Heading Sensor location

[Snapper Head]

Looking at purchasing a heading sensor to integrate into my Pathfinder Radar and WAAS GPS Chartplotter. What are the best/worst places to mount the sensor?

Manufacturer recommendations for electronics mounting locations are always derived from somewhere other than the real world. So, what works for those of you who have them?

thanks

Big Al

[Thom]

Al,

I have the heading sensor (fluxgate compass) for my auto pilot mounted on a bulkhead that is midpoint on the boat (well, maybe just a bit aft of midpoint) and just in front of the main gas tank. It is right on the centerline and about a foot above the bottom of the boat. The tank itself is aluminum so there is no problem the magnetic field being disturbed by it. My only real concern when mounting it there was that I have a bilge pump (number 3) that is just forward of it by about 4 feet and I was worried that it might have an effect on the sensor. What didn't occur to me that the forward bilge pump has never kicked on and that if it did the least of my worries would be the auto pilot.

Thom

"I command thee, O fish of the ocean, rise to my bait"

[Snapper Head]

Thom,

Still chuckling. Yep, if that fore pump is cranking, you've got much more concern than your heading!!

I was thinking along the lines of 'low' as you mentioned. I have some simple, easy, quick, no hassle spots up high that I can mount it, but I don't want it where there is a great deal of movement, which overall, is not reflective of the direction I'm travelling, but will have the heading changing like the numbers on a gas pump.

You mentioned your concern about 4 feet of distance being 'compass safe'. I am thinking that for a device such as a bilge pump, that would be more than enough.

Thanks for your input, I will go with the low and center spot. I am going to wait until fall to do it, when it is cooler, as it will take a couple of hours of working in the cabin; but I think I will get the sensor soon and find a temporary, though less than ideal, spot to mount (velcro or something) it.

Big Al

[MaxumDG]

Big Al,

I would mount the compass away from any metal like engines, generators. I also recommend
low and centerline. I just Installed the Ray Marine Heading Sensor for the autopilot which also
sends Sea-Talk Data to the Radar and Fishfinder.
works great.

If I can be of any help let me know!

David

[Capt Ahab]

I mounted one on top of the gas tank of my Scout 202. Used 3M Reclosable Attachment Strips (very HD hook & loop). Works fine.

[Snapper Head]

Thanks for the response, I do appreciate it. Definitely going for the low and center approach.

Now, I have to order it, then break the news to the Admiral..... [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Big Al