Instruction manual

WP32 Wheelpilot
14
E04596
3.3 Using an external compass
Normally, the accurate operation of a self-contained autopilot
is very difficult on a ferrous hulled boat (steel, ferro cement,
etc), as the hull will affect the bearing read by the internal flux-
gate compass.
Although the Wheelpilot operates using its inbuilt fluxgate
compass, it will give priority to an external SimNet compass if
detected on the network bus.
On a steel or ferro hulled boat, the correct location for the
external compass would be on the mast, between 1 and 2
metres above the deck (Fig 3.3). On a non-ferrous hulled boat,
the compass should be situated low down, as near the centre
point of the boat as possible. but away from any sources of
magnetic interference such as speakers, etc.
Fig 3.3 - Using Wheelpilot with an external compass