Geonav 6 PLUS Manual

User and Installation Guide
PLUS3
ELITE3
6

READ THIS WARNING BEFORE USING THE GEONAV
WARNING
THE ELECTRONIC CHART IS AN AID TO NAVIGATION
DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THE USE OF AUTHORIZED
GOVERNMENT CHARTS, NOT TO REPLACE THEM.
ONLYOFFICIALGOVERNMENTCHARTSANDNOTICES
TO MARINERS CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION NEEDED
FOR THE SAFETY OF NAVIGATION AND, AS ALWAYS,
THE CAPTAIN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PROPER
USE.
The use of the GEONAV implies knowledge and accep-
tance of this warning by the user.
NOTE: This guide applies to the GEONAV 6 Plus3and GEONAV 6 Elite3. The functions
peculiar to each model are highlighted in the text. Unless otherwise specified, functions
are intended as common to all models. Technical characteristics and functions described
in this manual are subject to change as a result of improvements or changes to the prod-
uct.

4 5
CHARACTERISTICS
GEONAV 6 PLUS3
General characteristics
• Self-contained GPS plotter system
(Plotter + GPS receiver + Antenna)
• 12 -channel internal GPS
• Satellite acquisition time:
2 minutes (cold)
15 minutes first fix (with internal GPS)
• GOTO function (Waypoint, Port, Nearest Service, Marker, Track,
Lat/Lon, R/B)
• Screen Amplifier™ function
• Autozoom™ function
• Overzoom™ function
• 8 marker shapes, 8-character name
• Reverse route function
• Selectable depth units (meters, feet and fathoms)
• Cartography with port services and Tides and Currents data
• 16 zoom levels
• Heading vector
• CompactFlash™ cartridge
• Storage of routes, tracks and markers in separate files on
CompactFlash™ cartridges
• Built-in world map
• Splash-proof
• Weight: 1 kg
Electrical characteristics
• Input voltage: 11VDC to 18 VDC with protection against re-
verse polarity and overvoltage
• Power consumption: 6 W
• Operating temperature: 0° to +60° C, humidity 93%
• Storage temperature: -20°C to +70°C, humidity 93%
• Monochrome LCD with high visibility under sunlight
• Adjustable backlight and contrast
• Backlight keypad
Plus3
INTRODUCTION
The GEONAV is a graphic GPS plotter that displays your boat’s
current position with respect to an electronic chart.
The Plus3model is equipped with a built-in GPS receiver.
The Elite3 model is equipped with a built-in GPS receiver with an
external differential input.
The GEONAV can track up to 12 satellites simultaneously and can
be interfaced with:
• A DGPS antenna when using the built-in GPS
• An external GPS
• A depth sounder
• An autopilot
By using a GEONAV and a NAVIONICS electronic chart, you will
never get lost even in bad weather conditions such as fog, rain or
dark because your plotter will always display where you are and
where your are heading to.
The ROUTE function will allow you to plan a trip, MARKERS will
allow you to mark points of interest whereas the TRACK function
will allow you to record your actual route.
NAVIONICS chart cartridges are available for all popular boating
areas around the world and can be used in addition to your official
paper charts to have further information, including the forecast
data relative to tides and currents.
NAVIONICS chart cartridges are available from authorized
NAVIONICS dealers and outlets around the world.
See your local marine electronics dealer for further information.
Plus3
Elite3
Elite3
Introduction Characteristics

