Garmin Marine Satellite Compass MSC™ 10 Electronic compass and multi-band GPS receiver, black

The Garmin MSC™ 10 marine satellite compass is an advanced electronic compass integrating a multi-band GPS receiver. Designed for precision marine navigation, it derives its heading data from satellite signals, eliminating magnetic interference issues common in traditional compasses.

The MSC™ 10 provides a heading accuracy of 2 degrees RMS, a position accuracy under 1 meter CEP, and a wave height accuracy of 8 cm RMS.

The MSC™ 10 uses multiband GNSS technology (GPS L1 and L5) and supports multiple constellations, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou, for improved position and heading acquisition.

The MSC™ 10 compass has a 10 Hz refresh rate, ensuring detailed tracking of the vessel’s movements.

In addition to heading, the MSC™ 10 provides pitch, roll, and wave data, which are essential for autopilot systems and other equipment requiring reliable attitude information, even in rough seas.

Yes, the MSC™ 10 integrates an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) that optimizes GPS heading stability at all speeds, including during pitch movements, tight turns, or when stationary. It serves as a primary sensor for demanding autopilots.

The tools required for installing the MSC™ 10 compass include:

A drillA 19 mm (3/4 in) drill bit for the mast mounting cable holeA 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit for the surface mounting screw holesA 25 mm (1 in) hole saw for the surface mounting cable holeA #2 Phillips screwdriverA 35 mm (1 3/8 in) wrenchA torque wrenchA 7 mm (9/32 in) socket for the torque wrenchAdditional NMEA 2000 network components if required3M™ 5200 Fast Cure or 4200 Fast Cure marine sealant in preferred color (optional, instead of the supplied sealant)

For optimal performance, the compass requires an unobstructed view of the sky and horizon in all directions. Key guidelines:

It must not be installed near any structure that could degrade performance. Avoid shaded locations under the boat’s superstructure, a radome antenna, or the mast. Do not install it inside or adjacent to cabins. Avoid mounting it near the engine or other sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI). If a radar is present, mount the compass above the radar’s beam if possible, or below if necessary, but never directly in the radar’s beam. Do not mount it within 1 m (3 ft) of a VHF radio antenna. If you plan to use the internal magnetic compass as a backup, avoid mounting it near known ferrous metal objects (toolbox, other compasses) and test the area with a handheld compass while the boat’s engine and devices are running to detect magnetic interference.

Yes, the MSC™ 10 compass can be mounted on a flat surface or attached to a standard 1-inch (OD) stainless steel mast with 14 threads per inch (not included). The cable can be routed externally or through the mast.

For surface mounting, follow these steps:

Secure the provided mounting template to the chosen location.Drill three 5 mm (3/16 in) mounting holes and one 25 mm (1 in) cable hole.Install the provided gasket on the underside of the compass.Run the cable through the center hole and connect it to the compass.Insert the three provided threaded rods into the compass mounting holes.Place the compass on the surface, aligning the threaded rods with the drilled holes.Apply a bead of marine sealant around each mounting hole on the surface.Secure the compass to the mounting surface using the threaded rods, flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts.Tighten the nuts using a torque wrench to 13.7–18.6 N·m (10–14 lbf·ft).Route the cable away from sources of electronic interference.

It is not recommended to print a mounting template yourself. It is recommended to use the template provided in the product box.

If you choose to print the template, you must follow the printer’s instructions precisely to ensure the template is printed at 100% scale. An incorrect paper size or mis-scaled print can result in a template with incorrect dimensions and, consequently, an incorrect cut on your boat’s mounting surface.

The MSC™ 10 satellite compass is compatible with NMEA 2000 networks. It is designed to provide heading data to an existing NMEA 2000 network. If your boat does not have one, you will need to install one.

The MSC™ 10 compass comes with an NMEA 2000 T-connector and a 6 m (20 ft) NMEA 2000 spur cable. These two components are used to connect the compass to your existing NMEA 2000 network.

Garmin uses NMEA 2000 micro connectors on its devices, sensors, and T-connectors, which are compatible with other NMEA 2000-compliant micro connectors, cables, and devices.

No, GPS heading calibration is not required because the device uses GPS signals to calculate heading.

The MSC™ 10 contains an internal magnetic compass that can be used as a backup to avoid potential heading data loss in areas where GPS signals are blocked or weak (under bridges, near tall structures, in covered holds). Calibration of this backup magnetic compass is highly recommended. Before calibration, ensure the device is installed in a location free from magnetic interference.

If the MSC™ 10 is connected to the same NMEA 2000 network as a Garmin chartplotter, you can perform a calibration via the menu:

Select Settings > Communications > NMEA 2000 Configuration > Device List.Select the MSC 10 from the device list.Select Check > Compass Cal. > Start.Follow the on-screen instructions until compass calibration is complete.Select Automatic Heading Alignment > Start.Follow the on-screen instructions until heading alignment is complete.

Yes, if the device cannot be mounted in an ideal location for magnetic heading and GPS performance, you can disable magnetic heading data. To do this, perform a factory reset. After a factory reset, the device will no longer transmit magnetic heading data but will continue to provide heading over GPS ground track and GNSS-based heading.

You can adjust the precise heading alignment in conjunction with the automatic heading alignment to refine the heading output (optional). This adjustment must be made under a clear sky to ensure correct calibration.

Select Settings > Communications > NMEA 2000 Configuration > Device List. Select the MSC 10 device. Select Check > Compass Calibration > Precise Heading Alignment. Using a known reference or reliable compass, determine your boat’s heading. Adjust the heading until it matches your measurement. Select Done.

To ensure optimal performance of the Garmin MSC™ 10 marine satellite compass, several important considerations must be taken into account during installation:

Clear view: The compass must be installed in a location offering an unobstructed view of the sky and horizon in all directions. It is recommended to choose a position where no object rises more than five degrees above the device.Avoid physical obstructions: Do not install the compass where it could be shaded by the boat’s superstructure, a radome antenna, or the mast. It must not be installed inside or near cabins.Avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI): The compass must not be installed near the engine or other sources of electromagnetic interference.Positioning relative to radar: If radar is present, the compass must be installed above the radar’s beam path. If necessary, it can be installed below the radar’s beam path, but it must never be installed directly in the radar’s beam path.Distance from VHF antenna: The compass must not be installed less than 1 meter (3 feet) from a VHF radio antenna.Specific considerations for the emergency magnetic compass (if enabled):Avoid installing it near known ferrous metal objects, such as a toolbox or another compass.It is recommended to test the installation area with a handheld compass to detect magnetic interference when the boat, engines, and devices are powered on.If using mounting hardware other than the supplied screws, ensure it is made of high-quality stainless steel or brass to avoid magnetic interference.The compass can be mounted on a flat surface or attached to a standard 1-inch outside diameter stainless steel threaded mast (14 threads per inch, not included). The cable can be routed externally or through the mast.