Horizon SL50 knotmeter - calibration

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lnikl

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Mar 1, 2011
88
Hunter 38 Port Moody, BC
Does anyone know how one might calibrate a Horizon SL50 knotmeter? Mine shows about .9 kts low (I just know I must be a faster sailor than that!). No manual with the boat I bought. I suppose I could just start pressing buttons and see what happens but thought one of you might have a more elegant solution.
 
Apr 8, 2010
1,606
Frers 33 41426 Westport, CT
not sure on your unit specifically, but my SR Mariner unit has a small rubber plug on the back that I can pull out and fit in a little eyeglass screwdriver, there is a calibration screw in there that you turn for the adjustment.

I just recalibrated mine a few weeks ago because I noticed it seemed to be off a little over half a knot. It was real nice last week going through the east river knowing that it was properly calibrated, I was able to know how much speed was current vs actual boat speed.

Saved me a bit of fuel too when I had to motor sail up the hudson to the mooring against the current, I saw the hull speed was about 6kts, but GPS speed was about 2kts. I probably would have given it more throttle with no actual speed gain if I hadn't known I was already going 6kts through the water...
 

lnikl

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Mar 1, 2011
88
Hunter 38 Port Moody, BC
Thanks.
It turns out that Standard Horizon have superb customer service. I sent them an email and within the next day, they sent me a PDF of the owner's manual.
Short answer, press and hold the two up/down arrow buttons for 3 seconds, the lamp intensity setting is activated, press both buttons again for calibration. Then adjust speed to the correct speed as needed. Easy as could be. You can adjust for percent error (if using trip log method) or you can adjust for absolute value of speed.
If someone needs the manual, just email Standard Horizon.
 
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