MinnKota Heading Sensor/Compass Install for Terrova/Ulterra/Ultrex ??

[artcarney_agr]

I'm trying to install the heading sensor/compass, and just about every option at the bow won't work due to metal interference.

I would assume this sensor needs to be as close to the trolling motor as possible right?

I've been using a handheld compass to test trial areas where I might want to install it.


Looking for any ideas or tricks you guys might have used on your install to avoid interference from ferrous metals.

[dhaire]

It can be on your center console. It does not not have to be real near the trolling motor. I fashioned a plate made out of cutting board (thanks, Rickie) and mounted it right under the Helix 10 between it and the mount.


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[artcarney_agr]

I fashioned a plate made out of cutting board (thanks, Rickie) and mounted it right under the Helix 10 between it and the mount.

That kind of mount crossed my mind, but won't work with the way I move the unit around from the front RAM ball to the rear RAM ball. I use the depth finder head unit in two different locations.

It looks like your heading sensor is mounted on the front deck instead of on the plate.

[dhaire]

I have the Minn Kota sensor on the center console, the Helix 10 sensor on the cutting board and the AS GRP gps sensor on the deck.


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[artcarney_agr]

I have the Minn Kota sensor on the center console, the Helix 10 sensor on the cutting board and the AS GRP gps sensor on the deck.

Man I swear that one on the plate looks exactly like the AS GRP gps sensor with that black band around it.

It looks like the one on your front deck is definitely the Minn Kota puck that I'm asking about, it even looks like it says Minn Kota on it and you can see the sync/pair button on it.

I'd like to know if it would work if placed on the stern, even though the motor is placed on the front.

[dhaire]

You are right. I switched them in my description. I think it would work on the stern. Used a piece of two sided tape and secure it enough to rest it. If it works fine then mount it permanently. Just a suggestion.


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[artcarney_agr]

Used a piece of two sided tape and secure it enough to rest it. If it works fine then mount it permanently. Just a suggestion.

I think that's what I'm going to do, and try it up front. After researching more online, I almost feel like it's not as sensitive to ferrous metal as the book makes it out to be. The book says it needs to be at least 2 ft from any ferrous metal, including the trolling motor base. I've found many guys who have mounted theirs right next to the trolling motor, which is totally against what the install books says, and they all say they aren't having any issues.

[BobB]

It is heading only .... not GPS ... so you can mount it anywhere on the boat you want.

It may work OK next to the trolling motor until the motor is stowed ... then the magnets in the trolling motor will mess it up.

You can test various locations with a regular compass. If you find somewhere that seems ok with the compass, do a temporary mount and test it to see how it works.

[jawjatek]

My MK heading sensor is on the port rear corner of my 17' Alweld CC, and works/pairs fine with the Terrova up front. This location was free of magnetic interference as checked with a small hiking compass.

[USMA65]

My Terrova and heading sensor were installed last week by a certified MK repair technician. The heading sensor is to the right of my seat in the stern area. I have a tiller Lund, so the sensor is on a bunk top next to the gunwale. I was also told that it should not be hooked up to the trolling motor battery, hence mine is connected to the cranking one in the stern. It works great.