Mag compass problems

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi,
I'm having problems with my mag compass - specifically that it gets knocked up to 15 degrees off if I switch the pitot heat on. Other systems (landing light/beacon/navs etc.) create a similar but smaller effect.

Is it possible the compass has failed? I have been advised that the compass is in the wrong place (it's in the standard position on top of console in centre) - but I don't accept that Maule have this problem with almost every aircraft they have ever produced.

Help!

Sam.

[a64pilot]

I hate to say it's normal, but it's normal. You see any electrical current flow generates a magnetic field, the greater the current, the larger the field. It's possible I guess that a main wire from the alternator or to the battery has been mis-positioned and is closer to the mag compass than it should be, but I doubt it.
Relocating the mag compass can lessen this effect, so can repositioning the higher current wires. I wouldn't mess with it.

[Sam Rutherford]

It's swinging off up to 15 degrees - that seems like a lot!

Anyone else have similar problems with theirs?

Sam.

[Dokmow]

I have the same problem with mine. Although it is more like 25 deg for me. If I am IFR and it is cold, I switch off the pitot heat, reset the heading indicator, and turn the heat back on. It is kind of a pain, but it works. I have not noticed it with lights or other things. Mine is mounted over the artificial horizon, because of the dog house I think.
Erick

[210TC]

You got room for a couple more radio's "A" ................LOL.............

[Dokmow]

My goal is to get the stack and GPS to meet.