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7- Installation
Before starting the installation, take the time to choose the location of
the sensor. Indeed, the Fluxgate advanSea Compass, just like the steering
compass of your boat, is sensitive to the metallic masses, to the
movements of the boat and to the disturbances created by the electric
devices. Although it can be self-compensated, the installation must be
carried out with care to obtain an optimal precision.
7.1- Precautions for installation
The location of the sensor should be:
- as close as possible to the centers of roll and pitch of the boat,
- more than one meter away from the magnetic compass (to avoid a
mutual disturbance),
- as far as possible of the magnetic masses on board (loudspeaker,
transmitter or radio receiver ...).
Here is a list of equipment that could disrupt a Fluxgate compass:
- The keel of the sailboat (when it is cast iron or steel).
- Radio and radar equipment.
- The boat engine.
- Generators and battery chargers.
- Voltage regulators.
- Electric motors.
- Toolboxes and anchors.
- Electrical windlass.
- Electrical cables carrying strong currents.
Before installing the Fluxgate Compass, you can check that the location
will not be disturbed by doing the following: Place a bearing compass at
the chosen location. Then, take a full 360 ° turn with your boat to compare
the information provided by the steering compass and the bearing
compass. If the deviations are less than 10 °, the location is suitable.
