NorthStar 958 User manual

958 INTEGRATED NAVIGATION SYSTEM
INSTALLATION MANUAL
Part Number GM958IM Revision A1
Northstar Technologies
30 Sudbury Road
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
800/628-4487
978/897-6600
www.northstarcmc.com

Limited warranty policy
Northstar Technologies, Inc. warrants the Northstar 958 to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of two (2) years. This warranty applies to the original purchaser and to any
subsequent owner during the warranty period, which begins on the date of shipment of the unit,
F.O.B. Acton, Massachusetts, to an authorized Northstar dealer.
Systems may not be returned to Northstar without a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) num-
ber. Call the Northstar dealer or Northstar for instructions.
During the unit’s warranty period, Northstar will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the unit it
finds to be defective due to faulty material(s) or workmanship. All such repairs and/or replacements
will be promptly performed by Northstar free-of-charge to the owner, excluding freight costs
incurred in shipping to the factory. Return shipments from Northstar to points within the United
States are made via ground transportation, freight prepaid. Special shipping charges (overnight,
two-day, and so on) are the responsibility of the owner.
To be covered by this warranty, the Northstar equipment must have been in normal use. This war-
ranty does not apply to units with defects caused by improper installation, physical damage, abuse,
tampering, lightning or other abnormal electrical discharge, or to units with defaced or altered serial
numbers, or to units repaired by unauthorized persons or repaired in a manner that violates North-
star’s recommended service procedures.
All repairs and/or replacements made under this warranty must be performed at Northstar’s facilities
in Acton, Massachusetts. Performance of warranty work elsewhere will not be authorized, and North-
star will not pay for any charges for such work. Northstar will not be responsible for payment of any
charges imposed by a Northstar dealer or other party for services requested by and/or performed for
a unit’s owner in connection with this warranty. Such services might include removal of the unit
from a vessel, inspection, packaging, handling, reinstallation, and the like.
Northstar Technologies assumes no responsibility for any consequential losses of any nature with
respect to any of its products or services sold, rendered, or delivered. The foregoing is the only war-
ranty expressed or implied. No other warranty exists.

Contents
SECTION ONE: Introducing the 958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Checking the 958 package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bench-testing the 958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mounting the 958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Wiring the 958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the 2201 or 2301 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Checking the 2201 and 2301 parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Mounting and wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION FOUR: Installing and wiring the 2701 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Mounting and wiring the 2701 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the AN205-P antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
SECTION FIVE: Checking out the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Turning the 958 on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installation-test checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SECTION SIX: Interfacing the 958 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Wiring the connector pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Configuring the NMEA output ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Using 200 ppnm output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Configuring the RS-232 port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Connecting the 958 to a remote display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Connecting the 958 to a video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Connecting two Northstar units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Setting the anchor-watch alarm honk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
SECTION SEVEN: Troubleshooting and servicing the 958 system. . . . . . . . . . . 35
Troubleshooting installation problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Getting technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
APPENDIX A: 958 system technical specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 1
SECTION ONE: Introducing the
958
Checking the 958 package
The Northstar 958 is a full-featured color GPS navigation system that you can connect to a wide
variety of optional equipment, including the Northstar 490 echo sounder; Northstar radar; and VGA
output equipment, such as the Northstar 1201 remote display. Other optional interfaces include any
NTSC-compatible video input equipment, such as a video camera, TV, DVD, or VHS, and the optional
Northstar 2701 DGPS/WAAS receiver (instead of the 2201 or 2301) for WAAS/GPS/radiobeacon
differential. For installation instructions for the Northstar 490 or Northstar radars, see the Northstar
490 Installation Manual (P/N GM491) or the Northstar Radar Installation Manual (P/N GMKRadIM).
Table 1: 958 parts list
Part name Part number Qty
958 unit 1
flush-mount hardware kit 957PK 1
flush-mount gasket HG366 1
10-foot interface cable WA215 1
10-foot power cable with 10-amp fuse WA535-D 1
sunshield XP600 1
warranty registration card GD671 1
Northstar 958 Installation Manual GM958IM 1
Northstar 958 Flush-Mounting Template GT958 1
Northstar 958 Operator’s Manual GM958UM 1
WAAS/GPS antenna 2201 or 2301 1
50-foot data/power cable 958POD-CA 1
10-32 UNF mounting screws (2201-only) HS520 3
washers (2201-only) for deck mounting HW500 3
cable heat shrink HM1005 1

SECTION ONE: Introducing the 958
Page 2 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1
cable heat shrink HM509 1
6-pin cable connector for AUX port KS672 1
beacon receiver, including:
GPS/DGPS antenna
50-foot AN205-P antenna cable
10-foot pre-finished data/power cable
2701 (optional)
AN205-P
WC-256
958BDM-CA
1
1
1
1
958 yoke-mount kit 601 YOKE-IK (optional) 1
remote control and batteries 958RC (optional) 1
Table 1: 958 parts list
Part name Part number Qty

958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 3
SECTION TWO: Installing and
wiring the 958
Bench-testing the 958
Northstar recommends bench-testing the 958 before installing it onto the vessel. Bench testing
ensures that the equipment is fully operational, and lets the 2201/2301 antenna or 2701 beacon
receiver collect the current almanac and ephemeris data for the installed location, which results in
less on-board installation time.
Mounting the 958
Choosing the best 958 location
Choose the mounting location carefully—before you drill or cut. The display screen is high-contrast
and anti-reflective, and is viewable in direct sunlight, but for best results, install the 958 out of direct
sunlight. See the figure below for additional mounting recommendations.
WARNING! Before starting the installation, be sure to turn power off. Further,
Northstar highly recommends keeping power off while you’re installing
the system. If power is left on or turned on during the installation, fire,
electrical shock, or other serious injury may occur. Be sure that the
voltage of the power supply is compatible with the 958’s voltage rating
of 10 to 36 volts DC. Connecting to the wrong power supply can cause
fire or damage to the equipment. Be sure to ground the equipment to
prevent electrical shock and mutual interference. Be sure to use the
proper fuse. Using the wrong fuse can cause fire or damage to the 958.
CAUTION! Proper installation of the Northstar 958 is critical to accurately receive
and effectively use GPS/WAAS signals under a wide variety of weather
conditions.
Keep the following safe compass distance from the 958: 1.0m
standard, 0.8m steering.

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958
Page 4 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1
Figure 1: Mounting recommendations
Regardless of the type of mounting, the 958 should be installed in an accessible location
(dry) where the operator can easily use the controls and clearly see the display
screen. Be sure to leave a direct path for all of the cables.
Regardless of the type of mounting, the location should have minimal
glare from windows or bright objects. If the 958 is
yoke-mounted low, tilt the
958 back for best
viewing contrast.

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958
958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 5
Flush-mounting the 958
When flush mounting, leave at least two and a half inches of clearance space behind the
mounting panel for all of the cables and connectors. Flush mounting requires good ventilation
behind the mounting panel. Poor ventilation will cause the 958 to overheat, which, in turn, may
cause the display screen to darken. For overall width and height requirements, see the Northstar 958
Flush-Mounting Template (P/N GT958), which you can use to drill the mounting holes and cut the
mounting panel in the exact recommended locations.
Yoke-mounting the 958
For the recommended mounting clearances, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 below.
Figure 2: 958 yoke-mount dimensions (side)
CAUTION! When flush mounting, be sure to mount the 958 on a flat surface.
Mounting on a curved surface can break or distort the plastic and
break the waterproof seal. Do not overtighten the mounting screws;
you may damage the case and compromise its waterproof seal. This
type of physical damage will void the warranty.
6.1”
1.9”
8.2”
2.5
12.4”
2.3”

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958
Page 6 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1
Figure 3: 958 yoke-mount dimensions (front)
Wiring the 958
Avoiding cable wiring shortcuts
Most installation problems are caused by shortcuts taken with system cables. When wiring the 958,
follow the guidelines in Figure 4 and Figure 5 below.
Figure 4: Incorrect cable wiring
13.5”
11.6”
12.4”
DON’T DO THIS!
Don’t make sharp bends in the cables Don’t run cables in
a way that allows water to flow down

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958
958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 7
.
Figure 5: Correct cable wiring
Understanding the interface connectors
All of the 958’s interface connectors are shown in Figure 6: ”Interface connectors (back of 958),”
below. The function of these connectors is described in Table 2, below.
Figure 6: Interface connectors (back of 958)
DO THIS!
• Do make drip and service loops
• Do tie-wrap all cables to keep them
secure
• If cables are shortened,
lengthened, or re-terminated, do
seal and protect all wiring
connections
• Do leave room at the back to
service the 958
NMEA connector VIDEO connector
Power connector GPS connector
AUX connector VGA connector

