Fluxgate Compass; Location - Raymarine autopilot + ST4000+ Owner's Handbook Manual

Chapter 5: Installing the ST4000+

5.3 Fluxgate compass

Location

The compass contains a self-levelling mechanism. This enables the
compass to provide accurate readings with pitch and roll movements
up to +/- 35°.
Note: The rattle that the fluxgate compass makes when shaken is
normal. It is caused by the pendulum weight hitting the inside of
the case.
Fluxgate compass dimensions
Standard location
The compass is primarily designed for below deck, bulkhead
mounting. On steel-hulled boats you must mount it above deck.
To achieve the best performance from the compass, mount it:
•
•
•
•
Note: Because you align the compass after installation (see
page 95),you can mount it so it faces in any direction.
76 mm (3 in)
as near as possible to the boat's pitch and roll center to minimize
compass disturbance
at least 0.8 m (2 ft 6 in) away from the boat's steering compass to
prevent deviation of either compass
away from the front third of the boat (otherwise shock motion will
affect compass performance)
away from potential sources of magnetic interference, such as:
motors, drive units, loudspeakers, alternators/starters, electric
cables, large ferrous objects (such as the engine, ballast, keel, gas
bottles and tool boxes)
55
76 mm (3 in)
D5381-1