Simrad GN33 User manual

M A N U A L
Simrad GN33
GPS Navigator
183-2700-702 English
02501.27
Note!
Insert or remove C-MAP cartridges ONLY through CHART menu or when
unit is off. All electronic navigation equipment is subject to external factors
beyond the control of the manufacturer. Therefore such equipment must be
regarded as an aid to navigation. The prudent navigator will, for that reason,
never rely on a single source for position fixing and navigation.

MOB ‘MAN OVERBOARD’ function
MOB
In case someone falls overboard, press the [MOB] key and hold for 2
seconds (or activate an external MOB switch - hold for 5 seconds).
CLR
Press [CLR] to confirm and reset the alarm if activated by mistake.
ENT
Press [ENT] to make all relevant data available for an efficient
rescue operation:
MOB Page 1: The Chart 1 display will provide a graphical impres-
sion of a man floating in the water at the MOB position together
with a course line from actual position to the incident.
The data field (if activated) will provide information of: current
speed, course, bearing, distance to MOB position, and current depth.
PAGE
MOB Page 2: The Chart 2 display will appear with the same type of
information as MOB Page 1.
PAGE
MOB Page 3: Data display will provide information of: Course,
Bearing and Distance to MOB position, time elapsed since the
incident occured - first in seconds and then in minutes - if “*” is
shown instead of numbers of minutes, means that the elapsed time
has exceeded 9999 minutes. The two lines after the TIME shows the
MOB position in Lat/Long.
PAGE
MOB Page 4: Data display will provide information of: Date, time
and position of MOB incident.
PAGE
Toggle between the four pages:
To turn MOB navigation off (two ways):
Either press [GOTO], [3] or... press [MENU, [4], [2].
To recall last MOB position, see section 8.2.

GN33 GPS Navigator Table of contents
MOB ‘MAN OVERBOARD’ function ............................. back of front cover
Chapter 1 Introduction and safety summary
1.1 Introduction and system familiarization ...................................... 1-1
1.2 Safety summary ........................................................................... 1-2
1.3 How to get started ........................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Dedicated function keys ............................................................... 1-3
1.3.2 Chart and chart functions............................................................. 1-4
Chapter 2 Fundamentals and initial startup
2.1 Fundamentals of the display and page system ............................. 2-1
2.2 Key functions ............................................................................... 2-3
2.3 Menu bar....................................................................................... 2-4
2.4 Menu layout .................................................................................. 2-5
2.5 Choice of symbols ........................................................................ 2-7
2.6 Naming of routes, points etc......................................................... 2-7
2.7 Initial start-up............................................................................... 2-7
2.8 Turn power off.............................................................................. 2-8
Chapter 3 Chart menu and INFO windows
3. Chart menu ................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Charts ........................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1 Data field in chart......................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2 Ship symbol.................................................................................. 3-2
3.1.3 Cursor function ............................................................................ 3-3
3.1.4 Range or zoom function ............................................................... 3-3
3.2 C-MAP cartridge.......................................................................... 3-5
3.3 INFO windows ............................................................................. 3-7
3.3.1 Cursor inactive ............................................................................. 3-7
3.3.2 Cursor active but not placed on any object or data ...................... 3-8
3.3.3 Cursor placed on waypoint........................................................... 3-9
3.3.4 Cursor placed on route leg or line section.................................. 3-10
3.3.5 Cursor placed on routepoint or linepoint ....................................3-11
3.3.6 Cursor placed on trackpoint ....................................................... 3-12
3.3.7 Cursor placed on target .............................................................. 3-13
3.3.8 GOTO function ...........................................................................3-14
3.3.9 PLOT function............................................................................ 3-15
3.4 Chart setup ..................................................................................3-17

