ComNav Vector G2 User manual

Installation & Operation Manual
Navigator G2
GPS Compass Display
PN 29010081

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Welcome
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 1 -
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of ComNav Marine’s Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display!
At ComNav, we are proud of our prominence as a leader in the design and manufacture of
marine autopilot systems. Our dedication to performance and reliability will ensure your
satisfaction with the Navigator G2.
ComNav Marine Ltd.
Warranty Notice
Prior to the installation and/or operation of the equipment, ensure that you read, understand,
and accept the conditions of the warranties as detailed in the Warranty Information section
of this manual.
General Notice
This document, ComNav part number 29010081 Version 1 Revision 1, is the approved
Installation and Operation Manual for use with Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display. Where
versions of this manual exist in other languages, the English version shall be considered
authoritative.

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Welcome
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 2 -
Document History
Revision Date By Description
0R9 7-3-2008 G Initial release from eMotion
1R0 7-3-2008 J First release
1R1 31-3-2008 J The system only works on 12 VDC system

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Table of Contents
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 3 -
Table of Contents
Welcome.......................................................................................................................................................1
Document History.....................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................3
List of Figures..............................................................................................................................................5
List of Tables................................................................................................................................................5
Overview of the Navigator G2 ....................................................................................................................9
Vector Series GPS Compass __________________________________________________________________10
Display Head_______________________________________________________________________________10
Distribution Unit_____________________________________________________________________________11
About this Manual......................................................................................................................................12
Typefaces, Common Phrases & Terms __________________________________________________________12
Manual Format _____________________________________________________________________________12
Installation..................................................................................................................................................15
Technical Requirements ______________________________________________________________________15
Caution _________________________________________________________________________________15
Power Supply ____________________________________________________________________________15
Special Tools_____________________________________________________________________________15
Electrical Connections________________________________________________________________________16
Connector Termination _____________________________________________________________________16
Terminal Strip Labels ______________________________________________________________________18
Vector G2 Terminals_______________________________________________________________________19
Display Head Terminals (#1 and #2) __________________________________________________________21
NMEA Output Terminal_____________________________________________________________________22
Ship Power Bus Terminal ___________________________________________________________________23
Post Check ________________________________________________________________________________23
Power Up Test _____________________________________________________________________________23
Basic Operation.........................................................................................................................................27
Power On/Off ______________________________________________________________________________27
Display Controls ____________________________________________________________________________28
Color Display Backlight and Day/Night Adjustment _______________________________________________28
Monochrome Display Contrast and Backlight Adjustment __________________________________________29
Normal Usage ______________________________________________________________________________30
Display Pages____________________________________________________________________________31
Information Pages_________________________________________________________________________33
Parameter Setup Pages ____________________________________________________________________37
Care & Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................43
Cleaning and Appearance_____________________________________________________________________43
Protection of Wires and Cabling ________________________________________________________________43
Periodic Checks ____________________________________________________________________________43
Fuse Replacement __________________________________________________________________________43
Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................................................47
Troubleshooting ____________________________________________________________________________47

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Table of Contents
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 4 -
Appendix 2 .................................................................................................................................................48
Wiring Reference for ComNav Standard Cables___________________________________________________ 48
Appendix 3 .................................................................................................................................................51
Wiring Termination in the Distribution Unit _______________________________________________________ 51
Appendix 4 .................................................................................................................................................53
General Specifications_______________________________________________________________________ 53
Warranty Information ................................................................................................................................57
User Notes..................................................................................................................................................62

