I have both a Garmin Chart Plotter/multi-function unit and separate auto pilot unit. Everything works good until i turn on the auto pilot and try to engage it. The "boat" icon on the multi-function screen then points in a different direction and basically the auto pilot chases that heading. I have tried it both with a course plotted and just heading hold and same result. I have tried various other things and it seemingly does not help. Any thoughts or ideas??
Chart Plotter / Auto Pilot Issue
- Thread starter StgII
- Start date
Sounds like your autopilot compass may not be aligned. Without the autopilot engaged, the heading on your autopilot head (if you don't have a separate head then the Garmin autopilot screen) should be very close to your current heading. How close is the autopilot readout to another heading source like your magnetic compass?
FootballFan
Well-Known Member
Sounds like calibration issue.
Skybolt
Well-Known Member
- Nov 11, 2014
- 6,469
- Boat Info
- Reel Nauti
460 EC
- Engines
- Detroit 6v92TA
(Low profile's)
Alison Gears
Westerbeke
12.5kw Genset
If it is not this, then do you have a gps24xd? That is also a heading sensor and needs to be calibrated as well. But you may also need to select which heading sensor to use first. Usually they are set to "Any" as an instance number and that means which ever is up and running first. Look at the NMEA200 devices to see if you have the gps24xd. It can also be calibrated from that screen.
Ok good info and gives me something to look at this weekend when I am out there. There is a separate unit for the autopilot and it appears i do have a gps24xd. I will check the heading on there to the actual heading. Then look into fixing the calibration.
Thank you guys
Thank you guys
FootballFan
Well-Known Member
I had to recalibrate everything recently. Trying to remember the exact steps, but I think I had to do rudder, compass, then guidance. Part was done through dockside configuration then part through the sea trial wizard.
Skybolt
Well-Known Member
- Nov 11, 2014
- 6,469
- Boat Info
- Reel Nauti
460 EC
- Engines
- Detroit 6v92TA
(Low profile's)
Alison Gears
Westerbeke
12.5kw Genset
For the GPS24xd if you haven't calibrated it yet. It must be done in open water it cannot be done at the dock, no compass calibration can be. They require you to go in a tight circle for a minute or two. For the GPS24xd the calibration is done through the NMEA device view when you hit review there is a calibration option. No need for YouTube, on screen instruction takes 5 minutes.
FootballFan
Well-Known Member
This is correct. The Dockside Wizard for calibration defines several of the attributes. Completing calibration requires open water.
