Satellite compass SCX20 vs PG700

[CQuestII]

I currently have a 711C autopilot along with 3 TZT2 displays and 12kw DRSax12 radar. If I add an SCX20 satellite compass should I remove the pg700 gyro compass from my system? I am looking to improve heading data and also radar tracking and sounder improvements.

Also - mounting location. Does it have to be on the highest point of the vessel? In my case I have a tuna tower and if I can mount in on one of the lower tower platforms it would be easier but may not get 100% clear sight all of the time.

 

[Johnny Electron]

If I add an SCX20 satellite compass should I remove the pg700 gyro compass from my system? I am looking to improve heading data and also radar tracking and sounder improvements.

Entirely up to you. The PG700 would no longer be required but if working, it would make an excellent second source of heading data. You can select the SCX as the primary source and it will only use the PG700 if something goes wrong and the system needs to revert to a secondary source.

Does it have to be on the highest point of the vessel? In my case I have a tuna tower and if I can mount in on one of the lower tower platforms it would be easier but may not get 100% clear sight all of the time

It is difficult to always have the perfect ideal location recommended by the manuals. Many times you have to make some sacrifices. The SCX20 is one of the most forgiving SAT compasses I have dealt with. You can set it up on the prospect location and try it before mounting it. You just want to keep it outside the radar beam and other strong RF and even if it has some blockage it will normally work fine. Testing the location would be my suggestion.

 

[sheakx]

I mounted mine here and it works great. No need to mount high. This was the best place to avoid antenna interference. I also kept my PG700 and set it up as a secondary source.

 

[CQuestII]

Thank You for the response.

 

[islandtime]

I mounted my SCX20 on a lower tuna tower level and it is working great. I'm normally able to see at least 12 satellites and the advantages over the PG700 are definitely there. I'm thinking of taking out my PG700 as well.

 

[Wendy Jeanne]

Sorry I am late to respond to this, but I have read several times that once someone installs the scx20 they want to rip out their pg700. Is there a reason to remove it?

Appears I may be the only person that gets caught out in the Gulf with storm clouds and no satellite reception. Having a magnetic based fluxgate compass backup to keep my auto pilot running, etc. seems like a good thing. Same reason I still have my conventional magnetic compass on board.

Mike

 

[sheakx]

I don't see any reason to remove the PG700. I've never run across a NMEA2000 bandwidth problem but you could have too much of a power draw. You should check your LEN totals. I run 2 NMEA2000 networks, one for the engine and engine controls and one for the nav equipment. I had it all on one network but changed this as I added more equipment. Probably a little overly cautious but with so much on the network, I didn't want to potentially compromise the engine controls and there was no need to share the data.

 

[Johnny Electron]

Always good to have a second source of data, especially if already installed and working.

 

[stevemitchell]

I unplugged my PG700 after having a number of issues with my NavPilot 300 and the SCX. This was the recommendation of Furuno support. I can plug it back in if I need it, but leaving it connected caused instability on boot up of the NP.

 

[Johnny Electron]

If the location is bad and it gives bad/conflicting information; it is best to leave it off the bus.