FAQ'S

1.- Are the AUTONAUTIC compasses certified?

Yes, they are.  All compasses, except the C1 range, are manufactured according to the 96/98 EC directives on Marine Equipment, as stated on the declaration of conformity attached to each compass.

Such directive is required within Europe and in many other countries worldwide.

2.- Do the compasses have a 12V or a 24V  light system?

Most AUTONAUTIC compasses come equipped with a night light system which should be connected to the boat’s electrical system. AUTONAUTIC can supply replacement lights for all models .

Our compass light system is compatible with both 12/24 V. You can connect the compass light with 12 or 24V.

3.- I plan to sail in a geographical area B or C. Can I use my compass?

All our compasses are balanced manually : with a standard procedure for Zone A models, balancing the compass consists in adjusting the card so that it is perfectly horizontal.

On the B or C navigation areas you can notice a very slight card inclination which hardly affects the compass. This inclination does not present a problem to the navigation.

4.- My boat has a steel or ferrocement hull. Which compass should I choose?

If your boat is >20 mt. a suitable compass is ref. 00128 or 00130 however no   one compass can answer this specific requirement alone. It will also be necessary to use the services of a professional compass adjuster who will set up the compensation system for your boat.

5.- If I have problems with my compass is it repairable, if so how?

Yes. All  AUTONAUTIC compasses are designed to be 100% repairable. Please contact with your distribuitor. The factory also has its own in-house Service Department.

6.- Why does my older AUTONAUTIC compass seem slow and unresponsive?

We recommend you to have your compass checked every 5 years in order to ensure the proper operation of your compass.

AUTONAUTIC compass dials are built with matched hardened steel pivot and double cup sapphire jewel bearing surfaces. Although you can expect to get years of use from your compass, certain parts may begin to wear out. If you notice problems with the dial. Contact the factory or your local distribuitor.

AUTONAUTIC

T. +34 93 540 99 49
F. +34 93 540 99 51

info@autonauticinstrumental.com

7.-My compass has a bubble. What Should I do?

If you see a permanent bubble, in a temperature range from –20° to +60°C, it means that your compass is leaking. As the fluid tends to evaporate, you may not have noticed the leak.  Bubbles may cause a number of problems, so it is recommended that you have the compass repaired as soon as possible.

Never try to fill the compass with any liquid . Never use alcohol, solvents or destilled water
Please contact with your local distribuitor, or with the factory.

AUTONAUTIC

T. +34 93 540 99 49
F. +34 93 540 99 51

info@autonauticinstrumental.com

8.- Why is my  compass accurate in one direction but not in another?

Magnetic compasses work by aligning the internal dial magnets with the earth’s magnetic field. However, the earth is not the only object with a magnetic field. Objects on your boat may have a magnetic field which will interfere with the compass’ accuracy.

Make sure that your compass is mounted at least 70 cm from objects generating local magnetic fields (compass, fire extinguisher, loudspeaker, electric wires and equipment, metallic parts of steering system, camera, tools, instruments…) and at least 1 meter away from the main engine and the windscreen wipers motor.

9.- How to correct on board compass deviation?

1. If deviation is no more than 7° : simply draw a deviation table assessing the error, and keep it for future reference.
2. If deviation is between 7 and 20° : we recommend that first you have your compass compensated as a start, and then draw a deviation table. The compensation procedure is a delicate operation and should ideally be carried out by a professional compass adjuster.

Your local marina or harbor master should be able to put you in touch with a compass adjuster.