Airmar H2183 Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions - page 15
15
Calibrating the Compass
WARNING: The internal compass must be calibrated on the water after the
sensor is installed
. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate compass readings,
possibly contributing to damage to the boat and/or personal injury.
CAUTION: Compass calibration needs to be done in calm seas in a 0.8 km (0.5
mile) open area away from other boats or ferrous objects (structures or aids to
navigation). Avoid congested areas and waters with strong currents as calibration
will be difficult and possibly hazardous.
IMPORTANT: Calibration requires the vessel to complete 2 to 3 circles.
The compass must be calibrated for maximum accuracy from the sensor.
Calibration can be done in one of two ways.
• Calibrate the compass using the WeatherCaster™ software and a PC.
• Follow the AutoCalibration Procedure below.
AutoCalibration Procedure
1. Navigate the vessel to an open area of water, 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of open space
away from other boats or ferrous objects (structures or aids to navigation).
Choose calm seas.
2. Select the display page on the vessel’s NMEA instrument that shows Heading.
3. Shut OFF and then turn ON the DC power that is connected to the sensor.
4. Within 2 minutes of recycling power to the sensor, start the vessel in a slow [4 to
6 knots (4.5 to 7 MPH)] circular turn that takes about 2 to 3 minutes to
complete.*
If the vessel completes 1.5 circles within 3 to 4.5 minutes, AutoCalibration will
begin. Heading will stop being reported on any NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000
display until the calibration is finished.
5. Keep turning the vessel in the same circle for 1 to 2 more complete circles.
Do not change the vessel speed or rate of turn through the circle.
6. When calibration is completed successfully, Heading will return to the display.
If calibration fails, the display will flash Heading ON and OFF in 10 second
intervals for 60 seconds. (Display times may vary by manufacture.)
IMPORTANT: In the event of a calibration failure, repeat the procedure.
* The optimum rate of turn is 180
°/ minute: 3°/second, 30°/10 seconds, 45°/15
seconds, and 90°/30 seconds.