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So how much does the sensor affect spot lock and auto pilot ? I didn't install mine being I was planning to upgrade boat and didn't want to drill more holes in this one. I thought it was just for jiggle feature but I'm starting to wonder now. My spot lock is terrible and the N feature is questionable.
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 rotfl
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
And some jiggle while they jog.. rotfl I would....if I jogged.Quote:
Originally Posted by EWS
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.
I would contact Minn Kota if I were you. The new version of spot lock (2017 and after) should be holding you much better than that. I would go ahead and install the heading sensor, calibrate it and set the offset, just to see if it still acts the same. If it does, then call. Wonder if its losing the gps signal sometimes possibly. Probably not... but just thinking out loud. Trying to help.Quote:
Originally Posted by BAMA S
Joe
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