Table of contents GN33 GPS Navigator
Chapter 4 Position menu
4. Position menu ............................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Position display............................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Dual speed display (trawling speed display) ................................ 4-5
4.3 Speed, course & depth .................................................................4-6
4.4 Speed diagram.............................................................................. 4-7
4.5 Satellite status............................................................................... 4-9
4.6 DGPS information.......................................................................4-11
4.7 SDGPS information.................................................................... 4-13
4.7.1 Satellites in SDGPS system........................................................ 4-15
Chapter 5 Waypoint / route menu
5. Waypoint / route menu ................................................................. 5-1
5.1 Waypoints stored in the memory ................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Delete waypoints via menu .......................................................... 5-2
5.2 Routes stored in the memory........................................................ 5-3
5.2.1 Delete route via menu...................................................................5-6
5.2.2 Make new route from WP list ......................................................5-6
5.3 Route calculation .......................................................................... 5-8
5.4 Lines stored in the memory.......................................................... 5-9
5.4.1 Delete lines via menu ................................................................. 5-10
5.5 Start / stop track ..........................................................................5-11
5.6 Tracks stored in the memory...................................................... 5-12
5.6.1 Delete tracks via menu ............................................................... 5-13
5.7 Targets stored in the memory......................................................5-14
5.7.1 Delete target via menu................................................................ 5-15
Chapter 6 Pilot menu & navigation examples
6. Pilot menu - with NAV inactive ................................................... 6-1
6.1 Highway display ........................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Pilot menu - with NAV active....................................................... 6-3
6.2.1 Highway display ...........................................................................6-4
6.2.2 Navigation setup........................................................................... 6-5
6.2.3 Pilot mode - Turn NAV off........................................................... 6-5
6.2.4 Pilot mode - Waypoint advance.................................................... 6-5
6.2.5 Pilot mode - Restart to approaching point ................................... 6-5
6.2.6 Pilot mode - ETA & AVN ............................................................ 6-5
6.2.7 Pilot mode - Trim & highway ...................................................... 6-7
6.2.8 Pilot mode - Set & drift................................................................6-8
6.3 Anchor guard................................................................................ 6-9
6.4 MOB alarm and navigation .......................................................... 6-9
6.5 Navigation examples .................................................................. 6-10

GN33 GPS Navigator Table of contents
6.5.1 Chart / cursor navigation............................................................ 6-10
6.5.2 Waypoint navigation................................................................... 6-11
6.5.3 Route navigation......................................................................... 6-13
6.5.4 Track navigation ......................................................................... 6-15
Chapter 7 Echo menu
7. Echo menu .................................................................................... 7-1
7.1 Depth & temperature diagram ..................................................... 7-1
Chapter 8 Miscellaneous menu
8. Miscellaneous menu ..................................................................... 8-1
8.1 Wind display................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 MOB position ............................................................................... 8-3
8.3 DSC alarm (feature prepared for future DSC VHF).................... 8-3
8.4 Data transfer via DataCard...........................................................8-4
8.5 Data transfer via NMEA connection ...........................................8-6
Chapter 9 Setup menu
9. Setup menu ................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Speed alarm, units & language .................................................... 9-1
9.2 Interface setup, NMEA ................................................................9-4
9.2.1 Default sentences.......................................................................... 9-5
9.2.2 Description of sentences............................................................... 9-6
9.3 Interface setup, alarm output........................................................ 9-8
9.4 Decca lanes................................................................................... 9-9
9.5 Loran C....................................................................................... 9-10
9.6 Display color................................................................................9-11
9.7 Factory settings .......................................................................... 9-13
Chapter 10 Installation and service
10. Installation and service .............................................................. 10-1
10.1 Installation notes ........................................................................ 10-1
10.2 Installation of GN33 GPS Navigator .......................................... 10-3
10.3 Location for display unit ............................................................ 10-4
10.4 Installation of antenna................................................................ 10-5
10.5 Electrical connections ................................................................ 10-6
10.5.1 Power supply connections .......................................................... 10-7
10.5.2 Fuse............................................................................................. 10-7
10.5.3 NMEA0183 interface connection............................................... 10-7
10.5.4 Data transfer via NMEA connection ......................................... 10-7

