OWNER’S GUIDE &
Thru-Hull, Retractable with Valve
Ultrasonic Speed & Temperature Sensor
Model: CS4500-650
U.S. Patent 6,426,918; 6,671,225; 6,678,208. EP 1 634 087
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Record the information found on the cable tag for future reference.
Part No._________________Date___________
Follow the precautions below for optimal product performance and to reduce the risk of property damage, personal injury, and/or death.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when installing.
WARNING: The power must be ‘OFF’ before proceeding.
WARNING: The power supply voltage must be 10-15VDC
WARNING: A safe installation requires a 0.5 amp fast blow fuse or circuit breaker.
WARNING: The valve is not a watertight seal! Always install the ultrasonic insert or the long blanking plug secured with the retaining pin, safety rings, and safety wire for a watertight seal.
WARNING: The o-rings must be intact and well lubricated to make a watertight seal.
WARNING: Always attach the safety wire to prevent the insert or blanking plug from backing out in the unlikely event that the cap nut fails or is screwed on incorrectly.
WARNING: Immediately check for leaks when the boat is placed in the water. Do not leave the boat unchecked for more than three hours. Even a small leak may allow considerable water to accumulate.
WARNING: When the valve assembly is removed, always insert the short emergency plug with the cap nut secured with the safety wire for a watertight seal.
CAUTION: Never pull, carry, or hold the transducer by its cable; this may sever internal connections.
CAUTION: Never use a fairing with a plastic housing; the protruding sensor would be vulnerable to damage from impact.
CAUTION: Never install a metal housing on a vessel with a positive ground system.
CAUTION: Never use solvents. Cleaners, fuel, sealants, paint, and other products may contain strong solvents, such as acetone, which attack many plastics, greatly reducing their strength.
IMPORTANT: The sensor must be in good contact with the water at all times.
IMPORTANT: Read the instructions completely before proceeding with the installation. These instructions supersede any other instructions in your instrument manual if they differ.
Applications
• Not recommended for boats designed to pull air under the hull.
• Plastic housing recommended for fiberglass or metal hull only.
Never install a plastic housing in a wood hull since swelling of the wood may fracture the plastic.
• Bronze housing recommended for fiberglass or wood hull only.
Never install a bronze housing in a metal hull because electrolytic corrosion will occur.
How the Ultrasonic Speed Sensor Works
The speed sensor uses ultrasonic pulses to collect echoes from small particles in the water as they pass under two transducers embedded in the insert (see Figure 1). These transducers monitor the particles in their respective beams. As the boat travels through the water, both transducers ‘view’ the same stream of particles.
Because it takes time for particles to travel between the two transducers, the aft transducer detects the particles later than does the fore transducer. By measuring this time lapse, the instrument calculates the boat speed. If the boat is airborne, even for a short time, or in highly aerated water, the sensor will measure an incorrect speed.
Tools & Materials
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Water-based anti-fouling paint (mandatory in salt water)
Electric drill with 10mm (3/8") or larger chuck capacity
Drill bit
Hole saw
Sandpaper
3mm or 1/8"
51mm or 2" hull vessel direction scanning transducer
FORE AFT particle stream
Figure 1. Monitoring particles in the water
Copyright © 2002 Airmar Technology Corp.
Mild household detergent or weak solvent (such as alcohol)
File (installation in a metal hull)
Marine sealant (suitable for below waterline)
Additional washer [for aluminum hull less than 6mm (1/4") thick]
Slip-joint pliers (installing a metal housing)
Grommets (some installations)
Installation in a cored fiberglass hull (see page 3)
Hole saw for hull interior 60mm or 2-3/8"
Fiberglass cloth and resin
or Cylinder, wax, tape, and casting epoxy
Anti-fouling Paint
Aquatic growth can accumulate rapidly on the ultrasonic sensor’s surface reducing performance within weeks. Surfaces exposed to salt water must be coated with anti-fouling paint. Use water-based
anti-fouling paint only. Never use ketone-based paint, since ketones can attack many plastics possibly damaging the sensor.
It is easier to apply anti-fouling paint before installing the sensor, but allow sufficient drying time. Reapply paint every 6 months or at the beginning of each boating season. Paint the following surfaces (see Figure 2):
• Outside wall of the ultrasonic insert below the lower o-ring
• Active face of the ultrasonic insert
• Exterior flange of the housing and valve assembly
• Bore of the valve assembly up 30mm (1-1/4")
• Blanking plug below lowest o-ring including exposed end
Mounting Location
CAUTION: Do not mount near water intake or discharge openings or behind strakes, fittings, or hull irregularities that will disturb the water flow.
