Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 29-08-2015, 20:35   #1
Registered User
 
northoceanbeach's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: California
Boat: Cape Dory 28
Posts: 445
After installing a lot of electronics, my bulkhead compass is way off.

I was looking at my autopilt compass and assumed it was off because it and the bulkhead big fluid compass were reading about 30-40 degrees apart.

I thought for sure the electronic one was wrong but when I got out my little handheld compass it matched the autopilot one.

I didn't install any electroncs near the bulkhead compass, what would make it so far off and what can I do to fix it?
northoceanbeach is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-08-2015, 21:07   #2
Registered User
 
transmitterdan's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2011
Boat: Valiant 42
Posts: 6,008
Re: After installing a lot of electronics, my bulkhead compass is way off.

Did you install something magnetic within a few feet of the compass? Common items that are magnetic include speakers and steel cookware. There may be other magnetic items so look around for anything that could act as a magnet.

Next, turn off all power in the boat. Literally everything, including AC shore power and all DC at the batteries even battery operated stuff.

If the compass is still off by the same amount then it probably needs to be "adjusted". You didn't give the model of the compass but most "big fluid" compasses have compensation magnets that are used to "compensate" the compass so it points north no matter which way the boat is pointed. The adjustment of these is somewhat complicated. So much so that there are people that adjust compasses for a living.

If turning off all power in the boat allows the compass to swing back then you know it is electrical. DC current is what makes a compass swing away from north.
transmitterdan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-08-2015, 22:54   #3
Registered User
 
northoceanbeach's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: California
Boat: Cape Dory 28
Posts: 445
Re: After installing a lot of electronics, my bulkhead compass is way off.

It was working well before my install. I didn't put anything on that side of the companionway, but I have stuff on the other side and that is within a couple feet. I also reorganized and maybe there are metal objects underneath the compass.

I'll try your ideas about turning everything off and see if that makes a difference. That would tell a lot.

The compass brand is a common brand but I don't hear of them making compasses. It's not ritchey. I forget. I think it starts with a d. It's big. Maybe 6-8 in diameter and it has a switch to light up at night.
northoceanbeach is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-08-2015, 10:43   #4
Registered User
 
Dulcesuenos's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Western Caribbean
Boat: 38/41 Fountains pajot
Posts: 3,060
Images: 4
Re: After installing a lot of electronics, my bulkhead compass is way off.

Electronic chsartplotters,, even tablets or smart phones with built in gps will throw off a compass 40 to 60 degrees if the electronics are within a foot or so the closer they get the worse the deviation.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
Dulcesuenos is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
compass, electronics, head

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Want To Buy: Bulkhead compass The Garbone Classifieds Archive 0 05-02-2013 14:00
For Sale: Bulkhead Compass for Sale - Silva/Nexus 109P 1980240D Classifieds Archive 3 03-11-2012 13:06
bulkhead mounted compass question smo General Sailing Forum 2 05-03-2012 17:44
For Sale: Aqua Meter Bulkhead Mount Compass Lee Jerry Classifieds Archive 5 28-09-2011 18:57
Both-Sides-Viewing Bulkhead Compass colo.sail Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 2 03-05-2010 11:23

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:02.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.