NorthStar 6000i User manual

R2D 2
K
W
RADAR
I
NSTALLATION
M
ANUAL
Part No. GMRad2KIM
Rev. A
Northstar
a unit of Brunswick New Technologies Marine Electronics
30 Sudbury Road
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
www.NorthstarNav.com
Service: 978/897-6600
Sales: 800/628-4487

Contents
SECTION ONE: Introducing the Northstar radar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
Installing the antenna
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Wiring the radar
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
SECTION THREE: Setting up the radar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13
Configuring the navigator
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13
Calibrating the radar
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Adjusting the appearance settings
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Finishing up
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
SECTION FIVE: Using manual control functions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21
Gain and clutter adjustments
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21
Other functions
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
SECTION SIX: Servicing the radar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25
Contacting Northstar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25
Hearing from you
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 26
Using the Dealer Express web pages
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 26
Returning a radar for service
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 26
APPENDIX A: Specifications and Drawings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27
APPENDIX B: Manual Tuning Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29

R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 1
SECTION ONE: Introducing the
Northstar radar
The Northstar R2D radar is designed as an option available for the Northstar 6000i navigator.
A radar unit should only be installed by a qualified marine technician, as potentially lethal high
voltage is present, along with heavy rotating parts. There is a transmit interlock that prevents radar
transmissions if the array is not rotating. However, high voltage remains for a period of time after the
system is turned off. If you are not familiar with this type of electronics, consult with a trained
service or installation technician before attempting to service any part of the equipment.
Installation includes mechanical mounting and electrical wiring, followed by properly configuring
the navigator to work with the radar, and finally adjusting the radar for proper performance.
Don’t take any shortcuts, and follow these instructions carefully.
WARNING!
Microwave Radiation Hazard
The microwave energy radiated by a radar antenna is
harmful to humans, especially to one’s eyes. Never look
directly into an open waveguide or into the path of
radiation from an enclosed antenna. Radar and other
radio frequency radiation can upset cardiac
pacemakers. If someone with a cardiac pacemaker
suspects abnormal operation, immediately turn off the
equipment and move the person away from the
antenna. Turn off the radar whenever it is necessary to
work on the antenna unit or on other equipment in the
beam of the radar.
WARNING!
High Voltage Warning
Dangerously high voltages are present within the radar
scanner unit. There are no internal connections or
adjustments necessary for installation. The cover
should be removed only by a qualified radar service
technician. Technicians must exercise extreme care
when working inside the unit. Always remove power
before removing the cover. Some capacitors may take
several minutes to discharge, even after switching off
the radar. Before touching the magnetron or any high
voltage components, ground them with a clip lead.

SECTION ONE: Introducing the Northstar radar
Page 2 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A
Components supplied are listed on the next page.
NOTE:
For the radar overlay to function properly on the chart screen, you must
correctly
install and calibrate a separate heading sensor (using the
navigator’s NMEA interface connector, pins 1 and 3). Without the heading
sensor, the radar image will not line up properly with the chart.
The Northstar 6000i accepts the following standard NMEA 0183 sentences
to obtain heading information from a sensor: HDG, HDT, OSD, HCC, HCD,
and HDM.
For sensor installation and calibration instructions, see the sensor
manufacturer’s installation manual. In addition, the navigator must be
calibrated to the heading sensor as described on page 17
TABLE 1: Radar parts list
Description
Part Number
Radome R2D
Installation Manual GMRAD2KIM
Mounting Template GTR2DOME
Power Switch ST165
Cable, 10 meters (5m, 15m, 20m
optional) WC274
Cable navigator I/O WA215SR-C
(4) Mounting bolts, metric, M10 X 25U
(4) Flat washers
(4) Lock washers
(2) Fuses, 5A (spare)

R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 3
SECTION TWO: Installing and
wiring the radar
System diagram
A configuration diagram for a fully-optioned Northstar system with radar, heading sensor and
echosounder is shown in Figure 1. This diagram provides an overview of the interconnection
between components.
2301, AN150 or AN156
GPS/WASS
Antenna
Prefabricated
Antenna Cable
Northstar
Echo
Sounder
Transducer
Heading
sensor
NMEA device
(Autopilot,
repeater, etc.)
Northstar
2kW Dome Radar
WC274
5, 10, 15 or 20m
cable
WA215SR-C
I/O cable
Aux Port
VGA out
NTSC in
NMEA Port 2
In and Out
NMEA Port 1 in
NMEA Port 1 out
Ship's
power
Ship's
power
Northstar
Navigator
Ship's
power
Ship's
power
Figure 1: System diagram

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
Page 4 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A
Installing the antenna
Choosing the antenna location
The radar’s ability to detect targets depends greatly on the position of its antenna. The ideal antenna
location is high above the ship's keel line where there aren’t any obstacles. This ideal location is
limited by various factors; therefore, consider the following when choosing the antenna location:
• Do install the antenna as high as possible (after considering the structure of the vessel’s
hull, the weight of the antenna, and how easy it will be to maintain the antenna). The
higher the installation position, the longer the radar ranging distance.
• Do install the antenna away from masts or other obstructions. If the antenna isn’t higher
than obstructions, radar waves may be blocked, creating shadow zones or generating false
echoes.
• Do install the antenna closer to the vessel’s bow, for a clear view to the front. When
installing the antenna on a mast, place it in front of the mast. If obstacles can’t be avoided
for vessel structural reasons, see “Shifting the antenna away from the keel line,” described
below.
• Do install the antenna as far away as possible from the antennas of other equipment, such
as direction finders, GPS equipment, radio receivers, etc. Radar scanners may cause
interference with radio receivers.
• Do keep the connecting cable as short as possible. Whenever possible, keep the distance
from the antenna to the navigator within the standard cable length of 10 meters. If you
must use longer cable, do not exceed 30 meters.
• Don’t install the antenna where it may be subjected to smoke or hot air from smokestacks
or heat from lamps.
Shifting the antenna away from the keel line
By shifting the antenna position from the keel line to starboard, it’s possible to move shadow zones
to the port side. This makes it possible to keep a clear view to the bow. You can calculate the distance
to be shifted, depending on the distance from the antenna to any obstacles, by using the following
equation (Ls = distance to be shifted from keel line; D = diameter of obstacle on keel line; and R =
distance from antenna to obstacle):
Ls=0.4R+D/2 (when R<15m)
Ls=0.025R+D/2 (when R>=15m)
CAUTION!
To eliminate interference, install the antenna away from GPS and radio
receiver antennas, including SatNav and satellite TV antennas.

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 5
Obtaining sufficient dip angle
Raise the antenna position above on-board obstacles to avoid shadow zones. Dip angle is the angle
between a horizontal line and the line of sight from the antenna to the obstacle. By maintaining a dip
angle greater than 5 degrees, you may be able to prevent mid- and long-distance shadow zones. The
radar can’t detect objects below its line of sight.
Mounting the antenna
It may be easier to install the antenna by fabricating a mounting base, as shown below, but you can
also install the antenna directly to a rigid, flat surface, such as the roof. Pay attention to the water
drain tube at the bottom of the antenna.
Figure 2: Shifting from the keel
Figure 3: Sufficient dip angle
Figure 4: Using a mounting base

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
Page 6 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A
1. Referring to Figure 5 below and the supplied full-size antenna mounting templates, drill four
1/2 in. (13mm) diameter holes through the mounting surface.
2. Check that each bolt (with lock washer and flat washer) protrudes at least 5/15 in. (8mm) but
less than 9/16 in. (15mm). The scanner will be damaged if bolts protrude more than 9/16 in.
(15 mm).
3. Apply sealant around each mounting hole.
4. Place the radome scanner unit on the mounting surface. Orient the radome with the index
mark on the housing facing forward (cable gland facing aft).
5. Install and tighten four M10 X 25U (M10 X 1 in.) mounting bolts
6. Secure the cable near the scanner to support the weight of the cable and prevent strain on
the watertight cable seal.
The bolts supplied will suffice for mounting base thicknesses of 3/16 to 3/8 inch (5 to 10 mm). If the
mounting base is thicker or thinner than that, use bolts specified in Table 2 on page 7. See Figure 6
below for details on bolting the antenna to the mounting base.
NOTE:
When the radar platform or mounting bracket has a curvature of more than
2mm, repair it or use spacers.
5-7/8 (148.5)
2-9/16 (65)
1/2 (13) dia.
Mounting Holes
4 places
Dimensions in inches (mm)
Center of radome
Ship's Heading
5-7/8 (148.5)
2-15/16 (74.24)
2-15/16 (74.25)
Figure 5: Hole positions for mounting radome

