have a real “COM port”.
Instead, they only have one or more USB ports, and use driver software to allow
application programs to access the USB ports as “virtual COM ports”.
⇒If the PC only has USB ports, an external USB-to-Serial adapter will be required,
since the G2 does not have a USB interface. These adapters typically have a
USB ‘A’ size plug at one end, and a DE9 male connector at the other end.
Most brands of adapters should work fine. A number of different ones have been
tried at ComNav, all with success (in fact, a “USB to 4 Serial Ports” adapter is
used by our Production & Testing staff when working on G2s).
D Connector Pinouts
The figure below shows the pin-numbering scheme for a PC COM port’s DE9 & DB25
connectors. This figure can be looked at in two ways:
•It is the view from the outside of the PC, looking at the pins of the male connector in the
PC, typically located somewhere on the back panel of the PC.
•It is also the view of matching female connector (aka a “socket type” – a DE9-S or a
DB25-S) when looking at the back – i.e., wire side – of that connector, on the cable that
plugs into the PC’s male connector (DE9-P or DB25-P).
Figure 2 – DE9 & DB25 Pin Numbering
3These connectors are often referred to as “DB9”, but that is technically incorrect. The letters “B” & “E” designate the
shell sizes; a B shell is much bigger than an E shell – it can hold up to 25 pins, compared to 9 or 15 pins in an E shell.
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ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
DE9 Connectors
To connect either of the G2’s RS-232 ports to a PC serial port (or to the DE9-P end of a
USB-to-Serial adapter), connect the wires to a DE9 female connector (a “socket type”, aka
DB9-S) as follows:
DE9 Pin Wire Color G2 Signal COM Port Signal
2 Blue Port A Transmit data Receive Data
3 Black w/ Blue Stripe Port A Receive data Transmit Data
2 LBrown Port B Transmit data Receive Data
3 LBlack w/ Brown Stripe Port B Receive data Transmit Data
5 Grey Signal Ground Signal Ground
Table 4 – PC COM Port (DE9) to G2’s RS-232 Port A or B
DB25 Connectors
If the PC has a DB25 COM port connector, connect the wires from the G2 to a DB25 female
connector (aka DB25-S) as follows:
DB25 Pin Wire Color Signal COM Port Signal
3 Blue Port A Transmit data Receive Data
2 Black w/ Blue Stripe Port A Receive data Transmit Data
3 LBrown Port B Transmit data Receive Data
2 LBlack w/ Brown Stripe Port B Receive data Transmit Data
7 Grey Signal Ground Signal Ground
Table 5 – PC COM Port (DB25) to G2’s RS-232 Port A or B
LCaution! You can NOT wire both of the G2’s RS-232 ports to one PC COM
port simultaneously!
You will probably only be using the G2’s RS-232 Port A, when connecting to a PC.
However, if you do wish to connect to both of the G2’s RS-232 ports
simultaneously, you will need to have two COM ports on the PC, with each
wired as listed above
Be sure to wire the Signal Ground to BOTH COM ports!
Note: none of the other RS-232 signals that are normally available on PC COM ports (&
sometimes used by the ports &/or equipment connected to them), such as the
“status” & “flow control” signals (RTS, CTS, DSR, DCD, etc.), are available on, nor
used by, the G2’s serial ports.
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ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
Using a PC for Vector G2 Control & Display
Figure 3shows the typical connections when using a PC, instead of a Navigator G2 Display,
to configure the G2, and/or monitor its status.
Note: the PC is not necessary 4, if the G2’s factory-default configuration (see page 15)
meets your needs, and if you do not wish to monitor any of the G2’s various status
values.
This wiring scheme uses only the G2’s Port A RS-232 output and input.
GREY RS-232 Signal Ground
Port A (RS-232)
BLUE
BLACK w/ BLUE STRIPE
PC for Vector G2 Control & Display
(using PocketMAX PC or HyperTerminal)
Tx
Rx
D-Type 9 pin
Female Connector
(user-supplied)
Tx
Rx 2
3
5
PC COM Port
Signal & Pin #
Vector G2 or G2B
Figure 3 – Typical Wiring with a PC for Vector G2 Control & Display
The PC would typically be running a “dumb terminal” program (e.g., the Hyperterminal®
program that comes with Windows® on PCs), or Hemisphere’s own GPS Control & Display
program, PocketMAX PC5. More details on using Hyperterminal can be found at various
“Windows Help” sources; see the PocketMAX User Manual for usage instructions on it.
