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August 27, 2018 2:05 pm
I'd appreciate your thoughts on diagnosing a network/chartplotter issue. I have a B&G Network System (Wind/Speed/Depth/Nav/Pilot, installed 1998) along with a Zeus T8 (installed 2014) getting data from an Actisense unit. I was able to create routes/waypoints in the Zeus, hit "GoTo", then hit "Auto" on the NAV. It worked for a few years, but now:
- when the chartplotter is driving to a waypoint, the heading in the NAV unit will creep up 10-15 degrees. (I calibrated both at dock and performing circles)
- COG reading sometimes goes out, then comes back.
- Boat speed is intermittently not accurate.
Thoughts?
August 28, 2018 8:52 am
Bruce,
Though these issues may be related there's also a good chance you have three separate issues. First, let's take your heading issue. This sounds like an issue with the fluxgate compass in the autopilot system. Is there any chance anything has been added to the boat around the compass? Maybe even moved something metal close to it? It's also possible you're experiencing a failure of the compass though that's not the first place I'd go.
When you say COG goes out, do you mean it stops displaying altogether or sometimes becomes inaccurate then corrects? If it stops displaying I'd be inclined to think you might have a connection issue to the GPS receiver or a receiver on the way out. Inaccuracy could be somewhat normal behavior.
Is the boat speed you are referencing speed over ground (SOG, comes from GPS) or speed through water (STW, comes from a paddle wheel typically). If STW, the first place I'd go look is at the paddlewheel itself.
Ben
Publisher, Panbo.com
Steve Mitchell reacted
Topic starter
August 28, 2018 11:00 am
Hi Ben - thanks for the reply.
- nothing has been placed near the compass.
- COG says "OFF", which I assume means it is not receiving any data.
- STW appears inaccurate, sometimes displaying speeds faster then SOG when going with the tide. I have to check the paddle wheel regularly as it tends to get stuck due to growth.
