NorthStar M3 User manual

Northstar Technologies
30 Sudbury Road
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Revision D
March 25, 1998
Part No. GM611
© 1996, 1997, 1998 Northstar Avionics,
a division of CMC Electronics, Inc.
NORTHSTAR AVIONICS
M3 GPS APPROACH
P/N 1200-02-01
P/N 1200-03-01
CRSR ALRT
DCRSRMSG ACK
APT
VOR
NDB
INT
USER
TRK
RTE
APCH
APT
VOR
NDB
INT
USER
INFO
COMM
SETUP
NORTHSTAR SECONDARYPRIMARY
M3 GPS APPROACH
TSO
PUSH ON
Installation Manual
Sales: 978/897-0770
Service: 978/897-7251
Fax: [phone]

Revision history Date Pages Revision
March 18, 1996 All A (initial release)
July 1, 1996 All B (update/rewrite)
May 1, 1997 1,26,31 C (add TSO approval)
2, 5, 31 (add P/N 1200-03-01)
23 (reducing interference)
33,35,37 (STC and FMS amendment)
49 (RSU-21 pin numbering)
March 25, 1998 cover, 29 D (area code change)
2 (power requirement of 1200-03)
2,21 (±120 mV To/From output)
11 (AN120 dimensions)
14 (Figure 7: P15 pin numbering)
23 (ELT interference)
30 (RMA # required for returns)
Ordering information
To receive additional copies of this publication, order the Northstar Avion-
ics M3 GPS Approach Installation Manual (Part No. GM611).
Additional technical information is available on Northstar’s web site:
http://www.northstarcmc.com

Table of Contents
Technical information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Scope of this manual - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Equipment description - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Technical specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
Installation instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5
General information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5
Unpacking and inspection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5
Preparing the antenna cables - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6
Installing the GPS antenna - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9
Installing the M3 in the panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13
Wiring the M3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
Initial checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
Configuring the M3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
Limitations and approval procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 26
Factory service policies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Limited warranty policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Factory assistance by telephone - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
General service procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
FliteCard updates - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Returning the unit for service - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Appendices
DO-160C environmental qualification form - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
STC certificate 00464NY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Approved Flight Manual Supplement - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Specimen Form 337 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
STC installation documentation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 49

Figures
Figure 1 — Final Assembly of Rear Panel Coax Connector - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Figure 2 — TNC Connector Assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Figure 3 — Typical GPS Antenna Mounting Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9
Figure 4 — AN120 Antenna Dimensions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11
Figure 5 — AN135 Antenna Dimensions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12
Figure 6 — AN155 Antenna Dimensions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13
Figure 7 — Mounting Tray (rear view) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
Figure 8 — M3 Mounting Tray (exploded view) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Figure 9 — M3 Wiring Diagram - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Tables
Table 1 — 24-Pin Connector (P15) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Table 2 — 36-Pin Connector (P16) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16
Table 3 — M3 Annunciators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
Table 4 — Potential VHF Interferences - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
Table 5 — Environmental Qualification Form- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31

M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 1
SECTION ONE
Technical information
Scope of this manual
This manual describes the physical, mechanical, and electrical characteris-
tics of the Northstar M3 GPS, included with the installation instructions.
Operational information is found in the Northstar M3 GPS Approach Ref-
erence Manual (Part No. GM601), which is supplied with the unit.
Equipment description
The Northstar M3 GPS consists of a panel-mounted GPS receiver-naviga-
tor, mounting tray, and GPS antenna. The unit is approved under
TSO-C129, Class A1. Use of the M3 is subject to airworthiness approvals
limited to en route, terminal area, and non-precision approach operation
under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). See
Appendix B, STC Certificate SA00464NY (as ammended), for Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) Field Approval reference; and Appendix
C, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS, formerly
known as the Supplemental Air Flight Manual), for specific limitations
and operating procedures under the STC.
The unit receives radio signals from GPS satellites and calculates its lati-
tude and longitude from these signals. The unit’s database is contained on
a user-changeable FliteCard™. It provides the coordinates of thousands of
airports, VOR and NDB transmitters, airway intersections, and routes and
approaches.A variety of navigation functions may be performed using this
data.
Interfacing the
Northstar M3 to
other equipment
The unit may be interfaced directly to many Course Deviation Indicators
(CDIs), Horizontal Situation Indicators (HSIs), Flight Directors, and/or
autopilots. Outputs also are provided to drive panel-mounted annunciators.
The unit also may be interfaced, through its built-in serial data port, to
devices like fuel-management systems, moving map displays, or other
devices designed to meet the Northstar serial data format described in the
Northstar Serial Data Format Specification V1.19 Firmware, Revision 2.2
(Part No. GM342). This document can be ordered by calling Northstar
Avionics.

