Different Fluxgate

[Frank Walker]

Bill, will a a 4000 autopilot use 0183 heading info from a different fluxgate if you do not connect the standard analog fluxgate.Tx Frank

 

[Bill Boudreau]

Type 100/300

The type 100/300 course computers with newer version 14 software are the first autopilots in our line that will accept a NMEA heading input. All of the models below this must be fitted with the designated fluxgate compass.

 

[Bruce Mulford]

Bill, are you saying that...

if my ST4000 software is version 14 I could arrange a nema in from my gps and use it's compass to eliminate my suspicion that my fluxgate is not stable enough? How do I confirm version 14? PS: From my unscientific observation you have had more activity than any previous expert forum. I've started going to your forum before I go to the last 24 hours postings. Many thanks for all of the useful information.

 

[Bill Boudreau]

GPS COG is not heading

GPS COG (Course over the ground) is derived from a calculation of course between position differential. This means that it gives you the course you made good from where you are now to where you were 10 feet ago. It does not give you your present heading and will not work for steering an autopilot. The ST4000 /ST5000 can not use NMEA Heading information to steer. They must be connected to one of the standard M81190 fluxgate compasses.