raymarine st1000 calibration

[newsailor72]

The unit should arrive by this Fri, I'm looking at the users manual now and am a little confused by the compass calibration process. I might as well post the question now since I have very poor wifi in the marina.

1. instead of turning the boat in a circle slowly described by the manual (page 53), can I put it on a level surface and just turn the unit by hand? seems a lot easier that way.

2. it says
"Use the -1 and +1 keys to increase or decrease the displayed heading until it
agrees with the heading on the boat’s steering compass, or a known transit
bearing."

the way I understand it is:

1. once the deviation has been detected, I could stop turning the unit
2. compare the displayed heading against my gps and
3. use the "+1" or "-1" to match the heading to gps

is the above correct?

 

[kloudie1]

The installed turn to calibrate sees the magnetic influences on your boat in that mounting place.. so that should be done as the instructions state.. The second part is optional.. if ya don't mind the compass/gps and the autopilot display being different. Compass is the usually correct one because the GPS heading will be influenced by currents or leeway or .. Once the fluxgate has been calibrated by the turn, it should work fine.. but if you want to make the numbers agree, then ya have to do that part of the adjustment. Also, during the calibration, any large metal things should be in the place they'll be in when you are using the autopilot. You'll enjoy the pilot !

 

[newsailor72]

The installed turn to calibrate sees the magnetic influences on your boat in that mounting place.. so that should be done as the instructions state.. The second part is optional.. if ya don't mind the compass/gps and the autopilot display being different. Compass is the usually correct one because the GPS heading will be influenced by currents or leeway or .. Once the fluxgate has been calibrated by the turn, it should work fine.. but if you want to make the numbers agree, then ya have to do that part of the adjustment. Also, during the calibration, any large metal things should be in the place they'll be in when you are using the autopilot. You'll enjoy the pilot !

thanks. another question.

My tiller is actually 12 inches higher than the cockpit seat(see pic). any idea or online resources on how to diy a bracket for attaching the tiller pin? thanks

 

[peterbud]

You could use one of the drop-down brackets on the tiller and a mounting post on the seat . You can find both online.

 

[svchickadee]

Be sure to position the pin the correct distance from the rudder post per the instructions.

 

[newsailor72]

another question. it says tiller pin should be 18" from "the rudder stock's center line". does that mean 18" from the rudder pivot point (the pintle) ?

 

[justsomeguy]

another question. it says tiller pin should be 18" from "the rudder stock's center line". does that mean 18" from the rudder pivot point (the pintle) ?

Yep.

 

[svchickadee]

The unit can be mounted on either the port or starboard side of the tiller. Mine is mounted on the port side.