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Pathfinder Smart Heading System - Owner’s Handbook
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1.2 System components
Fluxgate compass
The fluxgate compass is the direction sensor for the Smart Heading
System. It provides the GyroPlus 2 unit with information about the boat’s
current heading.
GyroPlus 2 unit
The GyroPlus 2 unit contains:
•
a rate gyro sensor that measures the boat’s yaw (its rate of turn)
•
a micro-processor and related circuitry to combine this rate of turn
information with the fluxgate compass signal to provide fast, accurate
heading output
•
inputs and outputs to allow connections with Raymarine equipment
Note:
The GyroPlus 2 unit is primarily designed to be used as part of the
Smart Heading System. However, it can also be used as a ‘stand alone’
sensor to provide rate of turn information for Raymarine course
computers. Refer to the Appendix for more information.
1.3 Using the Smart Heading System
Powering-up
Excessive turn rates during the first 10 seconds after power-up may
temporarily reduce Smart Heading System performance. For optimum
performance, keep the boat as stable as possible immediately after
power-up. This will allow the GyroPlus 2 unit to stabilize.
Radar bearing alignment
For optimum MARPA and radar/chart overlay performance, the radar
bearing alignment must be correct on the Pathfinder Plus. Refer to the
Pathfinder Plus Owner’s Handbook
for more details.
81198_1.book Page 2 Monday, February 11, 2002 8:36 AM
