Satellite Compass SC120: IMO Type-Approved THD with MED & CCS Certificates

Introduction

The Satellite Compass SC120 is a next-generation marine navigation instrument designed to deliver precise heading, position, speed, and motion state information for a wide range of vessels. Fully compliant with IMO Type-Approved standards as a Transmitting Heading Device (THD) and GPS, the SC120 meets rigorous IEC and ISO requirements. It holds both MED (Marine Equipment Directive) and CCS (China Classification Society) certificates, ensuring full compliance with international maritime safety regulations.

---

Product Usage

The SC120 is engineered as a dedicated navigation instrument for measuring a ship's heading. It provides shipowners and bridge crews with:

Accurate heading and position data

Reliable speed and course information

Real-time ship motion state display and early warning capabilities

Whether for cargo vessels, fishing boats, workboats, or passenger ferries, the SC120 enhances situational awareness and navigational safety.

---

How It Works

Utilizing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) principles, the Satellite Compass SC120 integrates multiple constellations-Beidou, GPS, and Galileo-to deliver highly accurate heading and positioning data. This multi-constellation support ensures continuous, reliable performance even in challenging environments where a single GNSS might fail.

---

Key Performance Features

1. Precision Direction with Pre-Type Carrier Phase Decoding

The SC120 employs advanced pre-type carrier phase decoding technology, which significantly improves directional accuracy compared to traditional GPS compasses.

2. Multi-Constellation GNSS for High-Precision Attitude

By simultaneously utilizing Beidou, GPS, and Galileo, the SC120 achieves exceptional attitude precision, ensuring stable heading output even during dynamic vessel motion.

3. Advanced Speed & Course Filtering

Proprietary filtering technology smooths speed and course data, eliminating erratic readings and providing stable, reliable outputs for critical navigation systems.

4. Built-In Gyro Compensation System

An integrated gyro compensation system enhances heading performance during temporary GNSS signal loss, such as when passing under bridges or near tall structures.

5. Fast Startup & Signal Recapture

The SC120 features rapid startup and excellent signal recapture capability, minimizing downtime and ensuring heading availability within seconds of power-on.

6. High-Speed Heading Updates

With heading updates at up to 50 times per second and a turning tracking rate of up to 90°/s, the SC120 accurately captures rapid course changes, making it ideal for high-speed vessels and maneuvering-intensive operations.

7. Multi-Channel NMEA0183 Output

Equipped with multiple standard NMEA0183 output channels, the SC120 provides high-stability, high-precision heading and positioning data to a wide range of marine navigation equipment, including:

Radar

ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)

AIS (Automatic Identification System)

Chart Plotter

Autopilot

Sonar

8. Industrial Design & Easy Installation

The SC120 boasts an excellent industrial product design with a stylish, compact, and rugged appearance. Its straightforward mounting and cabling process significantly reduce installation time and complexity.

9. Maintenance-Free Operation

With no mechanical parts (such as spinning gyroscopes or moving sensors), the SC120 is maintenance-free and incurs no recurring costs-no periodic servicing, re-calibration, or part replacements are required.

10. Robust Environmental Performance

Not affected by water temperature or salinity – ideal for all marine environments from polar to tropical waters.

Caution in complex sea conditions – while highly durable, the device should be protected against extreme wind and heavy rain as a standard precaution.

---

Certifications & Compliance

IMO Type-Approved as THD (Transmitting Heading Device) – compliant with IMO resolution MSC.116(73) and relevant performance standards.

MED Certificate – meets European marine equipment directive requirements for installation on EU-flagged vessels.

CCS Type Approval – certified by the China Classification Society for use on Chinese-flagged and internationally trading vessels.

IEC & ISO Compliance – adheres to international electrotechnical and standardization requirements for marine navigation equipment.

---

Why Choose the Satellite Compass SC120?

Feature	Benefit
Multi-GNSS (Beidou, GPS, Galileo)	Redundant, reliable positioning & heading
50 Hz heading update rate	Smooth real-time response for fast vessels
90°/s turning tracking	Accurate during sharp maneuvers
Gyro compensation	Maintains heading during GNSS outages
MED & CCS certified	Globally accepted for commercial shipping
No mechanical parts	Zero maintenance, no recurring cost
NMEA0183 multi-output	Connects to radar, ECDIS, autopilot, AIS, sonar, etc.

---

Ideal Applications

Merchant vessels requiring IMO-compliant THD

Fishing boats needing reliable heading for autopilot and sonar

Workboats & tugs operating in confined waters with rapid turns

Passenger ferries requiring high-integrity navigation data

Yachts seeking a maintenance-free alternative to traditional gyrocompasses

---

Conclusion

The Satellite Compass SC120 combines IMO Type-Approval, MED and CCS certifications, and advanced GNSS technology into a robust, easy-to-install, and maintenance-free heading sensor. With 50 Hz update rates, multi-constellation support, and comprehensive NMEA0183 connectivity, it delivers the accuracy and reliability that modern vessel navigation demands.

For shipowners and bridge officers seeking a future-proof, cost-effective THD solution, the SC120 is a trusted choice.

---

For more information, technical specifications, or to request a quotation, please contact your local marine equipment distributor or visit our official product page.

 

Technical parameters：

1. General

1.1 Receiving frequency	GPS/GALILEO/BEIDOU/GLONASS (optional)
1.2 Heading accuracy
SC120	0.2°RMS
1.3 Heading resolution	0.1°,0.01°(0.01° requires contact your dealer)
1.4 Rate of Turn	90°/s
1.5 Position fixing time	less than 2min
1.6 Attitude accuracy	Pitch/Roll: 0.3°RMS
1.7 Power supply	DC11-32V

 

2. Interface

2.1 Number of port
IEC61162(NMEA0183)	IEC61162-2: 2 port, IEC61162-1: 2 port
AD-10	2 port, for heading output
BAM/INS	2 port
2.2 Data port/Alert port
Input	ACN, HBT
Output	ALC, ALF, ARC, HBT, HDT, RMC, ROT, THS, HCR GBS*, GGA*, GLL*, GNS*, GRS*, GSA*, GST*, GSV*, HDG*, VTG*, ZDA*,
2.3 Output proprietary sentences	SHR*

Note: output the sentence with * requires contact your dealer.

 

3.Environmental conditions

3.1 Ambient temperature
Antenna unit	-25 ℃ to 70 ℃
Junction box	-15 ℃ to +55 ℃
3.2 Relative humidity	95% or less at +40 ℃
3.3 IP protection
Antenna unit	IP56(Exposed)
Junction box	IP20(Protected)
3.4 Vibration	IEC 60945 Ed.4

 

Hot Tags: Marine satellite compass wheelmark, manufacturers, suppliers, wholesale, custom, buy, best, price, on sale, for sale, Satellite Compass, GNSS COMPASS