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Old 03-10-2011, 16:38   #31
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

I removed my magnetic compass from the helm area. I still kept the compass and have it set up so it can be quick mounted. I see no problem with doing it this way. I would have a problem with getting rid it completely for really obvious reasons.
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Old 03-10-2011, 18:23   #32
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

Sailing in tough conditions I check the steering compass every few seconds. The GPS every few hours...or at most every few minutes in a channel. There's no comparison. They are not the same thing. Course does not replace heading. Surprising number of posters above don't seem to realize this. Kudos to those sailors that do.

You can certainly remove those compasses, but retain a real steering compass, electronic or otherwise, somewhere where it's easy to steer by when things get tough.
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Old 03-10-2011, 23:01   #33
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

The E7 provides heading info, as do many of the ST60(?) instruments around the OP's Helm station. And this really is the Magnetic Heading. No need for a compass deviation card (which I'm sure those using the compass keep updated and by the helm station for reference......not).
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Old 03-10-2011, 23:20   #34
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

When sailing this is my view from the helm (ok I am a bit higher). The compass is not exactly in the best position is it

To me it seems to be a waste of a space to have the compass there.
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Old 04-10-2011, 04:08   #35
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

Quote:
Sailing in tough conditions I check the steering compass every few seconds. The GPS every few hours...or at most every few minutes in a channel. There's no comparison. They are not the same thing. Course does not replace heading. Surprising number of posters above don't seem to realize this. Kudos to those sailors that do.
Kudos to the sailors that realise the OP has heading info that can be displayed on the E7.

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Old 04-10-2011, 04:38   #36
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And on my ST6002 display
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Old 04-10-2011, 06:53   #37
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

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Originally Posted by bewitched View Post
The E7 provides heading info, as do many of the ST60(?) instruments around the OP's Helm station. And this really is the Magnetic Heading. No need for a compass deviation card (which I'm sure those using the compass keep updated and by the helm station for reference......not).
The E series gets the heading data from a fluxgate compass. The deviation card may not be necessary if the compass is "swung" properly.
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Old 04-10-2011, 07:23   #38
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

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The E series gets the heading data from a fluxgate compass. The deviation card may not be necessary if the compass is "swung" properly.
Do the electronic displays show magnetic heading with or without variation?

My guess would be without to match what a standard binnacle compass displays.
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Old 04-10-2011, 08:38   #39
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

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Do the electronic displays show magnetic heading with or without variation?

My guess would be without to match what a standard binnacle compass displays.
Magnetic headings, by definition, are based on variation. Most systems allow the user to display in either true or magnetic. The systems use an algorithm to determine variation.

A binnacle compass displays in compass headings.

Compass +/- deviation = magnetic

Magnetic +/- variation = true
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Old 04-10-2011, 08:40   #40
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I'm pretty old-school, and I still like the idea...

... sort of. I do believe in power failures. All it takes is really flat batteries and the GPS is out. And there are times--at anchor, tacking or jibing in the dark as it helps judge the rate of turn, instructing a new sailor to hold course or steer through a jibe--where I prefer a traditional compass.

I think I never steared much by compass, unless I was running a DR track... which has been replaced by GPS these days. I would look out front, watch the waves, and guage my minute-by-minute heading by that. Staring at the compass keeps your head in the boat too much.

I think I'd vote for both, though. I'd miss either one.
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Old 04-10-2011, 09:02   #41
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

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Originally Posted by jackdale View Post
Magnetic headings, by definition, are based on variation. Most systems allow the user to display in either true or magnetic. The systems use an algorithm to determine variation.

A binnacle compass displays in compass headings.

Compass +/- deviation = magnetic

Magnetic +/- variation = true
Ah yes, wasn't thinking straight, you are correct!
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Old 04-10-2011, 09:40   #42
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

Did this over two years ago. Mounted a new compass forward of the helm at the front of the cockpit and mounted GPS, Chartplotter, Radar, Etc. on the pedistal. This arrangement works well . . . we even got to test it in a low power + zero GPS reception situation during a storm off Tarpon Springs, FL a few weeks ago. We intantly went back to the basics and didn't miss a beat. Those that meantioned that steering by GPS is difficult in bumpy conditions are right. The update is way too slow. It's great for waypoint info, but the compass was the only reliable instrument for good heading info. I think the OP's idea will work fine. It's really nice to have both systems within view from the helm.
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Old 04-10-2011, 19:33   #43
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

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Originally Posted by jackdale View Post
The E series gets the heading data from a fluxgate compass. The deviation card may not be necessary if the compass is "swung" properly.
Yeah, that was my point. The electronic data is likely to be more accurate than looking at the binacle compass, because although a few sailors do keep an updated deviation card, the vast majority don't. So going by the binacle compass alone is a bit of a lottery (without the deviation card).
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Old 04-10-2011, 20:46   #44
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

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Originally Posted by David M View Post
I removed my magnetic compass from the helm area. I still kept the compass and have it set up so it can be quick mounted. I see no problem with doing it this way. I would have a problem with getting rid it completely for really obvious reasons.

The GPS has to be installed properly or it can screw up the compass reading.
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Old 05-10-2011, 07:17   #45
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Re: Replace Compass at Helm with GPS

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Originally Posted by bewitched View Post
Yeah, that was my point. The electronic data is likely to be more accurate than looking at the binacle compass, because although a few sailors do keep an updated deviation card, the vast majority don't. So going by the binacle compass alone is a bit of a lottery (without the deviation card).
While I agree about the paucity of folks who make and update a deviation table for their magnetic compass, how many with fluxgates routinely re-do the deviation correction routine? Just as much a chance of the deviation changing for the fluxgate as a magnetic compass...

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