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Random Quote: If you are looking down at the grass it is a good day. If you are looking up at it something went very wrong!
I want to thank Vin McCarthy (Seaker) for saving me and many others hours and hours of work by bringing this issue to my attention. (and trouble shooting his GPS so I could learn from his labor)
There is a new satellite up in the heavens. Satellite number 32.... Unfortunately, Northstar 94x, 95x and 96x with software older than 2003 can only understand satellites 1 through 31. When satellite 32 comes into range, the Northstar loses its fix and starts doing really strange thing, like not changing your position or showing you running at 300 knots or just flashing the "!" symbol....
After speaking with Northstar last night, they said satellite 32 comes into range here in our area at around 3:15 pm and goes out of range at about 8:00 pm. Satellite 32 confuses the unit.
There is a free patch available on Northstar's web site. The tech told me that it will not over write my marks (I'd hate to lose my double secret 3 pound blue fish spot... :D )
I was going to include the link, the the address is longer than the Tech Pub. Here is the Tech Release:
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.
Kendall - 6/2/2008 6:14 AM How do you hook the GPS up to your computer for the software download?
There is a special cable you need. Instructions for building one is on Northstar's web site.... I suppose a Northstar dealer could sell you one as well....
How do you hook the GPS up to your computer for the software download?
Even if you have the ( Northstar 1100-LC, N/S18-pin to PC serial connector) loader cable (I do), your best bet is very likely to pay the $65 or so to a N/S dealer to do it or send your navigator unit back to N/S in Acton for GPS RX software update. Apparently the patch/update file is quite large- when the helpful N/S factory tech tried to send it to me he said their servers kicked it back. He was able to send the N/S Waypoint Up/Downloader program no problem though. The instructions link he sent in case the GPS Rx software made it through made the whole process look very complicated for someone not familiar with the N/S updates, which is why I recommend the dealer or factory updating.
If you think you need the update, be preparred to wait. I live 15 miles from the Northstar factory and have always enjoyed 1 day or walk in service on my 800 loran or GPS. I brought my unit in after learning of the problem on THT and was told that there is a 2-3wk back log already of units sent in. Good luck
Northstar Owners, Heads Up!!!! 