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 7
TABLE 2: Bolts for mounting radome antenna
Replacing the fuse
You must use proper rating fuses to safely operate the radar. Replace the internal fuse with a 5A
125V fuse only.
Wiring the radar
Regardless of the type of antenna, when connecting the cables, keep in mind the following:
• Do not tie the radar cables, especially the power supply cable, together with the cables of
other equipment
• Do leave service and drip loops so you can easily remove the control box
• Do mount the control box in a dry area protected from moisture and humidity
• Do lay the cable along the vessel’s hull or wall surface, and secure it at intervals of about
16” (40 centimeters)
Install the radar antenna cable as described below.
Thickness of
mounting base Radome mounting bolts Material Comments
3/16 – 3/8 in. (5 – 10mm) M10 × 25 (1.5mm pitch) Stainless Included
7/16 – 9/16 in. (11 – 15mm) M10 × 30 (1.5mm pitch) Stainless
5/8 – 3/4 in. (16 – 20m) M10 × 35 (1.5mm pitch) Stainless
Figure 6: Mounting the radome antenna

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
Page 8 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A
Pre-wired cables
The supplied WA215SR-C cable plugs into the navigator’s 18-pin connector, and connects to the
radar, radar power source, radar power control, and NMEA accessories.
The WC274 cable connects between the WA215SR cable and the radar dome.
Radome cable connection
Use the following instructions along with Figure 1 for connecting to cable to an enclosed radome.
1. Connect the WC274 cable between the navigator and the WA215SR radome cable.
2. Connect the supplied WA215SR-C cable to the navigator’s NMEA port and run the other end
to the interconnection point.
3. To connect a heading sensor and/or other device to NMEA Port 1, use an optional WA589
connector as shown in Figure 7
WA215SR-C
Connect to
navigator
N/C
Connect to
heading sensor
and NMEA Port 1 device
(Autopilot) using WA598
connector (not supplied)
Connect to
WC274 cable
To coil of
optional
power control
relay
WA215SR-C cable — navigator to power source point
+V Red
–
V Black
Blue
Green
Power control
Figure 7: Pre-wired WA215SR-C cable
from
radar
dome
Connect
to WA215SR
cable
WC274 cable — radar to navigator cable
WC274
Figure 8: Pre-wired WC274 cable

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 9
Connecting the power wiring
The R2D unit is designed for 12/24/32-volt installations.
Power should be fed through a switch and protective fuses (or circuit breakers).
To connect the power cable:
1. Connect the red wire from the WC274 cable to V+ (12 to 32 VDC).
2. Connect the black wire from the WC274 cable to V–.
Radar power control
Electrical power for the radar’s standby state is controlled by the blue and green wires in the WC274
cable. When these wires are connected to each other, the radar powers up and enters standby mode.
When they are not connected, the radar is turned off (although it still draws a tiny amount of power).
Connect the blue and green wires in any one of the following three ways:
• Option 1: Connect the blue and green wires to an S.P.S.T. switch as shown in Figure 9 to
control the radar’s power An appropriate switch is included with the radar.
• Option 2: Permanently connect the blue and green wires to each other, and control the
radar’s power from a switched circuit breaker at the mains circuit panel.
• Option 3: Connect the blue and green wires to a set of relay contacts controlled by the
navigator, so that the radar will turn on to standby mode automatically whenever the
navigator is turned on. Control the relay using the pink wire (“Honk” output) from the
WA215SR cable, and install a spike-suppression diode across the relay coil as shown in
Figure 10.
CAUTION! Do not apply over 41.6V to the radar or it may be damaged.
Figure 9: Using a switch to control radar power

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
Page 10 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A
An appropriate relay for Option 3 (with a 12-volt coil, and complete with
instructions) is available from Northstar as part number RELAY-IK. An appropriate
relay can also be obtained from Greenwich Electronics (www.geirelays.com, or
888-554-5561) using P/N HD1-012D-A30PMS for a 12-volt system, or
HD1-024D-A30PMS for a 24-volt system. Using this relay, the coil is connected to
the narrow tabs and the contacts are connected to the wide tabs (labelled COM and
NO).
If the relay is used for power control, the navigator’s Honk output must be configured for power
control as follows:
1. Press the STAR key to display the alarms page.
2. Press the Cursor Pad down to highlight “Honk Output.”
3. Press Edit, press the Cursor Pad up or down to display REMOTE PWR.
4. Press ENTER.
The 200ppnm or alarm outputs can not be used when this output is used for power
control.
Note: Choose a relay that’s compatible with the ship’s power
Figure 10: Using a relay to control radar powe
r

