Airmar PB200 Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions - page 17
17
Calibrating the Compass
WARNING: The internal compass must be calibrated on the water after the
WeatherStation Instrument 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 WeatherStation
Instrument. 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 Air
Temperature or both Air Temperature and Heading.
3. Shut OFF and then turn ON the DC power that is connected to the
WeatherStation Instrument.
4. Within 2 minutes of recycling power to the WeatherStation Instrument, 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. Air Temperature will jump to 0°C (32°F) and Heading will stop being
reported 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
and the correct Air Temperature will be displayed.
IMPORTANT: If calibration fails, the Air Temperature will be output as -10.0°C
(14° F) for 30 seconds. 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.