As long as it isn't around a lot of metal, RF, EMI or anything; if the fly bridge is where you plan to keep it mounted; that is where you would calibrate it.
Now my 711c is working great, but it can't see any speed and is setting an alarm. All I have for speed is the GP33 and GP1971F. Everything else on the network sees speed.
@Acer is correct that you should check the pilot setup of data sources and ensure that the pilot is setup for SOG (Speed Over Ground) and ensure that your GPS is turned ON and providing that SOG to the pilot. A pilot will not work without knowing the boat speed because it is dangerous.