When installing Orca in a steel boat, there are a few extra considerations you should think about:
Steel affects GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth signal reception
Steel affects Magnetic compasses
Because of the challenges above, we recommend the following deviations from our standard installation guide.
Where do I install the Orca Core on a steel boat?
An Orca Core should be installed on the outside of a steel boat, as far away from the steel superstructure as possible. Ideally 2 meters / 6 feet from the hull. An aluminum bimini, a wooden pilothouse, or an installation on a guard rail is recommended. What you should optimize for is:
The Core is installed sufficiently far away from the magnetic influence of the steel hull
The Core has a free line of sight to the sky for a split GPS reception
The Core has a free line of sight to the helm where the Orca Display or your personal devices will be used while navigating
If you have questions about where to install your Orca Core, please share potential installation locations via photo and we will assist you.
Where do I install the Orca Display on a steel boat?
If you are using Orca Display as a standalone navigation device without an Orca Core, you should follow the same recommendations as for the Orca Core.
If your Orca Display is used together with an Orca Core, the only consideration is that the Orca Core and Orca Display should have a free line of sight for the best wireless performance.