Comnav G3 GPS Compass Display Manual V2.0

G3 GPS Compass
Display
Installation & Operation Manual
COMPLIES WITH
CE REGULATIONS
PN 29010092
ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation Welcome
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of ComNav Marines G3 GPS Compass Display! At

ComNav, we are proud of our prominence as a leader in the design and manufacture of
marine autopilot systems. Our dedication to performance and reliability will ensure your
satisfaction with the G3 GPS Compass.
ComNav Marine Ltd.
Warranty Notice
Prior to the installation and/or operation of the equipment, ensure that you read, understand,
and accept the conditions of the warranties as detailed in the Warranty Information section
of this manual.
General Notice
This document, ComNav part number 29010092 Version 2 Revision 0, is the approved
Installation and Operation Manual for use with G3 GPS Compass Display. Where versions of
this manual exist in other languages, the English version shall be considered authoritative.
Special Notice
This version applies ONLY to G3 Display running software version 0.33.5
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -1-

ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation Welcome
Document History
Revision Date By Description
0R1 8-7-2012 J Initial release
1R0 8-24-2012 J Add screen layout and menu descriptions

Reformatted
1R1 11-30-2012 J Add descriptions for IMO installation
2R.0 03-24-2014 J Add GNSS IMO Installation
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -2-

ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Installation & Operation Manual................................................................................................................. 1

Welcome ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
Document History ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ 3
List of Figures .............................................................................................................................................. 5
List of Tables................................................................................................................................................ 5
1 Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 7
1.1 G3 Compass Display Package Contents ______________________________________________________ 7
1.2 Planning _______________________________________________________________________________ 7
Maximum drop cable length _________________________________________________________________ 7
Current load and maximum nodes ____________________________________________________________ 7
Terminator resistor and position ______________________________________________________________ 7
1.3 Mounting ______________________________________________________________________________ 7
1.6 Connecting to NMEA 2000 network __________________________________________________________ 8
Connecting to GPS with NMEA 2000 interface __________________________________________________ 9
Connecting to Vector GPS with NMEA 0183 interface ____________________________________________ 10
1.7 Getting Start ___________________________________________________________________________ 11
Turning on/off ___________________________________________________________________________ 11
Capture data sources in a small network ______________________________________________________ 11
2 Operation ................................................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 Keypad operation _______________________________________________________________________ 13
Keypad Home function ____________________________________________________________________ 13
Soft Keypad function _____________________________________________________________________ 13
2.2 Display _______________________________________________________________________________ 14
Display screens _________________________________________________________________________ 14
Name as the Indicator of Data Source ________________________________________________________ 15
2.3 Screen Layouts ________________________________________________________________________ 15
Large Compass Layout ___________________________________________________________________ 15
Small Compass Layout ___________________________________________________________________ 15
GPS Satellite Strength ____________________________________________________________________ 15
Satellites in View Graphic _________________________________________________________________ 16
Date and Time __________________________________________________________________________ 16
Rate of Turn ____________________________________________________________________________ 16
Position _______________________________________________________________________________ 16
Digital Display __________________________________________________________________________ 17
Scrolling through display pages in two directions ________________________________________________ 17
2.4 Menu operation ________________________________________________________________________ 17
General Menu frame _____________________________________________________________________ 17
Magnetic Heading or True Heading __________________________________________________________ 19
Entering a number or texts _________________________________________________________________ 19
Control your display ______________________________________________________________________ 19
Change data sources _____________________________________________________________________ 20
Reset to factory default ___________________________________________________________________ 21
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -3-

ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation Table of Contents
Acknowledge an alarm ____________________________________________________________________ 21

2.5 Advance Operations _____________________________________________________________________ 21
Change PGN output rates _________________________________________________________________ 21
3 Care and Maintenance ...........................................................................................................................24
4 Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................26
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................................27
Appendix 1 Tables of NMEA 2000 Parameter Group Numbers _____________________________________ 27
Appendix 2 Abbreviations used in the screens __________________________________________________ 28
Appendix 3 G3 GPS IMO Installation _________________________________________________________ 30
G3 Compass Display with G2/G2B __________________________________________________________ 30
Warranty Information ................................................................................................................................36
User Notes ..................................................................................................................................................41
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -4-

ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation Tables & Figures
List of Figures
Figure 1 Mounting template ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Figure 2 Illustration of mounting process .................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3 G3 connection to NMEA 2000 GPS compass ............................................................................................... 9
Figure 4 G3 connection to NMEA 0183 GPS compass ............................................................................................. 10
Figure 5 G3 splash screen ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 6 G3 keypad layout ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Figure 7 Example of keypad status bar ..................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 8 Visual components of a data field on a screen page................................................................................... 14
Figure 9 Large Compass screen ............................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 10 Small compass screen .............................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 11 GPS satellite strength bar screen ............................................................................................................. 15
Figure 12 - Satellites in View screen ............................................................................................................................ 16
Figure 13 Date and Time screen ............................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 14 Rate of Turn screen .................................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 15 Position screen ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 16 Digital layout with 3 fields .......................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 17 G3 Menu tree ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 18 - Virtual Keypad ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 19 Example of G3 night vision mode ............................................................................................................. 20
Figure 20 Detect data sources through menu ........................................................................................................... 20
Figure 21 Assign a device for a PGN ........................................................................................................................ 21
Figure 22 - Acknowledge an alarm from the menu ...................................................................................................... 21
Figure 23 - Change PGN rates of an NMEA 2000 transducer ..................................................................................... 22
Figure 24 - Screens during setting PGN rates ............................................................................................................. 22
Figure 25 - IMO installation block diagram ................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 26 G2 IMO wiring diagram ............................................................................................................................. 32
Figure 27 - G3 connection to NMEA 0183 GPS compass........................................................................................... 33
Figure 28- Vector G2 IMO Wiring................................................................................................................................. 34
List of Tables
Table 1 Parts in the G3 Display Package.................................................................................................................... 7

Table 2 List of protocol and response-at-request PGNs ........................................................................................... 27
Table 3 List of received PGNs .................................................................................................................................. 27
Table 4 List of abbreviations for field name............................................................................................................... 28
Table 5 List of abbreviations for units ....................................................................................................................... 29
Table 6 IMO Installation Accessories ........................................................................................................................ 30
Table 7 User Notes .................................................................................................................................................. 41
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ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation
Installation
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1 Installation
1.1 G3 Compass Display Package Contents
Your G3 display (Part Number 20130011) comes with a display Head and its mounting kit.
You should have these items in your box:
Item Description Quantity Part number
1 G3 4.3 Multi-instrument Display with 1 30130013
cover and mounting hardware, black
2 NX3/G3 1m. Instrument to NMEA 2000 1 31810014
network cable
3 Manual, G3 Instrument User's Manual 1 29010092
4 NMEA 2000 joint connector 1 31810008
Table 1 Parts in the G3 Display Package
1.2 Planning
G3 is designed to work in an NMEA 2000 network. It can receive data from GPS or rate
compasses with standard NMEA 2000 interface. Because it interacts with other devices in the
network, you need to plan your installation along with your other equipments.
More information about NMEA 2000 installation can be found in NMEAs website. This section
only gives basic concepts you need to know for installing G3.
Note: G3 also works in non-NMEA 2000 system. Specifically, G3 can work with ComNav Vector
G2/G2B GPS compass with NMEA 0183 configured installation. See Appendix 3 G3 GPS IMO
Installation.
Maximum drop cable length
In NMEA 2000 network, devices are connected through drop cables to one backbone in a linear
topology. A drop cable is limited to the maximum length of 6 meters. It is important you make
sure all devices are within the 6-meter distance from the NMEA 2000 backbone.
Current load and maximum nodes
NMEA 2000 standard has a maximum node number of 50. However, for each network the total
devices are limited by the current load of all devices, the geographic size of the network, and the
cable types used.
Terminator resistor and position
NMEA 2000 bus must be terminated at the 2 far ends of the backbone. In a very small network, it
is possible the bus being terminated on a single end. Male resistor Terminator Connector Part
Number 31810016 or Female resistor Terminator Connector Part Number 31810015 available
from ComNav.
1.3 Mounting
G3 is designed for surface mount. It can drop in to a place where ComNav G3 Display was
mounted.
When you chose a place for G3, make sure you have at least 45 mm clearance at the back for
the cable connector and its cover. Mounting template is shown on Figure 1.
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Figure 1 Mounting template
Follow the following instructions to mount the G3 Display.

Choose a location for your display unit, ensure the clearance requirement
Draw with a pencil the outline of mounting position according to the measurements in
Figure 1. Drill the 2 holes using a 3 mm drill for the 2 set screws
Cut the main cut-out in the panel using a jig-saw or similar tool. De-burr the cut-outs edge
Screw the 2 bolts to the display unit
Put the display in place
Screw the 2 nuts from the back
Figure 2 Illustration of mounting process
1.6 Connecting to NMEA 2000 network

If you already have a NMEA 2000 network on your boat, connecting your G3 Display to the
network is easy. Finding a drop point tap that is within the distance of its length, the G3 Display
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cable can plug into a standard NMEA 2000 micro Tee-shape connector. Be sure to secure the
connection by screwing in the cable connector completely.
If you are starting your NMEA 2000 experience from G3 Display and ComNav GPS, you need to
plan and build your network before connecting your G3 Display into it.
First make sure you have all network necessaries:
Termination resistors at each end of the linear network backbone, a 120ohm termination
resistor is required. You can order termination units from ComNav that can directly plug into a
standard NMEA 2000 backbone cable.
Backbone cables your G3 Display and G2 GPS Compass must connect to a backbone to
communicate with each other. When planning for your backbone wiring, please keep in mind that
you may expand the network sometime in future. To ease the future installation, it is good idea
that you place some Tee-shapes as the drop point taps along your backbone bus.
Power supply and cable NMEA 2000 network requires a dedicated power supply. The source
is connected to the network bus at any drop point, just like the G3 Display and G2 GPS. You can
purchase an NMEA 2000 power cable from ComNav.
Connecting to GPS with NMEA 2000 interface

