Fluxgate location, 1995 26'

[Rich Lewis]

Just bought a Raymarine ST60 electronic compass and am considering the best location for the fluxgate transducer. It's suppose to be low and along the centerline. I was thinking about inside the top of the gangway steps - the little bulb where it attaches to the top of the door jamb with two big bolts. I was just worried about being within 2" of the two stainless bolts that secure the steps. What do you think?

 

[crazy dave]

Question? ST 60 wind machine

Are you referring to the flux gate compass of a wind machine

 

[Rich Lewis]

Fluxgate for compass

Yes, it's a fluxgate transducer for a compass.

 

[crazy dave]

Rich

I associtae a transducer as the critter that goes thru the hull. I am assuming that the flux gate compass is what you are referring to. That being the case, you want it in a position to be amid ship and closer to the rear. Behind the wall of the rear bearth where the access panel that is screwed on in place in the center would be a good location. Make sure the arrow is facing upwards and not down like I did once.

 

[Rich Lewis]

Closest to center of pitch and roll?

The Raymarine directions suggest that the fluxgate transducer should be located as close to the center of both pitch and roll so as to minimize movement of it. My initial thought was the stern bulkhead, but then thought maybe that would be a bad place because it rises and falls with the wave (pitch). The steps seem like a perfect location, except for the large metal bolts within a few inches. The instructions don't say anything about locating near metal - only near motors, electronics, and other compasses. I didn't know if metal by itself has enough of a magnetic field to influence the fluxgate transducer. Any thoughts?Thanks in advance.Rich