Fluxgate Compass

[Ratherbee]

I am installing a Digital compass so as to have the radar overlay work on my Raymarine C Series Chartplotter. Testing various locatiions before the install leads me to believe the best spot for the compass is directlly in front of me at the helm in the spot where my magnetic compass currently resides. The reason for this is not only the best viewing angle but it seems to be the place where there is the least amount of electrical interference, although no where on the dash causes the new compass to display an error message. I assume then that the compass could compensate electronically at any position.

My question is should I remove the old stlye magnetic compass and replace it with the digital. I have a good magnetic hand bearing compass as a back up. I would like to keep the old compass but the digital compass needs to be mounted at least three feet away as it cannot compensate for a changing magnetic field.

Also to complicate things, (what else is new), The old compass was evidently installed with the windshield out as I cannot remove it with out disassemling it which I am sure will have me lose the fluid inside and ruin the compass. It is a Ritchie compass retail about $100.00. Not a big loss if it turns out that I need to take that approach.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[WildeOne]

There is nothing on the boat more reliable than your magnetic compass. Does need electriciity and very simple. It's the "when all else fails" instrument on boats and aircraft!

[jclaude]

I think wildeone meant to say that your magnetic compass does NOT need electricy to operate, with the exception of the night light. His statement is essentially correct about the reliability. I would strongly recommend leaving it in tact and finding an alternative loacation for the new digital compass.

[offshore3144]

I just installed a Azmith 1000 digital and it is very tempermental to any magnetic field even a magnetic tip screwdriver changed the reading!!! I did not want to remove my old compass because it is so reliable but wanted to use the digital as well. The closest I could put it without any change was 20" from my old compass. I just installed it this past weekend and I am anxious to try and compare with my regular compass and chartplotter. I do like it and it is easy to offset it if it is not mounted exactly perfect and is suposed to be accurate within 1 deg. it also has a nmea out which could be used for a autopilot I guess?

[John Jensen]

offshore3144

Where did you put your Azmith? I have the same boat and was thinking of an Azmith but not sure where to mount.

Don't try to remove the magnetic compass. My original went bad and I replaced it with the same but found the original was installed with what looked and acted like black 5200. I had to destroy the compass to get it out.

Let us know how the Azmith works for you.

[offshore3144]

John,
I mounted mine under the windsheild on the passenger side of the helm, I chose not to offset it but to have it parallel to the center line of the boat you can offset it and then compensate for however many degrees the offset is but I can see mine fine the way it is. If you install one shoot me a e-mail and I will tell you how to drill the holes since there is not enough room for a drill because of the windsheild.
As soon as I take the boat out I will let you know how it works compared to the original compass and my chartplotter. I am still thinking about the AP14H or AP12H.

[ccm]

I have an azimuth that I never take the cover off. Power it up and see how close you can get without interference. It is only used for the heading input. A magnetic compass is still absolutely neccessary.

[offshore3144]

CCM,
You are absolutly right I still have the original compass and I love it. Do you use your Azmith with your AP?