Airmar Technology Corporation GH2183 Documento tecnico

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Record the serial number found on the underside of the sensor.
Serial No._______________ Date of Purchase_____________
17-489-01 rev.10 04/26/22
Smart™ Sensor
Solid-State Compass
with GPS Receiver
Model GH2183
Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions
Patent http://www.airmar.com/patent.html

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All Rights Reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be
reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded, or stored in any storage
medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of Airmar. Airmar hereby grants
permission to download a single copy of this manual and of any revision of this manual onto
a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this
manual or any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual
or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that
any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly
prohibited.
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Airmar reserves the right to
change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to
notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the Airmar website at
www.airmar.com for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and
operation of this and other Airmar products.
Copyright © 2008 - 2018 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................ 4
Safety Instructions.................................................................. 5
Hardware, Tools & Materials................................................. 6
Choosing the Mounting Location........................................... 7
Installing................................................................................. 8
Pole or Rail Mount................................................................. 8
Flush Mounting on a Horizontal Surface............................. 10
Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines............................. 11
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display................................ 11
Connecting to an NMEA 2000® Network........................... 13
Calibrating the Compass....................................................... 14
Maintenance..........................................................................15
Troubleshooting.................................................................... 15
Firmware Revisions.............................................................. 15
NMEA 2000®: Load Equivalency Number......................... 15
Where to Purchase Parts....................................................... 15
Trademarks........................................................................... 16

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Airmar’s solid-state Compass with GPS Receiver.
This exciting product is actually four sensors in a single unit—a three-axis
magnetic compass, a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis rate gyro, and a GPS
receiver. The compact housing is waterproof with a single removable cable. Data
is output in digital NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats.
Functions & Outputs
• Magnetic compass heading
• Angle of vessel pitch (attitude)
• Angle of vessel roll (attitude)
• Rate of Turn
• GPS using WAAS and EGNOS
• NMEA 0183: RS-232 or RS-422 standard
Features
• Fast response time
• GPS position updates every second
• Stable and accurate data in dynamic conditions
• Can be programmed to compensate for an installation that is NOT aligned to
the front of the boat/vehicle and/or level
• Can be calibrated to compensate for magnetic deviation caused by ferrous
metals and other electro-magnetic fields
• Simultaneously outputs data in NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats
• Waterproof housing
• Waterproof cable system
• Pole, rail, or flush mount
IMPORTANT: Please read the Owner’s
Guide completely before proceeding.

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Follow the safety precautions below to reduce the risk of poor product
performance, property damage, personal injury, and/or death.
WARNING: GPS Accuracy
The GPS position and velocity accuracies are controlled by the U.S. Department
of Defence. Therefore the position accuracy described in the specifications cannot
be guaranteed.
WARNING: Correct Installation Important
The sensor must be installed and operated according to the instructions in this
owner’s guide.
WARNING: Installation Safety
Always wear safety glasses, a dust mask, and ear protection when installing.
WARNING: Compass Safe Distance
The sensor must be a minimum of 0.3m (1') from other standard and steering
compasses.
WARNING: Do Not Install Near Artificial Magnetic Fields
Observe a safe distance from ferrous metals and anything that can create a
magnetic field to prevent interference to the magnetic compass.
WARNING: Electrical Safety
The power supply must be OFF before making electrical connections.
WARNING: Voltage
The power supply voltage must be 9 - 40 VDC.
WARNING: Battery
Make power connections to a power source that is isolated from the engine start
battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the compass to lose information and/or
change operating mode.
WARNING: Fuse or Circuit Breaker
A safe installation requires a 0.5 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker.
WARNING: Calibrating the Compass
The internal compass may need to be calibrated after the sensor is installed. Perform
the pretest to determine if calibration is necessary.
WARNING
Navigation Aid Only: The sensor is only an aid to
navigation and should never be solely relied upon. It is
not a replacement for traditional navigation aids and
techniques. Only official government charts contain all
the information needed for safe navigation.