Section One—Technical Information
PAGE 2 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
The M3 may be interfaced to an altitude encoder, either by connecting the
individual encoder wires directly to the M3 or by using a Northstar 2006
Altitude Serializer. Altitude information enhances GPS accuracy and
availability. Interfacing an encoder is recommended for all installations
and is required for IFR-approved installations. Instructions for installing
the serializer are in the specifications in the Northstar 2006 Altitude Seri-
alizer Installation Manual (Part No. GM435), which is included with the
serializer.
Technical specifications
Northstar M3 GPS
navigator ( Part No.
1200-02-01 or
1200-03-01)
Physical characteristics
Weight (with mounting tray) . . . . . . .4.2 pounds
Dimensions:
Height—2.0 inches
Width—6.25 inches
Depth (from rear of bezel to rear of tray)—11.75 inches
Cooling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Forced air cooling is required for all instal-
lations
Electrical requirements
Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 to 35 VDC negative ground
Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.5 A nominal at 14 VDC
0.85 A nominal at 28 VDC
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 watts nominal
(25 watts nominal for P/N 1200-02)
Interfaces to external equipment
CDI Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Up to five 1,000-Ohm loads
Full Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .±150 mV (maximum deviation output ±600
mV)
Valid Flag Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Up to three 1,000-Ohm loads
260 µA for flag out-of-view
Superflag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . >18 VDC at 40 mA maximum
To/From Pointer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Up to three 200-Ohm loads, ±60 mV
nominal to pull pointer
(±120 mV option available—
contact factory)
NOTE:
All installations require use of Northstar fans (Part No. 1090
for 14 volts or Part No. 1091 for 28 volts) or equivalent fans
providing at least 2 CFM of cooling air. To ensure adequate
air flow to unit, up to three feet of ScatTubing is acceptable.

Section One—Technical Information
M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 3
Serial Data Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . .EIA RS-485 (compatible with EIA
RS-422A)
EIA RS-422A
External Annunciator Drivers . . . . . .200 mA max. current; 30 VDC max.
MESSAGE voltage (switched ground)
RAIM
PARALLEL OFFSET
APPROACH
WAYPOINT ALERT
LOC ENERGIZE
Operational characteristics
DO-160C Env. Cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F1CANBMXXXXXXZBABZUBXXX
Readouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-character high-intensity alphanumeric
LED
Switch Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Backlighted
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Continuously powered by 10-year battery
GPS antenna
(AN120)
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.3 pounds
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.30 inches ×2.70 inches
Height Above Skin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.70 inch
Depth Below Skin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.575 inch max plus TNC connector
DO-160C Env. Cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A2F2-AC[CLMY]XRFX-
SAX[AB][BZ]AVAL[1B]C
Manufacturer and Part No.. . . . . . . . .Comant Industries Antenna CI 405-7
GPS antenna
(AN135)
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.2 pounds
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.44 inches ×2.20 inches
Height Above Skin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.61 inches
Depth Below Skin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.65 inch plus connector
DO-160C Env. Cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F2AB(CLY)XSFDFSXXXXXXXXXC
Manufacturer and Part No.. . . . . . . . .Aero Antenna AT 575-9
GPS antenna
(AN155)
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.7 pounds
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.70 inches ×2.90 inches
Height Above Skin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.75 inch
Depth Below Skin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.63 inches including connector
DO-160B Env. Cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E1AB(JCYL)ASFDF-SZAAAAAAL2A
Manufacturer and Part No.. . . . . . . . .Canadian Marconi Company CMA-2052

