Si-tex SP38, Installation And Operation Manual, Page: 114 / 193

Sitex SP38 Installation and Operation Getting Started
Document PN 29010101 V1r0
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Sitex Fluxgate Compass (and other fluxgate compasses)
1. Power up the autopilot in the Dockside Setup menu.
2. Select “Compass Setup” and press the ENTER button.
3. Highlight “Analog Compass.” Make sure the parameter is set correctly for the
type of Fluxgate Compass that you are using, then press the ENTER button.
4. After the autopilot has auto-detected the compass, you will see a prompt to do
the compensation. Press the STARBOARD button at this time. During the
compensation, you will see a “Turn at 3°/s” prompt on the screen.
5. Manually steer the boat in a circle (either port or starboard).
6. Keep turning until the display reads “Compensation OK.” Usually, it takes a bit
more than one full turn, but sometimes it can take 2 or 3 turns.
7. If after several turns the display still does not read “Compensation OK,” or if it says
“Compensation Failed”, check all wiring and/or relocate the compass, then begin
the procedure again.
8. Press the PORT button to go back to the Compass Configuration menu.
9. The Fluxgate Compass is now compensated and ready for use – although it
still may need to be calibrated.
If you continue to encounter difficulties, please contact your Sitex Dealer for assistance.
HDK-11 NMEA 0183 Rate Compass
NOTE: You will only be able to calibrate the gyro compass when the compass is connected
to the NAV1 port, and you have followed the wiring in
Figure 30 .
1. If you are not already in the Compass Configuration menu, begin by selecting
“Compass Setup” and then pressing the ENTER button from the Dockside Setup
Menu (see the Dockside Setup Menu).
2. Move the highlight to “NAV1 Port”, set the parameter to “ HDK-11 ”, then again
press the ENTER button.
3. The rest of the compensation procedure is same as steps 4 through 9 in the section
on compensation for Fluxgate Compasses.
Other NMEA Compasses
Many NMEA compasses will not require compensation such as the Sitex G1/G2/G2B GPS
Compass. In all cases, you should refer to the instructions that came with your compass to
determine whether compensation is needed and how to do it.