6 7
GEONAV 6 ELITE3
General characteristics
• Self-contained GPS plotter system
(Plotter + GPS receiver + Antenna)
• 12 -channel internal GPS, differential-ready
• Satellite acquisition time:
2 minutes (cold)
15 minutes first fix (with internal GPS)
• Possibility to use an external GPS via NMEA 0183
• Integrated depth sounder via NMEA 0183 (optional)
• Display of depth and water temperature data (if interfaced with
an echosounder)
• Built-in world map
• Autopilot
• Chart rotation (head-up display)
• Splash-proof
• Weight: 1 kg
Electrical characteristics
• Input voltage: 11VDC to 18 VDC with protection against re-
verse polarity and overvoltage
• Power consumption: 6 W
• Operating temperature: 0° to +60° C, humidity 93%
• Storage temperature: -20°C to 70°C, humidity 93%
• 4-color LCD with high visibility under sunlight
• Adjustable backlight and contrast
• Backlight keypad
• Pixel resolution: 240 x 320
• 32-bit RISC processor
Memory characteristics
• 2 routes (1 active and 1 stored)
• Up to 20 waypoints per route
• 1 track, up to 500 trackpoints
• Up to 99 markers
Elite3
• Pixel resolution: 240 x 320
• 32-bit RISC processor
Memory characteristics
• 2 routes (1 active and 1 stored)
• Up to 20 waypoints per route
• 1 track, up to 500 trackpoints
• Up to 99 markers
Accessories
• Bracket for fixed installation and power supply cable with car
lighter plug
• User’s manual
• Bracket protection cap
• Carrying case
Mechanical dimensions
Characteristics
Plus3

8 9
INSTALLATIONANDPRECAUTIONS
SAFE DISTANCES: When installed on a boat, in order to avoid
electromagnetic interference, the GEONAV must be positioned at
least 0.15 meters away from magnetic compasses or a flux-gate
sensors, such as those used on autopilots and remote electronic
compasses.
ENVIRONMENT: The GEONAV is water resistant, but not water-
proof. It is essential that the rubber cover on the right side of the
unit is firmly inserted into the cartridge slot; the rubber cover should
be removed only when the Navchart™ has to be inserted or re-
placed and, in this case, the unit must be perfectly dry.
IMPORTANT:Any damagecausedbywaterintothecartridgeslotis specificallyexcluded
from the warranty.
Cleaning
It is recommended that you use a non-alcoholic product to clean
the glass, since alcoholic products may damage the glass surface
or make it opaque.
Installation
The GEONAV allows using either the built-in antenna for outdoor
installation or an external GPS antenna for indoor use.
NOTE: At start-up, the plotter will select the internal GPS by default.
•InternalGPS:For the best reception of satellites, mount your unit
in an open area to allow the built-in antenna to have the best
sky visibility. If the instrument is installed so as to allow full
horizon visibility, the best performance will be ensured.
When using the built-in GPS receiver, the GEONAV can be
interfaced with a DGPS (RTCM).
ATTENTION: The GEONAV can be connected to several DGPS whose function
modes are the following:
a) automatic frequency selection, or
b) manual frequency selection with a wave-change switch.
Elite3
Interface characteristics
• Standard NMEA 0183 sentences
- from the position sensor:
GLL, VTG, GGA, RMC, GSV, ZDA, RMA, GSA
- from the depth sounder:
DBT, MTW
- to the autopilot:
APA, APB, XTE, RMB, BWC, GLL, VTG
If received from the GPS, the following sentences are transmitted:
GGA, RMC, ZDA
• Protocol RTCM SC-104, BAUD RATE from 300 to 9600 bps
- from the differential antenna
Accessories
• Bracket for fixed installation and power supply cable with car
lighter plug
• Data cable for connection to external GPS, DGPS, depth
sounder and autopilot
• User’s manual
• Bracket protection cap
• Carrying case
Elite3
Characteristics Installation and Precautions

