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A fluxgate of the usual ('2D') kind has a suspension that is quite comparable
to that of the regular compass. The suspension is intended to keep
it reasonably level in quiet weather conditions.

Fluxgates will give a consistent offset if not initially aligned, despite auto
deviation correction methods.

Swinging the fluxgate would give you the necessary insight.

Brian Whatcott

At 08:44 AM 5/29/02, you wrote:
>I was on a boat over the weekend with both a binnacle compass and a
>fluxgate.
>
>After removing the canister airhorn from the drink holder and watching the
>binnacle compass swing 20 degrees, there was still a 10 degree discrepancy
>between the binnacle and the fluxgate.
>
>Fluxgates may be off the charter of the list: if so, please reply privately.
>
>My question:  any ideas?  The binnacle had a deviation card showing no
>errors, and it agreed pretty well with a handheld. The fluxgate was mounted
>below, maybe three feet from the refrigeration compressor, not near any
>other obvious stuff.
>
>Are fluxgates subject to the same deviation error sources as real magnets?
>
>Martin

Brian Whatcott
   Altus OK                      Eureka!

   

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