Description
The FURUNO PG700 is a rate-compensated magnetic heading sensor that combines a fluxgate compass with a solid-state rate gyro. It is designed to provide faster, more stable heading information than a basic magnetic compass sensor, which makes it useful for Furuno autopilots, radar true-motion and echo-trail functions, chartplotter orientation and other heading-dependent marine electronics connected through NMEA 2000.
- Fluxgate compass plus rate gyro: Combines magnetic heading sensing with solid-state angular-rate information for smoother and more stable output.
- Automatic magnetic distortion correction: Helps compensate for vessel magnetic influences after proper installation and calibration.
- NMEA 2000 output: Sends heading data directly onto a compatible marine CAN-bus network.
- Fast 45°/second follow-up: Tracks vessel turns quickly enough for radar, autopilot and dynamic navigation applications.
- Compact flexible mounting: Supplied mounting hardware supports practical installation away from strong magnetic interference.
Why Heading Quality Matters
GPS course-over-ground is not the same as vessel heading. At low speed, while drifting, in current or when manoeuvring, the direction the boat is pointing can differ substantially from the direction it is moving over the earth. Radar overlay, true-motion radar, autopilot control and some sonar presentations require actual heading information, which is why a dedicated heading sensor remains important even on a boat with excellent GNSS reception.
Fluxgate Sensor with Rate Compensation
A conventional fluxgate compass senses the earth’s magnetic field, but the reading can lag or become noisy during quick manoeuvres. The PG700 adds a solid-state rate gyro to improve stability and turn response. Furuno specifies heading resolution of 0.1° and a follow-up rate of 45° per second, making the sensor suitable for active steering and radar applications rather than only slow-course reference.
Automatic Magnetic Correction
Every boat contains magnetic influences from engines, wiring, speakers, tools, steel structure and other equipment. The PG700 includes automatic magnetic-field distortion correction, but correct physical placement remains essential. Install it as far as practical from ferrous metal, high-current DC cables, motors and loudspeakers, then complete the Furuno calibration procedure after the boat is launched and in normal operating condition.
NMEA 2000 Network Integration
The PG700 outputs heading through NMEA 2000 and is supplied with a 6 m NMEA 2000 cable. Once connected to a correctly powered and terminated backbone, multiple compatible devices can use the same heading source. This is particularly useful in a Furuno system where the NavPilot, radar and MFD all benefit from consistent heading data.
PG700 vs. Satellite Compass
The PG700 is a magnetic sensor, so it remains sensitive to local magnetic conditions and requires compass calibration. A satellite compass such as the SCX20 derives heading from multiple GNSS antennas and is not affected by magnetic deviation. The PG700 is a cost-effective heading source for many boats; the SCX20 becomes attractive when the installation demands magnetic independence, heave/pitch/roll data or higher-end radar/sonar performance.
What’s in the Box
- PG700 rate-compensated heading sensor
- 6 m NMEA 2000 cable
- Mounting bracket / installation kit
- Installation documentation
Specifications
- Sensor type: Fluxgate magnetic compass with solid-state rate gyro
- Heading accuracy: Approx. ±1.0° horizontal under specified conditions
- Heading resolution: 0.1°
- Follow-up rate: 45°/s
- Interface: NMEA 2000 / Furuno CAN bus
- Power: 9–16 VDC from network
- Network load: LEN 3
- Operating temperature: Approx. -15°C to +55°C
- Water resistance: IP55
- Approx. weight: 0.31 kg floor mount / 0.35 kg bulkhead mount
- Typical applications: Autopilot, radar, plotter and sonar heading source
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.