compass problem...

[UserRemoved1]

Jim you can pull the speaker inside but make sure you have a speaker plugged in on the back so there is a load on the audio amp. Watch opening that though cuz some manufacturers will void JIS ratings/warranties etc

[Van]

SM:

I bought a west marine remote speaker, its a tiny thing but it plenty loud, and I believe even if its near the compass, it does not affect it. It plugs into the back of the VHF and cuts out the internal speaker..

If you have to take it out and use an external. Seems like the easiest fix, after all, its time to fish, not fix the boat !!!!

I am basically done with the yearly fixes and the FF install , just the NEMA wires are confusing, once thats done, IN THE WATER I GO.....

[zacs]

If you are going to take the internal speaker out, just get longer wires and attach them internally and then run the new wires out to wherever you will put it. where is the big question. i guess it would need to be somewhere protected...

[Slipknot]

Do you have a Large Stainless steel steering wheeling right near the compass also? That can cause a problem also.

[Mr. Sandman]

Called up tech support at ICOM. Told him my compass problem and he agreed it is most likely the speaker magnet. (for a little speaker that has a huge magnet) Looks like it is possible to rip it out and use and external. There is a external speaker jack pigtail. However when removing the speaker I will risk the the waterproof-ness of the unit. I will have to seal up the holes when the speaker is gone. (dab some silicone in the holes) I may give this a try tonight. He said to definelty buy a good waterproof external 4 ohm speaker for it even if it is mounted inside a console.

Slip, yeah I do but the radio is clearly the culprit. I took everything off and added it back one at a time noting comapss changes...whrn the radio went in, it spun like a top. Didn't move much at all for anything else...the most about about one degree when the 10" gps when in and that is inches to the compass.

[Fish On]

Jim, Just curious, if you turn the radio off is the problem still there?

["uffah!!"]

I have trouble with my compass too. Something is wrong with it, its
always point to North!!!!

[Mr. Sandman]

Well, I ended up buying the external speaker but I still have not ripped out the radio speaker. After thinking about it I really don't know if I want to effect the integraty of my main radio by destroying its native speaker. It is a saftey thing. I will try and relocate it out of the way (it will be difficult) and not easy to read but I will put the external speaker near the dash. (yes i have a handheld radio too)

I also picked up an electronic compass. This looks great. You can mount the sensor down in the bilge if you want away from anything with a nice digital display with big clear letters of your heading. Of course it communicates with the plotter so it knows headings from courses and tells you which way to steer to maintain course. Looks like a neat toy.