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 11
Wiring heading sensors
The WA215SR cable is pre-wired with a connector for interfacing to various heading sensors. Other
sensors can be connected as shown in the following tables.
ROBERTSON RFC35N HEADING
SENSOR NORTHSTAR NMEA 18-PIN CONNECTOR
Wire Color Description Pin No. Wire Color Description
Brown Tx– Data Ground 1 Blue NMEA Port 1 in B
White Tx + Data Transmit 3 Brown NMEA Port 1 In A
Green Rx– Data Ground Not Connected
Yellow Rx+ Data Receive Not Connected
Pink Vin+ Power A+ Ship’s Power Supply, Fused, 12 VDC
Gray Vin– Power Ground Ship’s Power Ground
KVH AUTOCOMP 1000 HEADING
SENSOR (P/N 01-0118-0001) NORTHSTAR NMEA 18-PIN CONNECTOR
Wire Color Description Pin No. Wire Color Description
Orange NMEA 0183 Out – 1 Blue NMEA Port 1 in B
Green NMEA 0183 Out + 3 Brown NMEA Port 1 In A
White Damping 0 Connect to Power Ground
Brown Damping 1 Connect to Power Ground
Blue AutoComp Disable Do not connect. Cap and Insulate
Red 12 VDC Power Ship’s Power Supply, Fused, 12 VDC
Black Power Ground Ship’s Power Ground
Drain, Foil,
Shield not used Not Connected

SECTION TWO: Installing and wiring the radar
Page 12 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A

R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 13
SECTION THREE: Setting up the
radar
Several menu keys need to be activated before the adjustment they control can be changed. Here’s
how they work:
•any key displayed in red is active and can be adjusted by pressing it or (in many cases) by
using the keypad or cursor pad to change its value
•any key displayed in blue is inactive and must be pressed once to activate it before
changing its value.
Configuring the navigator
To enable an installed radar to communicate with the navigator, you must first set up the radar
option on the navigator’s PORT 2 SETUP screen:
1. Press the STAR key several times to display the OPTIONS/SERVICE INFO screen.
2. Press
Port Setup Options.
3. Press
Port 2 Setup, and use the Cursor Pad to select the Output Format line.
4. Press Edit, and press the Cursor Pad up or down to select Radar.
5. Press
Enter.
You do not have to re-start the navigator for this option to take effect.
Configuring the radar as described also configures the heading sensor wired to NMEA Port 1.
Note: It is important that the navigator’s Demo Mode
not be used while a radar unit is connected.
The radar normally provides a good picture when used in its automatic modes, described below.
In many cases, the picture can be improved by using the Range Rider mode, also described below.
IMPORTANT: If the system will be operated without a heading sensor,
it is absolutely necessary to change this configuration
as described in “Heading sensor requirements” on
page 14.

SECTION THREE: Setting up the radar
Page 14 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A
Radar transmitter power
As a safeguard against antenna rotation and radiation, the radar transmitter must be turned on
manually each time the navigator is turned on, as described below. Be sure no injury will be caused
when the antenna starts rotating.
Heading sensor requirements
For all radar functions to operate properly, a heading sensor should be installed as described on
page 11 and calibrated as described on page 17. The sensor may be a stand-alone unit, or may be
integrated into an autopilot system, provided it outputs the NMEA 0183 HDG, HDT, OSD, HCC,
HCD or HDM heading sentence to the navigator.
If the heading sensor requires sea trial calibration, perform the manufacturer’s recommended
calibration procedure before attempting to perform the radar heading calibration described below.
Heading calibration should be performed during initial setup, annually, and after any major
structural changes that are made to the vessel.
Disabling the heading sensor input
The heading sensor is configured by default when the navigator is configured for radar. If a heading
sensor is not installed and connected, it is absolutely necessary to remove its configuration as
described below.
If a heading sensor is not installed:
1. Turn the navigator on and let it complete its power-up sequence.
2. Display the radar screen:
•On the 958, press CHART, Split, and Radar.
•On the 6000i, press RADAR.
3. The unit will ask if you want to turn on the radar transmitter. Press Enter turn it on.
4. Press Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, and Install... to access the installation screen.
5. Press Hdg Sensor Installed to change its displayed status to No.
6. Clear the heading sensor alarm by pressing the STAR key to display the alarm screen and
press Clear Alarm.
CAUTION: Be sure to turn the transmitter off using the same proce-
dure, or by removing radar power, before servicing the
unit or working in the vicinity of the rotating antenna.
The radar does not automatically turn off when the
navigator is turned off, unless the power control relay
has been installed.

SECTION THREE: Setting up the radar
R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A Page 15
Calibrating the radar
A newly installed radar must be calibrated by adjusting the trigger delay and heading calibration.
Calibration and check-out should be performed in a normal operating environment and under fair
weather conditions. A wave height of approximately one to two feet, causing some sea clutter, is
ideal. The vessel must not be in an enclosed area or in a busy location such as a boat yard. Ideally, an
area of at least 3nm forward of the vessel, containing known targets including the coastline, should
be available for evaluation of close and medium range radar returns. Attempts to tune and calibrate
under less than recommended conditions may lead to substandard performance. A sea trial that
allows the selection and use of all ranges is highly desirable.
The Northstar radar uses a fully automatic tuning procedure that continuously checks for optimum
adjustment during operation. Northstar recommends using auto tuning mode for normal operation.
For special situations requiring manual tuning, see Appendix B.
Preparing for calibration
To prepare for calibration, do the following:
1. Display the radar screen by pressing RADAR.
2. The unit may ask if you want to turn on the radar transmitter. If it does, turn it on.
At this point, you should see range rings
displayed on the screen. You may see the
transmitter warm-up countdown displayed
(updated every five seconds), followed by the
message “Radar is OFF.”
If no messages or range rings appear, then
the radar control box is not powered or is not
properly interfaced to the navigator. Check
power wiring, interface wiring, and
navigator configuration as described above.
3. Press Page 2and then Page 3, Page 4, and
Restore... .
4. Press Restore factory settings.
A new Northstar 6000i is shipped set up with standard factory settings appropriate for basic
operation.
5. Press Return.
Radar tuning
Tuning makes the radar receiver frequency match the transmitter frequency.
For normal operation of a Northstar radar, setting the tuning mode to Auto is recommended. To tune
the unit manually see Appendix B. To check the tuning mode or change it to Auto:
1. From Page 4 (selected above), press Install... and Tune... .
2. If necessary, press Tune mode repeatedly until it displays Auto.

SECTION THREE: Setting up the radar
Page 16 R2D Radar Installation Manual, Rev. A
Recalibrate mode
The system is shipped from the factory with its tuning fully calibrated for optimum operation.
northstar strongly advises that this calibration not be changed, unless the transmitter/receiver
module has been replaced, or if the automatic tuning is otherwise badly misadjusted. Tuning can be
recalibrated if necessary by pressing Recalibrate on the tuning screen. This operation is fully
automatic, but it requires up to 15 minutes. Do not change the display while recalibration is in
progress.
Setting the Trigger Delay
There are two methods that can be used to set the Trigger Delay. The two methods should produce
very similar settings. The installer may use either or both methods. Method One is the easier method
to perform; Method Two may produce more accurate results.
The procedure should be performed after the factory settings have been restored as described above,
or by manually turning off the Interference Rejection, Trails and Expand functions.
Method 1:
This method should be used while the vessel is in open water with few or no nearby echoes.
First, we need to set the rain clutter and sea clutter to 0 and the gain to 50.
1. From the main radar screen, press Page 2.
2. Press the zoom IN key several times to zoom in to the most magnified image (1/8 nm).
3. If necessary, press Mode to make it read Manual.
4. Press Rain Cutter to activate the control.
5. Press the “0” key on the keypad to set the rain clutter value to zero.
6. Press Sea Clutter.
7. Press the “0” key on the keypad three times to set the sea clutter to zero.
8. Press Gain to activate the control.
9. Press “1,” “5” and “0” on the keypad to set the gain to 150.
The screen will display a green ring with black center (assuming you are using the standard green
screen colors).
If this gain setting does not display the green ring on the screen, try other gain settings until the
green ring is displayed clearly. Using too high a gain setting may saturate the image.
10. Press Page 3, Page 4, and Install... .
11. Press Trigger Delay. Set the trigger delay to zero by pressing “000” on the keypad.
12. Increase the trigger delay by pressing the Cursor Pad to the right (or enter a larger number
on the keypad). The black circle will shrink as you increase the trigger delay. Set the trigger
delay so that the black center just disappears, with a one or two dots remaining in the very
center of the screen.
Method 2:
The vessel should be located 50 to 100 yards from a straight jetty or other landmark that should
produce a straight-line echo on the screen.
1. Adjust the gain to obtain a reasonably good image of the jetty echo.