Using a Vector G2 with a PC Navigation Program
Figure 4shows the typical connections when using a PC, instead of a Chartplotter or some
other type of NMEA Navigation equipment, to perform “Navigation display &/or control”
functions – viewing the vessel’s position on a chart, setting waypoints and so on.
This wiring scheme uses the G2’s Port A RS-232 output (and input, if the PC is also going to
be used to control the G2), and the Port B RS-422 output.
4… neither is a Navigator G2 Display System, see page 7.
5This program can be found on Hemisphere’s web site. Note that there is also a PDA version of PocketMAX, which can
be run on a PocketPC. Use of that version, and wiring a PDA to the G2, are not described in this manual.
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ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
To other
NMEA equipment
Autopilot System
(Commander P2 shown)
NMEA 0183
In-2 OutIn-1
Port B (RS-422)
YELLOW
YELLOW W/ BLACK STRIPE
Heading Source : NAV IN1
Speed Source : NAV IN1
Navigation Source : NAV IN2
GREY RS-232 Signal Ground
Port A (RS-232)
BLUE
BLACK w/ BLUE STRIPE
B
A
B
A
Tx
Rx
B
A
B
A
User-supplied
cables or wires
Tx
Rx 2
3
5
PC COM Port n*
Signal & Pin #
PC for Navigation Control & Display
(using suitable software)
D-Type 9 pin
Female Connector
(user-supplied)
Tx
Rx 2
3
5
D-Type 9 pin
Female Connector
(user-supplied)
PC COM Port n*
Signal & Pin #
*COM Ports used for
G2 & NMEA connections
are user-selected,
but MUST be different
In A
Out B
In B
Out A
RS-422 RS-232
Tx
Rx
Sig Gnd
Pwr Gnd
NMEA 0183 RS-232
Convertor
B
A
Ship’s Battery **
** may not be needed – depends on convertor
Vector G2 or G2B
From other
NMEA equipment
This connection is needed only if
the Navigation program requires
“autopilot status” information
Use one or the other wire pair
into the Convertor inputs
Figure 4 – Typical Wiring with a PC-based Navigation Program
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ComNav Vector G2 & G2B Installation & Operation Wiring
Document PN 29010078 V1.6 (Addendum #1) - 13 -
The PC would typically be running a Navigation program (e.g., programs from Fugawi™,
Jeppesen®/Nobeltec®, Rose Point Navigation, or similar), replacing the Navigation control
functions of (or as an backup to) the Chartplotter.
In this connection scheme, the PC will need to be hooked to the G2 via the latter’s RS-232
connections – but it will also usually be necessary to connect the PC to the autopilot and/or
other NMEA 0183 equipment, at the NMEA Standard’s RS-422 signal levels.
⇒Since very few PCs have built-in RS-422 ports, an RS-232 ⇔RS-422 Convertor
will usually also be needed (as shown in Figure 4).
Alternatively, if your PC has USB ports, a USB-to-422 adapter could be used for
the PC-to-autopilot/etc. connection.
Contact your ComNav Dealer for ordering information.
Note: it is sometimes possible to mix the RS-232 electrical levels of a PC’s COM port with
the NMEA 0183 Standard’s RS-422 levels – driving into an RS-422 input from the PC’s
RS-232 output, and/or vice-versa.
For an example, see the section describing NMEA connections to the Commander P2
SPU’s NAV ports, in the P2’s Installation & Operation Manual. This method usually
works fine … on the P2 (& also on the Admiral P3), at any rate.
But it depends largely on the electrical drive capabilities of the PC’s COM port circuits.
