Airmar CA500 Owner's Manual - page 3
will want the arrow to point forward.) Screw the cap nut several
turns until the threads are engaged. Continue to tighten the cap
nut. Be careful not to rotate the housing and disturb the sealant.
Hand-tighten only. Do not over tighten.
7. Attach the safety wire (see Figure 3).
Plastic housing—Attach the safety wire to one eye in the hull
nut. Keeping the wire taut throughout, lead the wire in a
counterclockwise direction and thread it through one eye in the
cap nut. Thread the wire through the eye a second time. Then
lead the wire through the eye in the insert. Twist the wire
securely to itself.
Metal housing—Wrap one end of the safety wire tightly around
the housing and twist it together with the long end. Keeping the
wire taut throughout, lead the wire straight up and through one
eye in the cap nut. Thread the wire through the eye a second
time. Then lead the wire counterclockwise and through the eye
in the insert. Twist the wire securely to itself.
Cable Routing & Connecting
CAUTION: Do not shorten the cable or remove the connector to
ease cable routing. If the cable is cut, the video signal will be
significantly degraded.
1. Route the cable to the instrument. Use grommets to avoid
tearing the cable jacket when passing it through the bulkhead(s)
and other parts of the boat. To reduce electrical interference,
separate the camera cable from other electrical wiring and the
engine. Coil any excess cable and secure it in place with cable
ties to prevent damage.
2. Connect the camera to the display at the video input port (see
Figure 4). The camera has a BNC connector. Some
installations will need an adaptor plug to connect to the display.
These are available at audio/visual stores.
3. To connect the power leads, see the color code below.
Red
12 VDC+
Black
12 VDC-
Checking for Leaks
WARNING: Do not leave the boat in the water unchecked for
several days.
When the boat is placed in the water, immediately check the
thru-hull camera for leaks. Note that very small leaks may not be
readily observed. Do not to leave the boat in the water for more
than 3 hours before checking it again. If there is a small leak,
there may be considerable bilge water accumulation after 24
hours. If a leak is observed, repeat “Bedding” and “Installing”
immediately (see pages 2 and 3).
Installation in a Cored Fiberglass Hull
The core (wood or foam) must be cut and sealed carefully. The
core must be protected from water seepage, and the hull must be
reinforced to prevent it from crushing under the hull nut allowing
the housing to become loose.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
CAUTION: Completely seal the hull to prevent water seepage into
the core.
1. Drill a 3mm or 1/8" pilot hole from inside the hull. If there is a rib, strut,
or other hull irregularity near the selected mounting location, drill from
the outside. (If the hole is drilled in the wrong location, drill a second hole
in a better location. Apply masking tape to the outside of the hull over the
incorrect hole and fill it with epoxy.)
2. Using a 51mm or 2" hole saw, cut the hole from outside the hull through
the outer skin only(seeFigure 5).
3. From inside the hull, use a 60mm or 2-3/8" hole saw to cut through the
inner skin and most of the core. The core material can be very soft.
Apply only light pressure to the hole saw after cutting through the inner
skin to avoid accidentally cutting the outer skin.
4. Remove the plug of core material so the inside of the outer skin and the
inner core of the hull are fully exposed. Sand and clean the inner skin,
core, and the outer skin around the hole.
5. If you are skilled with fiberglass, saturate a layer of fiberglass cloth with
a suitable resin and lay it inside the hole to seal and strengthen the
core. Add layers until the hole is the correct diameter.
Alternatively, a hollow or solid cylinder of the correct diameter can be
coated with wax and taped in place. Fill the gap between the cylinder and
hull with casting epoxy. After the epoxy has set, remove the cylinder.
6. Sand and clean the area around the hole, inside and outside, to ensure
that the marine sealant will adhere properly to the hull. If there is any
petroleum residue inside the hull, remove it with either mild household
detergent or a weak solvent (alcohol) before sanding.
7. Proceed with “Bedding” and “Installing” (see pages 2 and 3).
3
Figure 5. Preparing a cored fiberglass hull
inner skin
core
outer skin
solid or hollow cylinder
pour in
casting
epoxy
9-12 mm
(3/8-1/2")
larger than the
hole through the
hull’s outer skin
hull thickness
Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.
Figure 3. Top of insert
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
NOTE: Arrow
corresponds
to top of display
Figure 4. Connecting
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
power
BNC connector
- NTSC (USA)
- PAL (Europe)