B & G Super Halcyon 3 User Manual

SUPER HALCYON 3

USER MANUAL

Premier Way, Abbey Park

Romsey, Hampshire, S051 9DH

England

Tel: (+4

Fax: (+44

Web: www.bandgservice.co.uk

© Brookes & Gatehouse Ltd. 1987

The copyright of this Manual is the property of Brookes & Gatehouse Ltd.

4) 01590 689699
590 610072

) 01

CONTENTS

Para Page

DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................3

COMPASS UNIT ..................................................................................3

COMPASS INDICATOR .......................................................................3

OPERATION ............................................................................................4

FAULT LOCATION..................................................................................5

ALL OUTPUTS DEFECTIVE ................................................................5

DIGITAL OUTPUTS.............................................................................. 5

INSTALLATION .......................................................................................6

MASTER COMPASS UNIT ..................................................................6

CONNECTIONS (SEE FIG. 1)................................................................7

CALIBRATION......................................................................................... 8

AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION................................................................ 8

COMPASS CALIBRATION PROCEDURE........................................................9

AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION INHIBIT ...........................................................10

TECHNICAL DATA................................................................................ 10

2

DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

Halcyon is a high performance electronic transmitting compass (sometimes known as a fluxgate
compass) designed for use on both sailing and power craft. It may be used as a compass in its own
right, or it may be coupled directly to other B&G instruments such as the B&G Hercules System,
satnavs, autopilots etc. The boat's heading may be displayed on an optional bulkhead mounting
indicator unit by a pointer with a 360° scale showing cardinal points Up to three indicators may be
fitted. The compass sensor and the indicators are fully watertight, corrosion proof and shock proof.
The unit has been designed for use at sea and is tested rigorously. A digital readout is available when
connected to the Hercules system.

COMPASS UNIT

One important feature of the Super Halcyon 3 is its ability to 'learn' the magnetic effect of the vessel on
the compass and automatically apply deviation correction. By following the simple procedure detailed
in Section 4 of this book. Compass errors can be reduced to an insignificant The fluxgate principle
employed in the sensor does not rely on magnets or compass cards for its operation, and offers
excellent performance in adverse conditions, with rapid recovery from turning errors. Traditional
compass characteristics, such as -swirl', are completely eliminated.

COMPASS INDICATOR

This unit is a standard B&G four-inch indicator. The dial is marked with cardinal points numerals every
30 degrees, and five degree graduations. Internal scale illumination is provided. The indicator is in the
form of an arrow, the head of which shows the ship's heading.

3

OPERATION

The compass system is activated by switching on the power supply. The compass automatically
compensates for changes in the strength of the earth's magnetic field after calibration. The Super
Halcyon 3 works in both the northern and southern hemispheres without modification. (See section 5
on automatic calibration).

All outputs are protected against accidental short circuit In the event of a short circuit, the compass will
switch off. To return to normal operation, first remove the cause of the short circuit, switch off the
power to the compass, wait a few seconds and then re-apply the power. The compass will then work
normally.

The heading may be seen on the analogue display (compass repeater) or in digital form through the
Hercules system.

4

FAULT LOCATION

ALL OUTPUTS DEFECTIVE

Ensure that the ship's supply is connected to the compass. A voltage of between 10V and 30V should
be present between pin 3 with the orange conductor (+ve) and pin 2 with the black conductor (—ve) of
cable 135-0A-113 at the 18-way connector. Whilst operating correctly the Super Halcyon 3 emits a
quiet high-pitched audible tone.

All outputs are protected against accidental short circuit. In the event of a short circuit, the compass
switches off automatically. To return to normal operation, first identify and rectify the short circuit,
switch off the supply for a few seconds and then switch on the power again.

If heading rotates in wrong direction, reverse any two phases. The compass will step from 0° to
current heading at power on.

If problems persist, the most practicable test is to substitute with known operational units until the
defective unit is identified. Repairs and investigations within the compass are to be undertaken by an
authorised B&G agent only.

DIGITAL OUTPUTS

For problems associated with the digital outputs, check that the compass has been configured to the
output you require. The output configuration that is set at the factory is marked on a label on the
compass case. Consult your dealer for details. (Also refer to Para 6.1).

5