Anschütz heading management systems

Anschütz is well known for its gyrocompasses, which provide reliable and accurate heading information throughout their entire life cycle. The current Standard 22 NX and Standard 30 MF are available as single units or as part of an advanced heading management system. These systems offer additional interfaces for integration into the most varied system environments and a range of other benefits.

What are heading management systems?

Heading management systems from Anschütz integrate Standard 22 NX and Standard 30 MF gyrocompasses in any combination and can also incorporate third-party compasses. Anschütz gyrocompasses are integrated via a standard CAN bus without the need for complex special integration electronics, reducing the need for wiring and installation efforts to a minimum.

The Anschütz heading management system allows for the connection of three gyrocompasses (or two gyrocompasses and a GNSS compass / transmitting heading device) and one magnetic compass. Twelve additional outputs are available with the heading management system for connecting heading receivers such as repeaters, autopilots, radars and others. The sensors are selected via the operator unit.

Existing systems with Anschütz gyrocompasses can be easily upgraded with Standard 22 NX and Standard 30 MF using standard procedures. When retrofitting compasses from other manufacturers, the Anschütz heading management system can integrate the old compasses, allowing a cost-effective, step-by-step replacement of the compass system.

What are the benefits of heading management systems?

The provision and distribution of reliable heading information within the navigation system is the most important function of a heading management system.

  • The Anschütz heading management system has an integrated heading monitor. It compares heading information from up to four different compasses. The threshold for a heading difference between different compasses can be set by the user and is continuously monitored. The system generates an alarm if the threshold is exceeded. The user can then switch to another compass either manually or automatically.
  • The accuracy of all gyrocompasses is affected by a speed error. The Anschütz heading management system has intelligent functions for automatic correction of the speed error by processing the speed and position of several sensors independently. In critical applications such as dynamic positioning systems, heading errors caused by missing speed and position can be easily detected.
  • SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 requires a magnetic compass on ships of all sizes. The Anschütz heading management system integrates magnetic compasses completely independent of the gyrocompass and outputs the heading to dedicated magnetic heading receivers. The magnetic heading can be corrected for deviation and variation fully automatically without manual user input.

What are the advantages of heading management systems against jamming and spoofing?

Positioning jamming and spoofing occurs in various locations worldwide. The impact on heading accuracy and availability of the compass system varies. It depends on the physical principle of the gyrocompass and the manufacturer.

The Anschütz gyrocompasses Standard 22 NX and Standard 30 MF are already very robust against jamming and spoofing. In addition, the Anschütz heading management system offers a simple feature that is not standard with many other systems to avoid negative effects of jamming and spoofing: The user can manually enter speed and latitude into the compass system at any time, making it completely independent of external data.

For further information on Anschütz products and systems you may contact the Official Distributor and Support Center for Greece:

Aegean Electronics SA

4 Zosimadon Str, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

Tel: +30 210 4123000

E-mail: info@aegeanel.com