Table of contents GN33 GPS Navigator
10.5.5 External alarm and log connections........................................... 10-7
10.6 Optional connections.................................................................. 10-8
10.6.1 External alarm, function switch and data transfer..................... 10-8
10.6.2 Data transfer between two GN33 units ...................................... 10-9
10.6.3 External alarm and log connections..........................................10-10
10.6.4 Overview of various optional connections................................10-11
10.7 Preventive maintenance.............................................................10-11
10.8 Repair and service.....................................................................10-11
10.9 Troubleshooting.........................................................................10-12
10.10 Specifications ............................................................................10-13
Appendix A Glossary of terms...................................................................A-1
Appendix B List of datum ..........................................................................B-1
Appendix C C-MAP attributes...................................................................C-1
Index
Wheelmark certificate
International warranty
List of Simrad distributors

GN33 Introduction and safety summary Chapter 1-1
1.1 Introduction and system familiarization
Congratulations on your purchase of SIMRAD GN33 GPS Navigator - a
combination of the latest GPS and SDGPS receiver technology and optional
built-in differential receiver for accurate positioning, plus: detailed cartog-
raphy - all in a unique slim-line design with a bright 6” TFT color or mono-
chrome display.
The GN33 chart system includes a built-in world chart for rough planning
and overview. The choice of chart system best suitable for the GN33 was
carefully singled out to be the C-MAP NT+ mini cards. The optional C-MAP
charts are available world-wide at your local Simrad dealer.
The Global Positioning System is at this time and age the most common
system used for navigation and positioning all over the world. Not only for
maritime use, but also for land-based applications and aviation. The satellite-
based system has been developed and is operated by the US Department of
Defense in order to provide an accurate and reliable service, which include a
24-hour global coverage.
The GPS system consists of approx. 24 satellites which orbit around the Earth
at an altitude of approx. 20,200 km.
The satellites transmit perfectly synchronized data. However, depending on
the position, the signals will reach the receiver at a slightly different time. By
adding the measured time difference to the known position of the satellites it is
possible to calculate the ship’s position to within a few meters.
How to use this manual?
It is a good idea if you make yourself familiar with the key functions, menu
structure and rotation of pages (screens) described in chapter 2 before you
start out, and then proceed with section 2.7 Initial start-up. For quick location
of a certain term, please check the “Glossary of terms” and the “Index” at the
back of the manual. Also, “How to get started” further on in this chapter will
give you a quick introduction to some of the features you have access to in
your new navigator and chartplotter.
The display examples shown in this manual are not always an exact copy of
what you will see on the screen, as the presentation depends on your system
configuration and choices of setup. If your GN33 is the monochrome version,
the color features described in this manual will appear in black, white, and
grey scales.

Chapter 1-2 GN33 Introduction and safety summary
How to interpret special marked key symbols etc. in the manual:
+/-
Either the + (plus) or - (minus) key may be applied.
0-9
Alpha-numeric keys for insertion of figures.
A-Z
Alpha-numeric keys for insertion of letters.
Emphasizes important points.
1,3
Indicates that you should press the keys [1] and [3] to obtain what is
written in italic next to the key.
1.2 Safety summary
Precaution: Do not open the equipment, only qualified persons should work
inside the equipment. If the glass in the screen breaks, be carefull not to get
cut on the sharp edges of the glass pieces.
The lifetime of the internal battery is minimum 5 years. If not exchanged
before it goes flat, all data in the unit’s memory will be lost. We strongly
recommend that you bring in the GN33 unit to a Simrad workshop for a new
battery max. 5 years from date of purchase.
Power source, fuse and power cable: Check that the DC power supplied to
the unit is within the range of 10 to 32 volts. Note that the appropriate fuse
must be employed (see the fuse rating in section 10.10 Specifications). Ensure
that the power cord is firmly attached.
Grounding: To reduce electrical interference and risk of electrical shock,
properly ground the unit to the ship’s ground using the ground screw at the
rear of the unit. Good grounding should also be exercised for equipment con-
nected to the GN33.
Cleaning:
Do not use any kind of strong solvents e.g. spirit, alcohol, gasoline or oils.
1.3 How to get started
PWR
Press and hold the [PWR] key until you have a picture on the screen
ENT
Press the [ENT] key to accept warning when the system is ready
Your present position will automatically be updated within a few minutes.