Section One—Technical Information
PAGE 4 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
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M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 5
SECTION TWO
Installation instructions
General information
This section contains information for installing and wiring the Northstar
M3 GPS, antenna, and interfaces.
All installation procedures should follow acceptable practices, methods,
and techniques as described in Advisory Circulars (AC) 43.13-1A and
43.13-2A.
Special installation
requirements •Before inserting or removing the M3 from the mounting tray, turn off
power to the tray using the avionics master switch or circuit breaker,
even if the unit’s power switch is turned off. This will prevent inrush
current from arcing across the power connector.
•Use only a GPS antenna specified within this manual. Only the
Northstar AN120, AN135, and AN155 antennas are approved for use
with the M3. Consult the factory for special applications not covered
in these instructions.
•The GPS antenna must be mounted on the top of the aircraft.
•The GPS antenna should be located at least two feet away from any
other antennas and from the vertical stabilizer and canopy.
•Forced air cooling must be supplied to the unit for all installations.
•Electrical noise suppression of existing equipment may be required to
obtain satisfactory performance.
Unpacking and inspection
The shipping carton contains the following components and parts:
•M3 GPS navigator (Part No. 1200-02-01 or 1200-03-01) and war-
ranty card
•Mounting tray assembly
•GPS Antenna (AN120, AN135, or AN155)
•M3 GPS Approach Reference Manual (GM601)
•M3 GPS Approach Pilot’s Guide (GM606)
•M3 GPS Approach Installation Manual (GM611)
•Parts kit bag containing:
1 ea. air intake seal (HM502)
1 ea. coax connector socket (KC225)
1 ea. coax connector plug (KC310)

Section Two—Installation Instructions
PAGE 6 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
4 ea. 3-48 ×G-inch screws (HS106)
2 ea. 4-40 ×G-inch screws (HS201)
2 ea. 4-40 ×K-inch screws (HS213)
4 ea. #3 lockwashers (HW090)
4 ea. #4 lockwashers (HW100)
2 ea. #4 flat washers (HW115)
1 ea. 24-pin connector (KC230)
1 ea. 36-pin connector (KC270)
1 ea. cable cover (XC495)
2 ea. connector float washers (XC435)
4 ea. mylar shims (HM750)
Make sure all parts are present and have sustained no shipping damage. If
there is evidence of shipping damage, save the shipping carton and pack-
ing materialto help substantiate your claim to the shipping company. Keep
a shipping carton on hand in case you have to return the unit to the factory
for service.
Preparing the antenna cables
Choosing the
antenna coax To connect the antenna to the GPS sensor, use RG-58 C/U coaxial cable
(Alpha No. 9058C or equivalent). The outside diameter of the cable must
be approximately 0.24 inches to be compatible with the supplied connec-
tors. For a typical RG-58 cable loss of 23 dB per 100 feet at 1500 MHz,
the cable length between the antenna and sensor should be at least 10 feet
and not more than 50 feet. If the antenna cable is routed near sources of
high electrical energy, then it is recommended that double-shielded coax
be used to reduce radio-frequency interference. Shields should be
grounded at both ends of the cable.
Type RG-59 coaxial cable is also acceptable. For typical RG-59 cable loss
of 18 dB per 100 feet, the cable length should be at least 15 feet and not
more than 80 feet.

Section Two—Installation Instructions
M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 7
Installing antenna
cable connectors TNC connectors are used at both ends of the antenna cable. The M3-end of
the cable is assembled as shown in Figure 1, and attached to the rear of the
M3 mounting tray.
FIGURE 1 — Final Assembly of Rear Panel Coax Connector
On the antenna-end of the cable, install the supplied straight TNC connec-
tor as shown below in Figure 2. If required for the particular installation,
you may wish to substitute an optional right-angle TNC connector (Part
No. KC290) or add a right-angle TNC adaptor.
Although the illustrations show assembly of the straight TNC connector,
the following instructions apply to both the supplied straight TNC connec-
tor and the optional right-angle TNC connector. Use Amphenol crimp die
number 227-1221-13 or exact equivalent. Stripping dimensions are
A=0.34 inch (8.7 mm); B=0.09 inch (2.4 mm); C=0.15 inch (4.0 mm).
FIGURE 2 — TNC Connector Assembly
Insert cable end into connector body. Start threads of nut
by hand.
1. Hold the nut stationary, and turn the connector body
over nut and cable assembly.
2. Check fit of center conductor and split pin; adjust if
necessary, and solder.
3. Install cap.
4. Attach connector to rear panel of mounting tray as
shown in Figure 7.

