True North Technologies Introduces “high speed” Revolution™ 2X Electronic Compass

(Maynard, MA), February 4, 2004 – True North Technologies has announced the introduction of the Revolution™ 2X, a strap-down electronic compass designed specifically for users requiring high accuracy, low power consumption, and user-friendly calibration and compensation.  The Revolution 2X is similar to True North’s standard Revolution, but with double the speed.  The measurement cycle rate is 27.5 Hz, as opposed to 13.75 for the standard Revolution.  The electronic compass is compatible with existing PC and PDA software.

The range and resolution for all time-based parameters (tilt and magnetic filter time constants, sample time, etc.) is the same as for the standard Revolution:  the range is 0 to 18.5 seconds, and resolution is 73 msec.  All existing NMEA data rates are supported, and additional rates of 1650 and 2400 sentences per minute have been added.  Existing serial baud rates are also supported, and an additional rate of 38,400 baud is provided.

New software is required to support the additional data rates and the serial baud rate of 38,400.  We have upgraded the PC Revolution software to recognize the 2X electronic compass and to provide these additional capabilities.  It replaces the previous software and will not allow the advanced tuning for the standard Revolution.  A CD with the new software is available.

Pricing and availability for the Revolution 2X will be provided upon request.

“The Revolution 2X is an important step forward for our electronic compass product line,” said David E. Pheifer, President of True North Technologies.  He added, “It will give added capabilities to our customers whose applications require high-speed response and communication.”

True North Technologies develops and manufactures products for marine, air, and land-based applications with a concentration in electronic compassing. True North is also a Microchip® Consultant specializing in designs utilizing Microchip Technologies’ PIC 16/17/18 micro-controllers. The company was founded in 1993 and is located in historic Clock Tower Place in Maynard, MA, the original home of Digital Equipment Corporation.