Ritchie Globemaster B-500 Manual

Installation, Compensation, and Maintenance Instructions
For RITCHIE® Globemaster™
Compass Models
Made in U.S.A.
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 professional
compass adjuster.

Testing Your Chosen Location
Use your compass to test a location. There are two brass rods near the bottom of the compass which
rotate 360 degrees, the slotted ends may be all that is visible. These compensation rods are used to
correct your compass for deviation. When testing a location, you do not want pre-set corrections in
your compass, so neutralize the comp-rods by setting the slots in a horizontal position.
Begin your test by holding the compass away from any possible interference and observing the compass
reading. Then move the compass into position carefully, keeping it pointed in the same direction. If the
compass reading is different without a change in direction you are observing deviation. You need to find
a location that has less than 15 degrees of deviation on the 4 cardinal points if you intend to adjust your
compass using the compensator rods.
After finding a location you should test for intermittent changes in the magnetic field. With the compass
mounted temporarily in its intended position try moving the steering wheel, throttle controls or anything
else that might cause deviation. It is also advised to turn electrical devices off and on. Please be advised
that a changing magnetic field can not be corrected with compensation and you will need to find another
location for your compass.
Installation
B-500, B-600, F-600, FB-500, FD-500, FD-600, SB-500, SF-500, SF-600, SS-5000’s Flush Mounts
Using the mounting template supplied with the compass, make the cutout in your chosen location.
Proceed to the “Mounting the Compass”section of these instructions.
Note for flush models:
For hooded models, first remove the hood (it lifts off), then remove the two outermost screws in the
bezel to separate the compass from the mounting flange. The 8 or 10 screws nearest the dome should
not be loosened. (Fluid will escape and damage your compass.)
Before making your cut, be sure that there are no wires or objects of any kind behind where you
intend to drill or cut.
It is important that you use the mounting gasket included with each model. We do NOT recommend
the use of bedding compound since some brands contain chemicals that could damage the plastic
dome.
If you cannot access the compensation rods from below you need to allow for easy removal of the
compass during compensation.
SS-5100’s, 515’s, 615’s, D-515’s & D-615’s and SP-5’s Pedestal Mount
Using the mounting template supplied with the compass, mark your chosen location. Then separate the
housing from the capsule before proceeding to the “Mounting the Compass”section of these instructions.
Housing separations for stainless steel models
1. Remove the hood (when supplied) by loosening the thumbscrew and pulling the hood upwards.
2. Remove the light screws. The light screws are holding on a black metal bracket or a half moon
shaped “light-shade”. Some compasses have two additional screws at the top of the housing that
will need to be removed.
3. Lift off the housing to expose the mounting base.
Housing separations for brass/chrome models
1. On these models the housing is part of the base so you need to remove the capsule to expose the
mounting section of the housing.
2. Remove the hood (when supplied) by loosening the thumbscrew and pulling the hood upwards.
3. Remove the two outermost screws in the bezel to separate the capsule from the Housing. Do not
remove or even loosen the 8 or 10 screws nearest the dome. (Fluid will escape and damage
your compass.)

Notes for deck/biennial/pedestal mount units
Various adapters and mounting hardware may be required to mount your compass to a pedestal,
please contact the pedestal manufacture for the proper mounting procedure.
When mounting to a pedestal you may need to attach the light wire to power before mounting the
compass (the light shade will pass through the housing when complete).
The compass itself is held to the base with the capsule-clamping ring. You can separate it from the
base by loosening the clamping screw. You can also loosen the clamping screw to make alignment
adjustments. THE CLAMPING SCREW MUST BE TIGHT BEFORE RE-ATTACHING
THE HOUSING!
On brass/chrome models to access the compensation system remove the 2 inserts in the housing
exposing the slotted end of the comprod. These insert can be re-inserted after you are done.
On stainless steel models to access the compensation system, you need to remove the hosing.
CAUTION! IMPORTANT NOTICE When installing any binnacle model Globemaster on a
pedestal, make certain that the throttle and gear shift linkages are adjusted properly and do not
make contact with the compensator rods on the compass. If contact is made with either control in
full detent, the compensator rod will become bent and the compass thrown out of adjustment.
Mounting the Compass
Great care must be taken to mount the compass so that it is aligned with the keel of the boat. An
alignment error is a constant error on all headings caused by the compass not being pointed in the
same direction as the boat. One recommendation is to temporarily mount the compass using one
fastener so if an alignment error is detected it is easily corrected. Masking tape can be used as a reference
or to keep the compass steady during installation. The remaining fasteners can be installed when you are
satisfied with the alignment.
Due to variations in bulkhead and deck materials, mounting screws are not supplied. Use hardware
that is suitable for your specific installation. SELECT MOUNTING HARDWARE THAT IS NON-
MAGNETIC. Most quality stainless steel and solid brass fasteners can be used. If you are unsure
test them with a magnet.
Most models have built-in lights which will require routing the wire or wires to your power source.
To assure a clean installation you may want to wait and drill the routing holes after you are satisfied
with the compass alignment.
Night Light wiring (all Models)
All models are supplied with a 12 or 24 volt night lighting system make sure you have the proper one for
your electrical system.
To connect lights to a 32-volt system, dropping resistors are available.
When mounting to a pedestal you may need to attach the light wire to power before mounting the
compass (the light shade will pass through the housing when complete).
Lights should be wired to an appropriately fused circuit in your electrical system (i.e. running light
circuit).
Connect the red wire to positive and black to ground.
Maintenance
Ritchie compasses require very little care.
To remove salt spray deposits or dirt, rinse the entire compass with clean, fresh water and wipe
carefully with a damp cloth. Important Note: Never Use Chemical or Abrasive Cleaners.
If you need to replace a light contact the factory with your model and serial number for a part number
and price. Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone] E-mail. [e-mail]

