The PG-500 is a rate compensated heading sensor that incorporates innovative electromagnetic compass technology for highly accurate and stable readouts of your ship's heading. These sophisticated components are contained within a rugged, compact case. Unique design elements make the PG-500 virtually maintenance-free and easy to install.

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