GN33 Introduction and safety summary Chapter 1-3
When ready, the ship symbol on the chart will flash and the *** will be
replaced by actual course and speed figures.
1.3.1 Dedicated function keys
Press the [CHART] key to toggle between:
CHART
 
2 sec.
Chart 2 Chart 2 + data field Chart 1
The [ECHO] key is a shortcut to:
ECHO
Depth & temperature diagram
Press the [PILOT] key to toggle between:
PILOT
  
Position Highway ETA & AVN

Trim & highway
PAGE
Press the [PAGE] key to toggle between four user-selectable pages.

Chapter 1-4 GN33 Introduction and safety summary
1.3.2 Chart and chart functions
CHART
Press the [CHART] key to call Chart 1 and toggle data field on/off
- see chart examples in section 1.3.1.
C-MAP cartridges (standby)
Press [MENU], [1], [3] whenever inserting or removing a C-MAP card.
Select and adjust chart range
Press one of the numeric keys 1 - 9 to select a range (and chart level).
Key 9will select the largest range and key 1the smallest. Use the +/- keys to
adjust range in smaller steps.
Cursor and info windows
Press the cursor key to activate the cross hair cursor on the chart. Place the
cursor on a C-MAP object e.g. a buoy or light to call up a small data window
with details on the object. The data window will stay on screen for about 10
seconds or till cursor is moved. Press [ENT], [2] to access further details on
C-MAP objects or user data i.e. waypoints, routes, etc.
Press [CLR] to switch off cursor function. The ship symbol will now automat-
ically ‘home’ and stay on screen.
Find nearest tide station and port services
1. Press cursor key (to activate)
2. Press [ENT], [3]
3. Move cursor up/down to select e.g. the Port/Marina symbol
4. Locate alternative port with the +/- keys, and press [ENT]
5. Press [ENT], [2] for more details on the facilities at the selected port.
Navigate to cursor (point and go)
1. Move the cursor to where you wish to go (first point)
2. Press [GOTO]
3. Press [1] to start navigation.
You can now move the cursor to the next point and when ready to change leg,
just press [GOTO], [2].

GN33 Introduction and safety summary Chapter 1-5
How to plot or insert waypoints and marks
• With cursor OFF (press [CLR])
Press [PLOT] and choose from:
[PLOT] Plot ship’s position as an eventmark.
[2] You can insert new lat/lon figures and change the symbol’s size, type
and color/grey scale.
[6] Plot ship’s position as target.
• With cursor activated on the chart you also have access to:
[1] Plot waypoint - cursor position.
[3] Insert waypoint - cursor positon. You can now insert a name and
depth value. Key in a position in figures, change the symbol’s size,
type and color/grey scale.
[6] Plot cursor position as target.
How to make a route on the chart
1. Place the cursor on the position for the first routepoint.
2. Press [PLOT], [4]: Make route.
3. Move cursor to next destination and press [PLOT] - (repeat).
4. Press [ENT] when ready to save the route. You can enter a new name for the
route, change type and color/grey scale for the course line.
5. Press [ENT] to accept and save the route.
How to make a route from existing waypoints stored in the WP list
1. Press [MENU], [3], [2] to call up the route list.
2. Press [CLR] Make new route from WP list.
3. Move cursor up/down to select the WP position for the first routepoint, and
press [PLOT].
4. Repeat point 3 to add new WP positions to the route (the last routepoint in
the right column is always empty, allowing that a new final routepoint can
be added later on).
5. When the route is completed, press [ENT] to accept and go to Edit route.
6. In the Edit route display, you can give the route a new name, change type
and color/grey scale for the course line, etc.
7. Press [ENT] to accept changes and save the route.
8. Press [MENU] to go to the route list, which will provide an overall view of
the total of routes stored in the GN33.

