Following are detailed step-by-step instructions for correct installation of each compo-
nent. Make sure that whoever is going to install your Sailcomp 103AC is very familiar
with these installation instructions and understands the principles of installation that
will ensure that your compass has the precision, convenience and usefulness for which
it is designed.
2. Choosing a Location
The first step necessary for installing each component is choosing a good location.
Determining a good location for each component is necessary before mounting to
ensure that the provided cable is long enough for your installation.
Fluxgate Sensor
The greatest advantage of having an electronic compass is that the sensor can be locat-
ed virtually anywhere on the boat. This ability results in superior compass accuracy
because the sensor, which determines the boat's heading, can be placed away from
magnetic interference. This removes the limitation of a conventional compass that
must be wholly located where the compass rose is visible to the skipper. Ideally, the
sensor would be mounted near the center of gravity, but as this is often impractical on
many boats, it is not critical.
Note:
The Sailcomp 103AC's AutoComp 1000 fluxgate compass sensor does not contain mag-
nets; it measures the earth's magnetic field electronically. Large pieces of metal will distort the
earth's flux lines, which the sensor measures, thus causing some error.
To minimize compass errors, select a location for your sensor that is as far as possi-
ble from iron, steel or magnetic fields while still being close to the boat's center of
gravity. Placing the sensor "center" fore and aft is more important than "center"
athwart-ships. We also recommend placing the sensor below the waterline or as
close to it as possible.
Each compass is calibrated at the factory, so the more carefully you place the sensor in
your boat, the less compensation will be needed. As you look around the boat for a
convenient spot that is far from metal or objects that can have strong magnetic fields
and is as close to central as possible, make sure to avoid the following spots:
1. under the sink-
although most sinks are made of stainless steel and will not affect
the compass, don't forget that sinks are often used as a good spot to place stray
tools, winch handles, metal utensils, cans of food or pots and pans. Result? A vari-
able mass of metal that becomes a moving mass as the boat rolls, causing strange
compass swings for no apparent reason. Also note that a porcelain sink is enam-
elled iron and will cause extreme compass errors.
2. next to the tool box-
another mass of metal (potentially moving when heeling) that
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INSTALLATION