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Tables & Figures
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 5 -
List of Figures
Figure 1 – Vector G2 System Connections....................................................................................................................9
Figure 2 – Vector G2 GPS Compass...........................................................................................................................10
Figure 3 - Navigator G2 Display Head .........................................................................................................................10
Figure 4 - Distribution Unit ...........................................................................................................................................11
Figure 5 – Distribution Unit Connector Blocks.............................................................................................................16
Figure 6 - Terminal Connection - Step 1......................................................................................................................17
Figure 7 - Terminal Connection - Step 2......................................................................................................................17
Figure 8 - Terminal Connection Silk Screen Labels.....................................................................................................18
Figure 9 – Vector G2 Power Connection - Always On or Switched..............................................................................20
Figure 10 - Ship Power Connection.............................................................................................................................23
Figure 11 – Introductory Screen..................................................................................................................................27
Figure 12 - Color Control Head Backlight and Day/Night Adjust..................................................................................28
Figure 13 - Monochrome Display Head Contrast and Backlight Adjust........................................................................29
Figure 14 - Navigator G2 Display Head Displays and Buttons.....................................................................................30
Figure 15 - Graphical Navigation Page Description .....................................................................................................31
Figure 16 - Text Navigation Page Description..............................................................................................................32
Figure 17 - Position Navigation Page Description........................................................................................................32
Figure 18 - Heading Information Page Description......................................................................................................34
Figure 19 - GPS Status Information Page Description.................................................................................................35
Figure 20 - GPS Satellite Information Page Description ..............................................................................................36
Figure 21 - Parameter Setup Page - Button Descriptions............................................................................................37
Figure 22 - NMEA Message Rate Page.......................................................................................................................38
Figure 23 - Binary/Differential Message Rate Page.....................................................................................................38
Figure 24 - Smoothing Filters and Aids Page...............................................................................................................39
Figure 25 - Pitch/Roll Page..........................................................................................................................................39
Figure 26 - Cable Jacket Removal...............................................................................................................................51
Figure 27 - Cable Shield Removal...............................................................................................................................52
Figure 28 - Wire Insulation Removal............................................................................................................................52
Figure 29 - Distribution Unit Dimensions......................................................................................................................53
List of Tables
Table 1 – Vector G2 Wiring and Connections..............................................................................................................19
Table 2 – Display Head Wiring and Connection...........................................................................................................21
Table 3 – External NMEA, 1-pps, and Alarm Wiring....................................................................................................22
Table 4 – Navigation Page Fields Descriptions............................................................................................................33
Table 5 – Heading Information Page Fields Descriptions ............................................................................................34
Table 6 – GPS Status Fields Descriptions...................................................................................................................35
Table 7 – Display Head General Specification.............................................................................................................53
Table 8 – Distribution Unit General Specification.........................................................................................................53
Table 9 – User Notes..................................................................................................................................................62

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 6 -

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 7 -
Introduction

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 8 -

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Introduction
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 9 -
Overview of the Navigator G2
The Navigator G2 is designed to work with ComNav’s Vector GPS compasses, and other
NMEA devices.
Features included in the Navigator G2:
• Backlit graphical grey-scale LCD display shows navigation information
• Direct switch selection from various information pages
• Splash proof distribution box, with easy-to-install clamp terminal blocks for wiring
• Standard cable lengths: 25 feet cable to Display Head and 16 or 30 meters cable to
Vector G2
The block diagram below shows how the Navigator G2 connects the Vector G2, G2
Display Head and Distribution Unit to other NMEA devices:
Figure 1 – Vector G2 System Connections
12 VDC

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Introduction
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 10 -
Vector Series GPS Compass
A Vector Series GPS Compass uses multiple GPS antennas and sensors to accurately
sense vessel position, heading, pitch, and roll. A Vector Series compass communicates
NMEA 0183 information out two data ports. Both RS232 and RS422 signal level outputs
are supported.
Figure 2 – Vector G2 GPS Compass
Display Head
The Navigator G2 Display Head provides graphical and text information about the vessel
position and attitude (speed, heading, turn rate). Two (2) G2 Display Heads can be
driven from a single Distribution Unit.
Figure 3 - Navigator G2 Display Head

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Introduction
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 11 -
Distribution Unit
The G2 Distribution Unit provides a convenient location to terminate and distribute
signals from the Vector Series GPS Compass. Using microprocessor based signal
processing, the Distribution Unit receives NMEA data from the Vector Series GPS
Compass, and communicates this information to multiple Control Heads and external
NMEA devices
Display
Head#2
Dipslay
Head#1
Vector
Compass
Ship
Power
PortA
RS232
Figure 4 - Distribution Unit

