I'm ready to install my new Raymarine EV400 autopilot. So started unpacking and reading the installation manual, but I'm still not sure about, where to install the EV1 sensor? My question is, where did you mount your EV1 sensor, on a SF boat in general? Would appreciate pictures, thank you!
Are you sure you ordered an autopilot? That looks like a modern, minimalist head with some sort of automated flushing system.
Well, I have never installed an EV1 on a SF but I looked at the spec sheet. It is essentially a magnetic compass with a MEMS Inertial Measurement Unit integrated with the compass. I do know a lot about IMU's and navigation. The grade of IMU needs azimuth aiding which it gets from the magnetic compass. If the compass is out, your AP course will be also. Basically, mount the EV1 somewhere away from any magnetic sources ( steel, speaker's, appliances etc ). I would put it in plain sight so you can see that it is free from any magnetic source. It is really the same as the mag compass you used before the AP. I would also try to keep it low. The IMU works better if it is not violently moving. Putting it at the top of the mast would not be ideal. Remember to check it against your compass and GPS. Good luck!
Thanks Metatron, it's not easy to find a good place to mount it, but will have a closer look tomorrow! Just to be sure, can it be mounted near an existing compass or does that interfere with each other?
Have you tried asking Raymarine? It's supposed to measure vessels movement. I would think the brow of the FB or it appears to be shaped to mount right in the bow (which is where they mount the compass for the IPS drives DPS typically).
No , I haven't contacted them jet, hoped YF pro's could help me out with this. Major problem is, all parts are mounted on the Fly Bridge, but then where to mount the EV1, I have a lot of stuff on the FB, speakers, subwoofer, fridge, pump, compass etc. and supplied wires are (too) short, so...
Only if the EV1 doesn't interfere with my existing compass, I found a spot to mount it... approx 2 ft from it
...Found the best spot... it took some time... in the ceiling of the salon, I can easily pull a cable from there, no big deal! Also waterproof, and it's no problem to hang it upside down (without the mounting bracket). So that's my job for the weekend. Thank you all!!