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Cables & Connecting/Converting Hardware
The Compass with GPS Receiver (sensor) can be connected in several ways.
You must have the correct cable and any needed hardware before beginning
the installation.
Sensor Cables Length Part No.
• NMEA 0183 Cable 10m 33-862-02
• NMEA 2000 Cable 6m 33-1029-02
• NMEA 2000 Cable 10m 33-1104-01
NOTE: Additional cable lengths are available.
Connecting/Converting Hardware Length Part No.
• NMEA 0183 to USB, Data Converter 33-801-01
• NMEA 0183 to USB Combiner NDC-4-AIR
• NMEA 2000 CAN to USB, U200 Gateway 33-727-01
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000 Splitter 15m 33-632-01
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000 Splitter 30m 33-632-03
Tools & Materials
CAUTION: Vehicles/boats traveling above 30MPH—Do not use the plastic
Cable Side-exit Adapter (part D) supplied. Purchase a stainless steel part. At high
speeds, the plastic adapter may break, causing the sensor to fall off.
NOTE: The sensor has standard marine 1"-14 threads.
Pole/rail mounting hardware (some installations)
Safety glasses
Dust mask
Ear protection
Screwdrivers (Pole/Rail Mount installation)
Teflon pipe-thread tape, 1/2" wide (some installations)
Pencil (some installations)
Electric drill (some installations)
Drill bits and hole saws (some installations):
Pilot hole 3mm or 1/8"
Flush mount stud holes 6mm or 1/4"
Flush mount cable hole 38mm or 1-1/2"
Loctite® 242® or other removable thread locker (Flush Mount installation only)
Grommet(s) (some installations)
Cutting pliers (some installations)
Heat-shrink tubing (some installations)
Heat gun (some installations)
Wire strippers (some installations)
Multimeter (some installations)
Cable ties (some installations)

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Choosing the Mounting Location
For accurate compass readings and a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best
location for the sensor is very important. It can be mounted on a pole, rail, or flat
surface. Choose a location that balances the requirements below.
• The sensor must have a clear view of the sky to the horizon in all directions.
However, the lower it can be mounted, the more stable it will be. It will better
track satellites low on the horizon and give more accurate compass readings by
minimizing pitch and roll.
• Do not mount on top of a sailboat mast. The sway will cause jitter in the data.
• To prevent interference to the magnetic compass, mount the sensor:
- A minimum of 0.3m (1') from other standard and steering compasses.
- Above a metal hull/deck.
- Away from any structures or equipment that contain ferrous metals.
- Away from anything that may create a magnetic field such as: magnetized
material, electric motors and equipment, power/ignition cables, and batteries.
For distances, follow the respective manufacturer’s recommendations.
• To prevent interference to the GPS (Figure 1):
- It must have a clear view of the sky to receive satellite signals. Check for any
obstructions such as buildings or boats.
- Mount it as far as possible from high-powered transmitting antennas to avoid
mutual interference.
- Mount it lower than any on-board INMARSAT communications antenna.
- Mount above or below any radar beam. Do not mount within a radar beam.
• Mount reasonably level with the earth’s surface—not tilted to one side.
• Do not mount where the sensor could be a tripping hazard or be tread upon.
Note that frozen water spray on the unit may degrade reception.
• Be sure there is access to the underside of the mounting surface.
• Be sure the cable(s) can be routed to reduce electrical interference from other
electrical wiring and any on-board equipment with a strong magnetic field such as
radar equipment, radio transmitters, engines, generators, etc. Separate the cables
by at least 1 m (3').
Figure 1. Minimum distance from sensor
Courtesy of Northstar, Acton, MA
Min. 2m
antenna insulator
metal hull /deck
1.5m
Min.
Min. 2m
GH2183

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Installing
CAUTION: The alignment tab on the sensor must be facing forward and parallel to
the centerline of the boat/vehicle for accurate compass readings.
CAUTION: Be sure to use the correct parts for your installation. Do not use the
flush mount parts (gasket, part B) to mount the receiver on a pole. Using the
wrong parts may allow water to leak into the unit.
CAUTION: If you use a thread locker, use teflon pipe thread tape. Do not use a
liquid thread locker as it may weaken the plastic, causing it to swell and crack.
IMPORTANT: Plan the cable route between the sensor and the display and/or
network before beginning the installation.
Pole or Rail Mount
The nut assembly supplied has standard marine 1"-14 threads that can be
screwed to a standard marine antenna mount, extension pole, or rail-mount
bracket. Before beginning the installation, plan for securing the pole/rail bracket to
the selected mounting surface and purchase all the necessary hardware. It may
be helpful to fasten the pole/rail bracket in place before proceeding.
1. Remove the label from the sensor unit’s socket (Figure 2). Fasten the mount
base (part C) to the sensor unit (part A) with the two machine screws and lock
washers supplied. The torque for the screws is 1.35Nm.
socket
serial number
alignment
tab
nut assembly
sensor
captive
nut
connector
a.
b.
cable
slot for
cable exit
side-exit
mount base
sensor unit
lock washer (2)
machine screw (2)
adapter
(part C)
(part D)
(part A)
Figure 2. Pole/Rail mount
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.

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2. Decide if you want the cable to exit through the center or along the side of the
pole/ rail bracket. Slide the nut assembly onto the end of the cable at the sensor
connector. Do not connect the sensor at this time.
a. Center exit—Pass the sensor connector end of the cable through the center
of the pole. Be sure to leave several inches of cable extending beyond the
nut assembly.
b. Side exit—Place the cable side-exit adapter (part D) over the cable. Being
sure the cable is passing through the slot in the side, screw the nut assembly
onto the adapter. Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.
NOTE: Use the adaptor supplied as it has smooth edges that will not chafe the
cable. Do not use a purchased part.
3. Screw the extension pole/rail bracket onto the nut assembly /side-exit adaptor.
Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.
4. Remove the protective cap from the sensor connector on the cable. (Save the
cap to protect the connector when the receiver is removed.) Plug the cable
firmly into the sensor.
5. With the alignment tab on the sensor facing forward and parallel to the
centerline of the boat / vehicle, slide the captive nut upward and screw it onto
the mount base. Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.

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Flush Mount
1. Remove the label from over the sensor unit’s socket (Figure 3). Apply removable
thread locker to the two studs supplied. Screw the studs into the underside of the
sensor unit (part A).
2. Using the gasket (part B) as a template, position it at the selected mounting
location upside down with the arrow facing forward and parallel to the centerline
of the vehicle/boat. Mark the position of the two mounting holes and the center
hole for the cable.
3. Using a 3mm or 1/8" bit, drill the pilot holes. Using a 6mm or 1/4" bit, drill the two
mounting holes for the studs. Drill the cable hole with a 38mm or 1-1/2" hole saw.
Fiberglass—Minimize surface cracking by running the drill in reverse until the
gelcoat is penetrated.
4. Pass the sensor connector-end of the cable through the center of the gasket
and through the center mounting hole in the boat/vehicle.
5. Plug the cable firmly into the sensor unit.
6. Orient the gasket with the arrow facing in the same direction as the alignment tab
on the sensor unit. Push the gasket onto the studs and slide it over the connector.
NOTE: The gasket fits one way only. A groove in the gasket fits over the
alignment tab on the connector.
7. With the sensor’s alignment tab pointing forward and parallel to the centerline of
the boat/vehicle, push the studs through the mounting surface. Check to be
sure the gasket is tucked under the lip of the unit. From underneath the
mounting surface, slide a flat washer and lock washer onto each stud. Fasten
them with the thumb nuts. Hand tighten only. Do not over tighten.
socket
serial number
alignment
tab
Figure 3. Flush mount
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor unit
arrow
M5 stud (2)
sensor connector
gasket (part B)
mounting surface
thumb nut (2)
lock washer (2)
(part A)
flat washer (2)
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