CAUTION: Never mount the sensor directly ahead of a depth transducer, since turbulence generated by the housing will adversely affect the depth transducer’s performance, especially at high speeds. Mount side-by-side.
CAUTION: Do not mount in line with trailer rollers or bunks that may damage the sensor.
Turbulence-free water must flow under the ultrasonic sensor at all speeds. Choose an accessible spot with a minimum of 280mm
(11") of headroom inside the vessel to allow for the height of the housing, tightening the nuts, and removing the insert.
• Fin keel sailboats—Mount on or near the centerline and forward of the fin keel 150–300mm (1/2–1').
ultrasonic insert housing
& valve assembly outside wall below lower o-ring active face housing bore of valve assembly up 30mm (1-1/4") exterior flange of housing and valve assembly
Figure 2. Anti-fouling paint
Copyright © 2002 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
• Full keel sailboats—Locate amidships and away from the keel at the point of minimum deadrise.
• Displacement hull powerboats—Locate amidships near the centerline.
• Planing hull powerboat—Mount well aft to ensure the sensor is in contact with the water at high speeds.
Installation
Hole Drilling
Cored fiberglass hull—Follow separate instructions on page 3.
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.
2. Using the 51mm or 2" hole saw, cut the hole perpendicular to the hull from outside the hull.
3. Sand and clean the area around the hole, inside and outside, to ensure that the 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.
Metal hull—Remove all burrs with a file and sandpaper.
plastic housing metal housing ultrasonic insert retaining pin safety ring (2) safety wire cap nut emergency plug hull nut washer hull sealant on flange and side wall valve assembly housing cap nut large o-ring medium o-ring
Figure 3. Bedding and installing
Copyright © 2002 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
Figure 4. Assembly
Copyright © 2002 Airmar Technology Corp.
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Bedding
CAUTION: Be sure the surfaces to be bedded are clean and dry.
Apply a 2mm (1/16") thick layer of sealant around the flange of the housing that contacts the hull and up the sidewall of the housing. The sealant must extend 6mm (1/4") higher than the combined thickness of the hull, washer(s), and hull nut (see
Figure 3). This will ensure there is sealant in the threads to seal the hull and to hold the hull nut securely in place.
Installing
CAUTION: The arrow on the flange of the housing must point forward toward the bow for the insert to be aligned properly.
CAUTION: The bottom of the insert must be flush with the bottom of the housing for the sensor to work properly.
1. From outside the hull, push the housing into the mounting hole using a twisting motion to squeeze out excess sealant (see
Figure 3). Align the arrow on the flange of the housing pointing
forward toward the bow. If the sensor is not installed on the centerline, angle the housing slightly toward the centerline to align it with the water flow.
2. From inside the hull, slide the washer onto the housing.
Aluminum hull less than 6mm (1/4") thick—Use an additional rubbery, fiberglass, or plastic washer. Never use bronze since electrolytic corrosion will occur. Never use wood, since it will swell possibly fracturing the plastic housing.
3. Screw the hull nut in place being sure the notch on the upper rim of the housing and the corresponding arrow on the flange are still positioned forward toward the bow.
Plastic housing—Do not clamp tightly on the wrenching flats, causing the housing to fracture.
Plastic hull nut—Hand-tighten only. Do not over-tighten.
Metal hull nut—Tighten with slip-joint pliers.
Cored fiberglass hull—Do not over tighten, crushing the hull.
Wood hull—Allow the wood to swell before tightening the hull nut.
4. Remove any excess sealant on the outside of the hull to ensure smooth water flow under the ultrasonic insert.
5. After the sealant cures, inspect the o-rings on the valve assembly (replace if necessary) and lubricate them with the silicone lubricant supplied. The o-rings must be intact and well lubricated to make a watertight seal.
6. Slide the valve assembly into the housing being sure to engage
the key in the notch.
7. Screw the cap nut in place. Hand-tighten only. Do not over tighten.
8. Inspect the o-rings on the ultrasonic insert (replace if necessary) and lubricate them with the silicone lubricant supplied (see Figure 6). The o-rings must be intact and well lubricated to make a watertight seal.
9. Slide the ultrasonic insert into the housing with the arrow on the top pointing forward toward the bow. Seat it into place with a pushing twisting motion until the key fits into the notch. The arrow on the top of the insert, the notch in the housing, and the
arrow on the flange will be aligned. Be careful not to rotate the housing and disturb the sealant. Be sure the bottom of the insert is flush with the bottom of the housing.
