Furuno SCX21 Satellite Compass - NMEA 0183

Furuno SCX21 Satellite Compass - NMEA 0183 Product Description

Why Choose the Furuno SCX21 for Superior Marine Navigation

Imagine navigating through choppy waters or tight harbors where traditional compasses falter due to magnetic interference or limited satellite views. The Furuno SCX21 satellite compass changes the game with its innovative four-antenna GNSS system. This compact dome design delivers pinpoint heading accuracy, even when only one satellite is visible, minimizing multi-path errors from nearby structures like masts or superstructures.

Boat owners and professional mariners alike rely on this technology to supercharge their onboard systems. Radar overlays become crystal clear, sonar images stay stable amid swells, and autopilots hold steady courses that save fuel and reduce crew fatigue. It's not just about data—it's about confidence on the water.

The Quad-Antenna Advantage: Precision in Any Condition

Unlike single or dual-antenna models that struggle with obstructed skies, the SCX21 uses six possible baselines between its four antennas. This redundancy ensures reliable calculations for heading, pitch, roll, heave, and 3-axis speed—critical for dynamic environments like offshore fishing or coastal cruising.

• Heading Accuracy: Within 1.0 degree, with rate-of-turn (ROT) up to 10 degrees per second for smooth tracking.
• Speed Precision: Down to 0.02 knots, ideal for slow-speed maneuvering.
• Additional Sensors: Captures air temperature and pressure for enhanced weather-aware navigation.
• Compact Footprint: Easy flush or roof mounting reduces interference and simplifies retrofits on vessels of all sizes.

In real-world tests, this setup keeps radar echo trails steady, unlike competitors where fluctuations create confusing zigzags. Fish finders display bottom contours without distortion from vessel motion, letting anglers focus on the bite.

Seamless Integration with Your Marine Electronics

The SCX21 shines through its NMEA 0183 compatibility, outputting high-speed data directly to Furuno displays, radars, sonars, and third-party autopilots. Connect via flexible ports configurable for baud rates (4800 or 38400) and sentence repetition—perfect for customizing data flow without overwhelming your network.

Pair it with a compatible chartplotter for full control, enabling precise course-keeping that trims hours off long passages. Commercial operators appreciate how it stabilizes dynamic positioning systems, while recreational skippers enjoy hassle-free docking in crosswinds.

Effortless Setup for Lasting Reliability

Designed for marine toughness, the SCX21 withstands harsh conditions with its rugged dome enclosure. Flexible mounting options—flush on decks or elevated on roofs—adapt to your boat's layout, complete with gaskets and adhesives for watertight seals. Power it from standard 12-24 VDC sources, and you're ready to go.

Multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS) locks onto signals faster, even in challenging latitudes. Skip the headaches of gyrocompass calibration; this satellite solution initializes quickly and maintains accuracy without fluxgate vulnerabilities.

Real-World Applications Across Vessel Types

Fishing Vessels: Stabilized sonar views reveal fish schools clearly, boosting catch rates in rough seas.

Yachts and Cruisers: Autopilot precision reduces waypoint deviations, extending range on fuel-limited trips.

Workboats: ROT data aids tight turns during towing or survey work, enhancing safety.

From weekend warriors to fleet managers, the SCX21 elevates navigation reliability, turning potential mishaps into smooth sails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Furuno SCX21 satellite compass more accurate than traditional models?

The SCX21 uses four GNSS antennas forming six baselines, providing redundancy and precise heading calculations even with limited satellite visibility. This overcomes multi-path interference common in dual-antenna systems.

What data outputs does the SCX21 provide via NMEA 0183?

It outputs time, position, heading, COG/SOG, ROT, roll/pitch/heave, 3-axis speed, air temperature, and pressure—essential for radars, sonars, autopilots, and chartplotters.

How accurate is the heading and speed from the SCX21?

Heading accuracy is 1.0 degree, with speed precision to 0.02 knots and ROT up to 10 degrees per second, ensuring stable performance in dynamic conditions.

Is the SCX21 suitable for installation on smaller boats?

Yes, its extremely compact dome design allows flexible flush or roof mounting, minimizing space needs and interference on vessels from runabouts to superyachts.

What GNSS systems does the SCX21 support?

It receives signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and SBAS for robust positioning worldwide, with quick startup even in obstructed areas.

Can the SCX21 improve autopilot performance?

Absolutely—precise heading, pitch, roll, and heave data enable autopilots to maintain optimal courses, reducing fuel use and enhancing comfort in rough waters.

How does the SCX21 handle power supply?

It operates on 12-24 VDC, common in marine setups, with low power draw for reliable operation without draining batteries.

SCX21 Satellite Compass

Utilizing four separate GNSS Antennas for the ultimate in responsiveness, the SCX21 sets a new standard for reliable and accurate heading for all of your marine electronics. The four antennas ensure reliable heading performance, even under the most challenging of conditions. The unprecedented quad antenna design of the SCX21 makes it capable of calculating extremely accurate heading, pitch, roll, and heave information, even when line of sight is limited to only a single satellite. They greatly enhance the performance of onboard equipment such as Radar, Fish Finders, Sonar, and Autopilots.

Features:

• Outputs accurate Time, Position, Heading, COG/SOG, ROT (10 degrees/second), Roll/Pitch/Heave 3-Axis Speed, Air Temperature and Air Pressure data
• Unprecedented heading accuracy for Radars, Sonars, and Navigation
• 1.0 degree heading accuracy, 0.02 knot speed accuracy
• Extremely compact with easy & flexible installation for reduced susceptibility to multi-path interference

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