Warranty:
We warrant all Ritchie Magnetic Marine Compasses to be free of defects in workmanship or materials. If
within five years of purchase date, a compass fails to give satisfactory service, it will be repaired or
replaced without charge. This warranty does not cover breakage through accident or misuse. Replacement
or repair will be made if the instrument is returned prepaid to a Ritchie Service Station or directly to E.S.
Ritchie & Sons, Inc., 243 Oak Street, Pembroke, MA 02359.
Compensation
A built-in correcting magnet system consists of two sets of magnets fixed to two adjusting rods with
slotted ends. The slots should be horizontal before starting the adjusting procedure. A small non-
magnetic screwdriver is provided for this purpose. Before starting compensation, make sure you have a
suitable location (see Testing Your Chosen Location).
If you feel that the deviation on your boat is of an unusual nature, the services of a professional
compass adjuster will be a wise investment.
To assure accuracy on all headings, check for deviation every thirty degrees and record any deviation
on a deviation card. We recommend checking at the start of each boating season, and any time new
equipment is added near the compass, for deviation.

Method 1 (Preferred)
Step One
With the compass in its intended position, but not finally secured, (see Mounting the
Compass) select a course on your chart using two fixed aids that are within ten degrees (10°)
of the North/South line. Try to select this course so that you can maneuver your boat “down
range” of the marks selected (See example).
Step Two
From a position down range of the North/South marks, and keeping the marks lined up, run
the boat visually along the Northerly course selected. Turn the port/starboard compensator
(slot is facing starboard) until the compass reads correctly.
Step Three
Simply repeat steps 1 & 2, except this time, using an East/West course and the fore/aft
compensator (slot is facing aft).
Step Four
Check compass alignment by running the boat in a Southerly direction, again keeping the
mark lined up. If the compass is not correct at this time, there is an alignment error. To
correct, rotate the compass itself to remove one half of this error. Repeat steps 1, 2 & 4 until
your North/South line is correct then repeat step 3.
Step Five
Install fastener (s), taking care not to disturb alignment.
LIGHTHOUSE
DOWN RANGE
TOWER
EXAMPLE
LIGHTHOUSE

Method 2 (Requires the use of GPS or Loran)
In this method you will be using a GPS or Loran as your reference.
The GPS or Loran must be set to provide you with Magnetic, not True headings. Check your Manual.
GPS and Loran provide headings based on COG (course over ground). Compasses provide heading
based on the direction the boat is actually pointed. Because of Tides, Currents and Winds, the boat
may not always point in the same direction as COG. Pick a time and location that will minimize these
effects.
Because the GPS and Loran calculate COG based on current and past positions you will see greater
heading accuracy while traveling at higher speeds. We recommend at least 10 knots.
Step One
While at sea, with the compass in its intended position, but not finally secured, (see Mounting the
Compass), obtain the Loran/GPS bearing to a fixed aid or landmark that is within 10oof a
North/South line.
Step Two
Position your boat along that line and steer directly at that mark. Turn the port/starboard
compensator (slot is facing starboard) until the compass heading matches the Loran/GPS bearing.
Step Three
Simply repeat steps 1 & 2, except this time, using an East/West course and the fore/aft compensator
(slot is facing aft).
Step Four
Check compass alignment by running the boat 180 degrees from the heading used in step 2. If the
compass is not correct at this time, there is an alignment error. To correct, rotate the compass itself
to remove one half of this error. Repeat steps 1, 2 & 4 until your North/South line is correct then
repeat step 3.
Step Five
Upon completing the procedure, secure the compass in its final position.
LIGHTHOUSE
DOWN RANGE
TOWER
EXAMPLE
LIGHTHOUSE