10.Attach one safety ring to one end of the retaining pin. Slide the retaining pin through the valve assembly and the ultrasonic insert. Attach the second safety ring to the retaining pin (see
Figure 3).
11.Attach the safety wire to prevent the insert from backing out in the unlikely event that the cap nut fails or is screwed on incorrectly.
Plastic housing—Attach the safety wire to one eye in the hull pour in casting epoxy hull thickness
9-12 mm
(3/8-1/2") larger than the hole through the hull’s outer skin inner skin core solid or hollow cylinder outer skin
Figure 5. Preparing a cored fiberglass hull
Copyright © 2002 Airmar Technology Corp.
nut. Thread the short emergency plug onto the wire. Keeping the wire taut throughout, lead the wire in a counterclockwise direction and thread it through one eye in the cap nut. Lead the wire through the eye a second time. Then lead the wire through the safety ring and the second eye in the cap nut. Twist the wire end securely to itself.
Metal housing—Wrap one end of the safety wire tightly around the housing and twist it together with the long end. Thread the
short emergency plug onto the wire. Keeping the wire taut throughout, lead the wire straight up and through one eye in the cap nut. Loop the wire through one safety ring. Twist the it securely to itself.
12.To wire the ultrasonic speed sensor, follow the instructions
“Wiring” on page 5.
Checking for Leaks
When the boat is placed in the water, immediately check around the sensor for leaks. Note that very small leaks may not be readily observed. Do not to leave the boat in the water unchecked for more than 3 hours. 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 page 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.
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 (see Figure 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.
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6. Sand and clean the area around the hole, inside and outside, to ensure that the 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” on page 3.
Operation, Maintenance & Repair
How the Valve Works
The valve is not a watertight seal! The sensor incorporates a self-closing valve which minimizes the flow of water into the vessel when the ultrasonic insert is removed. The curved flap valve is activated by both a spring and water pressure. Water pushes the flap valve upward to block the opening, so there is no gush of water into the boat. Always use the ultrasonic insert or the long blanking plug secured with the retaining pin, safety rings, and safety wire for a watertight seal.
Using the Long Blanking Plug
To protect the ultrasonic insert, use the long blanking plug when:
• The boat will be kept in salt water for more than a week.
• The boat will be removed from the water.
• Aquatic growth build-up is suspected due to inaccurate readings from the instrument.
1. Inspect the o-rings on the long blanking plug (replace if necessary) and lubricate them with the silicone lubricant supplied or petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) (see Figure 6). The o-rings must be intact and well lubricated to make a watertight seal.
2. Remove the ultrasonic insert from the housing by removing the safety wire, one safety ring, and the retaining pin.
Do not remove the cap nut (see Figure 3).
3. Grasp the ultrasonic insert and pull upward slowly.
NOTE: In the unlikely event that the ultrasonic insert cannot be removed, see “Servicing the Valve Assembly” below.
4. Slide the long blanking plug into the housing with the arrow on the top pointing forward toward the bow. Seat it into place with a pushing twisting motion until the key fits into the notch (see
Figure 6). Secure it with the retaining pin and safety rings.
5. Reattach the safety wire to prevent the insert from backing out in the unlikely event that the cap nut fails or is screwed on incorrectly (see Figure 3).
Servicing the Ultrasonic Insert
CAUTION: The active face of the ultrasonic insert is fragile thus easily damaged. Do not scratch, gouge, or sand it with coarse sandpaper.
Aquatic growth will seriously affect the ultrasonic insert’s performance.
Clean the active face with a dull putty knife being careful to avoid scratching the surface (see Figure 6). If fouling is severe, lightly wet sand the surface with fine grade (#320) wet/dry paper.
O-rings must be free of abrasions and cuts to ensure a watertight seal. Install three small o-rings on the ultrasonic insert (see Figure 6).
Place the remaining three small o-rings on the long blanking plug.
Servicing the Valve Assembly
Should the valve fail, remove it for servicing. A replacement o-ring and Valve Kit 33-415 is available.
WARNING: If the insert is caught in the valve assembly trapping the cap nut, TEMPORARILY hold the SHORT emergency plug in place with the safety wire. Immediately, separate the insert from the valve assembly. If they cannot be separated and the sensor must be left unattended, cut the cable [a minimum of 1m (3') from the insert] to free the cap nut. Later, splice the cable using
Airmar’s Junction Box 33-035.
4 top view of ultrasonic insert ultrasonic insert valve assembly flap valve valve housing housing pull ring small o-rings active face key (2) cap nut large o-ring medium o-ring long blanking plug
BOW
►
Figure 6. Servicing
Copyright © 2002 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
1. Remove the short emergency plug from the safety wire (see
Figure 3).
