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+--- Thread: Fluxgat Compass vs. Autopilot vs. Chart-plotter (/showthread.php?tid=7765)
Fluxgat Compass vs. Autopilot vs. Chart-plotter - DWEnstrom - 03-26-19 01:25 PM
I accidentally came across what I think is a bit of an issue last summer.
The hardware and situation:
- c95 chart plotter
- SPX-5 autopilot with fluxgate compass
I was under autopilot tracking to a waypoint. I inadvertently placed my tablet near the fluxgate compass. The tablet's cover has some powerful magnets, which naturally threw off the compass. Despite being under autopilot, and heading to a waypoint, the boat did several 360° turns!! I eventually powered everything down and the system seemed to come back to normal.
So the questions are:
1. Why wouldn't the GPS tracking towards a waypoint not take precedents!?
2. What if the compass failed in some way, would the chart-plotter and auto-helm still function!?
Concerned;
David Enstrom
RE: Fluxgat Compass vs. Autopilot vs. Chart-plotter - Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator - 03-26-19 03:30 PM
Welcome to the Raymarine Forum David,
Q1. Why wouldn't the GPS tracking towards a waypoint not take precedents!?
A1. Raymarine autopilots, as well as most third party autopilots, are designed to steer based upon heading data from a magnetic north seeking compass, not from COG data.
Q2. What if the compass failed in some way, would the chart-plotter and auto-helm still function!?
A2. Negative.