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MGC R4

Gyro Compass and INS

The MGC R4 COMPASS system is IMO type approved as a gyro compass for navigation purposes for use together with a heading and bearing repeater. Very high reliability is achieved by using Ring Laser Gyros with no rotational or mechanical wear-out parts. This MGC R4 COMPASS product especially focuses on position drift.

Navigation Precision and Versatility

The MGC R4 is a fully inertial navigation system (INS) capable of outputing heading, roll, pitch, heave, and position. It includes integrated navigation algorithms with input from a GNSS receiver for output of aided position and heading data, enriched by PFreeHeave algorithms that ensure down to 2 cm accuracy in delayed heave output and 3 cm in real-time heave output. The unit can also serve as an IMU in other systems, designed for high precision maritime applications including offshore operations and seabed mapping.

Flexible Configuration and Output Options

Configurable with the Windows based MRC+ software, the MGC R4 outputs both processed and raw sensor data through multiple options. It can provide heave measurements at four different locations and supports various digital I/O protocols for easy data distribution. The unit operates in both Gyrocompass and Integrated Navigation modes, depending on the demand for either speed input only, or additional speed, position, and PPS from a GNSS receiver. Moreover, it offers high output data rate and precise heave even during long wave periods.

Software defined switchover solution

The MGC gyro compass solution comprises two or three MGC COMPASS units with the JB7 junction box in an interconnected setup which delivers an unmatched redundant SoU system. The Switch-over-Unit functionality is implemented to increase the heading availability by adding redundancy. When two or more MGC units are set up with the Switch-over-Unit functionality, they are regarded as one gyro system.

Key features

  • 0.002° roll and pitch dynamic accuracy
  • 0.02° secant latitude heading accuracy GNSS aided
  • Includes INS capability
  • Outputs on RS-232, RS-422 and Ethernet
  • High output data rate (200 Hz)
  • Precise heave at long wave periods by use of PFreeHeave algorithms
  • Lever arm compensation to two individually configurable monitoring points
  • Small size and low power consumption
  • Each MGC delivered with a Calibration Certificate
  • Selectable communication protocols in the Windows based configuration software
  • Software defined switchover solution is available

Technical specifications

Output

Roll/pitch Static RMS:
0.008°
Roll/pitch Dynamic 1-sigma:
0.002°
Heave (period, real-time):
5cm (25sec)
Heading (sec/lat) (GNSS aided):
0.02°
Free inertial (GNSS aided):
0.4 nm/h

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