2. Inspect (replace if necessary) and lubricate the o-rings with silicone lubricant or petroleum jelly (Vaseline ® ). The o-rings must be intact and well lubricated to make a watertight seal.
3. Unscrew the cap nut. With the short emergency plug ready in one hand, remove the ultrasonic insert and valve assembly as one unit. Rapidly insert the short emergency plug to minimize the flow of water into the boat.
NOTE: The short plug is not secure until the cap nut is in place
4. To free the cap nut, remove the ultrasonic insert from the valve assembly by removing one safety ring and the retaining pin.
Grasp the ultrasonic insert and pull upward slowly.
5. Secure the short emergency plug with the cap nut. Hand-
tighten only. Do not over tighten. Reattach the safety wire.
6. Clean, repair, or replace the valve assembly, so the flap valve moves freely and seats against the valve housing (see Figure 6).
7. To reinstall the valve assembly and ultrasonic insert, inspect
(replace if necessary) and lubricate the o-rings with silicone lubricant or petroleum jelly (Vaseline ® ). The o-rings must be intact and well lubricated to make a watertight seal.
8. Remove the safety wire and cap nut from the short emergency plug. With the valve assembly ready in one hand, remove the emergency plug. Rapidly slide the valve assembly into the housing being sure to engage the key in the notch. Screw the cap nut in place and hand-tighten only. Do not over tighten.
9. Reinstall the ultrasonic insert and secure it with the retaining pin and safety rings. Attach the safety wire to the short emergency plug, the cap nut, and the safety ring (see Figure 3).
Winterizing
After the boat has been hauled for winter storage, remove the
long blanking plug to let the water drain away before reinserting it.
This will prevent any water from freezing around the blanking plug and possibly cracking it.
Wiring
Tools & Materials
Pencil
Drill
Drill bit: 3mm or 1/8"
Cutting pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Wire strippers
Heat-shrink tubing
Heat gun
Blade screwdrivers
Locating the Junction Box & Cable Routing
CAUTION: Minimize electrical interference by separating the sensor cables from other electrical wiring and the engine.
CAUTION: Be careful not to tear the cable jackets when passing them through the bulkhead(s) and other parts of the boat. Use grommets to prevent chafing.
1. Select a convenient, dry, mounting location for the waterresistant junction box, about 1–2m (3' – 5') from the instrument
(see Figure 7).
2. Route the sensor cable to the proposed location of the junction box. Do not fasten the cable in place at this time.
3. Hold the junction box at the selected location and mark the position of the four screw holes with a pencil.
NOTE: If the junction box will be mounted on a vertical surface, face the compression bushings downward to avoid water seeping into the box.
4. At the marked locations, drill a 3mm or 1/8" hole to a depth of
10mm (3/8"). Do not screw the junction box in place at this time.
BATTERY screw hole (4)
INSTRUMENT
SENSOR grey wire with protective sleeving power panel
(battery) instrument sensor
Figure 7. Cable layout
Copyright © 2002 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp.
5. Route the instrument cable to the junction box. Cut the cable
50cm (2') beyond the junction box to allow for wiring ease.
Do not fasten the cable in place at this time.
6. Route the power cable from the battery to the junction box.
Allowing 25cm (10") at each end for wiring ease, cut the cable to length. Do not fasten the cable in place at this time.
Preparing the Cables
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the printed circuit board.
1.
Be sure the power is ‘OFF’. Remove the junction box cover and set it aside along with the screws (see Figure 8).
2. Carefully push approximately 200mm (8") of the power cable through the left compression bushing.
3. Carefully push approximately 200mm (8") of the instrument cable through the center compression bushing,.
4. Carefully push approximately 200mm (8") of the sensor cable through the right compression bushing.
5. Strip 60mm (2-1/2") of the outer jacket and foil shielding from the cut ends of the power and instrument cables (see Figure 9).
NOTE: The grey wire is covered with protective sleeving and this must remain in place.
6. Strip 11mm (3/8") of conductor insulation from the end of each insulated wire in the power and instrument cables.
7. Protect the cable’s foil shielding from causing a short inside the junction box. Place heat-shrink tubing around the jacket where the wires emerge from the cable. It must overlap the wires a minimum of 6mm (1/4"). Use a heat gun to shrink the tubing.
remove outer jacket
60mm (2 1/2") remove insulation
10mm
(3/8") compression bushing (3)
Figure 8. Junction box
Copyright © 2002 Airmar Technology Corp.
cable jacket heat-shrink tubing
Figure 9. Preparing the cable—instrument cable shown
Copyright © 2002 Airmar Technology Corp.
