Thread: Heading sensor for ulterra

So you opted to not attach a part of your motor system and it isn't functioning correctly...not to be snarky, but I think you've answered your own question here. Yes the heading sensor makes a difference in the performance of spot lock and auto pilot.

I mis read the directions originally. I thought it was just for jiggle or offset feature. Then I started researching after being in another boat with same trolling motor.

I've heard of the "jog" feature, wasn't aware they were jiggling also

Some jiggle and some jog...

Hook the thing up and leave it on the deck until you get your other boat. It only helps with spotlock, not auto pilot and only come on when you spotlock.

Double sided tape is your friend here, or Velcro

Originally Posted by EWS

Some jiggle and some jog...

And some jiggle while they jog.. I would....if I jogged.

I have the ultrex, not the ulterra but I believe the heading sensor for each works the same. On the ultrex, the heading sensor has NOTHING to do with the spot lock feature. All the "brains" that handle the gps coordinates are in the head of the motor. The heading sensor only tells the motor which way the motor is pointed. This comes into play for the "jog" feature and the (I don't remember the actual term) "cruise control" (constant N feature you are referring to) feature that will keep the exact heading that you point the trolling motor and speed you set. It makes adjustments as you drift off course or the wind blows you off course, while in cruise control. Not having the heading sensor connected and calibrated will absolutely effect the constant speed with heading feature. If you did not install the heading sensor, your spot lock will not be effected.

However.... if you are having trouble with spot lock not holding you very well in the newer model minn kota trolling motors it can be from not going through the calibrating steps and/ or not setting the "offset" after calibrating.... but it is usually because you need to make adjustments to the "boat scale" setting. This can be done with the remote when you go into settings. The heavier the boat, the more you need to increase the setting. The lighter the boat the more you need to decrease the setting. The default is 0, but the settings are like this -2, -1, 0, +1, +2. Most people I have seen talk about this, they have it set on -2. I have a 20ft. fiberglass fish and ski boat and -1 or -2 works best for me. If it's REALLY bad windy or high current, you may need to increase the scale setting on those days from what works best on more normal days. I bet this will help you out... if your motor has this boat scale setting.

Joe

Yes Joe I'm at -2 already. I'm in a 20' shallow draft river boat currently. It can driftb20' while spot locking . Hope it's better on next boat.