I'm planning to add a chartplotter (probably Raymarine C80) and maybe radar this winter during layup. I'd really like to mount the display on the pedestal guard. However, looking through the installation manual for the C80, Raymarine recommends keeping the display at least 1 meter or 3 feet away from the compass. Quote from the installation guide: • Magnetic compass: Mount the display at least 3ft (1m) away from a magnetic compass. I've seen many photos of installations similar to what I want to do and Edson even sells pods to mount on the pedestal guards for the Raymarine displays. So, it seems it can be done. Will the display interfere with the compass? -Smitty
Electronics vs compass
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Worked OK for me
I discussed this issue with Raymarine and the folks that installed my radar/gps unit on my Hunter Vision 36 and got same response: not a problem. It's been three years without a hitch and I routinely crosscheck my compass with both a handheld compass and the one in my binoculars
I discussed this issue with Raymarine and the folks that installed my radar/gps unit on my Hunter Vision 36 and got same response: not a problem. It's been three years without a hitch and I routinely crosscheck my compass with both a handheld compass and the one in my binoculars
Mine doesn't interfere
with the compass. I have the C80. See picture in "Where to mount a GPS antenna" thread.
with the compass. I have the C80. See picture in "Where to mount a GPS antenna" thread.
C80 install
Smitty, I had the C80 with GPS and radar installed last winter by Custom Navigation Systems. The display is right next to the magnetic compass at the helm. I don't honestly know if the compass is affected, as I don't make close measurements with the compass. It is not noticeably wrong. One additional note. If you want to have the radar and chartploter overlay work well together, Raymarine recommends (and CNS installed) a high speed electronic compass integrated into the system. If you don't have it, I am told that the GPS chartplotter will not keep up with the radar during turns and other quick boat motion.
Smitty, I had the C80 with GPS and radar installed last winter by Custom Navigation Systems. The display is right next to the magnetic compass at the helm. I don't honestly know if the compass is affected, as I don't make close measurements with the compass. It is not noticeably wrong. One additional note. If you want to have the radar and chartploter overlay work well together, Raymarine recommends (and CNS installed) a high speed electronic compass integrated into the system. If you don't have it, I am told that the GPS chartplotter will not keep up with the radar during turns and other quick boat motion.
Gotta know if that compass is right
People don't pay much attention to their compasses any more, but in theory if you just had to have your new gear in that location you would call in a compass adjuster to tinker with your compass so it would read correctly. Alternatively, you can do some tests to check how much deviation you've introduced and keep that information hand (or memorized). Checking your compass against your gps before you install the instruments will give you a clue about whether it has deviation to begin with. Few people actually have the skills to do their navigating from compass and charts today if they had to, but if you're conscientious enough to keep paper charts then you have to know whether the compass is accurate and keep information on the deviation handy with your charts.
People don't pay much attention to their compasses any more, but in theory if you just had to have your new gear in that location you would call in a compass adjuster to tinker with your compass so it would read correctly. Alternatively, you can do some tests to check how much deviation you've introduced and keep that information hand (or memorized). Checking your compass against your gps before you install the instruments will give you a clue about whether it has deviation to begin with. Few people actually have the skills to do their navigating from compass and charts today if they had to, but if you're conscientious enough to keep paper charts then you have to know whether the compass is accurate and keep information on the deviation handy with your charts.
Chartplotter Mounting
On my boat's coach roof under the dodger I have a bracket for my older Raymarine radar screen. I like it there as it is protected from the weather and I and the crew can all see the radar screen when in use. Even while at the wheel. It was a stroke of luck that the Standard Horizon CP1000 chartplotter screen fits nicely into the Raymarine bracket. as I do not use the radar very often, the chartplotter is there almost all the time. I then do not have to worry about compass interference. And crew can also clearly see the plotter screen, given that several pairs of eyes are better than just mine. I do not think I will go to the trouble of trying to get the radar to show on the plotter screen. It may not work anyway. Your comments about the trend towards modern sailors not using the helm compass are bang on Rich.
On my boat's coach roof under the dodger I have a bracket for my older Raymarine radar screen. I like it there as it is protected from the weather and I and the crew can all see the radar screen when in use. Even while at the wheel. It was a stroke of luck that the Standard Horizon CP1000 chartplotter screen fits nicely into the Raymarine bracket. as I do not use the radar very often, the chartplotter is there almost all the time. I then do not have to worry about compass interference. And crew can also clearly see the plotter screen, given that several pairs of eyes are better than just mine. I do not think I will go to the trouble of trying to get the radar to show on the plotter screen. It may not work anyway. Your comments about the trend towards modern sailors not using the helm compass are bang on Rich.
Call Raymarine...
...and get their take on it, too! Better be safe than sorry. BTW, I like my compass where it is and always have it for the inevitable backup.
...and get their take on it, too! Better be safe than sorry. BTW, I like my compass where it is and always have it for the inevitable backup.
chartplotter
i have a garmin (hint, hint), whose instructions make no such statement, mounted near the compass. turning the chartplotter on or off has no effect on the compass. whatever a powered chartplotter might do to a compass, an unpowered one will do nothing, therefore turning on the chartplotter does nothing to my compass.
i have a garmin (hint, hint), whose instructions make no such statement, mounted near the compass. turning the chartplotter on or off has no effect on the compass. whatever a powered chartplotter might do to a compass, an unpowered one will do nothing, therefore turning on the chartplotter does nothing to my compass.
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