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AOSA Tip 2 - Safe Electronic Instrument Storage in Winter - This applies to boats stored outside in freezing temperatures or in an unheated building. LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) - The minimum storage temperature of a liquid crystal display is approximately -10C0. If your electronics is equipped with an LCD then you should remove it from the boat and store it inside at room temperature. ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS - The only other electronic equipment to be concerned about is that equipped with an electrolytic capacitor. These are the big fat ones in the power supply or power filter, usually in an aluminum can. The can may also be covered with blue vinyl. The minimum storage temperature of these is about -35C0. Just because you got away with abusing your electronics over the previous years is no reason to do it again this year! ANALOGUE COMPASS - An oil filled compass is equipped with an internal diaphragm to allow for thermal and pressure expansion from weather or altitude variations. Alberta winters are very dry which also dries out this rubber membrane. Over the years the membrane eventually cracks and the oil leaks out. Your first clue to this problem is an air bubble at the top of the sphere. Your second clue may be more difficult to detect. Look for an oil stain down the inside of the cabin wall. You may also see oil dripping from the bottom of the compass housing but this won't be for long. It is best to remove the compass from the boat and store it inside at room temperature. Spraying the membrane with silicon will help to keep the rubber supple. A leaking compass is expensive if not impossible to repair. I've been told that the best replacement for my Saturn compass is a flux gate type which has the added advantage of being flush to the cabin bulkhead, making sitting more comfortable and being clear of lines, etc. Unfortunately it has an LCD!It may be possible to repair an oil filled compass, but it requires very special care. I managed to repair mine. If you would like your compass repaired or if you would like to prevent yours from leaking please email me at bschimme@telusplanet.net Bob Schimmel.
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