10 11
•DGPS: To connect the GEONAV to a DGPS antenna, use the
data cable provided with the unit (see the Connections Sec-
tion).
•External GPS:Instead of a built-in antenna, you can use an ex-
ternal GPS. To connect the GEONAV to an external antenna,
use the data cable provided with the unit (see the Connections
Section).
•Autopilot: To connect the GEONAV to an autopilot, use the data
cable provided with the unit (see the Connections Section).
•Depth sounder: To connect the GEONAV to a depth sounder, use
the data cable provided with the unit (see the Connections Sec-
tion).
Mounting
The plotter can be mounted on any surface using the mounting
bracket provided with the unit (see figure).
Use the 3 flat-head screws (6mm) to fix the bracket to the desired
mounting surface. Since the bracket does not allow any left or
right rotation, make sure that the unit is properly installed for the
best view angle.
In the event that you wish to connect the power cable directly to
the boat battery, cut the car lighter adapter off; we recommend the
installation of a 2A fuse between the power source and the plotter
to protect the instrument against overvoltage and/or overcurrent.
When the plotter is taken away from the bracket, we recommend
that you use the cap supplied with the GEONAV to protect the
electrical contacts against water.
Elite3
Installation and Precautions

12 13
If sent by the autopilot, the following NMEA messages are trans-
mitted to external devices: GGA - RMC - ZDA
The GEONAV will add the following messages: APA - APB - XTE -
RMB - BWC - GLL - VTG
The data cable is supplied together with the GEONAV plotter.
WARNING: Once the installation is completed, always make sure that all wires are prop-
erly connected since wrong connections may damage the unit.
Elite3
Elite3
CONNECTIONS
Power supply cable
The car lighter adapter has a little lamp (LED)
that goes on if the car is correctly providing
power to the bracket.
If the lamp is off:
•verify that 12V voltage is available from
the lighter plug;
•open the adapter and check the fuse.
If the fuse is broken, replace it with a fuse
having the same electrical characteristics.
DO NOT USE ANY BYPASS CIRCUIT.
The fuse ensures that the special protection
circuit inside the plotter works properly in case
of accidental short-circuit, polarity inversion
and overvoltage. When removing the lighter
adapter, connections are the following:
red (or white) +(+12V)
black - (ground)
Connector and data cable
1. Auxiliary output voltage (Vaux)
red wire Vaux +, 250mA pin 1*
black wire GND pin 2
2. Data input ext. GPS/DGPS
brown wire ext. GPS in + pin 3
yellow wire ext. GPS in - pin 4
3. Data output
violet wire Autopilot out + pin 5
white wire Autopilot out - pin 6
4. Data input depth sounder
blue wire DS in + pin 7
green wire DS in - pin 8
SHIELD pin 9
*Vaux voltage is the same as the plotter’s input voltage.
Connections
fuse
LED

14 15
•Cursor mode:
Deletes the last
waypoint or the
marker pointed by the
cursor.
CURSOR
•Moves the manual
cursor across the
screen.
•Allows switching from
Navigation mode to
Cursor mode.
•Allows selecting from
the options in the
menu /submenu.
•At start-up, allows
adjusting the screen
contrast.
PWR
•Switches the GEONAV
on / off.
•Allows adjusting the
screen backlight.
•Allows adjusting the
screen contrast.
KEYBOARD
ZOOM+/ZOOM-
Selects the chart range.
ENTER
Enters a marker or con-
firms a selection from the
menu.
PAGE
•Navigation mode:
Turns navigation data
pages.
•Cursor mode:
Allows switching from
Cursor mode to Navi-
gation mode.
GOTO
Allows plotting a route to-
ward a manual cursor
position, desired marker,
port, nearest port service
or specified position (lat/
lon).
CLR
•Navigation mode:
Deletes the current
route.
CARTRIDGEINSTALLATION
Installing the Navchart™
•Remove the rubber cover on the unit right side protecting the
Navchart™cartridge slot.
•Insert the cartridge into the slot paying attention to the refer-
ence groove.
•Replace the rubber cover exercising light pressure and make
sure it is perfectly inserted to avoid any water infiltration.
Removing the Navchart™
•Make sure that the unit is perfectly dry.
•Remove the rubber cover on the unit right side and extract the
Navchart™.
ATTENTION: The rubber cover should be removed only when inserting or replacing the
cartridge.
Cartridge Installation Keyboard