If your GPS has the NMEA 2000 interface, the connecting between the GPS and G3 is automatic
done through the network connection. Figure 3 shows a minimum NMEA 2000 network with G3
Display and G2 GPS.
Figure 3 G3 connection to NMEA 2000 GPS compass
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -9-

Connecting to Vector GPS with NMEA 0183 interface

If your GPS is an older model that uses NMEA 0183 interface, and you want to use it in a NMEA
2000 network, you need a NMEA 2000 to NMEA 0183 converter to connect the GPS and G3.
Figure 27 shows where the converter is added.
Note: If you are installing your G2 GPS with G3 in an IMO class boat, you need to follow
the installation in Appendix 3 G3 GPS IMO Installation.
Figure 4 G3 connection to NMEA 0183 GPS compass
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1.7 Getting Start

Turning on/off
After connecting to a powered network, you can turn on your G3 by press and hold the button
until the splash screen is on.
Figure 5 G3 splash screen

Once the unit is turned on, you can turn off G3 by pressing and holding the button until the
screen is off.
Keep in mind that when you turn off your G3, you only switch off the display not the transducers
the display associated with. For example, if you use the G3 as a GPS display, when your G3 is
off, your GPS may keep working until it is powered off.
It is also important to know that G3 will draw power from the network even when the display is off,
but at a much reduced level (10%). To completely unload G3 from your battery, you must
disconnect the network power line from your battery, or disconnect G3 from the network.
Capture data sources in a small network
Make sure your transducer has been connected correctly and powered on before you turn on
your G3. The reading from your transducers will be properly displayed on the appropriate screen
whenever the transducer is on.
In a network where there is more than one sensor of the same type, for example 2 heading
sensors, turn on the sensor you want G3 to monitor before turning on G3, and then turn on other
sensors after turning on G3.
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Operation
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2 Operation
2.1 Keypad operation
Keypad Home function
G3 Display has 5 buttons. Each button is labeled by its home function. The home function is
immediately available what the button is used for immediate after the unit is powered on, or after
other soft functions has expired (see Soft button functions).
Figure 6 G3 keypad layout
This button is used to turn on or turn off your display. A short press will turn on the unit
if it is off; press and hold for 3 seconds will turn off the unit.
The power on/off function only applies to the display unit itself; the other devices in the network
are not affected by this operation.
PAGE data presented by your G3 are organized in groups so that they can be shown on the
screen in different layouts. Each layout is called a Page. This button allows you to navigate
through all layouts you have selected or built (see Display concept). Click PAGE button the
screen will change to the next layout in your Page List.
You can also change to the previous layout in your Page List by press the - button before press
the PAGE button.
Fn this is a multifunction button. This button will initiate the main menu and place the keypad
in Soft Keypad function (see Soft Keypad function) state.
+ In menu operation (initiated by Fn), this button is used to scroll down items in current
menu.
- A press of this button will change the next PAGE button press to circle to the previous page
instead of the next page. In menu operation (initiated by Fn), this button is used to scroll up items
in current menu.
Soft Keypad function

All buttons have content sensitive multiplex functions. When any button has a function other than
its home function (see above), the keypad is deemed as in Soft Keypad function.
Soft Keypad function is typically indicated by the keypad status bar at the bottom of the screen.
Figure 7 shows an instance of Soft Keypad function. In this example, the PAGE button behaves
as Select key, the + and - buttons are keys for scrolling down and up the menu, while Fn
button is the key for Exit.
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The following Soft keys are used in G3.

Select Select key is used to select the current menu item. When a menu item is selected, if the
item is a subsequent menu, this submenu will be brought up; otherwise the selected data will be
used in current operation.
<- - <- key is used to bring the menu to a level up.
Down Down arrow key is used to scroll down the items in current menu
Up Up arrow key is used to scroll up the items in current menu
Exit Exit key is used to exit the menu operation and go back to display mode
Figure 7 Example of keypad status bar
2.2 Display
Display screens
G3 is specifically designed to work with GPS compass. It has 15 predefined screens to show
many kinds of GPS data. Press PAGE button you can scroll over these screens.
A screen page is made up by several data fields. Typically, a data field has 3 visual components:
the Name as the description of the data field, the Unit of the data, and the Value of the data.
Figure 8 gives an example of a typical screen page.
Figure 8 Visual components of a data field on a screen page
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Name as the Indicator of Data Source

The Name in Figure 8 not only tells the meaning of the data of the field; it is also the indicator of
the data source for this field. G3 uses the same data source for a data type across screens
(Pages). This way you can be sure that your heading always comes from the same heading
sensor, and your satellites information always comes from the same GPS.
2.3 Screen Layouts
Large Compass Layout

