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.)
