I've picked up a few posts that indicate a top dash CB installation can wreak havoc on the factory compass that is attached directly beneath the plastic plate atop the radio.

Can someone confirm this for me one way or another? Will the compass work? Will it self-correct? Will I need to calibrate it before it functions correctly? Etc?

I guess I could install the CB and find out, but I'd rather find an alternative mounting location if I'm likely to negatively affect the compass.

TIA,

Sarge

 

The fluxgate sensor is mounted right under the left edge of the top dash panel. Any wire carrying DC current across the face of the sensor, or any magnet (like the CB's speaker" within a few inches is going to affect the compass. Re-calibrating it will make it a lot better, but it will still be a bit off. However, since the compass only divides up into 8 points out of 360 Degrees, I would not worry too much about it as you'll probably not see any difference on the display since it is so coarse to begin with.

 

Interesting and informative. Thank you. I guess I'll wind up mounting my CB up there after all. I appreciate the feedback.

 

If you plan on using your compass I wouldn't put anything magnetic over the dash panel. Plenty of places to mount CB's in the JK without mucking up the compass. Plus, it'll cut a lot of visibility that's already at a premium.

 

It's a tiny radio and I'm a tall guy. I mounted it on the center stack and tend to like it there, but it would seem the compass is indeed FUBAR'd. Stuck on East.

Has anyone taken the fluxgate sensor out from underneath and mounted it up on the dash?

 

I have a friend that moved his sensor in his rubi I will ask him where he ended up putting it but I know it is working and his HAM rig is mounted on the top stack. At least we know it can be done.

 

I have the compass and mounted my CB on the left side of the center piece. I actually used the compass wiring to power the CB

 

My Galaxy 939, full size, mike on side, is mounted directly over the compass and haven't notced anything unusual at all. I've never checked the compass, but it has always seemed accurate.

Never felt like the CB mounted on the center dash interfered with my visibility. I'm 6'0", 175lb, and usually run the seat at or very near it's lowest position.

 

Well, after installing my CB and seeing my compass lock on East, I broked out the OM and followed the manual compass recalibration steps. Volia! All is well in the world again.

 

UPDATE: Much to my chagrin, it turns out I'm going to have to recalibrate every time I either remove or replace my CB! (I have it set up with a quick-release on the hardwired power cord because I plan only to have the CB in the Jeep for trail use, not around town... mostly an anti-thievery matter.)

In any case, I had it recalibrated, drove around for a couple days, removed my CB for storage and now my compass is jacked again.

Oh well, at least I know it can be fixed. I'll just have to plan ahead before a road trip; run up to the parking lot of the nearby church for some driving in circles after I put the CB back in.