Positioning data is getting more accurate and reliable all the time. Satellite and GPS compasses are evolving technologies that supply additional data to onboard electronics such as autopilots, radar and chartplotters. Below are eight of the best.
The lineup is part of an exercise we do every year at Marine Electronics Journal. We call it the Best & Brightest Boating Electronics and ask manufacturers to name the one model in a particular category—from fishfinders and radar to VHFs and electronic charts—that they consider to be their best. It’s not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest or the one with the most whistles and buzzers, but rather the model they rate highest in that category for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters. In some cases it has proved itself over the years as the go-to device.
Last week we rolled out the Best & Brightest VHF radiotelephones.
The NMEA 2000 SCX20 satellite compass has raised the bar for multipath mitigation, accuracy, and reliability, thanks to Furuno’s unique Baseline Target Architecture. The four-antenna array of the SCX20 is configured in a manner that creates six unique baselines from which to calculate accurate heading information, even in severe environments. The compact size, flexible mounting capabilities, and unique quad-antenna design of the SCX20 make the unit capable of calculating precise heading, pitch, roll, and heave information, even when line of sight is limited to only a single satellite. Having multiple baselines makes the SCX20 the ideal heading solution for even the most challenging of vessel installations. It is a perfect match for your TZtouchXL, TZtouch3, or TZtouch2. Also available is the NMEA 0183 .
Know exactly where you’re headed with the Garmin MSC 10 marine satellite compass. Easily install this GPS-based heading sensor with a fully integrated attitude and heading reference system for better GPS heading at high speeds. The multi-band GNSS (L1 and L5 GPS) receiver enables position accuracy to within 1 meter. Plus, the GPS-based compass won’t be impacted by magnetic interference. It can even deliver boat heave information to your chartplotter via the NMEA 2000 network. You can also use MSC 10 as the primary sensor for autopilots and all your onboard systems that need accurate heading information.
The Precision-9 compass supplies accurate heading and rate-of-turn information, based on an internal array of solid-state sensors that measure motion and orientation on nine axes. An easily adjustable mounting bracket and NMEA 2000 connectivity enable simple installation aboard any boat, including an up-mast mounting option for steel-hulled vessels. More than just a compass, the Precision-9 is an ideal source of heading and motion data for Simrad autopilots, radar systems, multifunction displays, and other systems.
Koden’s KGC-300 is an IMO-approved THD (Transmitting Heading Device) that provides highly accurate (0.5°) heading, position and speed data, along with stable and fast tracking capabilities for use in the most challenging conditions and operating environments. The KGC-300 is SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS)-enabled for superior positioning accuracy when professional mariners need it most. It features a built-in backup sensor and three heading data output ports (expandable to five ports) for integration with a range of bridge systems. Data is presented on an easy-to-read 4.3-inch color LCD that offers a variety of screens, including Heading Graph display, Rate of Turn display and Nav Data display. This advanced GPS compass is designed to provide professional navigators with the utmost in accuracy and safety.
ComNav’s G3 GNSS system is type approved and comes with a G2 compass antenna and color display. Accurate and stable heading for autopilots, radars, AIS, ECDIS, chartplotters and more. Differential GPS supports SBAS and Ground Beacon correction service for precision position data. Field upgradeable using ComNav Desktop Utility software included in standard package.
The new SI-TEX V200 NMEA 2000 GPS satellite compass optimizes accuracy and performance for today’s most advanced marine electronics systems. The multi-GNSS V200 features a 424-channel receiver that uses all known satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS, and optional Atlas GNSS global correction service that provides sub-meter 30cm (11.8 inch) RMS accuracy. The 13.7-inch antenna provides 0.75° heading accuracy and onboard spectrum analysis for excellent in-band and out-of-band interference rejection. Integrated gyro sensors deliver fast heading reacquisition, smooth heading readings and reliable 1° degree-per-minute heading for up to 3 minutes after temporary loss of GPS. Built-in tilt sensors provide pitch, heave, and roll data. Advanced performance includes 60-second cold-start acquisition, 10-second hot start and 100°-per-second maximum rate of turn.
The Lowrance Point-1 provides extremely accurate and rapid boat position and speed updates. Unlike other position-only antennas, the Point-1 provides heading for accurate boat direction at any speed for radar/chart overlay. The Point-1 easily connects to any HDS Gen2, HDS Gen2 Touch or Elite-7 display or any NMEA 2000 network. It is waterproof and can be pole- or surface-mounted on any boat.
The B&G ZG100 GPS antenna provides precise and dependable position data, making it the ideal partner for B&G chartplotters and instrument systems. The highly accurate 10Hz GPS gives precise and smooth update position information during acceleration and maneuvering, rapid signal acquisition and consistent position accuracy augmented by secondary satellite systems like WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS and Galileo. It is also QZSS-ready. The integrated compass delivers accurate heading information for instruments and chart stabilization for Head Up mode and radar overlays. It also provides heel and trim data for sailing. Please note, this product is not suitable for use with MARPA or B&G Pilot systems, which require a rate compass such as the Precision-9, RC42 or Halcyon Gyro-Stabilized Compass.