Vector Compact User Guide
Mounting Orientation
The Vector Compact outputs heading, pitch, and roll readings regardless of the orientation of the antennas. The primary antenna is used for position.The primary and secondary antennas, working in conjunction, output heading, pitch, and roll values.
Parallel Orientation: The most common installation is to orient the Vector
Compact parallel to, and along the centerline of, the axis of the boat. This provides a true heading. In this orientation:
• If you use a gyrocompass, you can enter a heading bias in the Vector
Compact to calibrate the physical heading to the true heading of the vessel.
• You may need to adjust the pitch/roll output to calibrate the measurement if the Vector is not installed in a horizontal plane.
Perpendicular Orientation: You can also install the antennas so they are oriented perpendicular to the centerline of the boat’s axis. In this orientation:
• You will need to enter a heading bias of +90° if the primary antenna is on the starboard side of the boat and -90° if the primary antenna is on the port side of the boat.
• You will need to configure the receiver to specify the GPS antennas are measuring the roll axis.
• You will need to enter a roll bias to properly output the pitch and roll values.
• You may need to adjust the pitch/roll output to calibrate the measurement if the Vector is not installed in a horizontal plane.
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Chapter 2: Installation
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Recessed arrow located on bottom of enclosure
Forward motion
Figure 2-2: Recommended orientation and resulting signs of HPR values
Recessed arrow located on bottom of enclosure
Forward motion
Figure 2-3: Alternate orientation and resulting signs of HPR values
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Vector Compact User Guide
Vector Compact Alignment
The top of the Vector Compact enclosure incorporates sight design features to help you align the enclosure with respect to an important feature on your vessel.
To use the sights, center the small post on the opposite side of the enclosure from you, within the channel made in the medallion located in the center of the
enclosure top as shown in Figure 2-4 and Figure 2-5. Alignment accuracy when looking through the site (Figure 2-4)and (Figure 2-5) is approximately +/- 1°.
Figure 2-4: Long site alignment channel
Figure 2-5: Long sight alignment center post
If you have another accurate source of heading data on your vessel, such as a gyrocompass, you may use its data to correct for a bias in Vector Compact alignment within the Vector Compact software configuration. Alternatively, you can physically adjust the heading of the Vector Compact so that it renders the correct heading measurement; however, adding a software offset is an easier process.
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