Location of the flux compass?

DirkB
Advanced Member Topic Starter

2023-09-01T09:12:49Z

The controle unit of my Raymarine ST4000+ failed with a ‘low batt’ alarm. Much testing learned my batteries and cabling are not the cause. It is a failure of the PCB. Through the Dutch ‘Zeilersforum’ (sailors forum) I came into contact with a retired former electronic specialist of Raymarime equipment. He is confident it will be fixed next week.
This brings me to my question: to the control unit there is a cable that leads to the flux compass. However, I have not yet located the flux compass. Does anyone know what the common place for the flux compass is on a 325/335?

PeterDann
Advanced Member

2023-09-01T10:38:16Z

#2

Hi Dirk

Mine is on the bulkead inside the lazarette, just inboard of the hatch at the bottom of the aft bunk. It's surrounded by wires and various metal objects like the steering gear, fuel tank, calorifier so I can't believe it's the best place, but the autopilot seems to agree with my other trustworthy compasses most of the time.

Happy hunting!
Peter

Peter Dann
Blue Moon 325/32

Mike Baldwin
Advanced Member

2023-09-02T19:46:01Z

#3

Mine is behind the fuel tank. I imagine yours will be there as your boat is the same age. You have to take up the false floor above the calorifer in the cockpit locker and it is screwed to the hull immediately in front of the rudder. I don't know how you will get to it to remove it as it is very inaccessible.
Let me know how you get on.
I changed my ST4000+ control head for the modern P60 autohelm control head and I also bought the replacement for the flux compass. I forget it's name. It is E something.

DirkB
Advanced Member Topic Starter

2023-09-02T20:31:08Z

#4

Thank you Mike. My Surprise doesn’t have a false floor. When looking into the lazarette to the stern I can see the calorifier and Webasto heating and when diving into the lazarette, the fuel tank is just around the edge. No false floor, regrettably. But now I know where to look for. Fortunately it is still working.

Click to View Image4 View(s)

As long as it is a minor repair I’ll stick to the ST4000+. If repair becomes problematic I’ll have decide for a P70 (I think) with an EVO. But then I will have to go for an NMEA 2000 network also to use all options.

DirkB
Advanced Member Topic Starter

2023-09-04T09:28:58Z

#5

Within Mike’s direction I found the flux compass. Hope I never have to replace it as it is difficult to reach.

Click to View Image7 View(s)

It shows in the lower left corner of the photo.

DirkB
Advanced Member Topic Starter

2023-10-03T19:46:41Z

#6

The ST4000+ has been repaired for a price less then 10% of an upgrade to a modern Raymarine wheel autopilot. It works fine again.

Mike Lockwood
Advanced Member

2023-10-06T17:38:56Z

#7

In case anyone needs to know, the Flux compass on Lucky Devil is in the aft cabin in the locker under the bunk on the starboard side.

Mike Lockwood
Lucky Devil
Parker 325/35

johniow
Advanced Member

2023-10-11T13:55:56Z

#8

Originally Posted by: DirkB

Within Mike’s direction I found the flux compass. Hope I never have to replace it as it is difficult to reach.
Click to View Image7 View(s)

Everything's difficult to reach!

My autopilot is in the same place - right at the back. I installed the heading sensor for the Garmin radar behind the instrument panel. Not ideal, but it seems to agree with the Raymarine and analogue compasses ...
Nosey - Parker 325-26