NorthStar NS3300 AutoPilot User manual

3
Reference Manual
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1-1 A typical PILOT 3300 system installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1-2 Using the PILOT 3300 system with other instruments. . . . . . . . . . 6
1-2-1 Using other instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-2-2 NavBus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1-2-3 NMEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 PILOT 3300 system hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2-1 What comes with your PILOT 3300 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2-2 Other parts required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3-1 Installation sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3-2 Installation guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3-2-1 Location guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3-2-2 Wiring guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3-3 Installing the MCU600 (Main Control Unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3-4 Installing the power supplies and steering drive . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3-4-1 Installing the power supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3-4-2 Installing the steering drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
3-5 Installing the RFU (rudder feedback unit). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3-6 Installing the Compass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
3-7 Installing the Gyro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
3-8 Installing the PILOT 3300 display unit and other instruments . .24
4 Dockside setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4-1 Start dockside setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
4-2 Calibrating the rudder feedback unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
5 Sea trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5-1 Calibrating the compass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
5-2 Aligning the compass and the rudder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
5-2-1 Aligning the compass (Align heading). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
5-2-2 Aligning the Rudder (Centre rudder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Appendix A - Specifications - MCU600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Appendix B - Specifications - NS3300 Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Appendix C - User data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
It is the owner’s sole responsibility to install and use the instrument and transducer/s in a manner that will
not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for
observing safe boating practices.
The choice, location, and installation of all components in any autopilot system is critical. If installation is not
correct, the unit can not perform at its designed potential. If in doubt, consult your Northstar dealer. Ensure
that any holes that cut are in a safe position and will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult a
qualified boat builder.
Using the PILOT 3300 system :
The PILOT 3300 system is intended as an aid to save a helmsman from having to steer for long periods of
time, not as the main means of steering the boat.
The PILOT 3300 system is not intended for use in extreme weather, in adverse conditions or in water near
other boats, dangerous waters or land.
The PILOT 3300 system can not control the boat better than a helmsman. In adverse conditions steer the
boat manually.
Never leave the helm unattended. Keep a watch at all times. The helmsman should always monitor the
course of the boat and the PILOT 3300 system and be ready to resume steering the boat manually.
The performance of the PILOT 3300 system can be affected by the failure of a part, environmental
conditions, improper installation and use.
Northstar DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS,
DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.
As Northstar is continuously improving this product we retain the right to make changes to the product at any
time which may not be reflected in this version of manual. Please contact your nearest Northstar office if you
require any further assistance.
Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating
to the product (Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated from, another language
(Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of the Documentation, the English language
version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation.
Copyright © 2005 Northstar Limited. All rights reserved. Northstar is a registered trademark.
Important

5
Reference Manual
1 Introduction
Using this manual
This manual describes how to install and set up the PILOT 3300 system. Refer to the separate PILOT 3300
Reference manual for information on how to operate the PILOT 3300 display unit.
To install a PILOT 3300 system, you must perform installation, dockside setup and sea trials (see sections 3, 4
and 5).
To fully set up a PILOT 3300 system after a part has been changed or if a problem is suspected, perform
dockside setup and sea trials again (see sections 4 and 5).
To verify that the PILOT 3300 system is operating correctly, perform sea trials (see section 5).
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the parts of the PILOT 3300 system with a damp cloth or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners, petrol
or other solvents.
Do not paint any part of the PILOT 3300 system except for the cables.
Manual helm
GPS
NMEA
SPEED
WIND
Display
unit
Light duty
Heavy duty
12 V DC
Power supply
Gyro
Compass
MCU600
NavBus
Clutch drive
(optional)
Parts supplied with PILOT 3300 system
Other parts required
Optional parts
Rudder
feedback
unit
Rudder
Power switch or
switches and
power protection
Rudder
control
Key
1-1 A typical PILOT 3300 system installation Optional instruments
Note: Above shows typical installation only. Please refer to the information supplied
with your drive for further information.
More
display
units
Steering
drive

6Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
1-2 Using the PILOT 3300 system with other instruments
1-2-1 Using other instruments
The PILOT 3300 system can use data from these instruments:
GPS: A GPS or chartplotter, such as a Northstar 6000i chartplotter must be connected to the PILOT 3300 system
for the PILOT to operate in GPS mode (see the PILOT 3300 Reference manual).
Note: GPS must be via NMEA input.
WIND: A wind instrument, such as a Northstar WIND series, must be connected to the PILOT 3300 system
for the PILOT to operate in WIND mode (see the PILOT 3300 Reference manual).
SPEED: A speed instrument, such as:
Northstar’s MULTI with a paddlewheel speed sensor
or a GPS or chartplotter, such as Northstar’s 6000i series can be connected to the PILOT 3300 system to
increase steering accuracy.
Note: The speed from a paddlewheel sensor is the speed that the boat is moving through the water. The speed from
a GPS is the speed over the ground. If there is a water current then these two speeds will be different. If the PILOT
3300 system is connected to an instrument with a paddlewheel sensor and to a GPS, then the PILOT 3300 system will
automatically use the speed from the paddlewheel sensor instrument.
1-2-2 NavBus
NavBus is a Northstar proprietary system that allows systems of multiple instruments to be built using a single
set of transducers. When instruments are connected by NavBus:
If you change the units, alarms or calibration in one instrument, then the values will automatically change
in all other instruments of the same type.
Each instrument can be assigned to a group of instruments, called a NavBus group (see NavBus group in
the Setup > Comms menu, in the PILOT 3300 Reference manual). If you change the backlight in an instrument
in group 1, 2, 3 or 4 then the backlight will automatically change in the other instruments in the same
group. If you change the backlight in an instrument in group 0 then no other instruments are affected.
If an alarm sounds, mute it on any instrument which can display that alarm.
For more information, refer to the NavBus Installation and Reference manual.tt
Note: GPS must be via NMEA input.
NavBus and the PILOT 3300 system
The PILOT 3300 system will automatically work with additional PILOT 3300 displays.
The PILOT 3300 system can receive wind data from Northstar’s WIND over NavBus.
The PILOT 3300 system can receive speed data from Northstar’s MULTI over NavBus.

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Reference Manual
1-2-3 NMEA
NMEA is an industry standard, but is not as flexible as NavBus as it requires dedicated connections between
instruments. The PILOT 3300 system has one NMEA input port and one port that can be configured to be an
input or an output (See PILOT 3300 Reference manual).
PILOT 3300 system NMEA inputs
GPS: The PILOT 3300 system can receive NMEA GPS data from a compatible GPS or chartplotter, such as
Northstar’s 6000i series chartplotter:
XTE (from APA, APB or XTE sentences) is required for the PILOT 3300 system to use GPS mode
BRG (from APA sentences) and BOD (from APA or APB sentences) are optional and improve performance
COG (from VTG sentences) is optional and can be displayed.
WIND: The PILOT 3300 system can receive NMEA wind data from a compatible wind instrument:
True or apparent wind direction (from MWV sentences) is required for the PILOT 3300 system to
use Wind mode.
SPEED: The PILOT 3300 system can receive NMEA speed data from a compatible paddlewheel or GPS
instrument:
SOG (from VTG sentences) is optional and improves performance.
Note: If the PILOT 3300 system is connected to a Northstar series wind or speed instrument using NavBus, then the PILOT
3300 system will automatically receive and use the wind or speed data, and the NMEA connection need not be wired.
PILOT 3300 system NMEA outputs
The NMEA 2 port can be configured to be an input or to be output:
either heading (HDG & HDT) and rudder angle (RSA) at once per second
or heading (HDG) at ten times per second
(see NMEA mode in the Setup > Comms menu, See PILOT 3300 Reference manual).

8Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
Power supply: The PILOT 3300 system requires two power supplies, both nominally 12 V DC:
A heavy duty supply for the steering drive
A light duty supply for the PILOT 3300 system electronics and display unit; this supply also powers any
additional display units and other instruments.
The power supplies require one or two switches and fuses or circuit breakers (see section 3-4).
Steering drive: The PILOT 3300 system can power a hydraulic pump, constantly running pump set, hydraulic
linear drive or mechanical drive rated at 12 V DC and up to 20 A.
Rudder linkage: To link rudder to rudder feedback unit (see section 3-5).
For wiring, see Select Wire Table in section 3-4-2.
External beepers or lights (optional ): The external output is switched to ground, 30 V DC and 250 mA
maximum. If the beepers and lights require more than 250 mA total, fit a relay.
Other marine instruments (optional): Wind, speed or GPS instruments can be connected (see section 1-2).
Other parts: For systems of several instruments, wiring and connectors are required. Northstar junction boxes
can simplify wiring several Northstar instruments together (see section 1-2 or the NavBus Installation and
Reference manual).
Coupling connectors and 10 m (33 ft) extension cables are available to extend the rudder feedback unit,
compass or gyro cables. Do not fit more than one extension cable to each unit.
For more information, consult your Northstar dealer.
2-2 Other parts required
2 PILOT 3300 system hardware
MCU600 (Main Control Unit)
Gyro, with 10 m
(33 ft) attached cable
Protective cover for
display unit
PILOT 3300 Display unit
Compass, with 10 m
(33 ft) attached cable
2 mm (#14) twin
stranded cable for
high current wiring
RFU - Rudder feedback unit
2-1 What comes with your PILOT 3300 system
Documentation
• Warranty
• Display unit mounting template
• This Installation manual
• Reference manual
Additional hardware
• Mounting hardware
• Cable cover
• Strain relief
• Spare fuses

9
Reference Manual
The recommended installation sequence is:
1 Read this manual and the documentation that comes with the other parts.
2 Plan the installation: select where the equipment and wiring will be installed (see section 3-2).
3 Install the MCU600 (see section 3-3).
4 Install the steering drive and wire the heavy duty and light duty power supplies (see section 3-4).
5 Install the rudder feedback unit (see
section 3-5).
6 Install the compass (see section 3-6).
7 Install the gyro (see section 3-7).
8 Install the display unit and any other marine instruments that will be used with the PILOT 3300 system (see
section 3-8).
9 Carry out the dockside setup (see section 4).
10 Carry out the sea trials (see section 5).
If you are unsure where a part should be installed, mount and wire the part temporarily, without cutting holes in
the boat. After the sea trials have been completed, install and wire the part permanently.
3 Installation
3-1 Installation sequence
Warning: Correct installation is critical to the performance of the unit. It is vital to read this manual and the
documentation that comes with the other parts before starting installation.
Warning:
The MCU600 is not waterproof. Mount the unit in a dry place.
The PILOT 3300 system display unit is waterproof.
The compass, gyro and rudder feedback unit are completely waterproof.
Warning: Ensure that any holes that you cut will not weaken the boat’s structure. If in doubt, consult a qualified
boat builder.

10 Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
3-2-2 Wiring guide
The PILOT 3300 system has two kinds of cables:
The heavy-duty power supply and steering drive usually require high-current cables:
Select the wire gauge from the wire size table (see section 3-4-2).
Fit high-current cables at least 1 m (3 ft) away from other electronic devices in the boat.
Keep the cables as short as possible.
Twin 2 mm (#14) cable is supplied with the PILOT 3300 system and can be used for the high current cable if
its gauge is suitable.
All the other cables are low-current:
Fit low-current cables at least 1 m (3 ft) away from sources of electrical signals or noise, such as the high-
current cables, other boat cables, engines, fluorescent lights, power inverters and radio or radar transmitters
and antennas.
If the cable for the rudder feedback unit, compass or gyro is too long, do not shorten the cable; instead coil
the cable up near the main control unit.
The cable for the rudder feedback unit, compass or gyro can be extended by adding a 10 m (33 ft)
extension cable and coupling connector. Do not fit more than one extension cable to each unit.
When fitting any type of cable:
Do not crush, pinch or strain the cable.
Secure the cable at regular intervals.
Ensure no connectors or exposed terminals are in the bilge.
This is a general guide for locating and wiring the parts of the PILOT 3300 system. The instructions for a
particular part may have additional requirements.
3-2-1 Location guide
Do not mount any part where it can be used as a handhold, where it will interfere with the operation of the
boat or where it might be submerged.
Do not mount any part where it will interfere with launching or retrieving
the boat.
Do not mount any part within 0.5 m (20”) of the plane of a radar antenna.
Mount the compass and gyro:
At least 1 m (3 ft) away from sources of electrical signals or noise, such as the batteries, high-current
cables, other boat cables, engines, fluorescent lights, power inverters, radio or radar transmitters and
antennas.
At least 1 m (3 ft) away from equipment containing a magnet, such as a compass or speaker.
3-2 Installation guide

