How to Realign Garmin 5215 Heading/Compass?

[Smokeyham]

Hello,

As I move along, my Garmin 5215 display looks like the boat is crabbing through the water, and if I use the radar overlay, the location of the shore is also off by about 45 degrees (which is consistent with how much "crab" is shown).

I have heard that this means that I need to realign the GPS compass on board, but I have not been able to find any instructions on how to do this. Can anyone tell me how this is done, or point me to a website or PDF that does?

Many thanks.

Gordon

 

[Admiral S]

You need to perform an Auto Pilot calibration. This will fix the heading which is derived from the autopilot controller.

Once calibrated, look at you Course Over Ground from GPS and compare to the magnetic heading on the plotter/autopilot.

You can then tune it in single degree increments to get them aligned.

Calibration instructions will be in the installation manual for your autopilot. Available online from Garmin

 

[Red Raven]

Calibration done via your autopilot control panel by running the Sea Trial Wizard. On our boat it is only available when in Dealer Mode. Look in your manual or on-line for instructions on how to enable Dealer Mode and then how to select the Sea Trial Wizard. You will need a calm day and some open water.

Curt

 

[Smokeyham]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses.

It looks like the issue is actually addressed through the Garmin Auto Pilot.

Thanks to Tom, for the reference to the following thread on here: http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13783

Also, here is a link to a YouTube Video that explains how the Sea Trial Wizard works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZbUvr2i2rE

Here are the instructions for accessing the Sea Trial Wizard on the Garmin GHC 10


Select MENU
SETUP
SYSTEM
SYSTEM INFORMATION
Hold center button for 5 seconds
(Dealer Mode should appear on the screen)
Select BACK
BACK
MENU
SETUP
DEALER AUTOPILOT CONFIG
The wizards are then available as choices.

 

[rehurst]

Don't forget to check for magnetic stuff near fluxgate compass. I had some knives that became magnetic and they were stored near the compass in the R-29c. Demagnetized them and then did the wizard to fix.

 

[Smokeyham]

Don't forget to check for magnetic stuff near fluxgate compass. I had some knives that became magnetic and they were stored near the compass in the R-29c. Demagnetized them and then did the wizard to fix.

A light bulb just went off when I read your post. I bought one of those extendable magnets for when I drop things down in the bilge, and put that into the "junk drawer" which is behind the helm seat. I believe that is where the compass lives as well........ I have removed that and will try this out and see if just making that change solves the issue!