Seastar Solutions SeaStation Manual

GPS Anchor Positioning System
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND USER’S MANUAL
Before you do it your way,
please try it our way
www.seastarsolutions.com
66
SIXTY SIX
ISO 9001

All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based
on the latest information available at the time of publishing. The
illustrationsusedinthismanualareintendedasrepresentativereference
views only. Moreover, because of our continuous product improvement
policy, we may modify information, illustrations and/or specifications to
explain and/or exemplify a product, service or maintenance
improvement. We reserve the right to make any change at any time
without notice.
©2016 SeaStar Solutions.
All Rights Reserved. This document, subject matter and all information
herein is the sole, exclusive and confidential property of SeaStar
Solutions and shall not be disclosed, copied, reproduced or used in
whole or in part for any purpose other than as specifically authorized in
writing by Marine Canada Acquisition (DBA SEASTAR SOLUTIONS).
is a registered trademark of the American Boat &
Yacht Council (http://www.abycinc.org)
NMEA2000®isaregisteredtrademarkoftheNationalMarineElectronics
Association.
Optimus, Optimus EPS, Optimus 360, SeaStar, and BayStar are all
trademarks of SeaStar Solutions.
California
Proposition 65 Warning
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
state of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C i
This manual serves as both an installation and user’s manual for Optimus
SeaStation. It contains the information you need to install and safely
operate SeaStation. It must remain on the boat.
Thank you for choosing OptimusTM SeaStation by SeaStar Solutions.
SeaStation is an automatic vessel positioning system that will ease and
improve your boating experience.
About this Book
Notice to the Installer & Operator/User
IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH, IF NOT ACTED UPON, WILL RESULT
IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
DANGER
HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH, IF NOT ACTED UPON,
COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING
Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor injury or
product or property damage.
CAUTION
Information which is important to proper use or maintenance, but is
not hazard-related.
NOTICE
Throughout this publication, Dangers, Warnings and Cautions
(accompanied by the International Hazard Symbol ) are used
to alert the user to special instructions concerning a particular
service or operation that may be hazardous if ignored or performed
incorrectly or carelessly. Observe them carefully!
These safety alerts alone cannot eliminate the hazards that they
signal. Strict compliance with these special instructions during
installation, operation, and maintenance, plus common sense
operation, are important measures to prevent accidents.
Failure to adhere to these notices may lead to propeller injuries
causing severe bodily injury and/or death.

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
ii
ABYC American Boat & Yacht Council
CAN Controller Area Network
EPS Electronic Power Steering
GPS Global Positioning System
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
NMEA 2000®A protocol for digital communication on a CAN Bus
PCM Pump Control Module
RPM Revolutions Per Minute
SBAS Satellite-Based Augmentation System
STBD Starboard (right)
Note: Some abbreviations not listed here may be found in their
respective sections.
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations are used in this manual:

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C iii
INDEX
Abbreviations ..................................................................... ii
1.0 Safety Information........................................................... 1-1
1.1 Safety Labels............................................................ 1-3
2.0 Installation ..................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Overview................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Before You Begin....................................................... 2-1
2.3 Contents................................................................... 2-1
2.4 Installing the GPS...................................................... 2-2
2.4.1 Mounting Location ............................................ 2-2
2.4.2 Mounting Alignment .......................................... 2-3
2.5 Mounting Options ...................................................... 2-4
2.5.1 Mounting Options ............................................. 2-4
2.5.2 Cable Considerations........................................ 2-5
2.5.3 Flush Mount..................................................... 2-6
2.5.4 Pole Mount ...................................................... 2-7
2.6 Electrical Connection ................................................. 2-9
2.7 Enabling SeaStation .................................................. 2-9
2.8 Commissioning ....................................................... 2-11
2.8.1 Tuning ........................................................... 2-11
2.8.2 Settings......................................................... 2-12
2.8.3 Sea Trial ........................................................ 2-12
2.9 Troubleshooting Guide ............................................. 2-15
3.0 User................................................................................ 3-1
3.1 Overview................................................................... 3-1
3.2 SeaStation Operation ................................................ 3-1
3.2.1 SeaStation Modes............................................ 3-1
3.2.2 How to Engage and Disengage SeaStation ......... 3-2
3.2.3 Standby Mode.................................................. 3-3
3.2.4 Heading Bump................................................. 3-4
3.3 Station Transfer ....................................................... 3-4
3.4 SeaStation Tips........................................................ 3-5
3.5 SeaStation Faults..................................................... 3-5
3.5.1 Drift Faults...................................................... 3-5
3.5.2 GPS-Compass Faults ....................................... 3-6
3.6 Maintenance and Replacement Parts.......................... 3-7
3.6.1 Owner(s) (End Users)......................................... 3-7
3.6.2 Qualified Marine Mechanic ................................ 3-7
3.6.3 Replacement Parts ........................................... 3 -7
4.0 Warranty......................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Statement of Limited Warranty ................................... 4-1
4.2 Return Goods Procedure ............................................ 4-1

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© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C 1-1
1.0 SAFETY INFORMATION
THE SAFETY INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW IS INTENDED TO
INFORM YOU OF THE DANGERS THAT MAY BE PRESENT BEFORE,
DURING AND AFTER USE. IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU READ AND
UNDERSTAND ALL THE POINTS NOTED.
Safe operation of the SeaStation system depends upon proper
installation and maintenance of the system, and the common sense,
safe judgment, knowledge, and expertise of the operator. Every installer
and operator of SeaStation should know the following requirements
before installing or operating.
If you have any questions regarding any of these warnings, contact
SeaStar Solutions.
DO NOT OPERATE BOAT IF ANY COMPONENT IS NOT IN PROPER
WORKING CONDITION.
Prior to every use
To reduce the risk of severe injury or death:
1. Always wear a Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device
(PFD) and use an engine shut-off cord (lanyard).
2. Engaging SeaStation causes propellers to turn automatically. This
could injure someone in the water. It is the operator’s responsibility
to make sure no one is in the water or enters the water. If someone
enters the water, pull all engine lanyard(s).
3. Read and understand this User’s manual and the Quick Reference
Card provided with your vessel control components.
4.
SeaStar and Optimus components are highly engineered and safety
tested to ensure system integrity. DO NOT substitute any component.
Substitution with non-SeaStar or non-Optimus components may
compromise system safety, performance, and reliability.
WARNING
WARNING THE OPTIMUS SEASTATION SYSTEM MUST ONLY BE INSTALLED
BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR BOAT BUILDER.
WARNING
Perform a system inspection as outlined below. Refer to Section 9.1
in the Optimus EPS Installation Manual (Book 50) for further details.
1. Check steering fluid level in all steering pumps.
2. Verify immediate steering response when turning steering wheel(s).
3. Inspect all steering hoses, fittings, mechanical cables, and
electrical harnesses for wear, kinks, or leaks.
4. Check for binding, loose, worn or leaking steering or shift/throttle
control components.
5. Verify proper shift and throttle response for all control handles.
6. Take control with the joystick and verify that steering, shift and
throttle respond to joystick movement.
7. Verify that no alarms or warnings are shown on the CANtrak display.

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
1-2
Rinse off the SmartCylinders thoroughly, using only fresh, clean water.
(Outboard-powered vessels only.)
DO NOT rinse the PCM, pumps, actuators, or any other component of the
Optimus system.
DO NOTuseacetone,orcleaners containingammonia, acids,or any other
corrosive ingredients on any Optimus components.
Refer to your Optimus 360 manual for maintenance instructions.
Keep our waters clean for all current and future users. Dispose of
all fluids in accordance with your local regulations.
After use
Maintenance
1. WEAR A COAST GUARD-APPROVED PERSONAL FLOTATION
DEVICE (PFD).
2. Attach engine shut-off cord (lanyard) to your PFD.
3. Never allow anyone not familiar with the operation of the vessel
control system to operate the boat at ANY time.
4. Know and adhere to all applicable federal, state, and municipal
laws and regulations that govern boating in your area.
DO NOT OPERATE BOAT IF ANY COMPONENT IS NOT IN PROPER
WORKING CONDITION.
DO NOT OPERATE THE VESSEL WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING CANTRAK
DISPL AY.
During use
1.0 Safety information (continued)
WARNING
WARNING

