Furuno SC33 Compact Dome Satellite Compass, NMEA2000 (0.4° Heading Accuracy) w/6M Cable
Furuno SC33 Compact Dome Satellite Compass, NMEA2000 (0.4° Heading Accuracy) w/6M Cable — Product description
Why Mariners Trust the Furuno SC33 for Superior Vessel Stability
Imagine navigating through choppy waters with unwavering confidence in your boat's orientation. The Furuno SC33 satellite compass delivers just that, fusing cutting-edge GNSS technology with intelligent sensor fusion to provide pinpoint heading, roll, pitch, and heave data. Unlike traditional magnetic compasses susceptible to interference from metal or electronics, this compact dome unit relies on satellite signals for compass-independent accuracy, making it ideal for modern vessels from sportfishing yachts to commercial workboats.
Boat owners rave about its rapid startup—typically locking in under a minute—and stability even in high-motion scenarios. Whether stabilizing radar overlays for spotting fish or feeding precise inputs to your autopilot for hands-free docking, the SC33 elevates your onboard electronics to perform at their peak.
Innovative Dual-Antenna Design with Tri-Axis Sensors
At the heart of the SC33 lies a revolutionary setup: two GNSS antennas spaced precisely apart generate the primary heading vector, while integrated 3-axis gyroscopes and accelerometers supply the secondary vector for roll and pitch calculations. This eliminates the need for a third antenna, shrinking the unit into a sleek radome that mounts almost anywhere—pole, rail, or hardtop.
Advanced signal processing filters out multi-path errors from nearby structures, ensuring reliable performance in marinas or crowded anchorages. The result? Heading accuracy within 0.4 degrees RMS, position fixes as tight as 3 meters with SBAS augmentation, and real-time outputs for speed over ground (SOG), course over ground (COG), and rate of turn (ROT).
Seamless Integration into Your NMEA2000 Network
Plug-and-play simplicity defines the SC33. Its NMEA2000 certification means it drops right into your existing backbone with the included 6-meter Micro-C drop cable and pigtail connector, perfect for tight routing behind panels or bulkheads. Share tri-axis speed and direction data via PGN 130578, or monitor heartbeats for system health.
For legacy setups, pair it with the optional IF-NMEASC converter to output NMEA0183, AD10, or even simple contact signals. Control menus through compatible Furuno chartplotters like NavPilot or TZtouch series, streamlining setup without extra displays.
- Feeds radar, ECDIS, autopilot, sonar, and multifunction displays
- Enhances fish finder bottom tracking in rough seas
- Supports dynamic positioning for tenders and RIBs
Real-World Performance That Outshines the Competition
In user tests across diverse conditions—from coastal swells to offshore passages—the SC33 demonstrates superior resistance to shock, vibration, and satellite dropouts compared to older satellite compasses. Its faster time-to-first-fix (TTFF) gets you oriented quicker, while heave compensation refines sonar and forward-looking imagery for clearer bottom contours.
Fishermen appreciate stabilized chart overlays that keep waypoints rock-steady, while sailors benefit from reliable wind data corrections. For commercial ops, the integrated GPS receiver ensures standalone positioning if your primary chartplotter glitches.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Antenna Type | Radome (Compact Dome) |
| Power Supply | 12-24 VDC |
| Interface | NMEA2000 (Standard); NMEA0183 via Optional Converter |
| Receiver | GNSS (GPS + SBAS) |
| Heading Accuracy | ±0.4° RMS |
| Position Accuracy | 5.0m (GPS); 3.0m (GPS + SBAS) |
| Roll/Pitch Accuracy | ±0.4° RMS |
Complete Kit for Quick Installation
Everything you need arrives ready to mount:
- SC33 satellite compass unit
- 6m NMEA2000 drop cable (Micro-C male/female)
- Mounting hardware and adhesive
- Comprehensive documentation
Pro tip: Position the dome with a clear sky view, at least 1-2 meters above deck for optimal satellite reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Furuno SC33 more accurate than a fluxgate compass?