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958
Page 8 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1
Electrical power requirements
Power source
The 958 is a negative-ground system that’s reverse-polarity protected. Power requirement is 10 VDC
minimum to 36 VDC maximum with at least 16-gauge connecting wire.
Connecting the 958 to ship’s power
The 958 ships with a 10-foot power cable that you can lengthen to a maximum of 25 feet:
• for a cable length up to 15 feet, the power connections must use 16-gauge
connecting wire or heavier
• for a cable length from 15 to 25 feet, use 14-gauge connecting wire or heavier
TABLE2:Interface connector functions
Connector name Connector function(s) Connects to...
NMEA (NMEA I/O)
(18-pin port) NMEA 1 input/output -------------->
NMEA 2 input/output -------------->
Honk alarm/200 ppnm ------------>
NMEA devices: radar, autopilot, etc.
Same as NMEA 1
Remote honk alarm (or speed indicator)
GPS (Antenna)
(7-pin RS232 port) GPS/WAAS input/output --------->
Beacon input/output -------------->
2201 or 2301 GPS antenna
- or -
Northstar 2701 beacon receiver (optional)
AUX (Auxiliary)
(6-pin auxiliary NMEA
port)
RS-422/NMEA input/output -----> Northstar 490 echo sounder (optional)
- or -
A second 958 (or to a Northstar 957/952/
951/941) to transfer waypoints and routes
PWR (Power) Power 10 to 36 VDC, 50 watts
VGA (15-pin port) Video output Remote display
VIDEO (coaxial) Video input Any NTSC-compatible device
CAUTION! As a good safety practice, Northstar strongly recommends
that you connect the 958 to a circuit breaker or 20-amp fuse
at the power source (battery).

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958
958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 9
If you lengthen the power cable, use an external fuse at the battery end as an added safety
precaution. The fuse size should match the size of the wiring on the vessel. See the NMEA or
American Boating and Yachting Counsel specifications to find the correct fuse for your cable.
For the best protection from noise, connect the power cable directly to the battery or dedicated
electronics buss. The green ground wire should be connected to ship’s ground directly. The power
cable has an inline fuse to protect the vessel’s wiring, and prevent electrical fires and damage to the
958. If you shorten this cable, be sure to keep the inline fuse intact. The wires in the power cable
must be connected as follows.
• red →positive(+)
• black →negative(–)
• green →ship’s ground
NOTE: Ground the 958 to the vessel to eliminate interference. Without an
earth grounding, performance may be reduced. Secure the green wire
to the vessel’s nearest grounding point. If a noise-free earth grounding
point isn’t available, cap and insulate the green wire—it shouldn’t be
used when an earth ground isn’t available, or with systems using
“floating” grounds.

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the 958
Page 10 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1

958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 11
SECTION THREE: Installing and
wiring the 2201 or 2301
Checking the 2201 and 2301 parts
Figure 7: 2201 and 2301 components
NOTE: You can shorten the cable, but do not lengthen it. The cable must
be a maximum of 50 feet.
Do not open the 2201: There aren’t any serviceable parts inside.
Unauthorized tampering will automatically void the warranty.
50-foot cable with two finished
waterproof 7-pin connectors
3 mounting screws
and 3 washers (2201
only)
Northstar 2201 Northstar 2301

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the 2201 or 2301
Page 12 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1
Mounting and wiring
Choosing the best mounting location
Before you drill or cut, choose a mounting location that meets the following criteria. The 2201 and
2301 should be mounted:
• where there’s enough mounting clearance to easily connect the cable.
• low on the vessel, since side-to-side motion caused by the vessel’s rolling can
degrade speed-over-ground (SOG) and course-over-ground (COG) readings.
• below the radiation plane of any INMARSAT or radar antennas, and away from any
other high-power transmitting antennas (see Figure 8 on page 13).
• high enough to provide an unblocked view of the sky in all directions, and that
minimizes or eliminates any objects that block the 2201 and 2301’s view of the sky
(the 2201 and 2301 use satellites down to zero degrees elevation or to the horizon).
• away from masts or objects that could “shadow” the 2201/2301, but where there’s
an adequate view of the sky.
To avoid mutual interference among different antennas on the vessel, see the recommendations in
Figure 8 below. This figure shows the minimum distances that should separate GPS/WAAS antennas
from other antennas and physical mounting surfaces. Normally, these guidelines produce a relatively
trouble-free installation; however, since every installation is unique, you may want to adjust these
distances to the particular equipment.
NOTE: Before permanently installing the 2201 or 2301, try temporarily installing it
and using the 958 to see if the location works well.
The 2201 and 2301 are installed differently. The 2201 is mounted directly
onto a standard antenna mount, and its cable is routed entirely on the
outside from the external connector to the connector on the 958. The
2301 uses a mount with an extension, and the cable is routed through the
inside of the extension.

