Operation Manual
54 |
System conguration | AP70/AP80 Installation Manual
Seatrials
Compass calibration
All magnetic compasses must be calibrated as part of the autopilot seatrial procedure.
Before the compass calibration is started, make sure that there is enough open water around
the vessel to make a full turn.
The calibration should be done in calm sea conditions and with minimal wind to obtain good
results. Follow the on-screen instruction, and use about 60-90 seconds to make a full circle.
1. Start the calibration by selecting the Calibrate button in the device calibration dialog
2. Follow the online instructions
During the calibration, the compass will measure the magnitude and direction of the local
magnetic field.
• If the local magnetic field is stronger than the earth’s magnetic field (the local field is reading
more than 100%), the compass calibration will fail
• If the local field is reading more than 30%, you should look for any interfering magnetic
objects and remove them, or you should move the compass to a different location. The
(local) field angle will guide you to the local interfering magnetic object.
Magnitude of local eld in % of
earth’s magnetic eld.
Lubber line
Direction of local eld with respect
to lubber line. It can also be on the
reciprocal.
10°
20%
¼ Note: Calibration must be made on the compass that is active for the autopilot. If another
model compass from Simrad or another manufacturer is installed, refer to the calibration
instruction for that compass.
¼ Note: In certain areas and at high latitudes the local magnetic interference becomes more
significant and heading errors exceeding ±3° may have to be accepted.
Compass mounting oset
The difference between the compass lubber line and the boat’s center line should be
compensated for.
1. Find the bearing from the boat position to a visible object. Use a chart or a chart plotter
2. Steer the boat so that the center line of the boat is aligned with the bearing line pointing
towards the object
3. Activate the device configuration dialog as shown below
- Ensure that the active compass is selected
4. Change the offset parameter so that the bearing to the object and the compass readout
becomes equal