Sailcomp

Since fluxgate compasses are magnetic compasses, they can only reference the earth's magnetic field. They can not reference the earth's inertia and therefore cannot be made to know True North.

If you wish to navigate in true heading, you have a couple of options. KVH's Azimuth 1000, Azimuth 314AC, GyroTrac, and Sailcomp 103AC allow you to enter an offset angle. This means that you can enter your local variation value (either positive or negative) and the compass display will show true rather than magnetic heading. When your variation changes because you have traveled a significant distance, however, that offset angle will not update automatically. You must update it manually.

The GyroTrac can also interface with a vessel's GPS, allowing the compass to learn the variation from the GPS. With this option, your GyroTrac will give true heading and will automatically update to the correct variation.

Six to nine months, depending on usage.

If the Sailcomp display flashes "Er 1" alternately with normal compass information, this indicates that the sensor is magnetically overloaded. If this message is displayed when you are installing your Sailcomp 103AC, the compass cannot auto-compensate and must be moved to a location with less magnetic interference (e.g., with fewer metal, magnetic, or electric items). Moving the compass to such an area should allow it to auto-compensate and eliminate the "Er 1" message. If this message appears some time after your compass was installed and compensated, it is an indication that something has dramatically changed in the sensor's environment.

Check the area around the sensor for anything new that could disrupt the compass sensor. Such disruption can be caused by a magnetic field or large amounts of metal located near the sensor (e.g., speakers, tool boxes, anchors, or electric motors). Moving the item placed near the sensor should solve the problem.

Yes, we have a comprehensive dealer database available on-line. Simply visit our "Where to Buy" page. From here you choose the product category and product model of interest and then search by state, zip/postal code, or country to find the dealer, distributor, or sales representative nearest you.

A wide range of technical documentation, including user's guides, installation information, and technical manuals, can be found on every KVH product's individual web page.

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For Retired Products 

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If you can't find the manual you need either on our web site or in the FAQ database, send us an e-mail at manuals@kvh.com and let us know which manual you need.