Electronic compasses: next step in accurate navigation

ONWA GNSS Compasses: From Recreational Boating to Professional Shipping

Reliable heading information is essential for modern navigation. Radar overlay, AIS display, autopilots, and ECDIS systems only function optimally when they have an accurate course reference. ONWA offers a complete line of electronic compasses and GNSS compasses for this purpose, ranging from affordable recreational solutions to IMO-approved systems for professional shipping.

Why choose a GNSS compass?

Unlike a traditional magnetic compass, a GNSS compass determines heading using satellite signals. This makes the system insensitive to magnetic disturbances caused by engines, steel structures, batteries, or electronic equipment on board.

The advantages are clear:

  • Accurate heading, even at low speeds.
  • Ideal for radar overlay and AIS.
  • Integration with autopilots.
  • No magnetic deviations.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Easy integration via NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000.

KA-GC9A: Compact entry-level model for recreational boating

The KA-GC9A is ONWA's 9-axis electronic compass for the recreational market. The system combines a GPS receiver with electronic heading sensors in a compact housing. The sensor provides stable heading information to chartplotters, AIS systems, and autopilots.

Key advantages

  • CE certification (RED 2014/53/EU)
  • Compact and easy to install.
  • GPS and heading functionality in one device.
  • Suitable for radar overlay and AIS.
  • NMEA network support.
  • Very attractive pricing.

For many sailboats and motor yachts, the KA-GC9A offers everything needed to make reliable course information available within the on-board network.

KA-SC20: GNSS compass for demanding watersports enthusiasts

The KA-SC20 represents the next step in the ONWA range. This satellite compass uses GPS, BeiDou, and QZSS to provide extremely accurate heading and position data. The system also features built-in gyro compensation for extra stable heading data.

Key advantages

  • CE certification (RED 2014/53/EU)
  • 1,0° RMS heading accuracy
  • Multi-GNSS support (GPS, BeiDou, QZSS).
  • Gyro compensation for stable heading.
  • Heading updates up to 50 times per second.
  • High accuracy for radar and autopilot.
  • Compact design for smaller and medium-sized vessels.

The KA-SC20 positions itself as an excellent choice for fast motorboats, sailing yachts, and semi-professional applications where accurate heading data is essential.

KA-SC90: Professional GNSS solution

The KA-SC90 is the flagship of the ONWA line and is aimed at professional users and commercial shipping. The system features the same GNSS technology as the KA-SC20, but is designed for the toughest conditions and professional integrations.

Key advantages

  • IMO type approval. MED 2015/90/2014 (Wheelmark)
  • 0.4° RMS heading accuracy
  • Multi-GNSS support.
  • Gyro compensation.
  • Heading update up to 50 Hz.
  • High accuracy during maneuvering and in swell.
  • Designed for continuous professional use.

For commercial shipping, workboats, survey vessels, and larger yachts, the KA-SC90 offers performance traditionally found only in significantly more expensive systems.

KEC-70G: The central display

The KEC-70G is not a heading sensor but an advanced digital compass display that works with the KA-GC9A, KA-SC20, and KA-SC90. The display shows heading, position, speed, course over ground (COG), speed over ground (SOG), pitch, and roll. Additionally, it supports both NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000.

Key advantages

  • Clear heading display.
  • Support for radar, AIS, ARPA, and ECDIS.
  • Pitch and roll display.
  • Works with multiple ONWA sensors.
  • Also supports external heading sensors via NMEA 0183.

Positioning relative to the competition

ONWA versus Furuno

Furuno is generally considered the professional benchmark for GNSS compasses. Its performance is excellent, but the investment is often significantly higher.

ONWA offers comparable core functionalities such as multi-GNSS, gyro compensation, and fast heading updates at a much more accessible price. For many yacht owners, this provides a significantly better price-performance ratio.

ONWA versus Garmin and Simrad

Garmin and Simrad offer strong integration within their own ecosystems. ONWA distinguishes itself with a more open approach with extensive NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 support, making integration with equipment from different brands easier.

ONWA versus budget solutions

Many inexpensive electronic compasses are based on simple magnetic sensors. The KA-SC20 and KA-SC90 use professional GNSS heading technology with gyro compensation, resulting in much more stable heading for radar and autopilot applications.

Conclusion

With the combination of the KA-GC9A, KA-SC20, KA-SC90, and KEC-70G, ONWA offers a complete heading solution for virtually every user. From the recreational sailor who wants to improve AIS and radar overlay to the professional skipper who needs reliable heading data for ECDIS and ARPA.

While many competitors opt for a premium pricing strategy, ONWA positions itself as the smart alternative: professional GNSS technology, broad compatibility, and excellent performance at an investment that is accessible to many more watersports enthusiasts.