This layout is designed to show heading on a compass rose. The top of the rose points to the
direction of heading from PGN 127250, with digital readout in the center of the rose. A second
point (in yellow) points to the course-over-ground if that data is available.
Figure 9 Large Compass screen
Small Compass Layout

This layout has a similar rose as in Large Compass layout on the left. On the right of the screen
up to four types of data can be displayed in digital format.
Figure 10 Small compass screen
GPS Satellite Strength

This layout displays satellites in view and shows their strength in vertical bars.
Figure 11 GPS satellite strength bar screen
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Satellites in View Graphic

This layout plots the satellites in view on the screen with their identification numbers. The strength
of each satellite is shown on the right in horizontal bars.
Figure 12 - Satellites in View screen
Date and Time

This layout shows the universal time.
Figure 13 Date and Time screen
Rate of Turn
This layout presents the rate of turn in a scaled bar to give an easy visual display for the rate of
turn of the vessel the GPS mounted on. It will also show a left or right arrow to indicate the
direction of turn.
On the up side of the screen, you can pick two different data to be shown in digits. The example
here has the heading and course-over-ground displayed at the up screen.
Figure 14 Rate of Turn screen
Position
This layout presents the latitude and longitude of the GPS in the large digital form. Two
additional fields at the bottom of the screen is optional.
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Figure 15 Position screen
Digital Display
Digital screen layout can be in one field, two fields, three fields, four fields. In this layout data
fields are presented in digits along with their label and unit.
Figure 16 Digital layout with 3 fields
Scrolling through display pages in two directions

A click of PAGE button will switch the screen to the next Page. If you click the - before click the
PAGE button, the screen will switch to the previous one.
2.4 Menu operation

General Menu frame
The menu is used to change settings that will alter the way your data are displayed. For example,
you may want to change the unit a data is shown, or you may want to switch the display to Night
Vision at night.
The menu is triggered by a quick press of Fn button in Normal operation. Figure 17 shows the
menu tree.
Many menu items are self-explained, such as the units for different data types or time format.
There are some items that may not immediately intuitive.
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Main Menu Descriptions & options

|
--- Settings
| Backlight Backlight Level of 1, 2, 3, 4
Display mode in Blue, Green,
| Display Black, Night
| Units ---
Date format from yymmdd,
|
| Date Format mmddyy, ddmmyy
Time displays in 12-hour or 24-
|
| Time Format hour system
Heading shown in Auto,
|
| Heading Magnetic or True
Magnetic variation, manually
|
| Magnetic Variation entered
--
Speed unit in kn, km/h, mph
| - Speed
| Temperature Temperature unit in C, F
| Depth Depth unit in m, ft, ftm
Distance unit in m, nm, km, mi

| Distance
| Wind speed Wind speed in kn, m/s
Volume unit in l (litre), gal_b
| volume (gallon, UK), gal (gallon, US)
| Flow pressure Flow pressure in psi, kPa
| Atmosphere Pressure Pressure in mmHg, inHg, kep
Flow rate in l/hr (litre per hour,

gal/hr (gallon per hour, US),
| Flow rate gal_b/hr (gallon per hour, UK)
--- Configure
change the data fields on
| Customise screens
| Rescan Data Bus rescan the bus for transducers
| Assign Devices select a transducer for a PGN
| Factory default clear all customer settings
|
--- Advance
Change PGN rates

Setup Devices
Figure 17 G3 Menu tree
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 18 -

Magnetic Heading or True Heading

The heading sensor in your network may send out heading in Magnetic or True. Often you will let
G3 display the heading as-is in either Magnetic or True, therefore the Heading in Settings is set
as Auto.
Sometimes you may prefer the heading be displayed in Magnetic, even though your sensor
sends it out in True. In such situation you will have to change Heading setting from Auto to
Magnetic.
G3 need to know the magnetic variation to convert a magnetic heading to true, or vice versa.
Some heading sensors have the capability to provide the magnetic variation, some dont. If G3
cannot get the magnetic variation from the network, you can enter the value of Magnetic Variation
manually in variation setting.
Entering a number or texts
With only 5 buttons on the device, it can be difficult to enter a large number, such as the magnetic
variation. For this reason, G3 provides a virtual keypad. Once you push Select when Magnetic
Variation is highlighted, you will see the screen in the right of Figure 18.
The virtual keypad is very intuitive. The buttons are labeled from 1 to 5. A 2-digit code in the
square bracket represents a numeric or function key. For example, to enter 36 for the variation,
you press button 1 and button 3 to enter 3, and then press button 2 and button 1 for 6. To
finish the operation, you press button 4 and 5 as Enter. Once Enter or Cancel is received, G3
goes back to the Main menu.
The softkey Edit is often used to bring up the virtual keypad whenever needed.
Figure 18 - Virtual Keypad
Control your display

