The Northstar echo sounder system consists of: • the Northstar 491 echo sounder sensor • a Northstar navigation system such as the 962, 958 or 6000i • a transducer The 491 can be used with either a single-element transducer or a dual-element transducer. The 491 automatically pings both transmitters at power-up to determine the number of transducer elements connected. If a single element is detected, the 491 operates in single-frequency or dual-frequency interleaved mode (as determined by the operator) at 600 Watts. If two elements are detected, the 491 uses both elements at 1000 Watts. Installation and setup procedures are different for the two basic types of Northstar navigators. The following terminology should be carefully followed: • the term 961/962 indicates instructions that apply to the Northstar 961 and the 962 navigators • the term 957/958/6000i is used for these units • the term navigator by itself identifies information that applies to all units This manual is for marine technicians who are installing the Northstar 491 and connecting it to a Northstar navigator and a transducer. In this manual, you’ll find information about the following: • mounting and wiring the 491 • connecting the 491 to the Northstar navigator • installing a transducer (an overview is provided, but for such details as wiring, see the documentation provided by the transducer’s manufacturer) 491 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A PAGE 1 SECTION ONE — Introduction Installation considerations • connecting the 491 to a transducer (see also the Transducer Connector Instructions—GM492) • troubleshooting and testing the system • technical specifications for the 491 For information about obtaining technical support and returning the 491 for factory service, “SECTION FOUR — Troubleshooting and servicing the 491” beginning on page 21. For details about operating the 491, see the Northstar 491 Echo Sounder Operations Manual (GM494) or Northstar 6000i’s Reference Manual, for that product. The following list of installation considerations isn’t a substitute for all the details in Section Three. To ensure that you meet all critical installation parameters, be sure to read that entire section and follow all of its recommendations. CAUTION! 1. Check the shipping carton for any damage, and immediately report any damage to the carrier. Save all packing material in case you have to return the 491 to the factory for repair or evaluation. 2. Unpack the carton, and check its contents. You should have received: • the Northstar 491 Echo Sounder • 10-foot (3-meter) data cable to connect the 491 to the navigator • 10-foot (3-meter) power cable for the 491 • 491 parts kit (containing transducer cable end connector, back- shell, heatshrink tubing, and the Transducer Connector Instructions— GM492) • Northstar 491 Echo Sounder Installation Manual (GM495) • Northstar 491 Echo Sounder Operations Manual (GM494) • owner registration card 3. Fill out the owner registration card and mail it to Northstar. 4. Review all of the installation requirements as outlined in Sections Two and Three. 5. Install the transducer, then terminate the cable (see ”Connecting the 491 to a transducer” starting on page 18). 6. Mount the 491. For instructions, see ”Mounting the 491” beginning on page 14. 7. Connect the 491 to ship’s power and to the navigator. Connection information begins on page 15. With the vessel in the water, turn on the system and verify proper operation. PAGE 2 491 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A SECTION TWO — Installing the transducer Safety considerations WARNING! Be sure to turn the power off before starting the installation. Further, it is highly recommended that you keep power off while you’re performing the installation. If power is left on or turned on during the installation, fire, electrical shock, or other serious injury may occur. Be sure to ground the equipment to prevent electrical shock and mutual interference. Be sure the transducer outputs are tied together before handling to avoid electrical charge build-up. WARNING! Be sure to use a 3-amp fuse. Using the incorrect fuse can result in fire or damage to the 491. CAUTION! Mounting the transducer requires drilling holes through the hull; make sure the installation does not cause the vessel to leak. A thru-hull installation should be performed by a professional installer. Do not attempt this unless you are fully qualified. Do not perform a thru-hull installation of the transducer when the vessel is actually in the water. Immediately after installing the transducer, be sure to check for leaks, and don’t leave the vessel in the water for more than three hours before checking it again. Northstar assumes no responsibility for improper installation of a transducer. NOTE: Be sure that the transducer doesn’t interfere with any of the on-board systems. Check all other systems to ensure that their performance doesn’t degrade when the transducer is connected. 491 INSTALLATION MANUAL Revision A PAGE 3 SECTION TWO...