We installed a Northstar 6000i networked system, now a Navico brand, for long-term testing aboard our 25′ Contender. The Northstar GPS system included a 10.4-inch and 8.4-inch display, a Northstar black box sounder, and radar.
Most but not all connections in the Northstar network are easily made with supplied cables. The radar black box and any external devices requiring a NEMA signal connect via individual wires and a bus bar. Diagrams in the manual provide information on wiring. We had no trouble wiring the radar but had to make a couple calls to tech support to get the NEMA data transfer to our autopilot right. The radar also requires a user-installed switch to turn power on/off to the antenna.
Northstar 6000i
Screen Size and Viewability
The larger 10.4-inch screen shows a bit more daylight brilliance than the smaller 8.4-inch screen. Both remain viewable to angles of 60 degrees. When viewed through polarized sunglasses, we noted some darkening of the screen at severe angles. It was more noticeable in the smaller 8.4-inch screen.
Daytime viewability of both displays was rated excellent, with one caveat. Screen fogging due to high outside air temperatures and humidity levels is occasionally evident in the lower left quadrant of both displays and especially prevalent on the larger screen. It can be so severe, at times, to make reading the underlying information impossible. We found over a period of time the fogging would dissipate. Opening the door covering the chart card helped speed this process.
Night view testing began in twilight conditions and continued until full darkness had fallen. We adjusted the brightness level using an onscreen slider to dim the screen as the light faded. The 8.4-inch screen will dim until it goes black while the larger screen will not, both, however dim sufficiently for night operations on most boats. Most of the pushbuttons are lit, but the level is not adjustable, and none of the 6 soft keys are backlit. Even though both screens provide excellent night viewing the lack of a pushbutton dimmer forces us to rate them only good.
Operation
Software and control key layout is identical in both Northstar chartplotter displays. Using the 15 dedicated pushbuttons, cursor pad, and 6 soft keys makes control of most everyday functions a snap.
Compare Best Prices for GPS Chartplotters.
Red labels with large easily readable letters displayed onscreen describe the function of each of the 6 soft keys. Soft key labels can be hidden from view by pressing the CLR key. Pressing any soft key button returns the labels to view. Normally from 3 to 6 soft keys will be labeled and active depending on the page in use. Waypoint, route, and menu lists are also displayed in an easy-to-read format. Onscreen data box information is selected using soft key.
Four map