5
Reference Manual
The NS3300 Pilot is a superior quality, high
performance autopilot display head. The Northstar
autopilot system has the flexibility to be used with
power or sail boats.
The NS3300 Pilot has dedicated performance keys
and a large 3.8” Color TFT display. This provides the
user with exceptionally easy to use controls.
The NS3300 Pilot is part of the Northstar family of
instruments for boats, which includes instruments for
speed, depth, wind and repeaters. These instruments
can be connected together to form an integrated
data system for a boat. The autopilot’s performance
is enhanced if it is connected to a boat speed
instrument such as a Northstar MULTI 3100 or a
GPS instrument.
1 Introduction
STBY
HSTR
Northstar NS3300 Pilot
Using this manual
This manual describes how to operate the NS3300
Pilot. Refer to the separate NS3300 Pilot Installation
Manual for information on how to install and setup
the NS3300 Pilot before use.
For maximum benefit, please read this manual
carefully before using the NS3300 Pilot.
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the parts of the NS3300 Pilot with a damp cloth
or mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners, petrol or
other solvents. Do not paint any part of the NS3300
Pilot except for the cables.
1-1-1 Operating modes
The autopilot has three operating modes (see
sections 3-5 and 3-6):
STANDBY:
The autopilot
does not
steer the boat
(except during jog steer). The
helmsman
steers the
boat with the manual helm.
AUTO:
The autopilot steers the boat automatically
based on selected Steering Mode and course.
Do not
steer the boat manually.
HAND - STEER:
The autopilot does not steer the
boat, but displays steering information for you to use
to manually steer a course. Steer manually using the
displayed steering data.
1-1 Autopilot
Modes
1-1-2 Steering modes
The autopilot has three steering modes
(see section 3-7):
Compass:
The boat sails at a set compass heading.
The boat sails to a destination along a preset route.
GPS:
This mode requires a GPS instrument, such as a
Northstar chart-plotter to be connected via NMEA.
WIND:
The boat sails at a set angle to the wind.
This mode requires a wind instrument, to be
connected via NavBus or NMEA.