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Wiring the Junction Box
CAUTION: Sensor cable—Do not attempt to connect the bare wire and grey wire. The bare wire has been cut off flush with the cable jacket, and the grey wire has been covered with protective sleeving. Do not allow these wires to cause a short circuit within the junction box.
button
1. From outside the junction box, carefully pull each of the cables in turn until only 13mm (1/2") of the cable jacket remains inside the box (see Figure 10).
2. Starting with the battery cable, wire each cable in turn to the corresponding terminal block. Follow the color code on the PC board. Insert the stripped end of a wire in the hole in the corresponding terminal. Simultaneously depress the adjacent button using a small blade screwdriver. Release the button to lock the wire in place. Be sure the stripped end of the wire is
inserted up to the insulation only. Do not include any insulation inside the terminal. Gently tug on the wire to ensure it is locked in place. Repeat this process until all wires are connected.
3. Hand-tighten the nut on each compression connector to make a water-resistant seal.
4. Arrange the wires neatly inside the junction box being sure that no bare wires are touching.
5. Attach the junction box cover with the screws provided for a water-resistant seal.
6. Using the screws provided, attach the junction box to the selected mounting surface at the holes previously drilled.
Wiring the Instrument
To connect the instrument cable to the display, follow the instructions in your instrument owner’s manual for connecting a speed sensor. See the color code below.
Red
Green (GRN)
Bare
White (WHT)
Brown (BRN)
B+ (5 to 15VDC) signal ground temperature temperature
BATTERY
INSTRUMENT
SENSOR
Figure 10. Wiring the Junction Box
Copyright © 2002 Airmar Technology Corp.
Inaccurate Speed Readings
• If the ultrasonic speed sensor is ‘ON’ when the boat is stationary, you may see a speed readout of a fraction of a knot because of water movement under the hull.
• If the speed reading is consistently the same percentage higher or lower than the true speed, the speed function within the instrument needs to be re-calibrated. Follow the directions in your instrument owner’s manual.
• If speed readings are inaccurate above about 10knots:
- The sensor is installed in turbulent water. The cause may be water intake or discharge openings, strakes, fittings, hull irregularities upstream of the sensor, or the shape of the hull in that area. The sensor must be reinstalled in another location.
- The ultrasonic insert is covered with aquatic growth. See
“Servicing the Ultrasonic Insert” on page 4.
- Aerated water is flowing under the sensor because the boat is designed to pull air under the hull. The sensor will not work on this type of boat.
Wiring the Power Panel (Battery)
Be sure the power panel has a 0.5 amp fast blow fuse or circuit breaker. Cut off the bare wire flush with the cable jacket. To connect the power cable to the power panel, see the color code below.
Red
Black
V
+ (
10 to 15 VDC)
V–
Sensor Replacement & Parts
The information needed to order a replacement Airmar sensor is printed on the cable tag. Do not remove this tag. When ordering, specify the part number and date. For convenient reference, record this information on the top of page one.
Troubleshooting
No Speed Reading
• Is the ultrasonic insert installed in the housing and connected to the junction box?
• Is the ultrasonic insert oriented with the arrow on the top pointing forward toward the bow? If the insert cannot be seated in the housing with the arrow pointing forward, check that the arrow on the flange of the housing is pointing forward. If this is not the case, the housing needs to be reinstalled with the proper orientation.
If you have purchased a plastic housing and have a wood hull or desire greater strength, purchase a bronze housing. Lost, broken, or worn parts should be replaced immediately.
Blanking
Plug
33-482-01
Cap Nut
04-234-1 (plastic)
02-131-01 (bronze)
Hull Nut
04-004 (plastic)
02-030 (bronze)
Housing, Washer
& Hull Nut
33-457-01
(bronze, B17)
O-ring &
Valve Kit
33-415
Obtain parts from your instrument manufacturer or marine dealer.
• Is power being supplied to the junction box? The power must be
Gemeco (USA) Tel: 803.693.0777
10 to 15VDC. At lower voltages performance is degraded and
Fax: 803.693.0477
the unit will shut down. If there is no voltage, check the wiring.
email: [email protected]
• Are the wire connections at the terminals in the junction box
Airmar EMEA Tel: +33.(0)2.23.52.06.48
tight and properly stripped of insulation?
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(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: +33.(0)2.23.52.06.49
• Does the color of each wire match the color label on the PC board?
email: [email protected]
AIRMAR
®
35 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, New Hampshire 03055-4613, USA
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION www.airmar.com
Copyright © 2002 - 2011 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.