11
Reference Manual
3-3 Installing the MCU600 (Main Control Unit)
IMPORTANT: 200 mm (7.87”) clearance
required for cover removal
Installation
Find a suitable location for the unit:
In a dry, cool place; if possible not the engine room.
Close to the high-current power supply and the steering drive, to reduce the length of the high
current wiring.
Accessible for installation and service.
If possible on a vertical panel which does not vibrate.
Follow the location guide (see section 3-2-1).
Mount the unit with the cable connectors at the bottom or to one side, using the screws provided.
Do not mount the unit with the connectors at the top, because dust or moisture might enter the unit.
200 mm (7.87”)
IMPORTANT: 60 mm (2.36”) clear-
ance required for cables
200 mm (7.87”)
140 mm (5.10”)
60 mm (2.36”)
Screws 90 mm (3.54”) apart
Screw holes 184 mm (7.24”) apart
55 mm
(2.16”)
1
2
3
1RFU
2Gyro
3Compass / Heading Sensor
Physical

12 Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
3-4 Installing the power supplies and steering drive
3-4-1 Installing the power supplies
The MCU 600 system requires a light duty and a heavy duty power
supply, both 12 V DC.
Note:
Keep all wiring as short as possible.
For the heavy duty supply, use the wire size given in the table (see section
3-4-2).
Follow the wiring guide (see section 3-2-2).
Fit strain relief
Connector
cover
Light duty
power
Heavy
duty
Fuse 1 A
12 V DC power
supply, current to
suit drive
Power supply: one switch configuration
Choose this configuration to have one switch to turn the PILOT
3300 system and any other instruments on and off.
Circuit breaker or fuse
and switch, current rating
to suit steering drive
Power supply: two switch configuration
Choose this configuration to be able to turn the drive power
off and leave other instruments powered.
Fit strain relief
Connector
cover
Switch
Heavy duty
power
Fuse 1 A Light duty
power
Note: If powering more than three extra display units or other series instruments, fit another switch and fuse for the light
duty power supply for these extra instruments
12 V DC power
supply, current to
suit drive
Circuit breaker or fuse and
switch, current rating to
suit steering drive
MCU600

13
Reference Manual
3-4-2 Installing the steering drive
Install the steering drive according to one of the diagrams on the following pages.
Note
Keep all wiring as short as possible.
Use the wire size given in the table below.
Follow the wiring guide (see section 3-2-2).
Wire less than #10 gauge will not fit directly into the four way terminal block. Fit ferrules or reterminate the wire with
#10 gauge wire.
If more than one wire is to be fitted to a terminal of the four way terminal block, join the wires together in a suitable
Wire size table
To choose a wire gauge for an installation:
1 Measure the length of twin cable required, i.e. the distance from the main control unit to the heavy duty
power supply or to the drive.
2 Choose the column with the cable length and the row with the circuit current. The intersection of the row and
column gives the preferred (minimum) cable wire gauge for less than 3% voltage drop in a 12 V system.
Cable length (from main control unit to power supply or to drive)
0.7 m 1.5 m 2.2 m 3 m 3.7 m 4.5 m 5.2 m 6 m
Current 2.5 ft 5 ft 7.5 ft 10 ft 12.5 ft 15 ft 17.5 ft 20 ft
1 amp #18 #18 #18 #18 #18 #18 #18 #18
2 amp #18 #18 #18 #18 #18 #16 #16 #16
3 amp #18 #18 #18 #16 #16 #16 #14 #14
4 amp #18 #18 #16 #16 #14 #14 #14 #12
5 amp #18 #18 #16 #14 #14 #12 #12 #12
6 amp #18 #16 #16 #14 #12 #12 #12 #10
7 amp #18 #16 #14 #14 #12 #12 #10 #10
8 amp #18 #16 #14 #12 #12 #10 #10 #10
9 amp #18 #16 #14 #12 #12 #10 #10 #10
10 amp #18 #14 #12 #12 #10 #10 #10 #8
15 amp #16 #12 #12 #10 #10 #8 #8 #6
20 amp #14 #12 #10 #8 #8 #6 #6 #6