Chapter 1-6 GN33 Introduction and safety summary
How to edit a route - rubberbanding
• To move a point:
1. Place cursor on the point you wish to move.
2. Press [ENT], [1], [2].
3. Move cursor to new location.
4. Press [ENT] to complete.
• To insert a new point:
1. Place cursor on the leg where the new point is to be inserted.
2. Press [ENT], [1], [2].
3. Move cursor to where the new routepoint is to be placed.
4. Press [ENT] to complete.
How to start waypoint navigation (two ways)
• Place cursor on the symbol of the WP you wish to go to:
1. Press [GOTO], [2].
2. Press [ENT] to start navigation.
• Without placing cursor on the symbol of the WP you wish to go to:
1. Press [GOTO], [2].
2. Use the +/- keys to select the WP you wish to go to.
3. Press [ENT] to start navigation.
How to start route navigation (two ways)
• Place cursor on the routepoint you wish to go to first:
1. Press [GOTO], [3].
2. Select direction in route: Forward or Reverse.
3. Press [ENT] to start navigation.
• Without placing cursor on the routepoint you wish to go to first:
1. Press [GOTO], [3].
2. Use the +/- keys to select the name of the route.
3. Use the cursor to go to routepoint number, and select which one you wish to
go to first by means of the +/- keys.
4. Select direction in route: Forward or Reverse.
5. Press [ENT] to start navigation.

GN33 Introduction and safety summary Chapter 1-7
Advance or stop navigation
• Press [GOTO], [1] to advance to next point in the route.
• Press [GOTO], [3] to stop navigation.
Start and stop track
1. Press [MENU], [3], [5].
2. Before tracking is started, you can give the track a new name, make
changes to track interval, track line type and color/grey scale.
3. Press [ENT] to start track.
4. When you wish to stop tracking, press [MENU], [3], [6], [ENT].

Chapter 1-8 GN33 Introduction and safety summary

GN33 Fundamentals & initial start-up Chapter 2-1
2.1 Fundamentals of the display and page system
The GN33 Navigator has a multi-function screen and data presenta-
tion system with full screen or a split screen with chart and data.
Full screen. Split screen.
There are four preset pages which
can be set up to the presentation you
prefer - see next page.

Chapter 2-2 GN33 Fundamentals & initial start-up
Toggle between the four pre-set pages manually:
PAGE
Press the [PAGE] key - again and again - to toggle between the 4
pre-set pages, which as default are: Chart 1 with info field, Position,
Highway, and Speed diagram displays.
The pre-set pages can also be toggled from an external switch - refer
to section 10.7 Optional connections.
Toggle between the four pre-set pages automatically:
PAGE
Hold the [PAGE] key depressed for two seconds to start a rotation
of the 4 pages in intervals of 5 seconds - this interval can be
changed, refer to section 9.1. Press [PAGE] again to return to normal
operation.
Example of how to change a pre-set page:
For instance, if you are in the process of making a track, you may
want to exchange the Highway display with the Tracking display.
PAGE
Press the [PAGE] key until the Highway display appears
MENU
Call up the menu bar, and...
3,7
then call up the Tracking display
 The same display can be selected for view in more than one page
if it is selected via the menu. The hotkeys: [CHART], [ECHO] and
[PILOT] will jump to the page with the desired display - if it’s there,
and if it’s not: it will be exchanged with the display in the active
page.