You can change the backlight level to any intensity level through the menu. Or you can check the
backlight level by the menu. There are 4 levels for Backlight setting.
Using menu you can also select a Display mode from Blue, Green, Black, and Night.
Blue, Green and Black gives 3 different background color; they are all day vision
mode. In Night mode the screens are shown mostly in black or red to minimize the
light to the environment. The screen below (Figure 19) shows the compass screen in
Night mode.
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 19 -

Figure 19 Example of G3 night vision mode
Change data sources

You may have more than one heading sensors in your network. If so, you can change which
sensor you want the data for a screen come from.
st
G3 will use the 1 sensor it detects for the data type when it starts. If this sensor is turned off, or if
it stops sending data out, the correspondent fields on the screen become invalid (display --- for
digits). There are 2 ways you can let G3 pick another sensor.
nd
If you have only 2 sensors in the network and one stops working, the easiest way to use the 2
sensor is by letting G3 detect automatically again the sensor that is working. Or Select Rescan
Data Bus from the configure menu to trigger this process. You will be asked to confirm that
you do want a re-scan before the procedure starts (Figure 11).
Figure 20 Detect data sources through menu
Rescan Data Bus may change all detected transducers. Therefore if you have other transducers
such as depth sensors or speed sensors you may not want to do so. In such case you may want
to point a specific device for a PGN. Figure 20 shows how to use Assign Devices menu to do so.
After Assign Devices is selected, G3 searches for all the NMEA 2000 devices. Then it lists all
data G3 may monitoring on the left and all available devices on the right of the screen. Using +
& - buttons you can scroll over the data list and select one. Once a data item is selected, the
cursor moves to the device list for you to pick the one you want for the selected data. Follow the
menu scripts to save or cancel your selections.
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Figure 21 Assign a device for a PGN
Reset to factory default

Factory default menu allows you to set all configurable parameters to the values as you first
bought it.
Acknowledge an alarm
G3 has an internal buzzer. If heading is not received, G3 will sound the buzzer to warn the user.
When the buzzer is sounding, you can see Ack. Alarm at the top of the Main Menu whenever
you press Fn (Figure 22). You can shut the alarm by pressing Select. You will not see Ack Alarm
in the menu when there is no alarm to acknowledge.
Figure 22 - Acknowledge an alarm from the menu
2.5 Advance Operations

Change PGN output rates
From Advance menu, you can change the PGN output rate for a NMEA 2000 transducer in the
network.
In Advance menu, when you Select Change PGN Rates, G3 will search for all devices in the
network and show them in a list. Highlight the device you are interesting on, and Select it, G3 will
request the transmitting PGN list from that device, and show it on the screen. This is illustrated in
Figure 23.
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Figure 23 - Change PGN rates of an NMEA 2000 transducer
When you reach the left bottom screen in Figure 23, you can use + -and buttons to change the
transmitting interval in ms. Edit button allows you to bring up the virtual keypad as seen in Figure
8.
After you are satisfied to the interval value, you press Select to send the value to the transducer.
G3 will wait for the transducers response. According to NMEA 2000 protocol, if the transducer
does not response with an error, the rate is accepted; if the transducer responses with an error,
G3 resets the transmitting interval to its original value. This is illustrated in Figure 24.
Figure 24 - Screens during setting PGN rates
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Care & Maintenance
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3 Care and Maintenance
The G3 display has been designed to provide many years of reliable service. The following
periodic care and maintenance will help to ensure the longevity of your device.
Cleaning and appearance

The display unit should be carefully cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not use
abrasive cleaners or chemicals.
Protection of the device

The device is designed to be waterproof, but it should not be immersed in water for a prolonged
period of time.
Environments exceeding the rated maximum and minimum temperature must be avoided.
Periodic check
Periodically check that all connections, mounting bolts and screws are secured.
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 24 -

Technical Specifications
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4 Technical Specifications
Model: G3
Display: 4.3 Color TFT-LCD
Resolution: 480 x 272
Viewing angles Horizontal 80 from each side
Vertical 80 from above, 60 from below
Backlight: white LED
Dimensions: 120mm x 110mm
Weight: 0.36Kg (0.8lb)
Cable: NMEA 2000 drop cable, 1m or 6m
Voltage range: 12 VDC or 24VDC
Power consumption: 3.6W max
Data interface: NMEA 2000 (CAN)
NMEA 2000 Load Equivalency Number (LEN): 6 (300mA, maximum)
Device class: 1
Device level: B
Keypad: 5 buttons
Compass safe distance: 0.6 meter
Environment protection: IP66
Temperature range: -30C +70C (storage)
-15C +55C (operation)
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 26 -

Appendix
Appendix 1 Tables of NMEA 2000 Parameter Group Numbers
PGN # PGN Name
059392 ISO acknowledgement
059904 ISO request
060928 ISO address claim
126996 NMEA Product information
Table 2 List of protocol and response-at-request PGNs
PGN# PGN Name Data taken