As well, in a technical sense, it violates the rules of the NMEA 0183 Standard, since
the voltage levels, signal rise/fall times and circuit impedances of RS-232 and RS-422
are not the same. It may also cause electrical noise problems – RS-232 is “single-
ended” wiring, whereas RS-422 is “differential” (i.e., twisted-pair wires) and thus
withstands RFI & EMI electrical noise better.
For those reasons, ComNav strongly recommends against mixing RS-232 & RS-422!.
However, if you wish to try it with a P2 or P3 SPU:
•Wire the G2’s Port A RS-232 Tx signal to the PC COM port’s Rx signal, and wire
the RS-232 Signal Ground, both as shown in Figure 4.
•Wire the PC COM port’s RS-232 Tx signal to the IN-2A pin of the P2/P3 SPU’s
J9, and the PC’s RS-232 Signal Ground to the SPU’s IN-2B pin.
•If the PC has only one COM port, but you need to run both “Navigation” & “G2
Control” programs on the PC (see below), you can also connect the PC’s Tx
signal & Ground to the G2’s Port A RS-232 Rx & Signal Ground wires, in parallel
to connecting them to a P2/P3.
L
L
Caution! You can NOT do the same for the Rx signal – i.e., connect
both the G2’s Tx signal and the P2/P3’s NAV OUT signal to the PC’s
Rx pin. Doing so will damage either the G2 or the P2/P3 … or both.
If you encounter any problems with this wiring scheme, use of an
RS-232
⇔ RS-422 Convertor will then be required.
Using a PC for both Vector G2 Control/Display & a Navigation Program
The PC can be used simultaneously for both display & control of the G2, and for Navigation
display & control. In this scheme, two COM ports on the PC will be required (or multiple
USB-to-Serial adapters, or a multi-port USB adapter).
The wiring for this scheme typically will be the same as Figure 4.
Two programs will need to be running on the PC:
•One program for Navigation display & control
•One program for controlling the G2 and displaying its output
Selection of which COM port on the PC to assign for “Navigation” use, and which port for
“Vector G2” use, as well as Baud rates, will depend on the programs used.

ComNav Vector G2/G2B Installation & Operation Configuration
The information on pages 14 – 29 in this document replaces the NMEA 0183 and
Configuration information on pages 19 – 23 in Revision 1.6.
Normal Operation
Once the Vector G2 has successfully acquired a sufficient number of GPS signals, of
high enough quality, it begins to generate navigational data – position, heading, speed
and so on.
It’s up to you what you do with that data, of course!
The G2 is configured at the factory with a specific set of output data settings … enabled
output data “sentences”, update rates and Baud rates. All those are described in this
section.
The suggested standard wiring diagrams (see Figure 1, Figure 3and Figure 4) are based
on that factory-default output configuration. But you may change the G2’s configuration
as required, and even wire it differently than shown in the standard diagrams.
Output Ports
Typically, the user of a G2 wants it to output certain navigational data, updated at rates
that are suitable for the other equipment connected to the G2, and for what the overall
“navigation” system is supposed to be doing.
As well, the “bit rate” (i.e., Baud rate) at which the G2’s two output ports are transmitting
data (& receiving data, if necessary) must match the device(s) to which each is
connected.
The G2’s two output ports – Port A and Port B – allow for two different sets of navigation
data to be output from the G2. Each port can be configured with its own combination of
enabled output data sentences, sentence update rates, and Baud rate.
•For example: when a ComNav autopilot is being used with the G2, heading and
speed from the G2 are needed by the autopilot, in order for it to be able to steer the
vessel safely on the course that the user wants to follow.
– All ComNav autopilots need heading to be updated at a rate of about 10 Hz or
more; any slower causes the autopilot’s steering control algorithm to respond too
slowly to changes in the vessel’s actual heading (from wind, waves, current,
etc.).
– Speed is only needed at 1 Hz (or less), since it is not used in the steering
algorithm, but only to select which set of steering parameters is being used by
the autopilot.
– Baud rate is always 4800.
•When used with other types of equipment – e.g., a Chartplotter, a Navigation
program on a PC, a Radar set – typically there is other information needed: position,
course over ground, time & date, the GPS satellites’ status and so on. Update rates
required are usually slow – 1 Hz or less.
