Vessel View / MPH / Raymarine E120

[ttmott]

So heading is where it’s reading 000 T? If there were a GPS issue, wouldn’t I be missing COG and SOG? The boat icon on the plotter does point in the direction of travel and moves along the chart. GPS coordinates on the plotters match my iPad.

Yes that would point to the compass, it's wiring, or the course computer being the issue(s).

 

[Ericinmich]

No heading data points to a GPS receiver issue.
The fluxgate compass is typically mounted midship and low in the hull well away from metals.

Is this the fluxgate compass? I took the pic last time on the boat (48DA), it's below the forward salon hatch. This makes me wonder, the previous owner kept the spare 50a cable in the next compartment forward... could this cause an issue?

 

[Skybolt]

Is this the fluxgate compass? I took the pic last time on the boat (48DA), it's below the forward salon hatch. This makes me wonder, the previous owner kept the spare 50a cable in the next compartment forward... could this cause an issue?

Yes that's the fluxgate compass.

@Richard Carlisle you can find these on ebay used for ~$100. Might be worth replacing it any way.

 

[Richard Carlisle]

It appears that the heading data on the MFD may come from the AP fluxgate compass. Since the compass is connected to the AP computer, there must be a connection from the AP computer to the MFD. That would have to be Ethernet (SeaTalk) via the router or NMEA 0183. The AP will sort of follow a route on the plotter, which means the two are communicating.

Also saw some posts indicating that the fluxgate might be behind the port side couch near the power panel.

Does this make sense?

 

[Richard Carlisle]

Yes that's the fluxgate compass.

@Richard Carlisle you can find these on ebay used for ~$100. Might be worth replacing it any way.

If it is behind the couch, it is in very close proximity to a whole lot of metal. Amps, power panel and sleeper sofa. Behind the couches is about the only place I haven’t explored on this boat.

 

[Skybolt]

It appears that the heading data on the MFD may come from the AP fluxgate compass. Since the compass is connected to the AP computer, there must be a connection from the AP computer to the MFD. That would have to be Ethernet (SeaTalk) via the router or NMEA 0183. The AP will sort of follow a route on the plotter, which means the two are communicating.

Also saw some posts indicating that the fluxgate might be behind the port side couch near the power panel.

Does this make sense?

So the course computer does talk to the MFD via SeaTalk. But it is highly unlikely that the compass is on the side of the boat. Usually they are in the center of the boat and as low as possible to the water line. Also far away from any metal.

If somehow it is behind the couch then it needs to be relocated.

 

[Richard Carlisle]

Might be making some progress here. I set the plotters to magnetic and the mag compass and COG line up pretty well. AP display is still acting strange, but it does display a heading which tells that the fluxgate is ok. It seems to be more accurate at certain headings than others. I need to make Turns at 10 degree increments and record mag compass heading and AP heading. Could be a case of fluxgate interference or maybe the AP just needs a sea trial calibration.

also wondering if I can use the RM AP pump with a new Garmin AP. That would simplify the install.

This rabbit hole runs deep. Thanks for all of you suggestions. It really helps in narrowing in on these issues.

 

[alnav]

also wondering if I can use the RM AP pump with a new Garmin AP. That would simplify the install.

Likely yes. I was able to retain the RM pump, I imagine our OEM steering gear is probably the same.

 

[Richard Carlisle]

Likely yes. I was able to retain the RM pump, I imagine our OEM steering gear is probably the same.

Cool. I think the pump is half the cost of the system.

 

[Skybolt]

... also wondering if I can use the RM AP pump with a new Garmin AP. That would simplify the install.

This rabbit hole runs deep. Thanks for all of you suggestions. It really helps in narrowing in on these issues.

Look at the pump it should have a label on it like "Type 1" or the like. Also there is a specific Garmin AP you need to get for use with a non-smart pump setup.

https://www.boemarine.com/garmin-reactor-40-hydraulic-autopilot.html

 

[Richard Carlisle]

I’ll likely buy all of this from BOE because they are somewhat local. Is there a compelling reason to use switch to the smart pump?

I haven’t put eyes on the pump yet. Common sense would put it up near the helm, but have heard that they are sometimes back near the steering cylinder. The boat has sea star power assist steering.

 

[Skybolt]

I’ll likely buy all of this from BOE because they are somewhat local. Is there a compelling reason to use switch to the smart pump?

I haven’t put eyes on the pump yet. Common sense would put it up near the helm, but have heard that they are sometimes back near the steering cylinder. The boat has sea star power assist steering.

Different boat, but mine is by the steering ram. And no I can't see any reason for needing the Smart Pump. That's why Garmin also offers a non-smart pump with their AP packages.