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C 1-3
Figure 1-2. Example of decal placement on vessel.
1.1 Safety Labels
FAILURE TO INSTALL DECALS
AT ALL BOARDING POINTS MAY
LEAD TO PROPELLER INJURIES
CAUSING SEVERE BODILY
INJURY AND/OR DEATH.
WARNING
DECAL AREA
DECAL AREA
Figure 1-1. Decal PID# 929500.
This kit contains three copies of a decal alerting swimmers that this
boat is equipped with an automatic boat positioning system and that
propellers will turn without warning. A decal must be placed in a
clearly visible area at EVERY boarding access point to the vessel.
This includes the transom swim-grid as well as any side doors or
alternative boarding points.
If you have any questions or if you require additional decals, please
contact SeaStar Solutions Technical Support by:
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Web: www.seastarsolutions.com
IF A DECAL IS MISSING OR
BECOMES ILLEGIBLE, IT MUST
BE REPLACED BEFORE
ENGAGING SEASTATION.
CONTACT SEASTAR TECHNICAL
SUPPORT FOR MORE COPIES
FREE OF CHARGE.
WARNING

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
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© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C 2-1
2.0 INSTALLATION
SeaStationis anautomaticvesselpositioningsystem.SeaStation builds
off of an Optimus 360 system by adding a GPS and heading sensor. The
system uses position and heading data to automatically position the
vessel through shift, throttle, and rudder controls.
Once your Optimus 360 system is installed, adding SeaStation is simple:
1. Place warning decal(s)
2. Install the SeaStation Sensor
3. Route CAN2 cable from sensor to Optimus CAN2 backbone
4. Apply SeaStation license provided with kit (captured on back
cover of this booklet)
5. Tuning for best performance
2.2 Before You Begin
2.3 Contents
2.1 Over view
Before installing SeaStation:
1. Optimus 360 must be fully installed and commissioned.
2. All software must be up to date – See book 65 for instructions on
updating software.
1. 682175 - SeaStation Installation and Users Manual
2. 682176 - SeaStation Quick Reference Card
3. 929500 x 3 - SeaStation warning decal
4. CM10020 - 20’ CAN M/F drop cable
5. CM10001 - 1’ CAN M/F drop cable
6. CM10060 - Single port CAN tee
7. 214642 - SeaStation Sensor

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
2-2
2.4 Installing the GPS
Mounting Location
This section provides information on determining the best location
for the sensor.
GPS Reception
When considering where to mount the sensor, consider the following
GPS reception recommendations:
• Ensure there is a clear view of the sky available to the sensor so
the GPS and SBAS satellites are not masked by obstructions that
may reduce system performance.
• Mount the sensor as close to the center of the vessel as possible.
This includes both the fore-aft direction and the port-starboard
direction.
• Locate any transmitting antennas away from the sensor by at least
several feet to ensure tracking performance is not compromised,
giving you the best performance possible.
• Make sure there is enough cable length to tie into the Optimus
CAN2 backbone of the vessel.
• Do not locate the antenna where environmental conditions exceed
those specified in the table 2-1 Environmental Conditions below.
Environmental Considerations
The sensor is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions;
however, adhere to the following limits when storing and using the sensor:
VHF Interference
VHF interference from devices such as cellular phones and radio
transmitters may interfere with GPS operation. For example, if installing
the sensor near marine radios consider the following:
•
VHF radios can interfere with GPS signals.
• Follow VHF radio manufacturers’ recommendations on how to
mount their radios and what devices to keep a safe distance away.
Before installing the sensor use the following diagram to ensure
there are no nearby devices that may cause VHF interference.
2.4.1
The sensor should be mounted
as low as possible while still
maintaining good sky visibility.
This will reduce false movement
due to the boat rocking back
and forth.
NOTICE
Item Specification
Operating Temperature -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F)
Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
Humidity 100% non-condensing
Table 2-1. Environmental Conditions.

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C 2-3
Mounting Alignment
The SeaStation sensor should be mounted parallel to, and along the
centerline of, the axis of the boat. The bottom of the sensor has an
arrow - the arrow must point forward.
The top of the sensor enclosure incorporates sight design features
to help align the sensor with respect to a centered feature on your
vessel, such as the bow.
To use the sights, look through the medallion in the center of the
enclosure such that the sighting post is centered, as shown in figure
2-2. Adjust the sensor until the vessel’s centered feature is in line
with the medallion channel and the center post.
2.4.2
Figure 2-1. Sensor mounting distance from nearby VHF radios.
Figure 2-2. Long site alignment channel
USE THESE TWO
MINIMUM DISTANCES
TO DETERMINE WHERE
TO PLACE THE SENSOR
1.5m RADIUS AT TOP
(MINIMUM)
1.0m RADIUS AT TOP
(MINIMUM)
VHF
ANTENNA

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
2-4
2.5 Mounting Options
Mounting Options
This section provides information on determining the best location
for the SeaStation sensor.
The sensor allows for both pole or flush mounting. Follow directions
below for detailed mounting directions.
SeaStation Sensor Dimensions
Figure 2-3 and figure 2-4 illustrates the physical dimensions of
the sensor.
2.5.1
5”
2 7/8”
10 3/16”
1 3/4”
Ø1/4”
MOUNTING HOLE
2 PLACES
Figure 2-3. Sensor dimensions

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C 2-5
Cable Considerations
Before mounting the sensor, consider the following regarding
cable routing:
• Avoid running the cable in areas of excessive heat
• Keep cable away from corrosive chemicals
• Do not run the cable through door or window jams
• Keep cable away from rotating machinery
• Do not crimp or excessively bend the cable
• Avoid placing tension on the cable
• Remove unwanted slack from the cable at the sensor end
• Secure along the cable route using plastic tie wraps
2.5.2
5”
10 3/16”
5”
Figure 2-4 : SeaStation sensor dimensions with adapter
IMPROPERLY INSTALLED
CABLE NEAR MACHINERY
CAN BE DANGEROUS
WARNING

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
2-6
Flush Mount
The bottom of the SeaStation sensor contains two holes for flush
mounting the unit to a flat surface (figure 2-5). The flat surface may
be something you fabricate per your installation, an off-the-shelf item
(such as a radar mounting plate), or an existing surface on your vessel.
2.5.3
SeaStar Solutions does not
supply the mounting surface
hardware. You must supply the
appropriate fastening hardware
required to complete the
installation of the sensor.
NOTICE
Before flush mounting the sensor
• Choose a location that meets the mounting location requirements.
• Using the fixed base as a template, mark and drill the mounting
holes as necessary for the mounting surface.
Flush mounting the sensor
1. Mark the mounting hole centers and connector center on the
mounting surface.
2. Place the sensor over the marks to ensure the planned hole
centers align with the true hole centers (adjusting as necessary).
3. Use a center punch to mark the hole centers.
4. Drill the mounting holes to a diameter of 1/4” appropriate for
the surface.
5. Drill the connector hole to a diameter of 1-1/8” appropriate for
the surface.
6. Pull the cable through the center connector hole and attach the
cable directly to the sensor, ensuring the connector is fastened
securely to the unit.
7. Place the sensor over the mounting holes and insert the
mounting screws through the top of the sensor and through the
mounting surface.
8. Use two M6 washers and M6 nuts to secure the sensor to the
mounting plate (washers and nuts not included).
WHEN INSTALLING THE
SENSOR, HAND TIGHTEN
ONLY. DAMAGE RESULTING
FROM OVER-TIGHTENING
IS NOT COVERED BY THE
WARRANTY.
WARNING
Figure 2-5: Flush mounting with holes in the SeaStation sensor

