The electronic compass is designed both as a stand
alone compass and as a support sensor to other navigational systems such as the satellite
based global positioning system, where it has the capability to interpolate position,
speed and direction between GPS fixes when the satellite signal acquisition becomes
patchy.
This compact unit consists of a pseudo 3 axis
strapdown compass and signal processor. It measures magnetic bearing and dip angle
approximately every second. With the addition of the speed and distance sensor the compass
automatically maintains its calibration in that it adapts to magnetic changes which may be
caused in the vehicle by the addition of metal cargo or luggage.
A dashboard mounted display showing the vehicle
heading as a compass bearing 0-360 degrees can be supplied. The specific advantage of the
Terrafix compass is that the vehicle can be driven on a heading and it is not necessary to
get out of the vehicle to check the bearing. |
