Electronic compass GCM508

tilt-compensated3D

Product overview
The GCM508 3D electronic compass from Ruicom Technology is an industrial-grade attitude sensor providing both digital (RS232/optional RS485/TTL) and analog 4–20 mA heading output. With IP67 protection and embedded hard-iron, soft-iron and tilt compensation algorithms, it supplies accurate azimuth across 360° of roll and any tool-face orientation for drilling and vehicle-mounted measurement applications.

Key features

• Azimuth accuracy: 0.3°–0.5°
• Analog 4–20 mA output mapped to 0–360° (azimuth)
• Roll measurement range: ±180°; tilt compensation enabled
• Optional digital interfaces: RS232, RS485, TTL
• IP67 ingress protection for harsh environments
• 24-point 3D magnetic calibration (hard-iron and soft-iron)

Performance parameters

• Heading: optimal accuracy 0.3°; resolution 0.1°; output rate up to 20 Hz
• Pitch (tilt) accuracy: 0.1° (<15°, <30°, <60°); 0.2° (<85°); range ±85°
• Roll accuracy: 0.1° (<15°, <30°, <60°); 0.2° (<180°); range ±180°; resolution 0.1°
• Calibration: hard-iron & soft-iron compensation; 24-point 3D method

Technical specifications

• Model: GCM508
• Manufacturer / Brand: Ruicom Technology
• Enclosure: L125 × W22 × H24 mm; weight 90 g
• Connector: 5-pin aviation connector (digital)
• Supply voltage: DC 12 V (default); max current 40 mA; active 28 mA
• Startup delay <50 ms; communication baud rate 2400–19200; output format: binary protocol
• Analog output: 4–20 mA FS for azimuth (0–360°)
• Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C; storage: -40°C to +85°C
• Shock & vibration: shock 100 g @ 11 ms (three axes); vibration 10 grms (10–1000 Hz); additional spec: 2500 g resistance
• EMC: compliant with EN 61000 and GB/T 17626; MTBF ≥98,000 hours; insulation resistance ≥100 MΩ

Applications

• Drilling tool-face and downhole orientation measurement
• Antenna attitude and heading monitoring
• Vehicle-mounted navigation and platform stabilization
• Integrated systems and compact precision measurement units

Compliance & environment

• Ingress protection: IP67
• EMC and reliability standards: EN 61000, GB/T 17626
• Operating and storage temperature range suitable for industrial environments