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C 2-7
Pole Mount
Before pole mounting the sensor
• Choose a location that meets the mounting location requirements.
•
Mark and drill the mounting holes as necessary for the threaded pole.
2.5.4
Figure 2-6: Sensor, with adapter
Pole mounting instructions for sensor (Inside Pole)
Required tools: 5 mm Allen key for M6 screws and adjustable wrench
to tighten jam nut.
1. Insert mating cable through both the jam nut and 1” mounting
adapter base.
2. Place the jam nut on the pole followed by the 1” adapter base.
Hand tighten the base to the desired orientation.
3. Adjust the jam nut to secure the orientation.
4. Connect the mating end of the cable to the sensor connector
located on the bottom of the unit.
5. Insert the base adapter into sensor by placing the tongue of
the base into the groove of the sensor unit. When the tongue
is properly seated in the groove, the rest of the base can be
pressed into place to create a smooth seam between the base
and sensor unit.
6. Use 5 mm Allen key to fasten two M6 screws to secure sensor
onto adapter. Use 15 in-lb torque.
7. Insert each O-ring onto a plastic cap.
OVER-TIGHTENING MAY DAMAGE
THE SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT
COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
WARNING

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
2-8
Pole mounting instructions for sensor (Outside Pole)
Required tools: 5 mm Allen key for M6 screws and adjustable
wrench to tighten jam nut
1. Place the jam nut on the pole followed by the 1” adapter base.
Hand tighten the base to the desired orientation.
2. Adjust the jam nut to secure the orientation.
3. Run the cable throughout the vessel making sure to leave enough
slack to mate the CAN cable to both the Optimus CAN2 and the
sensor unit.
4. Run the CAN cable through the opening in the side of the pole
mounting adapter. And then connect the mating end of the cable
to the sensor connector located on the bottom of the unit.
5. Insert the base adapter into sensor by placing the tongue of
the base into the groove of the sensor unit. When the tongue
is properly seated in the groove, the rest of the base can be
pressed into place to create a smooth seam between the base
and sensor unit.
6. Use 5 mm Allen key to fasten two M6 screws to secure sensor
onto adapter. Use 15 in-lb torque.
7. Insert each O-ring onto a plastic cap.
8. Install plastic cap with O-ring onto sensor unit (rectangular notch
faced towards the outside).
9. Align and set the direction of sensor unit, while using the jam nut
to secure the unit (hand-tighten).
OVER-TIGHTENING MAY DAMAGE
THE SYSTEM. THIS IS NOT
COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
WARNING
8. Install plastic cap with O-ring onto sensor unit (rectangular notch
faced towards the outside).
9. Align and set the direction of sensor unit, while using the jam nut
to secure the unit (hand-tighten).

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C 2-9
The SeaStation sensor connects to the Optimus CAN 2 backbone.
The installation kit comes with a 20 foot CAN 2 cable, a 1 foot CAN
2 cable and a tee connector. If the CAN 2 hub in the Optimus 360
installation is full, remove the terminator and connect the 1 foot
CAN 2 cable in its place. Install the tee connector at the opposite
end of the 1 foot cable and reinstall the terminator on the tee. The
20 foot cable can now be routed from the tee connector up to the
SeaStation sensor.
If the 20 foot CAN 2 cable is not long enough to reach from the
CAN 2 hub to the SeaStation sensor, a longer cable (CM10030)
must be ordered separately. In this case the 30 foot cable must be
connected directly to the hub and the tee, and the terminator and
1 foot cable are connected at the SeaStation sensor end of the 30
foot cable.
2.6 Electrical Connection
2.7 Enabling SeaStation
SeaStation requires a license code that is specific to each installation.
A copy of the license is fixed to the back of your original manual as
well as to the bottom of your SeaStation sensor.
The license key must be entered in the CANtrak display to enable
SeaStation. Follow these steps:
1. Using the CANtrak, navigate to Dealer Menu > Initial Setup >
SeaStation > Enter New License Code.
Figure 2-7.

© 2016 SeaStar Solutions SeaStation Automatic Vessel Positioning System, Rev. C
2-10
Figure 2-9.
Figure 2-8.
2. Enter the license code (captured on back cover of this booklet).
3. Make sure the new license code is correct and press OK to confirm.
4. Check that the Sensor Status has changed to Licensed. If it has
not, retry entering the license code.