Technical Bulletin
No. 08-02
Northstar PRN32 Status
Software Release Announcement
Dear Northstar Customers, Dealers and Sales Representatives,
Several older generation Northstar products are potentially affected by the introduction of the new satellite PRN32 into the GPS constellation. This new satellite was activated 27th of February 2008. The internal GPS engine used by Northstar in these affected units may not recognize the new satellite which may cause the unit to operate incorrectly or fail when this satellite is in view. The affected GPS software versions were used in production from 1997-2003. These units are no longer covered under a warranty period.
It is recommended that users of the affected products check their current GPS RX software version (not the same as system software version) on the "Service" information menu accessed by using the star key. Note that units that have been serviced or upgraded may have newer software.
If the GPS software version is on the list shown below, then a software patch will need to be installed on the unit to remedy this issue.
Affected System Information
The following Marine systems are affected:
941/951/952 Navigators - Download the Software Update
w/ GPS Software Versions:046, 050, 052, 054, 057, 058, 059, 060, 060B
961/962 Navigators
w/ GPS Software Versions: 046, 050, 052, 054, 057, 058, 059, 060, 060B
For more information, please read this Technical Bulletin.