SC70 — Satellite Compass providing numerous data including GPS position, SOG (speed over ground

Designed for navigation on small to medium-sized vessels, the FURUNO SC70 is a GNSS satellite compass that provides accurate navigation data. It offers GPS position, speed over ground (SOG), course over ground (COG), rate of turn (ROT), and 3-axis speed (bow, stern, and longitudinal), facilitating critical maneuvers such as docking.

GNSS Accuracy and Performance

The FURUNO SC70 uses multiple global satellite navigation systems (GNSS), including GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS, to ensure continuous coverage and a heading accuracy of 0.4° RMS. It receives frequencies 1575.42 MHz (GPS/GALILEO) and 1602.5625 MHz (GLONASS), with support for C/A codes (GPS), E1B (GALILEO), and 1OF (GLONASS). Its startup time is approximately 90 seconds, and it features a fast tracking rate of 40°/s. This compass is compatible with satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) such as EGNOS, WAAS, and MSAS for improved accuracy.

Display and Interface

The FURUNO SC70 display is a 4.3-inch color LCD screen with a WQVGA resolution of 480 x 272 pixels and a brightness of 600 cd/m². It offers multiple display modes: heading, navigation data, rate of turn, and speed. The unit also provides accurate pitch and roll data, available in both analog and digital formats, useful for vessel stabilization and sonar systems.

Connectivity and System Integration

The FURUNO SC70 integrates with onboard networks via multiple interfaces, including AD10, IEC61162, IEC61162-2, IEC61162-450, NMEA2000, NMEA0183, CAN bus, RS-485, and an Ethernet port (LAN) on its junction box. This connectivity allows it to provide precise heading data to equipment such as autopilots, radars, ARPA, sonars, and chartplotters. The system is powered by 12-24V DC (consumption of 2.1-1.1A, including antenna and display). The antenna unit is rated IP56 for water and dust protection, while the display is IP22 (IP35 as an option) and the junction box is IP20 (IP22 for bulkhead mounting). The compass is IMO-certified as a THD (Transmitting Heading Device), GPS, and ROTI (Rate Of Turn Indicator) and requires no mechanical maintenance.