I have purchased a new Ritchie HF-742 compass to mount at the top of the Edson steering pedestal on my Catalina 30. I have the standard, 58” straight pedestal guard. I am considering moving the engine instruments (tach, ammeter, oil pressure & temperature) up onto the pedestal. They would be housed in an Edson Instrument Housing mounted on the pedestal guard. I’m wondering if having the engine instruments that close to the compass will unduly affect the compass deviation? Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Bob Boller
Compass deviation from engine instruments
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Most Likely
The compass will most likely be effected to some degree which is why most good compasses have a deviation adjustment so that the compass can be corrected given its surroundings.
The compass will most likely be effected to some degree which is why most good compasses have a deviation adjustment so that the compass can be corrected given its surroundings.
There's usually some deviation
in a magnetic compass on a boat. Get the compass swung and a deviation card made up if you're really concerned. I find that in sailing, especially if it's blowing a bit, the human error when steering is greater than any deviation.
in a magnetic compass on a boat. Get the compass swung and a deviation card made up if you're really concerned. I find that in sailing, especially if it's blowing a bit, the human error when steering is greater than any deviation.
yes it will
Even on my Catalina with the engine controls down low, but on the pedestal, there was a difference with the engine on and off. I had my compass swung for engine on which is most likely in pea soup fog when I really depend on my compass. Putting the engine controls right next to the compass will require a competent compass guy to come out and swing it for you. Tis is not something you can do without the proper tools and skill..
Even on my Catalina with the engine controls down low, but on the pedestal, there was a difference with the engine on and off. I had my compass swung for engine on which is most likely in pea soup fog when I really depend on my compass. Putting the engine controls right next to the compass will require a competent compass guy to come out and swing it for you. Tis is not something you can do without the proper tools and skill..
I twist all my wiring anywhere near the compass.
If you twist the wire in pairs (hot + groundwire) at approx 1 twist per inch or less, it wont develop noticeable changes to the magnetic flux/field when the current is flowing. Simple physics.
If you twist the wire in pairs (hot + groundwire) at approx 1 twist per inch or less, it wont develop noticeable changes to the magnetic flux/field when the current is flowing. Simple physics.
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