I'm a beekeeper also....I have worked commercial beekeeping (1800 hives) and at one point I had 40 hives of my own.....lots and lots of work...
Sold it all because I didn't have time to fish and hunt...all time was allocated to taking care of bees. Now I just have 2 hives....but in all those...
Like someone else said, you "could" use a regular compass to determine if it's off or not based upon where you set the sensor to determine a good spot. I believe that can be read on your humminbird helix.
So yes...it is a compass. You use a compass to determine a heading. That's the job of any compass.
This one helps calculate the difference between the heading you wish to go and the direction the boat is pointed.
The neat part is that it also helps to calculate in human fisherman terms...ok the...
I don't think their reasoning has to do with Bluetooth connection. I believe their rationale is that the electronics of the TM may interfere with the compass...possibly pulling it off the true heading by being too close.
I don't know if this is true or not..
the heading sensor is used for spot...
I have 2 12v deep cycle lead marine batteries in my boat. One in the back runs my starter and a few electronics. The one in the front runs the trolling motor and a few electronics.
Been pretty happy with the setup overall....never run out of juice while fishing....I generally charge up between...
So....I'm one of those that the MINN KOTA DEALER installed my heading sensor pretty dang close to my Terrova TM.....I didn't even realize there was a 2' recommendation until I read it here a few weeks ago. I can just say this....I've never had a single issue in 2 years.
Forgot to mention I bought an 11' crappie rod, a 13' crappie rod and an boat anchor pin.
Last year I found crappies in the shallow brush pre-spawn and I could only spook them by getting too close. Hope these help......brings back memories me as a child with a 12' cane pole 50 years ago...
elevated deck on jon boat for TM mount....not only was the elevated deck useful for the TM, but useful for getting in/out of the boat....especially shoving off shore and a place to put your knee.....