Siting compass

[Lee_Shaw]

Hi folks.

Are there any problems with siting a bulkhead mounted steering compass close to an instrument readout?

If there is does anyone know the approx minimum distance.

Thanks

Steve

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[steve_cronin]

Most say 30cm but this will be more if there is a magnet or lumpof iron in the instrument. most instruction books cover this very point Also single wires carrying DC current generate a magnetic field which reduces as the square of the linear distance from them.

My Bavaria has the Suunto steering compass mounted within only a few cms of the Bidata, Wind and Autopilot heads plus a colour plotter very close indeedand all to no effect. I suggest that you get it swung afterwards though for absolute assuredness but if are going to fit it in reasonably stable conditions then moving it back & forthfrom its intended position a few times will show any effect.

Steve Cronin



<hr width=100% size=1>The above is, like any other post here, only a personal opinion

 

[snowleopard]

the only reliable way to determine this is to ask the manufacturer what the compass safe distance is for their instruments. it should be in the manual or failing that, ring them up.

i asked the question about my yanmar engine panels and they said they had never been asked before - they had to contact japan for an answer!

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[Lee_Shaw]

Thanks guys.

Steve

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[MrFish]

I have added several instruments to the bulkhead near my compass. The 'book' for the Navman Wind 3100 allowed a closer distance than the Raymarine Tiller pilot control head instruction book. Raymarine unit 230mm (9") Navman Wind 100mm (4") Navman GPS 300mm (12") So maybe you need to check with the instrument manufacturers.
I actually moved the wind control head so I could fit the tiller pilot control head far enough away from the compass.
I have no idea what brand the compass is. It is about 90mm diameter, bulkhead mounted, and seems accurate & reliable!
My boat is fibreglass over double diagonal timber, with ply cabin etc
Hope this helps

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[William_H]

Instruments using LED or LCD displays will generally be quite harmless. Instruments with a moving pointer will have a powerfull magnet so are more concern plus wiring may carry more current. Regards will

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