126992 System time UTC, DATE, TIME
127237 Heading/track command CTS
127250 Vessel heading HDG
127251 Rate of turn ROT
128259 Speed, water referenced SOW
129025 Position, rapid update LAT, LON, POS
129026 COG & SOG, rapid update COG, SOG
129029 GNSS position data LAT, LON, POS, DOP
129033 Time and date DATE,TIME
129539 GNSS DOPs VDOP, HDOP, TDOP
129540 GNSS Satellites in view SIV
Table 3 List of received PGNs
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 27 -

ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation Appendices
Appendix 2 Abbreviations used in the screens

Abbreviation Description
HDG Vessel heading
COG Course over ground
CTS Course to steer
ROT Rate of turn
SOG Speed over ground
SOW Speed, water referenced
SIV Satellites in view
LAT Latitude
LON Longitude
UTC Universal Time Coordinated
POS Position including latitude and longitude
PTCH Pitch
ROL roll
DOP Dilution of precision
HDOP Dilution of precision, position component
VDOP Dilution of precision, position component
TDOP Time dilution of precision
AWD Apparent wind direction
AWS Apparent wind speed
TWD True wind direction
TWS True wind speed
DPTH Depth
RAI Rudder angle
Table 4 List of abbreviations for field name
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 28 -

Abbreviation Description
M Degrees, magnetic for Heading, Course-over-ground, Course-to-
steer
T Degrees, true for Heading, Course-over-ground, Course-to-steer
kn Nautical miles per hour
Km/h Kilometers per hour
/min Degree per minutes
ft Feet
m Meters
C Degrees, Celsius
F Degrees, Fahrenheit
Table 5 List of abbreviations for units
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 29 -

Appendix 3 G3 GPS IMO Installation

G3 GPS Compass system is an IMO compliant Heading Transmitting Device. As the
system is specifically designed to work in NMEA 0183 environment, specific
installation requirements for G3 must be followed to ensure the safety and to
maintain the IMO compliant status.
G3 Compass Display with G2/G2B
Accessories requirements
To install your G2 GPS with G3 in a NMEA 0183 environment, your G2 cable
must support G3 interface. Check that you have G2-CAN connection accessories
(Table 6) in your package.

GNSS G2 IMO 15 meter G2 cable 1 15m - 31110061
30m -31110062
cable
CAN connection 1 meter, female-connector-to-lead 1 31110063
cable cable
Terminator CAN bus termination connector with 1 3180016 or
120ohm termination resistor 3180015
T-Connector 1 31810008
Table 6 IMO Installation Accessories
System Interconnections
A basic G3 GPS Compass has one G2 GPS and one G3 Display. The CAN
connection cable (PN 31110063) and G2 IMO Cable are provided with free leads,
allowing easy in-field installation. Typically you will have other NMEA 0183 devices
such as a navigator plotter or radar that will use the data from G2. All devices that will
receive data from G2 GPS can be connected through a junction box using standard
double row barrier strips. Figure 25 shows the block diagram of such a system. The
wiring diagram is given in Figure 25. Please note that the barrier strips must be
installed in a shielded metal water-protect box.
You must connect an audible device to the Alarm output to compliant with IMO
regulation.

Vector G2/G2B 15 meter G2 cable 1 15m - 31110058
IMO cable
CAN connection 1 meter, female-connector-to-lead 1 31110063
cable cable
Terminator CAN bus termination connector with 1 31810016 or
120ohm termination resistor 31810015
T-Connector 1 31810008
Table 7 Vector G2 IMO Installation Accessories
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 30 -

System Interconnections
A basic G3 GPS Compass has one G2 GPS and one G3 Display. The CAN
connection cable (PN 31110058) and G2 IMO Cable are provided with free leads,
allowing easy in-field installation. Typically you will have other NMEA 0183 devices
such as a navigator plotter or radar that will use the data from G2. All devices that will
receive data from G2 GPS can be connected through a junction box using standard
double row barrier strips. Figure 25 shows the block diagram of such a system. The
wiring diagram is given in Figure 28. Please note that the barrier strips must be
installed in a shielded metal water-protect box.
Figure 25 - IMO installation block diagram
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 31 -

GNSS Cable Color Code
Group Signal Net Wire Color

CAN_H White
CAN_L Blue
CAN
NET_C Pink/Black
NET_S Pink
POWER BATT NEG Black
BATT POS Red
DRAIN Bare
PORT 1 TX RS232 Brown

COM
PORT 1 RX RS232 White/Brown
PORT GRND RS232 Grey
Alarm ( - ) Orange
Alarm ( + ) White/Orange
PORT 3 TX RS422 ( - ) Violet
SERIAL PORT 3 TX RS422 ( + ) White/Violet
PORT 2 TX RS422 ( - ) Green
PORT 2 TX RS422 ( + ) White/Green
PORT 2 RX RS422 ( - ) Yellow
PORT 2 RX RS422 ( + ) White/Yellow
Example of Double Barrier Strips:

TE Connectivity 1-1546670-X
The barrier strips must be mounted in a
water-prevent enclosure.
Figure 26 G2 IMO wiring diagram
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 32 -

Figure 27 - G3 connection to NMEA 0183 Vector GPS compass
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 33 -

Figure 28- Vector G2 IMO Wiring
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 34 -

Warranty
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 35 -

Warranty Information
Limited Warranty
This Limited Warranty (the Warranty) covers all GPS Compass products & accessories (the
Equipment) sold by ComNav Marine Ltd. (ComNav).
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

ComNav warrants to the Purchaser, provided that the recommended installation and
maintenance procedures set forth in the manual (the Manual) that has been provided with
the Equipment have been followed, and subject always to the other provisions of this
Warranty, that the Equipment is free from defects in workmanship and materials under
normal use and service for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase of the
Equipment by the Purchaser.
EXCLUSIONS
This Limited Warranty is null and void if:
1. The serial number of the Equipment has been removed, altered or mutilated;
2. Any of the anti-tamper seals covering case-screw holes, or other mechanisms for
opening the Equipments case, have been removed, broken or otherwise tampered with;
3. There are any defects in it, or damages to it, caused by:
a. Faulty installation or hook-up of the Equipment;
b. Abuse, misuse, or any use of the Equipment in violation of the instructions set
forth in the Manual;
c. Shipping, alterations, or incorrect and/or unauthorized service;
d. Accident, exposure of the Equipment to excessive heat, fire, lightning or other
electrical discharge, or water immersion;
e. Water damage due to failure to fully fasten the plug connected into the
Equipments power/signal receptacle;
f. Improper or inadequate ancillary or connected equipment.
OTHER LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

1. ComNav does not warrant or guarantee the precision or accuracy of positions, heading,
or other GPS-based navigation data obtained when using the Equipment. The potential
accuracy of the Equipment, as stated in the Manual, associated ComNav literature and/or
Product specifications, provides only an estimate of the highest achievable accuracy
based on:
a. Specifications provided by the US Department of Defence for GPS Positioning;
b. GPS Receiver specifications provided by the OEM manufacturer;
c. DGPS service provider performance specifications.
2. The Equipment is not intended for primary navigation or for use in safety of life
applications; ComNav does not warrant or guarantee that the Equipment will perform in
accordance with the requirements of such usage;
3. ComNav reserves the right to modify the Equipment without any obligation to notify,
supply or install any improvements or alterations to existing Equipment.
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 36 -

NO OTHER WARRANTIES
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND
CONDITIONS, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL OR IMPLIED, ARISING BY STATUTE OR
OTHERWISE, WITH RESPECT TO THE DESIGN, SALE, INSTALLATION OR USE OF THE
EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR
CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR THE ORDINARY PURPOSES
FOR WHICH THE EQUIPMENT IS USED OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
AND ANY OTHER OBLIGATIONS ON THE PART OF COMNAV, ITS EMPLOYEES,
SUPPLIERS, AGENTS, OR REPRESENTATIVES.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
THE EXTENT OF COMNAVS LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE TO THE END
PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR
TORT, AND WHETHER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED, IN
THE AGGREGATE, THE COST OF CORRECTING THE DEFECT IN THE EQUIPMENT OR,
AT COMNAVS OPTION, THE COST OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE ITEM. IN NO
EVENT WILL COMNAV BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PRODUCTION, LOSS OF
PROFITS, LOSS OF USE OR FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES, EVEN IF COMNAV HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE
FOREGOING, COMNAV SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND
RESULTING FROM INSTALLATION, USE, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE OR ACCURACY
OF THE EQUIPMENT.
NOTICE OF DEFECT
The Limited Warranty will not apply with respect to any defective Equipment unless written
notice of such defect is given to ComNav, by mail to the address for ComNav set forth below,
or by facsimile to ComNav at 604-207-8008, and unless that written notice is received by
ComNav within ten (10) days of the date upon which the defect first became known to the
Purchaser.
Notices sent by mail from within North America will be deemed to be received by ComNav on
the seventh (7th) day first following the date of posting. Notices sent by mail from anywhere
else in the world will be deemed to be received by ComNav on the tenth (10th) day next
following the date of posting. Notices sent by facsimile will be deemed to be received by
ComNav on the date of transmission with appropriate answerback confirmation.
REMEDIES NOT TRANSFERABLE

The Purchasers remedies under this Warranty apply only to the original end-user of the
ComNav Equipment, being the Purchaser, and apply only to the original installation of the
Equipment. The Purchasers remedies under this Warranty are not transferable or
assignable by the Purchaser to others in whole or in part.
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 37 -

