Compass heading vs MFD heading

[rltrbill]

My MFD (es128) direction reads about 10-12 degrees different than my compass. Is there and adjustment that can be made to the MFD?

Thanks

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum rltrbill,

If comparing the Heading value reported by the MFD to the heading reported by the vessel's fluid filled ships compass, then it is recommended that you verify that the MFD's Bearing Mode configuration setting (HOME->SET-UP->SYSTEM SETTINGS->BEARING MODE) has been configured for Magnetic Bearings.

If already configured for magnetic bearings, then problem reported is indicative of a misaligned electronics compass (typically associated with an autopilot). Raymarine's Evolution Autopilots support +/- 9.9 degrees of heading adjustment via the p70/p79 Autopilot Control Head. Should an Evolution EV-1 Sensor Core be misaligned by more than 9.9 degrees, then it will be necessary to remove the upper retaining ring of the EV-1 Sensor Core's mount and then rotate the EV-1 Sensor Core to remove the misalignment. Fine adjustment may then be performed via the p70/p70R Autopilot Control Head.

Should the boat be equipped with another make/model of heading sensing product other than an Evolution Autopilot, then the manufacturer's instructions for that product should be followed to correct the heading misalignment.

[rltrbill]

It is set on magnetic. At this point do I do a manual variation and add (or subtract) 10/11 degrees to get it to match the compass?

No auto pilot or anything connected, just a dsm300 and HD Radome

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

rltrbill,

If the MFD has been configured to display magnetic bearings then it is not necessary to perform the manual variation adjustment that you have suggested, as the MFD and vessel's fluid filled compass are both using the same reference frame (i.e. Magnetic Bearings). Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject.