Garmin Heading out of whack again

[dbsea]

I seem to have a somewhat recurring issue with my heading sensor in my garmin setup. Once in a while, it will look like i'm going sideways or in reverse even on my chartplotter, and the heading on my autopilot / garmin are completely off from my manual compass. I have recalibrated my heading sensor and done all of those wizards before, but my question is why does this continue to happen?

 

[Submariner]

I seem to have a somewhat recurring issue with my heading sensor in my garmin setup. Once in a while, it will look like i'm going sideways or in reverse even on my chartplotter, and the heading on my autopilot / garmin are completely off from my manual compass. I have recalibrated my heading sensor and done all of those wizards before, but my question is why does this continue to happen?

Check for any metallic objects stored around your autopilot heading sensor. If found, move them away. 🙂

 

[dbsea]

Thanks Martin! is it the ECU or CCU that should be kept away from metallic objects? The ECU is under my helm seat, the CCU is in my starboard lazaratte, way aft.

 

[Submariner]

Thanks Martin! is it the ECU or CCU that should be kept away from metallic objects? The ECU is under my helm seat, the CCU is in my starboard lazaratte, way aft.

The CCU.

"Our CCU is the brain of the Reactor 40 autopilot system, containing sensory equipment used to determine heading and rate of turn. Connect the CCU to the NMEA 2000® network to communicate with your GHC™ 20 and an optional NMEA 2000-compatible devices."

 

[Rocky]

I have had a similar issue twice when I had changed nothing. Both times, I shut everything down. Turned off the battery switches for about a minute, then when when all came back up, mt chart plotter was fine. These two incidents were months apart.

Mine both happened after the boat sitting overnight and I hadn't changed the location of anything metallic.

If yours happens often, then, Like Martin said, it may be interference with the electronics.

Good Luck!

 

[knotflying]

Also check the plastic knurled screws that hold it in place and the plastic seat it sits in. They have been known to break and then the ball turns a bit and everything goes out of whack.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

...the ball turns a bit and everything goes out of whack...

Yup it sure does! Gary

 

[dbsea]

I had a large battery pack in the lazarette, but I moved it and the problem persists. The unit is screwed down firmly. I will recalibrate it next time I’m out and see what happens… 🙂