Raymarine fluxgate compass wires?

[pvb]

If I decode that correctly, your outboard engine is interfering with your flux gate compass. If so, move the compass to another location in the boat, and the identity of its wires needn’t concern you - just take a cable to connect each to the same place.

I think you need to read the whole thread...

 

[sparkie]

If I decode that correctly, your outboard engine is interfering with your flux gate compass. If so, move the compass to another location in the boat, and the identity of its wires needn’t concern you - just take a cable to connect each to the same place.

The existing FG compass is built into the tiller pilot. Although in theory it would be possible to remove and relocate it, in practice as it's "naked", and just has a ribbon cable output straight into the pcb of the TP, it would be v.difficult. My thoughts were to disconnect the internal one and substitute an external one, connected to the TP via its cable. However, it's been explained to me by others who are far more knowledgeable that this simply won't work unless the analogue signals are converted to digital by another piece of kit, eg compass display. Hence back to the drawing board, or surround the engine with an antimagnetic shroud if such a thing were to exist. Thanks for your interest. Cheers.

 

[pvb]

My thoughts were to disconnect the internal one and substitute an external one, connected to the TP via its cable. However, it's been explained to me by others who are far more knowledgeable that this simply won't work unless the analogue signals are converted to digital by another piece of kit, eg compass display.

That's only because you thought you could connect a standard fluxgate compass to the NMEA/Seatalk wires. But you could still wire an external fluxgate into the ribbon socket inside your tillerpilot, as I suggested in post 7.

 

[prv]

surround the engine with an antimagnetic shroud if such a thing were to exist.

I don't think it does. A few years ago a couple of Scottish fishermen in an open boat spent two nights lost in the North Sea after steering completely the wrong course in fog. The main problem was that they'd mounted the compass 180º backwards, but the MAIB also mentioned as an aside that the lead box that the chief navigational genius had built around it in order to shield stray magnetic influences, would have achieved nothing at all.

Pete

 

[sparkie]

That's only because you thought you could connect a standard fluxgate compass to the NMEA/Seatalk wires. But you could still wire an external fluxgate into the ribbon socket inside your tillerpilot, as I suggested in post 7.

Indeed pvb, and that's clearly something to investigate. However It would likely mean another 5 core cable to be connected between said socket and the FG, which would mean another plug and socket connection to make every time I employ it. Still, it may be the only answer apart from the unnecessary compass - alternatively I could just sail and forget the motor.............. Cheers.

 

[sparkie]

I don't think it does. A few years ago a couple of Scottish fishermen in an open boat spent two nights lost in the North Sea after steering completely the wrong course in fog. The main problem was that they'd mounted the compass 180º backwards, but the MAIB also mentioned as an aside that the lead box that the chief navigational genius had built around it in order to shield stray magnetic influences, would have achieved nothing at all.

Pete

I did find reference a while back to some fabric that was only available in the USA, but it was devilishly expensive and the reviews weren't that good, so didn't pursue it.

 

[pvb]

Indeed pvb, and that's clearly something to investigate. However It would likely mean another 5 core cable to be connected between said socket and the FG, which would mean another plug and socket connection to make every time I employ it. Still, it may be the only answer apart from the unnecessary compass - alternatively I could just sail and forget the motor.............. Cheers.

How have you diagnosed that it's your outboard which is the problem? Lots of people have outboards and tillerpilots without difficulty.

 

[sparkie]

How have you diagnosed that it's your outboard which is the problem? Lots of people have outboards and tillerpilots without difficulty.

TP is fine when sailing, goes haywire (sorry) when motoring. Luck of the draw I think, friend of mine has exactly the same engine and TP and his is fine. Slightly further apart though, which is the critical factor methinks.

 

[pvb]

TP is fine when sailing, goes haywire (sorry) when motoring. Luck of the draw I think, friend of mine has exactly the same engine and TP and his is fine. Slightly further apart though, which is the critical factor methinks.

Does your outboard provide any charging cuurent to your batteries?

 

[sparkie]

Does your outboard provide any charging cuurent to your batteries?

Yes it has the charging coils and magnetic flywheel, these contribute to the problem I'm sure.

 

[pvb]

Yes it has the charging coils and magnetic flywheel, these contribute to the problem I'm sure.

It could be a problem with the power supply to your tillerpilot when the outboard is running. As further diagnosis, you could disconnect the outboard charging connection and then try the tillerpilot with the outboard running.

 

[sparkie]

It could be a problem with the power supply to your tillerpilot when the outboard is running. As further diagnosis, you could disconnect the outboard charging connection and then try the tillerpilot with the outboard running.

She's on the car park at the moment for the winter so difficult to do that for a while, however I had a lightbulb moment last night in the pub, and realised that if I substitute a 7 core cable for the present 5, I can connect both the power and FG via one cable and plug/socket. Might even be able to use the existing FG if I can make a suitable housing (shouldn't be that difficult) so I can experiment without risk of ruining a new FG. Anyway, something to while away the winter hours........ Thanks a lot for your (and others) input, much appreciated. Peter