Autopilot Compass Location

[loubennett]

Quest is a 2002 28TE engine box model. I had a Raymarine Smartpilot X-10 installed last year. There were several problems with the installation which are being fixed this week. One remainig item is the location of the flux gate compass. It is currently installed on the starboard side under the dinette seat. I have never been able to get it to calibrate properly and I think it's because it's located too close to the air conditioner and bow thruster. I want to relocate it to a better location and I'm looking for suggestions.

[Pitou]

On Pitou it is mounted inboard to the rear of the small locker under the forward cushion in the Qtr. berth. It only misbehaves if we run the microwave while underway / then the gremlins turn us hard over to port! Nothing like a quick hot dog while on auto troll! The only other time was when a pan was stowed on top of that cushion. Moved it and no problems since.

[Russell]

Mine is mounted inside the cabinet under the sink in the head. It is near the center-line and probably within 3 feet of where Pitou's is located. It has never had a problem with interference probably because there are no electrical wires near it.

[RobS]

Bottom right corner in medicine cabinet. 1,500 naut miles and never an incident.

[loubennett]

Thanks for the input. There seems to be good agreement just a question of which side. The cabinet under the head sink is easy but my fresh water pump and autopilot electronis are there and I would think could interfere. I also plan to put some other electronics there soon. I like the port side under the quarter berth. I don't remember an aft bulkhead in the small locker mentioned but I'll check this evening. I think any of the suggestedlocations will work better than where it is. I'll pick one, try it for a while, and try another choice if I'm not happy. Additional suggestions are still welcome.

[RobS]

I'll pick one, try it for a while, and try another choice if I'm not happy..

I thought about the small locker under the forward cushion in the Qtr. berth but I keep my hand tools there and under the step too and I did not want to relocate the tools if I did not have to. I thought the med cab was gonna be too high but I have seen no ill effects even in a rolling sea. I "blue taped" it in at first to see how it worked out. Now the cables are properly routed and she's screwed in place.

[loubennett]

That's a valuable input. I was concerned about the medicine cabinet being to high. I'm also having second thoughts about the quarter berth location. My quarter berth often is a catch all storage area. In addition to the possibility of interference it has the potential of being different from time to time. Either starboard side location would have a more consistent magnetic environment.

[Pitou]

That's a valuable input. I was concerned about the medicine cabinet being to high. I'm also having second thoughts about the quarter berth location. My quarter berth often is a catch all storage area. In addition to the possibility of interference it has the potential of being different from time to time. Either starboard side location would have a more consistent magnetic environment.

I will say I do have to think before I stow. No big deal, metal to the aft, tool bag under the dinette. I never would have considered the medecine cabinet. It sounds like you've received some good suggestions.

[RobS]

And it made for a simple install too as the AP wiring was all running up/down the starboard side...