14 Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
Fit strain relief
Wiring polarity
does not matter.
Motor
MCU600
Example of hydraulic steering with hydraulic help pump.
In the Setup > Vessel menu (See PILOT 3300 Reference manual), set Drive Type to Motor.
Example of mechanical steered power vessels with hydraulic linear drive for sailing boat
In the Setup > Vessel menu (See PILOT 3300 Reference manual), set Drive Type to Motor.
Motor
Clutch
relay
coil
1N4002 diode or equivalent
Fit close to relay coil
Connector
cover
No connection
MCU600
Heavy duty power
(see section 3-4-1)
Fit strain relief
Wiring polarity
does not matter.
Heavy duty power
(see section 3-4-1)
Note: Clutch relay coil must draw less than 300mA

15
Reference Manual
Installing a electric drive motor with clutch relay
In the Setup > Vessel menu (See PILOT 3300 system Reference manual), set Drive Type to Motor.
Installing a continuous running pump and solenoid valves.
In the Setup > Vessel menu (See PILOT 3300 system Reference manual), set Drive Type to Spool ground.
Fit strain relief
Wiring polarity
does not matter.
Motor
MCU600
Clutch
coil
1N4002 diode or equivalent.
Fit close to relay coil
1N4002 diode or equivalent
Fit close to relay coil
Relay coil
MCU600
1N4002 diode or equivalent
Fit close to relay coil
Relay contacts
Relay coil
Starboard
Port
Motor
Fit strain relief
Heavy duty power (see section 3-4-1)
Heavy duty power (see section 3-4-1)
Wiring polarity
does not matter.
Note: Motor is not
required for engine
PTO systems.
Relay contacts
Note: Relay is required if the clutch
circuit is greater than 300 mA.
Note: Relay is required if the clutch
circuit is greater than 300 mA.
Connector
cover
Connector
cover

16 Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
Installing solenoid valves or relays with jog or electric steering
In the Setup > Vessel menu (See PILOT 3300 Reference manual), set Drive Type to Spool ground.
MCU600
Starboard
Port
Fit strain relief
No connection
Jog/steer controls
Heavy duty power
(see section 3-4-1)

17
Reference Manual
3-5 Installing the RFU (rudder feedback unit)
Physical
10 m (33 ft) cable
Arm
90 mm
(3.5”)
220 mm
(8.7”)
Base
Linkage to
rudder
Rudder
shaft
Arm rotates freely around base.
LT8 connector
These two
distances to
be equal.
Connecting rod, with
quick release fittings and
lock nuts each end
End of connecting rod snaps into one of the
holes on the arm.
Mounting requirements
These two
distances to
be equal.
Base to be adjacent
to rudder shaft so that
this angle is 90°
Rudder shaft to be par-
allel to shaft in base.
Rudder linkage and
arm to move in the
same plane
Note
The unit is completely waterproof but should not be immersed.
Mount the unit on a panel which does not vibrate.
Follow the location guide (see section 3-2-1).
Adjust position of rod on
arm if required.
Cut connecting
rod if required. Thread = M5

18 Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
Alignment
The arm can rotate freely around the base. When the rudder is amidships, the arrow on the arm must point to one
of the centre lines on the base.
Centre line
Therefore in an installation, the base can be rotated to two positions. We recommend the position that has the
cable on the opposite side to the connecting rod.
Centre line
Sets of lines
show the two linear
ranges of the unit.
Base
Recommended
(rudder amidships).
Arrangements
Recommended: U-shaped arrangement with the arm parallel to the length of boat:
Satisfactory: U-shaped arrangement
with arm not parallel to length of boat,
for example:
Not recommended: Z-shaped arrangement,
for example:
If rudder turns too far, the unit might not return to
the Z shape.
Bow of
boat
Bow of
boat
Not recommended, cable
can foul rudder linkage.

