Bellanca Compass Problem

N

n4855v

New member
I need some help from the wonderful world of Bellanca owners. I have recently become an owner of a 1967 Super Viking 17-30. I cannot wait to get it up in the air. I have a small but puzzling problem with the compass. It will not read correctly when facing East or West. Here are the things we have already done to try and fix the problem.

1) Replace with new Airpath 2300
2) Degauss the area the compass is mounted.
3) Adjust the compass for errors.

The compass is facing 150-160 on a heading of 075. It is mounted in front of the trim handle in front of the frame on top of the wind screen. When you remove the compass from the plane it works correctly.

If anyone has any ideas please share them.

Thanks

Russ
 
Radio's and electrical equipment could have been added. Try turning all electrical, radios, master off and see if the problem is resolved. If it is turn equipment and radios on one unit at a time to isolate the problem.

If you have the problem with all electrical and master off, the problem is airframe related. Degaussing the airframe may be the solution. I haven't heard that local degaussing works.
 
Years ago the plant had a degauseing tool they would loan out with a deposit. Someone now owns one. when the plant went under so did the tool. The only way you are going to fix the problem is to degause the hole plane. Some say if you use a remote compass and install the box below the bagage box it will work. :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Thanks for the replies.
I have talked to Alexandria Aircraft and they gave me a few suggestions however none of them have worked.
I tried to locally degauss the area round the compass and this did not work. The problem is constant when the master is on or off. I would like to find that tool so I can fix this problem.

There is a company out of California http://www.sacskyranch.com/degauss.htm that has a tool they say can fix this problem. I am going to call them to get more information about their equipment.

Randy there is a remote compass in this aircraft however it is in op. From all the information that I have gathered you are correct that I need to degauss the entire plane. I just wish I could figure out how to do this. :?:

I will keep you posted on my pursuit.
 
I need some help from the wonderful world of Aircraft owners. I have recently become an owner of a 1968 Super Viking 17-30. I have a small but puzzling problem with the compass. It will not read correctly when facing East or West. Here are the things we have already done to try and fix the problem.

1) Replace with new Airpath 2300
2) Degauss the area the compass is mounted.
3) Adjust the compass for errors. I talked with airpath and the most they can correct the error is 30 to 40 degrees.

The compass is facing 150-160 on a heading of 090. It is mounted in front of the trim handle in front of the frame on top of the wind screen. When you remove the compass from the plane it works correctly.
I have talked to Alexandria Aircraft and they gave me a few suggestions however none of them have worked.
I tried to locally degauss the area round the compass and this did not work. The problem is constant when the master is on or off. I would like to find that tool so I can fix this problem.
There is a company out of California http://www.sacskyranch.com/degauss.htm that has a tool they say can fix this problem. I am going to call them to get more information about their equipment.
I have rented the MagnaFlux Y-6 AC magnetizer from Skyranch. This unit will remove most but not enough magnetic force to have any effect on the compass. There were a few hot spots that made the field indicator specified a reading over 5. The maganaflux would reduce it to an indication of 1 however will not remove it all. I called the manufacture of the Magnaflux Y-6 and they said that I would not be able to get all the magnetic force out of the frame without removing the part. Which is inpossible.
In the diagram above I am still getting a magnetic force of 1, on the field indicator, in the frame. If I pass the compass anywhere through this area, when the aircraft is facing east, the compass will start winging to a 150 heading. It does not matter if it is towards the top or bottom of the aircraft.

You can go to my website to see a diagram of the problem.

http://www.visionwireless.tv/bellanca.htm

If anyone has any ideas please share them.

Thanks

Russ
:?:
 
I know this is a simple thing, But have you checked to make sure the right screws and nuts are used to hold the compass in the mount? My only idea. I dont have that problem with my 14-13-2 and did not have that kind of deveation on my 17-30 Good luck. If you find the problem let us know. :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Thanks Randy for the reply. I did check the screws that the compass is mounted. I am talking with several people on the aopa website. There have been several different suggestions. I will keep you in formed on my progress. :?: :?: :?:

Thanks Russ
 
Finally!
I find someone with the same problem I am having with my 14-19.
My compass is most inaccurate in the direction of 030 and 060, about 55 degrees. It gets a little better at 210 & 240, about 45 dergrees. North and south are about right on.

Did you fix it?


Jerry C.
 
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