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 12 -
About this Manual
This manual provides essential information for the safe and reliable operation of the ComNav
Navigator G2 GPS Compass Display. You are urged to read this manual in its entirety before
you use your Navigator G2 the first time, and to keep it handy until you become thoroughly
familiar with the operation.
Typefaces, Common Phrases & Terms
Throughout this manual, you will see a number of different typefaces used, and several
commonly-used words & phrases with very specific meanings, to describe concepts & actions
that are fundamental to the operation of the autopilot. Please take a moment to become
familiar with the following items:
Modes of Operation
Specific “modes of operation” are placed in bold uppercase lettering.
Example: DISP mode.
Button
Navigator G2 buttons and controls are placed in uppercase lettering.
Example: the FN button.
System Component
Specific System Components are capitalized.
Example: The Display Head.
LCD Display
Text that appears in the LCD display is in quotation marks.
press or momentary press
Press and release the indicated button.
press and hold
Press and hold the indicated button for a minimum of specified time interval.
This time delay is purposely programmed into the system’s response to some buttons, to
prevent casual or accidental activation of the button function. For example, pressing the
ON/OFF switch can turn off the G2 Series GPS Compass and Control Head. Depending on
system configuration, other devices using the information will be no longer receive the
information.
Manual Format
This manual has been formatted to be printed on both sides of the pages of the manual, and
on standard Letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”). If you have obtained this manual as a soft-copy,
please note that it is in Adobe® Portable Document Format (“pdf”), and so may be viewed &
printed with Adobe Reader®, or compatible pdf-format viewers.
When printing this manual with Reader, you should select “duplex printing” (or the equivalent
term used by your printer’s software driver), in order to print it double-sided on the paper. If
your printer does not have built-in duplexing capability, you can still print this manual double-
sided by following the instructions that came with your printer for doing “hand duplexing”.

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 13 -
Installation

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 14 -

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Installation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 15 -
Installation
Technical Requirements
The following are the basic technical requirements that should be met before
installation of the Navigator G2 on your vessel.
Caution
Please refer to the Warranty Information this manual before proceeding
with installation of the Navigator G2.
Hazard warning!
CAUTION!
Extreme caution is advised when using tools powered by alternating
current (AC) from main AC supply circuits, regardless of whether the
supply circuits are “indoor”, “outdoor”, “marine” or “industrial” rated.
Water, especially sea water, is an EXCELLENT conductor of electricity,
and can complete a path to AC Ground through a person’s body,
causing injury or death, if a tool malfunctions or short-circuits.
⇒Battery powered tools are STRONGLY recommended ⇐
If AC tools are used, they MUST be plugged into a circuit that is
adequately protected against Ground Faults and other safety hazards,
in accordance with local electrical codes.
Power Supply
For reliable operation of your Navigator G2, your vessel’s power supply system must have an
adequately-breakered, or fused, DC (direct current) power supply at a nominal voltage of
either 12 volts. If the circuits are fused, a switch should also be provided. Ensure that
adequate wire sizes are used to handle the expected maximum currents.
Special Tools
A slot screwdriver with a tip size of ~2.5 mm (0.1”) is required, for opening the spring loaded
termination connectors inside the Distribution Unit.
Other general-purpose tools such as a portable drill, pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, wire,
mounting bolts and wrenches will also be required.

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Installation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 16 -
Electrical Connections
The G2 Distribution Unit contains five (5) terminal blocks to connect signals from:
• Ship Power,
• Vector G2,
• Display Heads, and
• external NMEA devices.
Figure 5 shows the location of each block in a distribution unit.
Figure 5 – Distribution Unit Connector Blocks
Connector Termination
The terminal blocks in the Distribution Unit allow all wiring from the GPS Compass, Display
Head(s) and external devices to be conveniently and reliably terminated. Figure 6 and Figure
7 illustrate the proper termination procedure. To properly terminate a wire in the terminal
blocks:
• Insert a narrow slotted screw driver into the opening above the terminal clamp
• Twist the screwdriver Up to open the terminal clamp
• Insert the wire all the way into the terminal clamp
• Release and remove the screwdriver
• Pull the wire to ensure the terminal clamp has securely gripped the wire.
It is easiest to connect wires on the lower tier before wires on the upper tier. This way the
upper tier wires will not obstruct the terminal clamp for the lower tier.

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Installation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 17 -
Figure 6 - Terminal Connection - Step 1
Figure 7 - Terminal Connection - Step 2

ComNav Navigator G2 Installation & Operation Installation
Document PN 29010081 V1.1 - 18 -
Terminal Strip Labels
The Distribution Unit uses two-tier, spring loaded terminal strips. The silk screen labels on
the Printed Circuit board (PCB) identify terminal functions. Figure 8 below shows how the
labels on the PCB map to the terminals on the connector blocks.
Upper Tier
Lower Tier
Figure 8 - Terminal Connection Silk Screen Labels