19
Reference Manual
Installation
1 Find a suitable location and arrangement for the unit as described above.
2 Choose, assemble and fit a suitable rudder linkage.
3 Fit the unit as shown below:
If necessary, mount
base on block to
set height.
Set rudder
amidships.
Rotate base so arrow on arm
points near centre line on
base. Fit two screws provided
loosely in middle of slots.
Rotate base so arrow on
arm points to centre line
on base. Fit third screw pro-
vided, tighten all screws.
Join coupling to
rudder linkage. Snap end into
correct hole in arm.
Ensure rudder is
amidships.
If necessary, cut connecting
rod at this end, then replace
coupling and lock nut.
4 Wire the cable back to the MCU600, following the wiring guide (see section 3-2-2).
MCU600
Plug connector into the RFU
socket
Holes in the bulkheads
must be at least 18.5 mm
(0.73”) diameter.

20 Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
3-6 Installing the Compass
Physical 101 mm, (4”)
Mounting holes
for screws
97 mm,
(3.8”)
71 mm, (2.8”)
10 m (32.8 ft)
LT8 connector
Location
Mount the compass:
At least 1 m (3 ft) away from any steel or iron boat part, such as:
a steel hull, deck, cabin or steel reinforcing in ferro-cement hulls
steel equipment such as motors and cooking equipment
places where steel objects are stored, such as the anchor locker and storage lockers
At least 2 m (6 ft) away from equipment with a magnet and equipment which generates electromagnetic
fields, such as a compass, a battery, high current wiring, an electric motor and a radio or radar transmitter or
antenna.
As close as possible to the centre of movement of the boat, to minimise how much the compass moves when
the boat rocks and pitches. If the compass can not be mounted at the centre of movement, it is usually best to
mount the compass as low as possible.
On a vertical panel which does not vibrate.
The unit is completely waterproof but should not be immersed. The compass is not affected by other metals,
such as stainless steel, copper or brass. Follow the location guide (see section 3-2-1).
Fibreglass or wood hull and cabin: mount compass at the centre of movement (for planing hulls, the centre of
movement is usually close to the stern):
Steel hull, non-steel cabin: mount compass 1 m,
(3 ft) above hull:
Steel hull and steel cabin: mount compass on a pole 1 m (3 ft)
above the hull and at least 1 m (3 ft) from the cabin:
At least 1 m (3 ft)
1 m (3 ft)
1 m (3 ft)

21
Reference Manual
Installation
1 Find a suitable location for the unit as described above.
2 Mount the unit with the three screws provided. Use a level to ensure the unit is vertical to
within 10°.
Less than
10° 10°
3 Wire the cable back to the MCU600, following the wiring guide (see
section 3-2-2).
Less than 10° 10°
MCU600
Plug connector into the Compass/HS socket
Holes in the bulkheads
must be at least 18.5 mm
(0.73 in) diameter.
Note
If you move the compass with respect to the gyro while the power is on, wait for the
heading to stabilize.

22 Northstar NS3300 Pilot System Intallation
3-7 Installing the Gyro
Physical
Mounting holes
for screws
LT8 connector
Location
Mount the gyro as close as possible to the centre of movement of the boat, to
minimize how much the gyro moves when the boat rocks and pitches.
Mount the gyro on a panel which does not vibrate.
The unit is completely waterproof but should not be immersed. Follow the
location guide (see section 3-2-1).
The Ideal location is at the centre of movement (for planing hulls, the centre of
movement is usually close to the stern).
101 mm, (4”)
97 mm,
(3.8”)
71 mm, (2.8”)
10 m (32.8 ft)