GPS and Compass

[Studman]

I am upgrading my GPS (a garmin 4208 ) and the Garmin lit says to locate the new gps no closer then 36" from the compass

the boat is only a 9' beam and the compass is about 3' in so I would have to put the new GPS way over to the port side and not really usable

the old GPS (garmin 2206 ) is like 18" away from the compass and has been from the PO

How close to the compass can I get?

Thoughts??

 

[Henry Boyd]

I don't know the answer to the how far part, but I think you can figure that easily enough. What you can do is wire up the new Garmin, placing the wires roughly where you would like them to go. Also place the display where you want it to be. Now watching the compass, turn on the display and slowly move it around the dashboard. If the needle on the compass moves you have interference.

Henry

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

Here is a link to compensating the compass for when additional equipments are installed on the boat or for just an annual verification of your magnetic compass installation. I run it every year.

http://www.ritchienavigation.com/docs/helmsman.pdf

Your compass manuafacturer should have something similar if you do not have a Ritchie.

 

[hottoddie]

I don't know the answer to the how far part, but I think you can figure that easily enough. What you can do is wire up the new Garmin, placing the wires roughly where you would like them to go. Also place the display where you want it to be. Now watching the compass, turn on the display and slowly move it around the dashboard. If the needle on the compass moves you have interference.

Henry

This would give an idea if there is a problem but I doubt it. My 4212 sits about 18-20" from my compass with no problem.

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

I would imagine that the compass has some deviation anyway because of the other electrical equipment operating in close proximity to the compass. In aircraft where it is essential to have true bearing readings, the compass is calibrated periodically and the deviation for N. S. E. W. is labled on the compass itself so one can use the deviation to travel a true bearing.

 

[tgreene]

You can eliminate the problem by adding a GPS antenna else where on the boat.