Certus Mini N

Certus Mini N is a small attitude sensor from Advanced Navigationwhich fits well with Atec, Wassp, HGPS etc. It combines accelerometers with magnetic compass to provide roll, pitch, heave, heading, course and speed. A complete Atec system may consist of Olex with associated software, the Atec sonar, and only the Certus Mini N.
The Manufacturer promises 0.1 degrees accuracy in pitch and roll 0.2 degrees in heading, and 5 cm or 5% in heave. The quality depends on the sensor being correctly mounted, and that the magnetic compass is calibrated.

Mounting

The sensor should be mounted close to vessel CG. Not too close to magnetic influences like engines, motors, power cables etc. Normal mounting is on a horisontal plate, with cables pointing forward. Other orientations is possible, as long as it is specified in the maufacturers configuration software. Power is 5-36 VDC, nominally 24 VDC. The sensor has 4 mounting holes for M2 bolts. For an easier mount, the sensor can be mounted to small plate, which is then fastened to the boat using three larger screws. Plate and extra screws are not included.

Calibration
After the sensor has been mounted, INS Manager, Advanced Navigaton's Java based configuration software, can be used to define GPS antennas XYZ, and start magnetic compass calibration, which is used when boats turn through 450 degrees. The software is also used to change various parameters such as baud rates and data format. We have set it up to send GPS and heading on the cable marked "Auxiliary", and attitude as TSS1 on "GPIO". "Primary" is used to communicate with the configuration software.


Link to the nmanufacturers data sheet, manual and configuration software.