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the 2201 or 2301
958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 13
Figure 8: Recommended separation distances between antennas
Mounting and wiring the 2201
To mount the 2201 onto a deck or any other flat surface:
1. Using the three screws and washers provided, mount the 2201 onto the flat surface
using three holes on a 1.75-inch diameter circle (see Figure9 below).
Figure 9: Mounting the 2201 on a flat surface (viewed from below)
Connector receptacle with 7
male contacts. Mating:
Switchcraft EN3C7FC or
equivalent.
3x 3/16” - 32UNF - 2B x .48
deep. Mounting holes
equally spaced around a
1.75” diameter circle.
1.00 -14UNS-2Bx 1.00 deep.
φ
φφ
φ1.750

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the 2201 or 2301
Page 14 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1
2. Make sure the 2201 has enough clearance for you to easily connect the cable. For
example, mount the 2201 on the edge of the deck, or drill a small hole in the deck
or other surface to allow the cable to pass through.
To mount the 2201 on a standard antenna mount:
1. Using the 1”x 14 marine-industry standard UNS thread mounting, install the base
of the 2201 onto a standard antenna mount. Do not overtighten or you may
damage the housing!
Figure 10: Using a standard antenna mount
2. To avoid stressing the 2201’s connector with the weight of the cable, use a tie-wrap
or similar near the 2201 to hold the cable’s weight.
3. Plug the 2201 end of the cable into the 2201, and the 958 end into the connector
labelled “GPS.” Coil any extra cable away from the 2201. Don’t pinch the cable or
make any sharp bends. Don’t run the cable where it interferes with any controls.
3.79” (96mm)
4.50” (114mm)

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the 2201 or 2301
958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1 Page 15
Mounting and wiring the 2301
The 2301 is mounted onto a standard antenna mount. To complete this installation, you’ll also need
a standard antenna mount, mounting extension, and mounting adapter.
Figure 11: Mounting the 2301 on an antenna mount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1. Antenna mount
2. Mounting extension
3. Hole in mounting extension
4. Mounting adapter
5. Base of 2301
6. 2301 connector
7. Top of 2301 (antenna)
To install the 2301:
1. Install a 1” x 14 UNF thread
antenna mount in the desired
location.
2. Screw a mounting extension
onto the antenna mount.
3. Feed the 2301 cable through the
hole in the mounting extension,
bringing cable up through the
hollow core of the extension and
out the top.
4. Screw a mounting adapter onto
the extension, bringing cable up
through hollow core of the
adapter and out the top.
5. Screw the 2301’s bottom half
(base) onto mounting adapter.
6. Plug the cable’s connector into
connector on the 2301’s base.
7. Place the 2301’s top half
(antenna) onto base.
8. Align top half of the 2301 with
the base, and tighten with four
supplied screws. Do not over-
tighten the screws or you may
damage the housing. Use a
tie-wrap or similar near the 2301
to hold the cable and help avoid
stressing the 2301’s connector
with the cable’s weight. Coil any
extra cable away from the 2301.
Don’t pinch the cable or make
any sharp bends. Don’t run the
cable where it interferes with any
controls.
9. Plug the 958 end of the cable
into the connector labelled
“GPS.”
5

SECTION THREE: Installing and wiring the 2201 or 2301
Page 16 958 Installation Manual, Rev. A1
Re-fabricating the 958 connector
If you ever want to shorten the antenna cable, or remove its connector to make more room to run
the cabling, you can remove the connector from the 958 end and then replace it:
1. After shortening or snaking the cable, slide the available heat shrink tubing onto
the cable, then slide the connector backshell onto the cable, as shown below.
2. Prepare each wire for insertion into its solder cup by stripping it and tinning it.
3. Carefully solder each wire to the appropriate cup, as described in Table 3 below.
4. Slide the backshell down the cable and screw it onto the connector body. It should
be hand tight.
5. Using the supplied screws, screw the strain relief onto the backshell.
6. Slide the heat shrink tubing onto the connector. Be sure to leave room for the
locking collar to retract.
7. Heat the shrink tubing until it shrinks around the connector, providing a
watertight seal.
For the pin numbers and functions for the 958 end of the cable, see Table 3 below.
TABLE 3: Wiring connections for 2201/2301 cable
Description Wire color Pin
RS232 RX1 (Main receive port) Blue 1
RS232 RX2 (Aux receive port) Orange 2
RS232 TX1 (Main transmit port) Green 3
Signal gnd Brown 4
Remote power-on
Ship’s power control Black 5
Power gnd
(system gnd) White 6
Power in (9-36 VDC) Red 7