16 17
NAVIONICS ELECTRONIC CHARTS
The GEONAV includes a built-in
world map that allows zooming
from 4,096 down to 512NM.
Additional cartography details rela-
tive to a specific area of navigation
are available from NAVIONICS
Seamless Navchart™cartridges.
To display chart boundaries, press
PAGE until the menu bar appears,
select SETUP, DISPLAY MAPS and
press ENTER to confirm.
A small square will locate the area covered by the cartridge in-
stalled. To increase/decrease chart details, press ZOOM.
NAVIONICS charts contain the following data:
•Main geographical names (continents, oceans, countries, etc.).
•Secondary geographical names (cities, towns, shoals, reefs, is-
lands, etc.).
•Navigational aids:
DIAGNOSTIC
The GEONAV has a diagnostic program to verify its correct perfor-
mance once installed and to detect problems that may occur dur-
ing its operation. To perform these tests, switch the unit on by
pressing simultaneously PWR and another key (except for CLR).
The GEONAV will automatically perform a test of the entire sys-
tem; as soon as the memory test is completed, the program allows
verifying whether each key works properly. An outline of the key-
board is displayed; press each key and check whether the corre-
sponding key on the screen turns black. If the key is faulty, no
change in color will occur.
The diagnostic program allows checking the correct connection
between the built-in antenna or an external GPS and the unit
(channel 0). The position sensor should be operating and should
transmit NMEA 0183 messages. If the receiver is working, you will
see a string of NMEA 0183 messages being displayed to indicate
that the whole system is working correctly.
Keep CLR pressed to freeze the messages on the screen, then re-
lease CLR to keep on displaying NMEA 0183 messages.
To test channel 1 (depth sounder), press ZOOM-, to go back testing
channel 0, press ZOOM+.
Press ENTER to exit the diagnostic program.
ATTENTION:It ispossibletoclearthecontentsof theGEONAVinternalmemory(notthe
Navchart™) and to reset the plotter to the starting point. To perform a memory reset,
switch the unit on by pressing simultaneously the PWR and CLR keys.
Elite3
Diagnostic NAVIONICS Electronic Charts
port services
navaids
shipwrecks
depth contours
spot soundings
.......

18 19
Description of navaid characteristics:
Displaying port services
NOTE: This function is available only with the NAVIONICS cartridges containing the Port
Services feature.
The symbol identifies a port
providing services.
Zoom down to 1 NM, position the
manual cursor on the icon (sailing
boat) relative to the selected ma-
rina.
By pressing ENTER, a window will
list all the services available in that
port.
Select the desired icon by using the
CURSOR key.
ABBREVIATIONS FOR LIGHT ABBREVIATIONS FOR COLOUR
AL alternating AM amber
F fixed B black
FLL fixed and flashing BL blue
FL (...) group flashing G green
FL single flashing OR orange
IQ interrupted quick R red
OC single-occulting VL violet
OC (...) composite group occulting W white
Q continuous group Y yellow
ABBREVIATION FOR PERIOD ABBREVIATION FOR RANGE
..S xx seconds ..M xx nautical miles
Displaying depth contours
Press PAGEto display the menu bar,
select SETUP, the set of depth con-
tours, then ON/OFF.
Displaying geographical names
Press PAGEto display the menu bar,
select SETUP, the NAMES option,
then ON/OFF.
Converting depth values into the units set
Press PAGE to display the menu, se-
lect SETUP, DEPTH UNITS and
then set the unit desired to meters,
feet or fathoms.
The GEONAV will convert all the
depth values in the unit selected,
making them appear like those re-
ported in the official nautical charts
(see the figure).
Displaying navaid characteristics
To display navaid characteristics,
position the manual cursor on the
navaid symbol.
The navaid position is identified by
the symbol .
NAVIONICS Electronic Charts