NorthStar 972 User manual

GM972DH Northstar 972 Dual Head Install Guide Revision B
Northstar 972DH Install Guide
Dual Head Support for 972
Thank you for purchasing a second Control Head for your Northstar 972 Integrated Chart Plotter. This accessory
kit allows you to install a Control Head for your 972 at a second steering station that mimics the behaviour of
the first head.
This document describes the components of the dual head support install kit (972DH-IK) and how to install and
troubleshoot them. For warranty information and install information related to the Control Head, please refer to
the install manual included with the control head.
What’s in the Box
This install kit includes a Y-Cable for the control signals, a six foot DVI cable and a DVI mini hub.
Critical Do’s and Don’ts
• Never put an extension between the Black Box and the Y-Cable.
• Alway use good practice in cable routing, securing and service loops.
• Be sure to mount the DVI Mini Hub in a dry location. It is not waterproof.
• Mount the DVI Mini Hub close to the black box for ease of service.
• Be sure to use service / drip loops — they provide a path for any water to drip away from the
equipment as well as easy access for service of the equipment.
• Always tighten jackscrews on DVI connectors. Otherwise, they will not function properly.
Basic Installation
Find a suitable location for the DVI Mini Hub. A good location will be:
• within six feet of the Black Box
• dry — the DVI Mini Hub is NOT waterproof
• easily accessible
Secure the DVI Mini Hub using the integrated mounting bracket.
Electrical Connections
Connect the included 6-foot DVI cable between the Black Box and the DVI Mini Hub. Then connect the two
Control Head DVI cables to the other side of the Mini Hub. To assure a secure connection, be sure to tighten the
jackscrews on all DVI connectors.
Connect the Y-Cable for the control signals to the Black Box. The Y-Cable must be connected directly to the
Black Box for your system to work properly.
Then connect the two Control Head cables to the Y-Cable.
Verify proper operation of the system by turning on both heads and observing normal operation.
Qty Part name Part number
1 DVI Mini Hub w/Integrated Mtg Bracket & 6 Ft DVI Cable MINIDVI
1 972 Control Head Y-Cable WA621
1 Northstar 972DH Install Guide GM972DH

GM972DH Northstar 972 Dual Head Install Guide Revision B
Wiring Diagram
Troubleshooting
Note 1: Connect WA621 Y-Cable directly to Black Box. Do not extend the cable.
Keep connectors dry.
Note 2: Use only DVI cable included in 972DH-IK to connect DVI Mini Hub to Black Box.
Note 3: Mount DVI Mini Hub in dry location; it is not waterproof.
Control heads turn
themselves on or off
If you experience problems with heads turning themselves on or off, it’s most likely due to
ground lift within your system. This means that ground at the Black Box is different from
the ground at a Control Head. This is caused by a voltage drop over the cables connecting
the equipment to the voltage source (battery).
Verify this by measuring the voltage between the two grounds with a voltmeter. Best
practice suggests this voltage ought not be over 100mV (0.1V)
Display not functioning Isolate the DVI Mini Hub by connecting the suspect Control Head directly to the Black Box.
If the display is still not working, try another Control Head or DVI monitor. Then try
another DVI cable.
This systematic approach isolates each component in the display chain.
Keyboard not functioning As above with the display function, try connecting the suspect control cable directly to the
Black Box — without the Y-Cable in place. An alternate control cable and Y-Cable may be
substituted as well to help isolate the problem.
Ctl
Pwr
Ctl
Pwr
972 Black Box
972 Control Head - Upper Helm
972 Control Head - Lower Helm
Control Cables
WA612-9
or
WA612-15
WA621
Y-Cable
DVI Cables
WC276-9
or
WC276-15
6 ft. DVI Cable
Note 1
Note 2
Note 3
Mount in a
dry location
Keep connectors dry
12 or 24V
DC Power
12 or 24V
DC Power
DVI
Mini
Hub