Compass

Recently purchased a boat which has Fuel/Water level clocks and trim indicator clocks mounted next to the Compass. When I turn on power the compass is being affected by electro magnetism generated by the clocks, ( I believe!!). Anybody got any ideas other than to relocate the Compass???

Hi Finbarr,

It might be a grounding problem, usually when clocks of this sort are installed in a vehicle the outer housings are connected to the chassis which in turn is connected to the battery negative, with boats you have to provide a wired ground as GRP isn't conductive. Were the clocks designed specifically for marine use? if not you will probably need to somehow attach the battery negative to the outer housings which should prevent any electro magnetic fields.
Firstly connect via a low rated fuse (300mA or 500mA) to prevent shorts, once you're happy there isn't a short (the fuse doesn't blow) you can connect directly to the battery negative. There allready may be a lead terminal on the clock for a wired ground connection, which isn't connected.