As mentioned previously, the G2 is configured at the factory for easy use in typical
marine situations.
•On Port A is a set of sentences for “general-purpose marine Navigation use”, which
collectively provides the following information:
– Position, course & speed over ground, time & date, True & Magnetic heading,
rate of turn, and GPS satellite status (all at 1 Hz or less).
•On Port B are sentences for “autopilot use”:
– True & Magnetic heading (at 10 Hz), and speed (at 1 Hz).
•Both ports are at 4800 Baud.
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ComNav Vector G2/G2B Installation & Operation Configuration
Output Data Formats
There are three formats that the Vector G2 can output data in: the NMEA 0183
Standard’s format, a proprietary format, and a binary format.
For full details on the NMEA sentences, please refer to the NMEA 0183 Standard. For
details on the G2’s specific capabilities (fields, format, etc.) in the NMEA 0183 sentences,
please refer to the Hemisphere’s GPS Technical Reference (available on their web site).
NMEA 0183 Output
The following NMEA 0183 sentences are available on the G2.
Sentences enabled by the factory-default configuration are denoted like this, with the
update rate shown in the corresponding column. Sentences not enabled in the
factory-default configuration are indicated with an X. Maximum output rates are shown in
the far right column, for convenience.
To make changes, see page 20.
Enabled
Sentence Description Port A Port B Max
Rate
GPDTM Datum Reference X X 10
GPGGA Global Positioning System Fix Data 1 X 10
GPGLL Geographic Position (Latitude & Longitude) 1 X 20
GPGNS GNSS Fix Data X X 10
GPGRS GNSS Range Residuals X X 10
GPGSA GNSS DOP & Active Satellites 0.2 X 1
GPGST GNSS Pseudorange Error Statistics 0.2 X 1
GPGSV GNSS Satellites in View 0.2 X 1
GPHDG True Heading, Variation & Deviation 1 X 20
GPHDM Magnetic Heading 11 10 20
GPHDT True Heading 1 10 20
GPRMC Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data 0.2 X 10
GPROT Rate of Turn 1 X 10
GPRRE Range Residual 1X X 10
GPVTG Course and Speed Over Ground 1 1 10
GPZDA Time and Date 1 X 10
Table 6 – NMEA Output Sentences
1Not approved by the IEC for Marine use
Note: all of these sentences are approved by the IEC for marine use, except for
the ones noted.
Note: the NMEA Talker ID for the three heading sentences above may be
changed from “GP” to “HE” for HDG & HDT and “HC’ for HDM. Doing so
indicates (per NMEA 0183’s syntax rules) that they come from a
North-seeking gyro heading sensor. The change can be made with the
$JATT,NMEAHE command (see Table 10 on page 22).
LConfiguring the G2 to use the “HE” Talker ID is not recommended!
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ComNav Vector G2/G2B Installation & Operation Configuration
Proprietary Output
The following NMEA-like6proprietary output sentences are available on the Vector G2.
Only the HPR sentence is enabled when the G2 is shipped from the factory; it is set to a
1 Hz update rate, on Port A. All the others are disabled, and so are indicated with an X.
Maximum output rates are shown in the far right column, for convenience.
To make changes, see page 20.
Enabled
Sentence Description
Port A Port B
Max
Rate
PCSI,CS0 Beacon Status Information (G2B only) X X 1
PCSI,CS1 Beacon Status Information (G2B only) X X 1
PSAT,GBS GNSS Satellite Fault Detection X X 10
PSAT,HPR Time, True Heading, and RTK-based Pitch (or Roll) 1 X 1
PSAT,INTLT Tilt (Pitch and Roll) Sensor’s Measurement X X 1
RD1 SBAS Diagnostic Information X X 1
Table 7 – Proprietary Output Sentences
Note: none of the proprietary sentences are approved by the IEC for marine
use.
For full details on the G2’s proprietary sentences, please refer to the GPS Technical
Reference.
Binary Output Sentences
The G2 can be configured to output certain data in sentences that are in a binary format
(in contrast to the human-readable ASCII format of the G2’s NMEA & Proprietary output
sentences).
