EV 200 Compass heading variation

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Technical Forum Bob,

It is recommended that you verify that your autopilot's EV-1 Sensor Core, p70/p70R Autopilot Control Head, and ACU-200 have been updated with the latest available Raymarine product software updates and if found to not be operating with the latest software, that the software within these components be updated accordingly. After doing so, a Factory Reset should be commanded for the autopilot's control head (MENU->SET-UP->FACTORY RESET) and the autopilot itself (MENU->SET-UP->AUTOPILOT CALIBRATION->COMMISSIONING->PILOT FACTORY RESET).

Upon completion of the Factory Reset operations, the area around the EV-1 Sensor Core's installation location should be inspected to ensure that no objects capable of producing a magnetic field (ex. objects constructed of ferrous materials (engine block, tools, tin cans, etc.), objects featuring magnets (speakers, electric motors, electronics, etc.), large current carrying conductors, etc. have not been located within 3' of the EV-1 Sensor Core. Should any such items be identified, then these items or the EV-1 Sensor Core should be relocated to provide such separation.

The EV-1 Sensor Core should be inspected to ensure that has been securely mounted and that its reference arrow has been oriented such that it is parallel to the vessel's centerline.

The Evolution Autopilot's Dockside Wizard should then be executed, followed the a cruise to determine the sensed deviation within the area of the EV-1 Sensor Core. During the cruise, the p70/p70R Autopilot Control Head will report progress made toward completion of the deviation check ("Detecting Magnetics"). Upon completion of the cruise, the EV-1 will report the maximum sensed deviation. Any fine alignment of heading may then be accomplished via the autopilot's control head (up to 9.9 degrees) or by rotating the EV-1 Sensor Core. Should the reported issue persist, then it would be recommended that the EV-1 Sensor Core be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced.