Ritchie Globemaster B-500 Installation, Compensation, And Maintenance Instructions

CAUTION:
All magnetic compasses are vulnerable to magnetic interference, which will produce errors, called
deviation. It is the owner/operator and/or helmsman's responsibility to make sure the compass is
properly installed and compensated. Compensation is the act of correcting for deviation. Magnets
(speakers, microphones etc.), ferrous metals (steel, iron, etc.) and current carrying devices are
common causes of deviation. It is important to understand that magnetic compasses point toward
magnetic north. There is a difference between magnetic north and true north, and that difference is
called variation. Variation differs depending on your geographical location and can be determined
by referring to a local chart.
Please read the instructions completely before beginning installation.
Selecting the Proper Location
The compass should be close enough to the helmsman and positioned below the helmsman's line of sight
so it is easily read during normal operation.
Surface Alignment Guidelines
Flush & Deck Mount Models: You will need a flat and level surface (when the boat is on a level
keel). Many boats have a curved or slanted mounting surface and if this is the case, a fairing block
must be used to bring the compass to a level position.
Pedestal Mount: The mounting surface is usually pre-determined by the pedestal manufacture.
Various adapters and mounting hardware may be required, please contact the pedestal manufacture for
details.
Important note: Serious errors can develop and performance degraded when alignment guidelines
are not met.
Deviation Guidelines
Select a location that has no more that 15 degrees deviation on any of the four cardinal points (N S E
and W). Most compasses have a built in compensation system that will correct for fixed deviation up to
15 degrees. It is important to realize that proper compensation is not possible when a compass is
subjected to a magnetic field that is variable. Some shipboard devices can cause varying magnetic fields.
Devices such as windshield wipers, high current carrying wire and even some steering wheels must be
considered when selecting a location for your compass.
Important Note about Steel vessels
The magnetic interference caused by steel construction poses complicated issues for magnetic
compasses. Make sure your compass is of a type that is specially designed for use on such vessels.
In addition compass location, installation, and compensation should all be done by a
compass adjuster.
Installation, Compensation, and Maintenance Instructions
For RITCHIE
®
Globemaster™
Compass Models
Made in U.S.A.
professional