Compass problems...

CptKelly · Post by **CptKelly** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 09:55

Does anyone out there have a compass that works installed in a Champ? Our compass is useless, and cannot be swung. Actually, I have two aircraft that have compasses that won't swing, one is a Champ, the other is a Supercub clone. Both have brand new compasses, still won't swing. Other than moving the compasses to another location, how can this condition be fixed?

Thanks,

Mike

Post by **joea** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 11:01

Mike,

Any chance that the airframe is magnetized and effecting the compass?

You can de-magnetize the airframe if needed.

Joe A

CptKelly · Post by **CptKelly** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 17:51

Joe,
Well, how can you tell if your airframe is magnetized?

Mike

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 20:19

The compass doesn't work.

nkh

drjeff · Post by **drjeff** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 20:35

Nate....
Your such a smart A**

WWhunter · Post by **WWhunter** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 20:47

Mike,
I have the same problem in my Champ. I can be flying straight east and it might show north or west or south. LOL Never know where it is going to point.
I have seen this discussed on the SC.org site. Seems they said there is some place you can rent a degauser (sp) that demagnatizes the frame. I really don't have any idea how you know if that is the problem or not. Actually I never use the compass anyways. The places I fly my Champ I know where I'm going and don't need it.
Good luck......let us know what you find out.

Keith

Mikek · Post by **Mikek** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 22:46

Nathan K. Hammond wrote:The compass doesn't work.

nkh

Mine works just fine and is good for +/- 5 degree NSEW Full size & in panel

Mike K

Post by **joea** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 03:48

In both the old Chief and new Sedan the compass works fine.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 09:11

I put a new compass in from Wag Aero a couple of years ago and it's in panel and works fine, other than it bounces around a lot (probably pilot induced

). If the compass is stuck in one position it almost has to be a magnitized airframe unless it's picking up something ferrous close by, right? I'm guessing a magnitized airframe most likely comes from welding on the airframe and not having the connections close together.

Mike

CptKelly · Post by **CptKelly** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 13:31

Our compasses are not stuck in one position, they do turn when you turn the plane in flight, however, they range from 70 degrees to 145 degrees off, and cannot be adjusted for that much error. I have even thought that I should change the mounting location to up on the windshield, kinda like my old Cessna 170. Both compasses are new, so they are not bad. I have had both planes to two different IA's, without success. Any IA's out there that can lend some understand here?

Mike

Jimmy Payne · Post by **Jimmy Payne** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 14:16

Mike,

Are the mounting screws brass? What about the compass mount screws? I have seen them mounted with stainless screws, I know they stainless is not supposed to be magnetic, but some types of stainless is magnetic. What about any screws or other hardware in the area?

Does the compass work correctly if you remove it from the aircraft?

aeroncafan · Post by **aeroncafan** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 22:21

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 09:08

Been told that Sac Sky Ranch has a deguassing tool for rent. Never used it though. Nobody had problems till everyone started Tig welding. David J.

marklamon · Post by **marklamon** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 19:23

David Johnson wrote:Been told that Sac Sky Ranch has a deguassing tool for rent. Never used it though. Nobody had problems till everyone started Tig welding. David J.

I have used it. It works greatr. Mark

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