Section Four: Networking The Northstar 972; Networking Setup - NorthStar 972 Installation Manual

SECTION FOUR: Networking the
Northstar 972
The 972 uses Northstar's networking technology, based on the Ethernet standard and conforming to
the IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX specification (also referred to as "Fast Ethernet. " ) A single cable with
standard connectors simply plugs into each unit. Multiple 972 displays can automatically:
• Share chart permits between units. Chart access codes must be entered into the master
unit, but networking allows these codes to display charts on all connected units.
• Share all waypoints and routes between units. Any changes made to the waypoints and
routes in one unit are copied to the other units with no action by the user. Waypoint and
route navigation control is available from all networked units.
• Share echosounder data from the Northstar 491 between units. The 491 can be controlled
from any display unit.
• Share radar data from Northstar radar between units. The radar can be controlled from any
972 display.
The present software release is limited to supporting two networked units.
972 networking is not compatible with Northstar's N2 networking protocol.
NTSC video is not shared over the network because of bandwidth limitations. Separate coaxial video
cables must be run to each display unit that will display video.
Waypoint and route transfer between a 972 and a Northstar 951, 952, 957, 958 or 6000i is
accomplished using the AUX port as described in "Using the Aux Port" starting on page 29.
Ethernet cables are not included with the unit, since types and lengths vary by installation.

Networking setup

In any networked installation, one and only one 972 must be designated as the master unit. All
others are designated as slaves. All 972 units are shipped from the factory configured as masters,
and any units to be used as slaves must be reconfigured before they are operational. A unit that
needs configuration displays a Network Configuration Status screen at start-up. Use the cursor pad
to designate a master or a particular slave number, and press Done.
The GPS antenna must be connected to the master unit.
It is recommended that the optional heading sensor, echo sounder, and other NMEA devices also be
connected to the master unit, for two reasons:
972 Installation Manual, Rev. B
NOTE: This entire section can be ignored for a simple installation
with no networking involved, or for an installation that involves only
traditional NMEA connections.

SECTION FOUR: Networking the Northstar 972

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