Furuno PG-500 Precision Fluxgate Compass - NMEA 0183

• Heading Accuracy: ±1.0° (horizontal)
• Heading Resolution: 0.1°
• Follow-up: 25°/s rate-of turn
• I/O Port (Input): 1 port
• I/O Port (Output): 2 ports (one port drives 3 outputs)
• Output: FURUNO AD-10 format IEC 61162-1 (NMEA 0183 Ver2.0) HDG HDT HDM
• Input: IEC 61162-1 (NMEA 0183 Ver1.5/2.0) RMC VTG
• Temperature: -15°C to 55°C
• Waterproofing: IPX5 (IEC 60529) CFR-46 (USCG standard)
• Power Supply: 12-24 VDC: 120-30mA
• Weight: 0.3 kg

The PG-500 consists of a fluxgate sensor solid-state rate gyroscope processor and serial data interfaces. The sensor detects the heading relative to the magnetic north as induced within the fluxgate coils by terrestrial magnetism. The processor monitors the coriolis force output by the solid-state rate gyroscope and stabilises the compass heading. Unlike an ordianary fluxgate that only outputs sine/consine data the PG-500 outputs the heading data in the format of IEC 61162 NMEA 0183 or Furuno AD-10 format.

The PG-500 can provide true heading by using its correction facilities for magnetic deviation and variation. Deviation (errors mainly caused by shipboard enviroment) can be automatically corrected by swinging the boat. Variation (errors subject to geographical location) can also be automatically corrected when interfaced with a GPS navigator. Correction for variation can manually be entered and indicated when an optional remote display RD-33 is connected.