The SC33 uses satellite-based GNSS signals with dual antennas and rate sensors, avoiding magnetic deviations from onboard ferrous materials or electronics. It achieves ±0.4° heading accuracy unaffected by heading or heel.
How quickly does the SC33 achieve initial heading fix?
Typical time-to-first-fix (TTFF) is 60 seconds, with rapid settling for stable outputs even after power cycles.
Is the SC33 suitable for small boats under 30 feet?
Absolutely—its compact size and flexible mounting make it perfect for center consoles, bay boats, and tenders where space is premium.
Does it provide heave data for sonar stabilization?
Yes, integrated sensors deliver heave compensation, improving bottom tracking on fish finders and forward sonar in waves.
Can I connect the SC33 to non-Furuno displays?
NMEA2000 compatibility ensures it works with any certified network, including Raymarine, Garmin, Simrad, and Lowrance systems.
What's the power draw and operating temperature range?
Low power consumption on 12-24 VDC suits battery systems, with rugged operation from -25°C to +70°C for all marine environments.
Does it require calibration after installation?
No manual calibration needed—automatic satellite alignment handles it, though verifying sky view optimizes performance.
SC33 Compact Dome Satellite Compass, NMEA2000 (0.4° Heading Accuracy) with 6M Cable
Sleek, Fast & Accurate
The SC33 Satellite Compass provides highly accurate attitude information for navigation equipment such as Radar, Plotter, Autopilot, Fish Finder and Sonar. With its compact GNSS antenna and built-in processor, it can be used for a wide variety of applications on any type of vessel. This all-in-one system delivers incredibly accurate heading and roll & pitch information as well as heaving information, GPS position, SOG (Speed Over Ground), COG (Course Over Ground) and ROT (Rate Of Turn) data.
Employing a two-antenna system with a 3-axis gyro and acceleration sensors, the SC33 enables high-speed response capability. Advanced digital signal processing techniques compute accurate heading based on sensor data. NMEA2000 interface is standard for simple installation, while the optional interface unit IF-NMEASC is available for conventional NMEA0183, AD10 and contact closure.
The GNSS antenna and advanced parallel signal processing allows the SC33 to achieve more precise Pitch, Roll and Heading measurement than conventional models, providing enhanced performance for all of your connected equipment. Its Micro-C pigtail NMEA2000 cable provides flexibility to run cables in challenging areas.
Revolutionary 2-Antenna & Rate Sensor System
In order to calculate roll & pitch data, a satellite compass requires two vectors. The SC33 employs a dual GNSS antenna system that calculates a single vector while a 3-axis rate gyro and acceleration sensors add the 2nd vector. This configuration enables the SC33 to calculate highly accurate roll and pitch data without using a third sensor.
Features:
- Highly Accurate Two Antenna Satellite Compass & Rate Sensor System
- More resistant to multi-path, shock & vibration, compared to previous models
- Improved time to first fix (TTFF) = 60 seconds (typical)
- NMEA2000 Certified Interface/NMEA0183 Interface with IF-NMEASC (Optional)
- Accuracy: ±0.4° RMS (Heading/Roll/Pitch)
- Position Accuracy: 5.0M (GPS); 3.0M (GPS + SBAS)
- Integrated Rate Sensors provide Pitch, Roll and Heave Compensation
- 6 Meter Micro-C Male/Female NMEA2000 Drop Cable (Standard Supply)
- Pigtail cable w/NMEA2000 connector for convenient connection to drop cable
- Tri-axis speed & direction via PGN 130578 & "Heartbeat" PGN output
- SC33 menu access with NavPilot 300 & TZtouch2 (with impending software update)
Compact hemispherical satellite compass, MFG#SC33, dual GPS antennas and 3-axis rate sensor can provide 0.4 degrees. Heading accuracy and precise pitch and roll information. NMEA2000 output, no...
SKU: NVN-72086
MPN: SC33
UPC: 611679375773
Technical specifications
| Brand | Furuno |
| Model | Furuno SC33 Compact Dome Satellite Compass, NMEA2000 (0.4° Heading Accuracy) w/6M Cable |
| SKU / MFR# | 72086 |
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