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Setting the Magnetic Reference
Setting the magnetic reference aligns the autopilot compass to the local magnetic
inclination (dip angle).
The autopilot comes from the factory set for the magnetic field inclination in
California. If you are located significantly farther north or south, the magnetic
reference should be set again on location. Magnetic field inclination differences will
usually only start to become noticable if you are located below 15-degrees North or
above 55-degrees North.
·
This procedure is best performed at the dock in flat water.
·
If at sea, only perform this procedure in calm seas while holding the control box to stabilize it. If the
vessel is moving, maintain a steady heading during the procedure.
·
If the control box is not kept level or is bumped during this procedure, the reference may be skewed
resulting in poor autopilot performance.
·
Make sure that power to the autopilot is not interrupted during the procedure and in the 15 seconds
following the procedure.
Steps:
1.
Turn on the autopilot and set the Rudder dial to 5.
2.
Leave the autopilot on for 10 minutes or more to allow the temperature inside the control box to
stabilize.
3.
Turn the Rudder dial to OFF and remove the control box from its bracket.
4.
Hold the control box so that it is pointed approximately due North and so the top is level and steady;
hold it shoulder-height or rest it on a cockpit seat, but keep it away from metal objects and any
possible magnetic fields. The center of the cockpit, about shoulder high is usually free from magnetic
fields on most boats. If resting on a surface, make sure there are no metal fasteners nearby or metal
equipment underneath.
5.
While holding the control box steady, simultaneously press and hold both the Port 1° and Starboard 1°
buttons then turn the Rudder dial on (past 1). Continue holding the buttons. The light will blink red 5
times and then remain solid: you can now release the buttons.
6.
Wait 15 seconds more. Do not turn off power to the autopilot before 15 seconds have passed.
The Magnetic Reference is now set in memory and only needs to be set again if you move to a region with a
significantly different magnetic inclination or recalibrate the autopilot compass magnetic sensors.
Control Box Orientation Restrictions
The control box must be oriented level and facing either the bow or the stern of
the boat. The cable exits the bottom side of the box. If the control box does not
face the bow or stern of the boat, the autopilot heading will be affected by the boat
pitching and heeling.
