NorthStar 961, Reference Manual

Page: 46 / 404

Chapter 2 - Introducing the 961/962
Page 2-2 961/962 Operations and Reference Manual, Rev. A
System overview
This section summarizes ten of the major features: GPS; DGPS;
navigation; waypoints and routes; echo sounder; avoidance
points; the
CHART
screen; navigational chart CDs (the 961/
962 is compatible with HCRF charts—the format for ARCS
charts—as well as BSB-format charts); the TideTrack function;
and the display of currents.
GPS features
The following GPS features are offered:
• 12-channel GPS precision and dependability
• accurate position data—worldwide
• one-second update of position, speed, and heading
• data available in any weather—24 hours a day
DGPS features
(961XD/962XD
only)
For the best in GPS accuracy, the Northstar 961XD/962XD
features an internal, two-channel DGPS receiver that accepts
DGPS signal corrections from shore-based transmitters called
beacons. These transmitting beacons emit
radio signals, which
may be affected by lightning.
The 961XD/962XD uses these DGPS signal corrections to
display your position (a position fix), as accurately as one to
three meters.
The 961XD/962XD’s DGPS feature offers:
• a fully automatic DGPS beacon receiver
• accuracy of one to three meters (one meter equals slightly
more than one yard)
• continuous DGPS usage indicator on the
CHART
screen
• one-second update of DGPS information
For details about DGPS, see “Differential GPS corrections”
starting on page 2-13.
Navigation features
There are two separate, high-resolution, color chart views that
show:
• your vessel’s present position