None of the binary sentences are enabled in the G2’s factory-default configuration
settings.
Note: none of the binary sentences are approved by the IEC for marine use.
Caution! Binary sentences may be incompatible with some NMEA equipment,
and/or with PCs and other non-NMEA equipment. The incompatibility may
be such as to cause a PC &/or other equipment to lock up. Use them with
care!
For full details on the G2’s binary sentences, please refer to the GPS Technical
Reference.
6… “NMEA-like” because these sentences follow the general syntax rules of NMEA 0183, although they are not part
of that standard, but rather have been defined by Hemisphere GPS. These sentences are available only on their own
GPS products, and equipment based on those – such as the Vector G2.
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ComNav Vector G2/G2B Installation & Operation Configuration
Baud Rate
All ComNav autopilots (and all marine equipment which is compliant to the NMEA 0183
Standard) communicate at 4800 Baud, for both input & output7.
But, although the NMEA Standard specifies 4800 Baud8, it is common for “NMEA
compatible” equipment to be able to work at higher speeds (especially at RS-232 levels).
Each of the Vector G2’s two output ports can be configured, independent of each other,
to communicate at all conventional Baud rates from 4800 up to 38400 Baud.
•The factory-default configuration of both Ports A & B is 4800 Baud.
Note: for operation with all ComNav autopilots, the G2’s factory-default
Baud rate of 4800 must be used. For operation with other equipment,
other Baud rates may be allowable, depending on the equipment.
Electrical Interface
Another factor in using the G2 is what type of the electrical interface (i.e., signal levels,
rise/fall times, circuit impedances) the other equipment uses for its Input/Output
“navigation data” connections.
All marine equipment which is fully compliant with the NMEA 0183 Standard (e.g.,
ComNav autopilots) uses RS-422 levels only.
Other on-board “NMEA compatible” equipment – e.g., PCs – often uses RS-232 levels.
Each of the G2’s two output ports is available at both RS-232 & RS-422 electrical levels;
the RS-232 and RS-422 output signals may be used simultaneously (see Serial Ports on
page 5for more details).
Note: on each port, the sentences that the port is configured to output,
their update rates, and the port’s Baud rate, will be the same, for
both the RS-232 and RS-422 signals from that port.
Alarm Output
In addition to the data output on the G2’s two serial ports, there is a separate Alarm
output, which indicates whether or not the G2 is providing valid heading output data.
An Alarm relay is located on the G2’s circuit board. The relay’s contacts are isolated
from all circuitry in the G2 – the G2’s internal processor controls the coil side of the relay,
but the contacts of the relay are connected only to two pins on the G2’s I/O connector.
If the G2 is unpowered, or if it is powered but is not able to compute valid heading data
(for example, when it does not have good GPS signals at one of the two antennae), the
relay coil is de-powered. This causes the relay contacts to open – which can then
activate whatever system you wish to use to indicate a Loss-of-Heading condition.
When the G2 is powered, and when its heading output data is valid, the relay coil is
powered by the G2’s processor, which closes the relay contacts; this indicates that the
G2 is operating correctly.
Watchdog
A watchdog timer is controlled by software in the G2, and is triggered when heading
becomes invalid, for whatever reason. If the heading remains invalid for a long enough
time, the watchdog timer causes the Alarm relay’s contacts to open.
The watchdog software is in compliance with IEC 60495.
7The Commander P2 and the Admiral P3 can optionally work at Baud rates up to 9600 Baud on their NAV2 Inputs
(although not with all generations of the G2, see page 1).
8A supplemental standard, NMEA 0183-HS specifies operation at 38,400 Baud.
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ComNav Vector G2/G2B Installation & Operation Configuration
Changing the Configuration
You may change the factory-default configuration of the Vector G2, if you wish!
•Many other output sentences can be enabled, and/or the factory-default ones
disabled, to suit the requirements of any specific installation.
•The output update rate of each enabled sentence may be changed as required.
– If a given sentence is enabled on both ports, the output rate on each port may
the same, or different, if desired.
