Steering by Mobile Phone.

[Zippysigma]

My tiller pilot goes off course every now and again, and is really annoying.

Today I noticed that it was veering wildly when I got close to it, but steering a good course when i was a few feet away.

I found that by putting my mobile phone near it, I could get a 40 degree swerve!

I don't keep a phone in my pocket any more!

 

[sjclewes]

i reacon good exuse to leave mobile at home

 

[hightech]

What boat? Many have inherent problems that cause pilot problems some can be solved.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

My autopilot goes into standby mode just as a text arrives or the phone starts ringing.

 

[Chrusty1]

Modern gizzmotology! priceless.......you have made my morning! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[gandy]

A guy at the club was telling me about his autopilot that changed course when the cutlery draw was opened or closed.

 

[dt4134]

Sometimes when doing the briefing I demonstrate the effect of putting a mobile phone in one of those handy holders next to the compass. An effect of 40 degrees seems quite reasonable.

It can be less obvious if your autohelm has a fluxgate compass fitted in one of the cabins and one of the crew leave a phone next to it.