Raymarine S1G AP Calibration - The Hull Truth

CanyonFever · 05-24-2005, 03:33 PM

having problem with calibration of new St6001 S1G AP.

Completed dockside stuff as instructed - selecting planning hull, rudder angle, etc. On seatrial compass calibration I start "turn boat". Attempted several times for 10-15 min in light winds & calm sea but could not get a deviation reading. The "turn boat" kept flashing.

Unit is installed with a C80 w/ 125 GPS sensor and DMS300.

Any advice where to start would be appreciated.

nsh · 05-24-2005, 03:39 PM

Canyon Fever, I had to make three complete circles before it calibrated. You may have to make more. I thought it was taking too long as well. The previous pilots i had did it in one circle. Try making more circles next time out. BTW, how many did you make the first time?

Sea_Dad · 05-24-2005, 06:06 PM

The heading sensor is pretty sensitive to other metal objets and current carrying wires. Make sure it's positioned clear from them.

NoKaOi · 05-24-2005, 11:21 PM

I think it works best with large slow circles. Try and not be in an area where you would drift, i.e. no currents.

Elusive · 05-26-2005, 09:03 AM

Dad - Do you think a toolbox within 24" of the sensor would affect it ? I'm having trouble calibrating mine. Thinking this could be the reason.

Sea_Dad · 05-26-2005, 09:55 AM

Quite possibly. The steel tools affect the eaths magnetic field, and could easily confuse the sensor.

Birdman · 05-26-2005, 12:44 PM

Elusive,

YES, Definitely. Especially if any of the tools (and many screw drivers, socket wrenches... are magnatized) are magnatized. Either move the toolbox or move the fluxgate. I had to move mine around three or 4 times before I found a good spot.

CanyonFever,

You must do 2 complete circles VERY slowly, the slower the better. There can be NO WIND, and NO CURRENT. Light wind will throw you off bigtime and that is probably your problem. Wait for a nice calm evening with no wind or tide, and do 2 circles about 1/8 to 1/4 mile round taking about 5 minutes a circle and that will do it. I always have to do 2 and 1/4 circles before it comes up completed. I have done it with light winds and get a 10 or 20 degree deviation which is no good. Then I do it with NO winds and it comes up at 3 degrees which is very good. It makes a big difference. To help with the circles, I use a bouy. Just circle around a bouy keeping your distance from it even.