2.1.3 FLUXGATE COMPASS
Tlie
fluxgate
compass may be attached to a
cionvenient bulkhead using the self tapping
^
screws provided. Unscrew the top cap to release
the compass housing from the mounting bracket
(Fig. 7). Screw the bracket to the bulkhead using
the self tapping screws provided and finally re
aitach
the compass body to the mounting
bmracket.
Correct positioning of the fluxgate is crucial if
ultimate performance from the autopilot
installation is to be achieved. The fluxgate should
ideally be positioned as near as possible to the
pitch and roll centre of the vessel in order to
minimise gimbal disturbance. The pitch and roll
centre is aenerally towards the centre of the
vessel, a little above waterline level. It is not
always possible to position the fluxgate at the
centre of pitch and roll, and if this is the case,
autopilot performance will not be unduly affected.
It is, however, very important to ensure that the
fluxgate is positioned at least
.8m
(2’6”) away from
the vessel’s steering compass in order to avoid
deviation of both compasses. The fluxgate must
also be positioned as far away as possible from
large iron masses, such as the engine and other
magnetic devices which may cause deviation and
reduce the sensitivity of the sensor. If any doubt
exists over magnetic suitability of the chosen site,
the position may be surveyed using a’simple
hand bearing compass. The hand bearing
compass should be fixed in the chosen position
and the vessel swung through 360”. Relative
differences in reading between the hand bearing
compass and the vessel’s main steering compass
should ideally not exceed 5” on any heading.
When the installation is complete the fluxgate
compass should be approximately aligned with
the vessel’s centre line by rotating the body until
the arrows on the joint line face the bows (Fig. 8).
I/
Fig. 8
Installation Precautions
Correct installation of the course computer
and fluxgate compass is vital to the successful
performance of the Autohelm 6000. The
installation precautions must be heeded if poor
performance or even failure of the
autoprlot
is to
-
be
avordect.
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