SECTION FOUR: Networking the Northstar 6000i
Page 18
6000i
Installation Manual, Rev. G
•
if an NMEA device is connected to a slave unit, that slave must be turned on and operating
for that device to be functional across the network
•
should there be a failure in the master unit, a slave could be temporarily moved to that
location, and this is easier to accomplish if all interfaces connect to that same unit
However, NMEA devices can be connected to any networked unit, if necessary. The optional heading
sensor must be connected to the same unit as the radar.
Restrictions on networking
There are only four restrictions on the use of N2 networking. These restrictions must be observed, or
the network will not function.
•
one and only one master must be a part of any N2 network
•
the master unit must be turned on at all times when the system is in use
•
all units on the network must have the same software revision
•
a maximum of five units may be connected on any network
If the master unit becomes unavailable for any reason, the user is prompted with instructions to
temporarily designate a slave unit as a master.
Technical details
The networking port found on the Northstar
6000i
and other Northstar N2 devices conforms to the
electrical specifications set forth by the IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX standard. This standard is also
referred to as “Fast Ethernet.” The cabling used is data grade category 5 or 5e Unshielded Twisted Pair
(UTP) terminated with RJ-45 connectors on both ends. The standard allows for transmission of raw
data at speeds of 10 and 100 Megabits per second depending on the device being communicated
with. Although Fast Ethernet is a commonly used standard, particularly in computer Local Area
Networks and peripherals, the
6000i
should only be connected to equipment specified by Northstar.
Installation Planning
The two primary considerations in planning an installation are:
•
which connections need to be
waterproof
•
how many
devices will be connected (two, or more than two)
Ethernet cables should be kept several inches away from power cables and other wiring that might
generate interference (such as radar and echosounder cables). When necessary, Ethernet cables
should cross these other cables at right angles.
Summary of Contents for 6000i
Page 2: ......
Page 4: ......
Page 8: ...SECTION ONE Introducing the 6000i Page 4 6000i Installation Manual Rev G ...
Page 16: ...SECTION TWO Installing and wiring the 6000i Page 12 6000i Installation Manual Rev G ...
Page 30: ...SECTION FOUR Networking the Northstar 6000i Page 26 6000i Installation Manual Rev G ...
Page 34: ...SECTION FIVE Checking out the system Page 30 6000i Installation Manual Rev G ...
Page 48: ...SECTION SIX Interfacing the 6000i system Page 44 6000i Installation Manual Rev G ...
Page 56: ...APPENDIX A 6000i system technical specifications Page 52 6000i Installation Manual Rev G ...