RL80C heading data

[mratlndmrk]

On my new to me 2003 380DA equipped with an RL80C I am trying to change the chart plotter orientation to "Head-up" but the unit is not allowing me to do so. When in chart setup mode, the soft keys appear but it doesn't allow me to select head-up. I can choose either north up or course up with no problems. Relative to this question, the little boat symbol on the chart showing your position is also facing opposite of my actual direction of travel. I am thinking that this is a heading issue and I'm not quite sure where the unit should be getting it's heading information. It's gets it's position information from aRN300 gps unit. Thanks in advance.

 

[NickBOE]

I don't think you have a source for heading info. The Rn300 GPS is a source for position info, and course info from that. Heading requires a heading sensor.

 

[Skybolt]

I believe heads up only works when you have an active track going. To test just do a "goto" in the slip and that course should display correctly. Otherwise you will need a heading sensor as NickBOE mentioned.

 

[mratlndmrk]

I'm now thinking that the unit gets the heading from the autopilot (st7001) as the autopilot is currently in need of calibration. Right now the autopilot is reading about 180 degrees off and my current position icon is flipped 180 degrees. That will be the next test when I get off the dock. Thanks.

I don't think you have a source for heading info. The Rn300 GPS is a source for position info, and course info from that. Heading requires a heading sensor.

 

[Skybolt]

I'm now thinking that the unit gets the heading from the autopilot (st7001) as the autopilot is currently in need of calibration. Right now the autopilot is reading about 180 degrees off and my current position icon is flipped 180 degrees. That will be the next test when I get off the dock. Thanks.

Well it's kind of both, the current track (compass) from the autopilot and the position from the GPS. The GPS position is used by the course computer so it knows where it is relative to the where the nav data is telling to to goto. Newer systems can use an NMEA 2000 heading sensor which will provide the correct heading (position of the bow) while at rest. You can be out 180 degrees because the GPS does not know which way it is pointed when at rest.