CUSTOMER REMEDIES
1. If the Equipment, or any part thereof, proves to be defective within the warranty period,
the Purchaser shall do the following:
a. contact ComNav, by phoning 604-207-1600, to discuss the nature of the problem
and to obtain return shipping instructions for the defective Equipment;
and,
b. prepare a detailed written statement of the nature and circumstances of the
defect, to the best of the Purchasers knowledge, and including the date of
purchase of the Equipment, the place of purchase, the name and address of the
installer, and the Purchasers name, address and telephone number, all to be
sent, along with proof of purchase, to ComNav at the address set out below, and
within the time limits set out above for Notice of Defect.
2. If, upon examination by ComNav, the defect is determined to result from defective
workmanship or material and if the defect has occurred within the warranty period set
forth above, the Equipment or the defective parts thereof shall be repaired or replaced, at
ComNavs sole option, without charge, and shall be returned to the Purchaser at
ComNavs expense. Return delivery will be by the most economical means. Should the
Purchaser require that the Equipment be returned by a faster method, the costs incurred
by the faster delivery will be pre-paid by the Purchaser.
3. No refund of the purchase price for the Equipment will be made to the Purchaser unless
ComNav is unable to remedy the defect after having a reasonable number of
opportunities to do so.
4. Warranty service shall be performed only by ComNav. Any attempts to remedy the
defect by anyone else shall render the warranties set forth in this Warranty null and void.
CHOICE OF LAW AND JURISDICTION

This Warranty is governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. If the
Purchaser acquired the Equipment outside of Canada, each of the parties hereto irrevocably
attorn to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and further
agree to settle any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Limited
Warranty, or the breach, termination, or invalidity of it, by arbitration under the rules of the
British Columbia International Commercial Arbitration Centre (BCICAC). The appointing
authority shall be BCICAC [or, if the BCICAC shall cease to exist, the Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of British Columbia]. BCICAC shall administer the case in accordance with
BCICAC Rules. There shall be one arbitrator and the place of arbitration shall be Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada.
The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods Act, S.B.C
1990, c. 20, and any other statutory enactments of the United Nations Convention on
Contracts for the International Sale of Goods do not apply to this Warranty.
ComNav Maine Ltd.

#15 - 13511 Crestwood Place
Richmond, British Columbia
Canada, V6V 2G1
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 38 -

WARNING
The Equipment is an aid to navigation only. It is not intended or

designed to replace the person on watch. A qualified person should
always be in a position to monitor the vessels heading, and to watch
for navigational hazards, and should be prepared to revert to
manual steering immediately if an undesired change of heading
occurs, if the heading is not maintained within reasonable limits, or
when navigating in a hazardous situation.
ALWAYS REMEMBER:
WHENEVER UNDER WAY, A QUALIFIED PERSON ON

WATCH IS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 39 -

User Notes
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 40 -

ComNav G3 GPS Compass Installation & Operation User Notes
User Notes
Table 7 User Notes
Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 41 -

Comnav G3 GPS Compass Display Manual V2.0

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Comnav G3 GPS Compass Display Manual V2.0

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G3 GPS Compass

Installation & Operation Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of ComNav Marines G3 GPS Compass Display! At

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -1-

1R0 8-24-2012 J Add screen layout and menu descriptions

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -2-

Installation & Operation Manual................................................................................................................. 1

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -3-

Acknowledge an alarm ____________________________________________________________________ 21

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -4-

Figure 1 Mounting template ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Table 1 Parts in the G3 Display Package.................................................................................................................... 7

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -5-

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -6-

Table 1 Parts in the G3 Display Package

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -7-

Figure 1 Mounting template

Follow the following instructions to mount the G3 Display.

Figure 2 Illustration of mounting process

1.6 Connecting to NMEA 2000 network

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -8-

Connecting to GPS with NMEA 2000 interface

Figure 3 G3 connection to NMEA 2000 GPS compass

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 -9-

Connecting to Vector GPS with NMEA 0183 interface

Figure 4 G3 connection to NMEA 0183 GPS compass

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 10 -

1.7 Getting Start

Figure 5 G3 splash screen

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 11 -

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 12 -

Figure 6 G3 keypad layout

Soft Keypad function

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 13 -

The following Soft keys are used in G3.

Figure 7 Example of keypad status bar

Figure 8 Visual components of a data field on a screen page

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 14 -

Name as the Indicator of Data Source

2.3 Screen Layouts

Large Compass Layout

Figure 9 Large Compass screen

Small Compass Layout

Figure 10 Small compass screen

GPS Satellite Strength

Figure 11 GPS satellite strength bar screen

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 15 -

Satellites in View Graphic

Figure 12 - Satellites in View screen

Date and Time

Figure 13 Date and Time screen

Figure 14 Rate of Turn screen

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 16 -

Figure 15 Position screen

Figure 16 Digital layout with 3 fields

Scrolling through display pages in two directions

2.4 Menu operation

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 17 -

Main Menu Descriptions & options

Distance unit in m, nm, km, mi

Flow rate in l/hr (litre per hour,

Document PN 29010092 V2.0 - 18 -

Magnetic Heading or True Heading