PNI SeaTRAX - Manual (Page 7)

PNI Sensor Corporation DOC#1018154 r02
SeaTRAX User Manual Page 2
2 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing PNI Sensor Corporation’s SeaTRAX 3-axis, tilt-compensated heading
sensor (pn 13457 with Sen-Z shield, or pn 13118 without Sen-Z shield). SeaTRAX is a high-
performance, low-power consumption, tilt-compensated heading sensor incorporating PNI’s
advanced magnetic distortion compensation and calibration scoring algorithms to provide
industry-leading heading accuracy. SeaTRAX combines PNI’s patented magneto-inductive
sensors and measurement circuit technology with a 3-axis MEMS accelerometer for unparalleled
cost effectiveness and performance.
SeaTRAX was designed with oceanology markets in mind. Specifically, the narrow form-factor
makes it ideal for inclusion in streamers and towed arrays. Compared to fluxgate sensors that
tend to dominate these markets, the SeaTRAX requires much less power, is smaller, and
provides a variety of calibration options. And the accuracy of the SeaTRAX surpasses most
fluxgate heading sensors.
While designed with oceanology markets in mind, SeaTRAX can be ideal for non-oceanology
applications that desire its narrow form-factor, such as for sighting on laser range finders and far-
target locaters.
PNI recognizes not all applications allow for significant tilt during calibration, so multiple
calibration methods are available to ensure optimized performance can be obtained in the real
world. These include Full-Range Calibration, when ≥45° of tilt is possible during calibration,
2D Calibration when constrained to calibration in a horizontal or near-horizontal plane, and
Limited-Tilt Calibration when tilt is constrained to <45° but >5° of tilt is possible.
PNI also recognizes conditions may change over time, and to maintain superior heading accuracy
it may be necessary to recalibrate the heading sensor. So the SeaTRAX incorporates Hard-Iron-
Only Calibration to easily account for gradual changes in the magnetic signature of the host
system. And the accelerometer can be recalibrated in the field if desired.
We’re sure the SeaTRAX will help you to achieve the greatest performance from your system.
Thank you for selecting the SeaTRAX.