
15
Calibrating the Compass
WARNING
: The internal compass may need to be calibrated on the water after the
sensor is installed. Perform the pretest to determine if calibration is necessary.
CAUTION
: The Pretest and AutoCalibration Procedures must be done in calm
seas in a 0.8 km (0.5 mile) open area away from other boats and ferrous objects
such as structures and aids to navigation. Avoid congested areas and waters with
strong currents as calibration will be difficult and possibly hazardous.
Pretest
While making a full circle with the boat, compare the sensor’s heading data to the
boat’s compass. Check all headings. If the data agrees, there is no magnetic
influence on the sensor. It does NOT need to be calibrated.
AutoCalibration Procedure
IMPORTANT
: Calibration requires the vessel to complete 2 to 3 circles.
IMPORTANT
: In the event of a calibration failure, repeat the procedure.
1. Navigate the vessel to an open area of water, 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of open space
away from other boats or ferrous objects (structures or aids to navigation).
Choose calm seas.
2. Select the display page on the vessel’s NMEA instrument that shows Heading.
3. Shut OFF and then turn ON the DC power that is connected to the sensor.
4. Within 2 minutes of recycling power to the sensor, start the vessel in a slow [4
to 6 knots (4.5 to 7 MPH)] circular turn that takes about 2 to 3 minutes to
complete.
*
If the vessel completes 1.5 circles within 3 to 4.5 minutes, AutoCalibration will
begin. Heading will stop being reported on any NMEA 0183 display until the
calibration is finished.
5. Keep turning the vessel in the same circle for 1 to 2 more complete circles.
Do not change the vessel speed or rate of turn through the circle
.
6. When calibration is completed successfully, Heading will return to the display.
If calibration fails, the display will flash Heading ON and OFF in 10 second
intervals for 60 seconds. (Display times may vary by manufacturer.)
* The optimum rate of turn is 180°/ minute: 3°/second, 30°/10 seconds, 45°/15 seconds, and
90°/ 30 seconds.