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6.4 Seatrial / Compass Calibration
Before using the AP12, the compass must be
calibrated to compensate for any magnetic
deviation caused by ferrous or magnetic objects
surrounding it on the boat, such as cockpit
speakers etc.
1. With the boat motoring along slowly (2-3
knots) in calm conditions press the key a num-
ber of times (or manually steer) to induce a slow
clockwise rotation of the boat (approx 3¼/sec).
2. Press and hold Gain, followed by the and
keys simultaneously to enter Auto Compass
Calibration Mode (Fig 6.4).
3. Allow the boat to turn through a minimum of
1
1
Ú4 turns (450¼) in approximately 2
1
Ú2 minutes,
during which time the fluxgate compass will
automatically calibrate itself.
4. If the rate of turn is too high, the Port LED will flash indicating that it is necessary to decrease
the rate of turn - press . If the rate of turn is too slow the Starboard LED will flash, indicating
increase the angle of turn - press .
¥ It is recommended that the calibration is restarted if the Port LED flashes more than twice.
A double beep indicates the calibration was successful and the AP12 will return to Standby Mode.
¥ If after about four minutes the compass has not calibrated, an alarm will sound. Repeat the above
procedure, following the directions carefully. If the compass will still not calibrate then it is usual-
ly because the deviation being detected is too great, which may be due to the compass being too
close to a metallic or magnetic object (minimum safe distance - 1m [3 Ft]). Move the compass to a
position as close to the ideal centreline location as possible, but away from speakers, metallic super-
structure etc. Repeat the above procedure.
¥ This should only need to be done once when the autopilot is first commissioned, unless the com-
pass is changed, repaired, relocated or if any metallic objects have been installed or removed near
to the compass since it was calibrated. In the interests of accurate performance, always bear in
mind the location of the compass when installing any metallic objects on the boat. If in any doubt,
recalibrate the compass as shown above.
After calibrating the compass perform the following procedure -
1. Hold the course steady for 5-10 seconds.
2. Press Auto to engage the autopilot and lock onto the heading - in calm conditions a constant
heading should be held.
3. Alter course to Port and Starboard - the course change should be smooth without any sign of
overshooting.
4. Look back at the wake of the boat to get an indication of the steering performance over a dis-
tance of at least 3km (2 Miles). If there is any evidence of snaking or ÒS-ingÓ, try decreasing the
Gain setting (see section 3.1).
5. If a GPS is connected , the Nav Mode function should be tested over a longer distance.
Fig 6.4 - Auto Compass Calibration
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