•The port Baud rates can be changed, as required.
– There may be different Baud rates on each port, if desired.
These changes, as well as numerous other characteristics of the G2’s operation, are
done by means of a set of input commands, in “sentences” that are similar to NMEA
sentences. These “command sentences” must be sent to the G2 from a suitable “control”
device, such as the Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display System, or a PC, via the
Receive wire on the RS-232 side of the Primary Port A.
For an overview of how to configure the G2’s output sentences, and tables of the G2’s
available command sentences, see 20 through 24.
For a full description and explanation of all the G2’s command sentences, please refer to
the GPS Technical Reference manual.
Making Changes
To make changes, a suitable control device must be connected to the G2:
•a ComNav Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display
•a PC running suitable software – i.e., Hemisphere GPS’ PocketMAX PC program, or
HyperTerminal or some other “dumb terminal” program.
Using a Navigator G2
The Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display System is the easiest & best way to monitor
and control a G2.
Full instructions are in the Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Manual.
The system must be wired as shown in Figure 1, and in the G2 manual.
Using PocketMAX PC
Full instructions are in the PocketMAX User Manual.
The system must be wired as shown in Figure 3or Figure 4.
Note: PocketMAX PC may not always run properly on some PCs. It has been
known to hang up, and/or crash the PC (especially on an older, slower PC),
and/or leave the G2 in an invalid state.
ComNav recommends that you use PocketMAX only on a fairly new PC, with a
fast CPU, lots of RAM, and “standard” COM ports.
LCaution! Please pay attention to the “… doing many things …” warning in
the first section of the PocketMAX manual!
Also, please note that PocketMAX was designed to support all of Hemisphere
GPS’ products – and so some of its features do not apply to the G29.
9Updated versions of PocketMAX may be released in future; please check on Hemisphere GPS’s web site. The
current version when this manual was being written was 2.2.0.
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ComNav Vector G2/G2B Installation & Operation Configuration
Some points to be aware of, if you wish to use PocketMAX:
•It does not “know” about a few sentences that the G2 supports (e.g., the $GPHDM
sentence10); thus, it is not possible to control those sentences with PocketMAX.
•It does not know the full range of Update rates that a few sentences can be set to
(e.g., $GPGSA & $GPGSV can be set to 0.2 Hz).
•Each time you start it, you must select “Hemisphere Vector” as the type of Receiver
in use, in the drop-down selector box on the program’s start-up screen; that is the
closest type of Receiver to a G2 that PocketMAX can be set for:
Figure 5 – PocketMAX PC GPS Receiver Type Selection
Using HyperTerminal
HyperTerminal, available for free on all Windows PCs11, is an easy means to monitor the
Vector G2’s operation and status.
But it is quite a bit harder to use it to control & configure the G2 …
The main problem is that the G2 is constantly sending Navigation data (as it’s supposed
to do!), which is displayed on HyperTerminal’s active display “screen”, in real-time as it
arrives, character by character and line by line – scrolling up in (& eventually off) the
display.
The result that it’s hard to “look” at any one item, or to see or edit – while you type them
in – the commands you’re trying to send to the G2, or see the G2’s responses to those
commands. Everything gets lost in the “clutter” of the continuously-arriving Navigation
data.
But, despite these problems, HyperTerminal is still useful – and sometimes it’s the only
readily available means available to monitor & control the G2.
If your PC has two COM ports, you can even run two instances of HyperTerminal
simultaneously, and thus monitor all output from the G2’s two serial ports.
The system must be wired as shown in Figure 3or Figure 4. The G2’s Port A should be
connected to the PC’s first COM port; if you want to monitor both of the G2’s ports, Port B
should be connected to the PC’s second COM port.
10 HDM & the other “unknown” sentences/parameters were part of the customizations added in ComNav’s variant of
the Hemisphere Crescent product, but they were added after PocketMAX was designed.
11 Apple® Macs® & other types of personal computers have similar programs, and there are many similar freeware,
shareware & commercial programs available for Windows PCs, and for Macs. None are discussed here, but all will
have similar characteristics (and things to watch out for!) to HyperTerminal.
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