Section Two—Installation Instructions
PAGE 8 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
1. Strip cable jacket, braid, and dielectric to dimensions
shown. All cuts must be sharp and square. Do not
nick braid, dielectric, or center conductor. Tinning of
center conductor is not necessary if contact will be
crimped. For solder method, tin center conductor,
avoiding excessive heat. Slide outer ferrule onto
cable.
2. Flare end of cable braid to ease insertion onto inner
ferrule. Do not comb out braid.
3. Place contact on cable center so it butts against cable
dielectric. Center conductor should be visible
through inspection hole in contact. Crimp or solder
the contact in place as follows:
•Crimp method—use Cavity B of specified
die set.
•Solder method—soft-solder the contact to
cable center conductor. Do not get any sol-
der on outside surfaces of contact. Avoid
excessive heat to prevent swelling of
dielectric.
4. Install cable assembly into body of assembly so that
inner ferrule portion slides under braid. Push cable
assembly forward until contact snaps into place in
insulator. Slide outer ferrule over braid and up
against connector body. Crimp outer ferrule using
Cavity A of die set.

Section Two—Installation Instructions
M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 9
Installing the GPS antenna
Mount the GPS antenna on the top of the fuselage as shown below in
Figure 3. Refer to Chapter Three of Advisory Circular 43.13-2A for prac-
tices, methods, and techniques. You must use an antenna that has been
approved for use with the Northstar M3. The antenna must be securely
grounded to the aircraft skin (remove any paint from the chosen location
on the skin).
FIGURE 3 — Typical GPS Antenna Mounting Location
Adequate isolation must be provided between the GPS antenna and any
transmitting antennas installed on the aircraft. Shadowing of the antenna
by aircraft structure can adversely affect operation of the GPS equipment.
Typically, a GPS antenna is located forward of the wings on the top of the
fuselage to minimize effects of the wings, tail, etc. during aircraft maneu-
vering.
Ideally, the antenna should be located in the clear (at least two feet from
any other antennas and at least three feet from transponder, DME, VHF,
and UHF transmitting antennas) and where it isn’t shadowed by the verti-
cal stabilizer or the wings
NOTE:
If the Northstar AN155 GPS antenna is used, it is necessary to
change a jumper wire inside the M3 unit to provide 12 volts to
the antenna. Contact the Northstar factory for details.

Section Two—Installation Instructions
PAGE 10 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
.
For rotorcraft installations, the effects of the rotor blades on antenna per-
formance must be considered. Depending on the structure and mechanical
mounting considerations, the antenna may be located on the tail, in the
vicinity of the anti-collision light. Visibility of the anti-collision light must
not be impaired, however.
Approved GPS
antennas Three GPS antennas are currently approved for use with the Northstar M3.
These are available as Northstar Part Numbers AN120 (Figure 4), AN135
(Figure 5), and AN155 (Figure 6).
NOTE:
The GPS signal is typically weaker than the background
noise. Electrical noise near the antenna can adversely affect
GPS performance. Antenna installation in close proximity to
traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), satellite
communication (SATCOM), and other transmitting antennas,
particularly “L” band, should be carefully evaluated for
potential mutual interference

Section Two—Installation Instructions
M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 11
FIGURE 4 — AN120 Antenna Dimensions
.70
MAX.
I.D.
PLATE
4.30 MAX
1.750
1.000
.90
.812
1.625
2.70
MAX
CI 405-7

Section Two—Installation Instructions
PAGE 12 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
FIGURE 5 — AN135 Antenna Dimensions

Section Two—Installation Instructions
M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 13
FIGURE 6 — AN155 Antenna Dimensions
Installing the M3 in the panel
The M3 is designed to be panel-mounted using the supplied mounting tray
and hardware (see Figure 8). The M3 should be located so that the pilot
and copilot have a clear view of, and access to, the unit. The preferred
location is near the top of the center instrument stack.
To avoid nicks and scratches, leave the rubber band in place around the
bezel until installation is complete. To facilitate pre-wiring of the connec-
tors, the rear plate of the mounting tray (see Figure 7) may be removed
with four screws located inside the tray.

