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Location for SP-6
Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2021 3:10 pm
by Wagflier
Hi all,
Newbie here
I just purchased an Extreme Mini system, and after reading the literature on the SP-6, I am perplexed as to where to install the SP-6 Magnetometer.
My project is a Wagabond, which has a welded steel tube fuselage, with a metal cowling. Where on that airframe can I install the SP6 so that it wont be influenced by the steel structure? Thanks in advance for any help.
Rergards,
Merle
Re: Location for SP-6
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:21 pm
by rainier
Traditionally these kind of constructions make it near impossible to locate a functioning compass of any sort inside the fuselage.
You may find the SP-6 can calibrate itself fairly well during the calibration flight but even if the result looks good it will not last very long as the entire frame is one big magnet - polarized by the Earths magnetic field itself for the main part. The steel frame also causes very significant deviation as it will change the direction of the field.
Usually in a case like this my advise is to install the SP-6 in a wing tip.
Re: Location for SP-6
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 12:43 am
by Wagflier
Since the wings have no ferrous metals in them, does the SP-6 have to be clear at the tip, or can it be mounted closer to the root?
Re: Location for SP-6
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2023 11:21 am
by ktz737
Hi !
I have a problem with my SP6 installation.
It was initially positioned below the right seat by the previous owner, so that the precision was really random.
I decided to put it in the rear of the fuselage, at about 1 m away from the cockpit.
And the result is worse, I'd say unusable. The headings are totally wrong, from 20 to 70° error.
I really don't understand the reason. It is alone, far from steel items (the nearest is the pitch servo, at about 60 cm).
My plane is a 2 seats MCR, all carbon.
Any idea ?
Re: Location for SP-6
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2023 7:55 pm
by sbeaver
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/a ... ayers%20of
This paper suggests that carbon fiber blocks magnetic fields rather thoroughly.
Re: Location for SP-6
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2023 9:55 pm
by ktz737
Oh Thanks.
I am surprised because more and more light airplanes are made of carbon and I have never found any restriction of use with a magnetometer,
Maybe Rainier could confirm ?
Re: Location for SP-6
Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2023 7:17 pm
by Paulienuts
Carbon blocks radio frequencies as well. No surprising it blocks the earth's magnetic field.