Heading sensor Furuno

[Pierre Boivin]

Hi, I need some help, new owner of a 2007 Sundancer 340, love it. The boat is equiped with Furuno navigation. On the weekend i came to turn on the Navpilot711 and i got a message that the heading sensor not detected, so i was getting no heading. Now i scoured the internet and i cannot detect or find a heading sensor on the boat that i was expecting to see. I also have a Ritchie Compass that has 2 wires under it and going somewhere. Could it be that i get the heading from the compass? I dont know where to start, the season is over, but i am dissapointed as i really liked the auto heading function? Any ideas as to what should be my next step?
Thanks in advance
Pierre

 

[Shaps]

Can't help you on those heading sensor messages but i am pretty confident the wires to your Ritchie compass are for the light attached to the compass itself.

 

[Skybolt]

You need to trace the cables from the pilot head back to where the processor is and then trace and find the fluxgate compass ("Fluxgate Magnetic Sensor" as they call it). You should start by checking the connections at every juncture. It sounds like the fluxgate compass is not functioning or can't be seen by the processor.

Edit: on you screen shot the "Heading Sensor: NG" is your fluxgate compass.

Fluxgate Magnetic Sensor:
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/pg700

Processor:
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/fap7002

As @Shaps indicated, those wires are for the lighting of the compass.

 

[Pierre Boivin]

You need to trace the cables from the pilot head back to where the processor is and then trace and find the fluxgate compass ("Fluxgate Magnetic Sensor" as they call it). You should start by checking the connections at every juncture. It sounds like the fluxgate compass is not functioning or can't be seen by the processor.

Edit: on you screen shot the "Heading Sensor: NG" is your fluxgate compass.

Fluxgate Magnetic Sensor:
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/pg700

Processor:
https://www.furunousa.com/en/products/fap7002

As @Shaps indicated, those wires are for the lighting of the compass.

Thanks alot, I have looked for the sensor and have not found it yet, im assuming it should not be under the instrument panel with all the wiring? I got 2 other places to verify but i needed tools , i will keep you posted.

Regards

 

[Skybolt]

Thanks alot, I have looked for the sensor and have not found it yet, im assuming it should not be under the instrument panel with all the wiring? I got 2 other places to verify but i needed tools , i will keep you posted.

Regards

usually it is as low as possible, like under the floor in the salon just in front/underneath the stairs.

 

[NotHerDecision]

Sky bolt is spot on. Mine is under the salon floor. Low and forward in the boat is the preferred place but it connects to the autopilot computer so start there and make sure you have a good connection.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Mine is in the Engine-room lazarette here’s what it should look like.

 

[Pierre Boivin]

Thanks guys , i found the sensor, however it shows the red light on the status bar which according to the manual would indicate an inter magnetic malfunction, which i gather means i ned to get a new one if the auto heading is something i can’t live without.

 

[NotHerDecision]

Make sure there is nothing metal around it. They are fairly sensitive

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Agreed make sure your tool box etc hasn’t shifted near it. Also try disconnecting the power and re boot it wait 10-15 seconds plug it back in.

 

[Skybolt]

Thanks guys , i found the sensor, however it shows the red light on the status bar which according to the manual would indicate an inter magnetic malfunction, which i gather means i ned to get a new one if the auto heading is something i can’t live without.

In addition to what @Havana Shamrock suggested also power down the whole system and check all of the connections. Also look for the cable that feeds the compass for any pinching all the way to the processor.

Your auto pilot will not function without the fluxgate compass, it won't know how to steer the boat in a straight line.