GN33 Fundamentals & initial start-up Chapter 2-3
2.2 Key functions
Some of the key functions are general and can be applied at any
time, other key functions are related to a certain menu(s) and can
only be applied when in the appropriate menu.
CHART
Hotkey to Chart 1 display. Toggles between chart display and split
screen with chart and data. Hold for 2 seconds to change to Chart 2.
ECHO
Hotkey to Depth & temperature display.
PILOT
Hotkey to Position display. Toggles between Position, Highway, ETA
& AVN, Trim & highway displays.
PAGE
Toggles between four pre-selected pages (screens). Hold 2 seconds
for automatic rotation of the four pre-selected pages. A new, single
press will resume normal operation.
MENU
Turns the menu bar on/off. Exits any data display without taking
any action.
ENT
Opens for/confirms insertion and editing of data. Calls up informa-
tion on marks, waypoints, etc. on chart together with several INFO
windows from a chart display. Gives access to setup displays.
Moves cursor in data displays and charts + activates cursor on chart.
Moves left/right/up/down in the menu system.
MOB
Hold 2 seconds to activate the MOB - “Man overboard” function,
which starts a track and provides guidance back to the MOB posi-
tion.
GOTO
Activates INFO window with choice of navigation modes.
PLOT
From chart display: activates INFO window with the possibility of
plotting/inserting a waypoint, route, line etc., or the ship’s position
from any display.
+/-
+ (plus) zooms out for better overview (larger range) / - (minus)
zooms in for greater chart details (smaller range). + and - also tog-
gles between available values.

Chapter 2-4 GN33 Fundamentals & initial start-up
0-9
The alpha-numeric keys inserts and selects data in data displays.
Keys 1-9 are also Quick-range keys, which each represent a fixed
chart range. Key 0 will center the cursor/ship on the chart.
CLR
Turns cursor off (and centers ship) on chart display. Deletes data in
enter or edit mode.
PWR
Calls up a window where you can adjust the brightness (and contrast
in monochrome version) in the screen, background light in keypad,
and select Daylight displays, Night display or custom made display
palettes. Hold 2 seconds to turn the power off.
2.3 Menu bar
MENU
Toggles the menu bar on/off
To fit the complete menu bar across the screen, some of the menus
have been abbreviated. However, the last selected menu will be high-
lighted, and if it’s an abbreviation of the menu, then the complete
menu title is written above the menu bar.
PILOT
1
CHART
2
POS
3
WP/RTE
4
PILOT
5
ECHO
6
MISC
7
SETUP
1
Highway
2
Waypoint navigation, etc.
Having selected e.g. 4:PILOT from the menu bar, its associated
menus will drop down. Key in the number next to the function you
wish to call forward, or use the cursor key to highlight the function
and press [ENT].
If you want to switch to a different menu, use the cursor key left/
right to move to the adjacent menu.
Most functions in the menus are general, and can be called forward
at any time. Inactive functions in the menu e.g. the waypoint or route
list when empty, will have a different color / grey scale from the rest
of the functions.

GN33 Fundamentals & initial start-up Chapter 2-5
The menu bar will disappear from the screen at the selection of a
function, or by pressing the [MENU] key. Besides, if not used, it
automatically turns off after 30 seconds.
2.4 Menu layout
1
CHART
2
POS
3
WP/RTE
1
Chart 1 1:26400000
1
Position
1
WP list
2
Chart 2 1:6600000
2
Dual speed
2
Routes
3
C-MAP cartridge
3
Speed, course & depth
3
Route calculation
4
Speed diagram
4
Lines
5
Satellites
5
Start track
6
DGPS
6
Stop track
7
SDGPS
7
Tracks
8
Targets
4
PILOT
5
ECHO
6
MISC
1
Highway
1
Depth & temperature diagram
1
Wind
2
Waypoint navigation
2
MOB position
3
Route navigation
3
DSC alarm
4
Track navigation
4
Data transfer
5
Anchor guard
6
Trim & highway
7
Set & drift
The PILOT menu is dynamic and will adapt to the function which is
currently active - see next page.

Chapter 2-6 GN33 Fundamentals & initial start-up
4
PILOT
When this PILOT menu appears, then
one of the Navigation modes is active.
1
Highway
2
Turn NAV off
3
WP advance
4
Restart to approaching point
5
ETA & AVN
6
Trim & highway
7
Set & drift
7
SETUP When selecting a sub-menu in the
SETUP menu, the display will always
appear in a pop-up window, so once
you have accepted the changes / or
decide to just exit the display, then the
display will disappear from the screen.
It will not stay on as part of the page
system, as you have no use for this
type of display in the page system.
1
Speed alarm, units & language
2
NMEA interface
3
Alarm output
4
Decca lanes
5
Loran C
6
Display color
7
Factory settings