NorthStar Navigation 10 kW - Manual (Page 38)

Prepare for calibration
Prepare for calibration as follows:
1. Press RADAR to display the radar screen on the 6000i or 6100i.
2. The unit may ask if you want to turn on the scanner. If it does, turn it on. You should see
range rings displayed on the screen or the scanner warm-up countdown followed by a
message saying "Radar is OFF". If nothing appears, the radar control box is not powered up
or not properly interfaced to the navigator. Check the power wiring, interface wiring, and
navigator communications configuration.
3. Press Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, then Restore... .
4. Press Restore factory settings. (A new Northstar 6000i or 6100i is shipped with
standard factory settings that are appropriate for basic operation.)
5. Press Return.
Tune the radar
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 the section on "Manual Tuning Mode".
Tune the radar so that the radar receiver frequency matches the transmitter frequency.
For normal operation of a Northstar radar, you're recommended to set the tuning mode to Auto.
To tune the unit manually see the section "Manual tuning procedure for the 6000i or 6100i system".
To check the tuning mode or change it to Auto:
1. Press RADAR to display the radar screen on the 6000i or 6100i.
2. Press Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, then Install... and then Tune... .
3. If necessary, press Tune mode repeatedly until it displays Auto.
Set the STC Curve
The STC (Sensitivity Time Control) attempts to compensate for the high strength of nearby echoes
compared with the very much weaker echoes from distant objects. It lowers the receiver gain when
the pulse is transmitted, and raises the gain as echoes return from longer distances. Ideally, the result
is that all echoes are displayed with strengths proportional to the reflectivity of the objects. A graph
showing the receiver gain plotted against time is called the STC curve. You can select different curve
shapes, if required for special applications.
The height of the scanner affects the STC curve shape needed for the sea control to effectively reduce
sea clutter. The STC curve shape corresponds to the scanner's height (in meters) above the waterline;
for example, if the scanner is 20 ft (6 m) above the waterline, select STC curve 6.
Curve 4 is the default, and represents a scanner 13 ft (4 m) above the waterline.
To select a different curve:
1. Press RADAR to display the radar screen on the 6000i or 6100i.
2. Press Page 2, Page 3, Page 4 then Install... and then Tune... .
3. Press STC Curve then use the keypad to enter a curve number from 0 to 8.
Set the trigger delay
There are two methods that you can use to set the trigger delay. The two methods should produce
very similar settings. Method 1 is easier to perform but Method 2 may produce more accurate results.
You can use either, or both, methods.
Set the trigger delay after you have restored the factory settings (see "Prepare for calibration") OR
manually turn off the Interference Rejection, Trails and Expand functions.
4.4.1.4 Method 1
Use this method when the vessel is in open water with few or no nearby echoes.
1. Display the main radar screen then press Page 2.
2. Press zoom IN several items to zoom in to the maximum magnification.
3. If necessary, press Mode to make it read Manual.
Northstar 10 kW Radar Installation Manual 38