ST4000 fluxgate mounting

[David S.]

I have a 90 C-30 and will be installing the ST4000 wheel A/P. Any ideas for the best place to mount the fluxgate compass. One owner I spoke with recently indicated he mounted his near the V-berth water tank. The instruction manual would seem to indicate that this is too far forward. Any suggestions would be appreciated. David

 

[Doug]

Flux gate mounting

Hi there...installed the flux gatein my aft cabin bulkhead just forwardof the rudder post my my 97 cat 270.Works just fine and it close tothe helm.Within limits on the compass swing error.

 

[Dave]

Location

Hi Dave:I installed a Ah4000 on my 1996 C30 last year. I mounted mine on the side bulkhead in the rear berth area just aft of the opening port that opens into the cockpit. It is almost abeam the steering pedistal. Every boat has a different magnetic field. Take two strips of sticky back velcro, one on compass and one to stick to bulkhead. Try various locations, until you find the one on your boat that yields the smallest deviation. Mine ended up with just 4 degs. Try to pick the calmest day you can find to do the caliberation, and talk to Autohelm about the settings for a Catalina 30, they are different than the defaults the autopilot comes set with. I just can't remember what they are! Mine works just great, even in following seas. Be patient during caliberation, and find the best site and you will have no problems.Good LuckDave S/V Westwind

 

[Ron]

Flux Gate Compass ,Mounting

I mounted mine on the bulkhead centerline just under the ladder

 

[Steve B]

Fluxgate mounting

Hi, I have a 1980 Catalina 30, I installed the ST6000 and found the best place for the fluxgate was under the ladder into the cockpit and located it on the centre line of the boat and about 12 inches above the sole, so that it didn't get in the way and get covered in dirt. When you calibrate it, make sure that the compass you are checking it against is reading correctly. I also found that one calibration was not enough and I had to do it a few times over a period of as many weeks. Enjoy your auto-pilot, they are wonderful.