1. Copyright 2008 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.
The Weekend Navigator
Part II
Copyright 2008 Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc.

2. Chapter 18: Using the Electronic Compass

3. Types of Electronic Compasses
Fluxgate compass
Most popular type
Magnetic compass
Uses coils of wire to sense the Earth’s magnetic field
Able to self-compensate
Accurate to within 1o

4. Types of Electronic Compasses
Gyrocompass
Much more expensive
Independent of local influences
Highly accurate
Used on commercial ships and yachts

5. Types of Electronic Compasses
GPS compass
Compares positions of each GPS antenna
Comparable to gyrocompasses in accuracy
Not subject to local magnetic influences
Used more for commercial ships
About twice as expensive as gyrocompasses

6. Using the Electronic Compass
Install and calibrate the fluxgate compass
Select the appropriate dampening level for your boat and the north reference
Remember, the compass is a heading reference that reflects the pointing angle of the bow.