Compact MEMS North Finder 0.2° True North Heading Sensor for Field Survey, Robotics, Mapping Rover, Underground Mining, No Magnetic Interference, 24V DC

 Mining & Tunneling

• Underground mine drift alignment

• Tunnel boring machine (TBM) heading

• Coal mine gallery orientation

• Subway / hydropower tunnel construction

h finder measures the horizontal component of Earth’s rotation angular velocity.

By sampling gyro output at multiple indexed positions and correcting tilt with accelerometers, the embedded algorithm calculates the angle between the device baseline and True North.

Magnetic compass → Magnetic North

North finder → True Geographic North

GNSS-denied conditions.

How to Use a North Finder(Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Mount the device

• Place the north finder on a stable tripod, platform, bracket, or vehicle mount.

• Keep it level​ within the device’s tilt range (commonly ±15°).

• Avoid continuous vibration during the north-seeking process.

Step 2 — Power and wiring

• Supply recommended DC voltage (9–36V or 24V depending on model).

• Connect communication interface: RS232 / RS422 / RS485 / CAN / Ethernet.

• Connect to PC, PLC, IMU, INS, or onboard controller.

Step 3 — Warm-up / self-check

• Power on.

• Device runs self-test and gyro bias estimation.

• Warm-up time: a few seconds to a few minutes depending on model.

Step 4 — Start north seeking

• Use button / LCD / host software / serial command.

• The internal FOG or MEMS gyro rotates/indexes to several positions.

• Earth rotation components are measured and filtered.

Step 5 — Read azimuth

• After alignment (typically ≤3 min​ for FOG, ≤5 min​ for some MEMS/rugged units), the device outputs:

  • True north azimuth

  • Pitch

  • Roll

  • Heading uncertainty / status flag

Step 6 — Transfer reference

• Align your radar, antenna, total station, drill tool, vehicle frame, or INS to the north finder datum.

• Save zero-angle offset in your system.

Step 7 — Re-align when needed

• After long movement

• After power loss

• After mounting disassembly

• In new latitude zone

• After heavy shock/vibration

The detailed product specifications are as follows:

1.1 Product Purpose

The gyro north seeker is used to rapidly and autonomously determine true north. It relies on two fundamental properties of the gyroscope – precession and rigidity – to achieve autonomous north-seeking. By tracking the earth's rotation rate with a high-precision fiber optic gyro and processing the resulting signal, the instrument computes the angle between the gyro's main axis and true north, providing azimuth information to the carrier platform.

1.2 Product Composition

The gyro north seeker is an electromechanical instrument consisting of a fiber optic gyro, an accelerometer, a mechanical rotation control mechanism, and an embedded computer.

1.3 Key Technical Parameters

● North-seeking range: ±70° (latitude range)

● North-seeking accuracy: ≤0.05° (1σ)

● Repeatability: ≤0.1° (1σ)

● North-seeking time: ≤3 min

● Circular linearity (1σ): ≤0.05°

● Operating voltage: AC220V ±10%, 50Hz

● Power consumption: ≤ 50W

● Weight: ≤ 7.5kg

1.4 Electrical Performance

Insulation resistance: Under standard atmospheric conditions, the insulation resistance between independent circuits of the gyro north seeker, and between the circuits and the housing, shall be no less than 100 MΩ.

1.5 Maintainability

● MTBF ≥ 1000 hours

● MTTR ≤ 30 min

Please share your exact needs with us—we welcome custom orders.