Section Two—Installation Instructions
PAGE 14 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
The mounting tray is designed slightly oversized so the unit will slide in
easily even if the tray is somewhat distorted during mounting. A set of
self-adhesive mylar shims is provided to fill any space between the top or
bottom of the unit and the mounting tray. One or more shims may be
applied to the cover plates as necessary. Do not deform the cover plates by
installing more shims than needed.
Install the M3 in the panel as described below:
1. Make room for the unit in the instrument panel by relocating other
equipment as necessary. Install the mounting tray in the panel. Wire
the connectors mounted on the rear plate (see Figure 9). When fin-
ished, attach the rear plate to the mounting tray.
2. Supply clean, dry, forced cooling air to the air intake coupler. Cooling
air is required for all installations.
3. Carefully slide the unit into the mounting tray. Unlike the Northstar
M1, the M3 will stop approximately H inch from its final position.
The retaining rod will draw the unit the remaining distance into the
tray when it’s tightened. Use a J-inch flat-blade screwdriver inserted
through the hole in the front panel to tighten the rod. Do not over-
tighten!
FIGURE 7 — Mounting Tray (rear view)
CAUTION
Before inserting the unit into the wired mounting tray, dou-
ble-check all wiring. A small but significant number of units
sustain damage because of incorrectly wired connections.
Such damage is not covered under warranty. Improper volt-
age application may result in vaporized circuit-board conduc-
tors within the unit.
13 24
121
19 36
181
AIR INLET COUPLER
Caution: Forced Air
Must Be Used
P16 (36-PIN CONNECTOR)
GPS ANTENNA CABLE
CONNECTOR COAXIAL CABLE TO GPS ANTENNA
P15 (24-PIN CONNECTOR)

Section Two—Installation Instructions
M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D PAGE 15
Table 1: 24-Pin Connector (P15)
Pin Function Pin Function
1 Nav Flag + 13 10–35 VDC power input
2CDI
+Right deviation 14 10–35 VDC power input
3CDI
+Left deviation 15 N/C
4 Nav Flag – 16 Ground
5 Ground 17 Ground
6 RS-485 serial A out 18 N/C
7N/C 19N/C
8N/C 20
MESSAGE annunciator out
9 Ground 21 PARALLEL OFFSET annunciator out
10 +5 volts out 22 Ground
11 RS-485 serial B out 23 Power Ground
12 WAYPOINT ALERT annunciator out 24 Power Ground

Section Two—Installation Instructions
PAGE 16 M3 GPS INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision D
Table 2: 36-Pin Connector (P16)
Pin Function Pin Function
1 RS-232 serial in (comm/trainer) 19 Altimeter input B1
2 RS-232 serial out (comm/trainer) 20 Altimeter input B2
3 To/From pointer (+To) 21 Altimeter input B4
4 Superflag output (> +18 VDC = valid) 22 Reserved—do not use
5 Reserved—do not use 23 Reserved—do not use
6 Reserved—do not use 24 Altimeter input C4
7 RS-422 serial B out (future use) 25 Altimeter input C1
8 RS-422 serial A out (future use) 26 Altimeter input D4
9 RS-422 serial B in (altitude serializer) 27 Altitude encoder valid
(> +5 VDC = valid)
10 RS-422 serial A in (altitude serializer) 28 Altimeter input C2
11 APPROACH annunc. out (formerly VFR)29
RAIM annunciator out
12 Reserved—do not use 30 APPROACH annunciator out
13 Reserved—do not use 31 LOC ENERGIZE out
14 Reserved—do not use 32 SPARE annunciator out
15 Reserved—do not use 33 Reserved—do not use
16 Altimeter input A1 34 To/From pointer (+From)
17 Altimeter input A2 35 Ground
18 Altimeter input A4 36 Ground