The Marine Data MD53A/B is a solid-state Earth’s field Electromagnetic Fluxgate Compass manufactured in the United Kingdom by Marine Data Systems Ltd. Serving as the independent primary sensing element within a Marine Data Electromagnetic Compass (EMC) Transmitting Heading Device (THD) system, the MD53A/B directly measures the Earth’s horizontal magnetic field without relying on a ship’s host mechanical magnetic compass or moving parts.

Engineered as a reliable alternative or backup to a traditional gyrocompass, the sensor is housed in a rugged, IP65-rated weatherproof aluminum alloy enclosure complete with an integral trunnion mounting bracket for bulkhead or deckhead installation in magnetically clean areas of the vessel. It connects directly via a sealed Buccaneer connector to an MD97CSP Compass Sensor Processor (and an MD71THD Display Head or MD86HCU Heading Comparator Unit) to output stabilized digital NMEA 0183 heading sentences ($HDT, $HDG, $HDM) across shipboard bridge networks.

Key Features:
• Direct Earth’s Field Sensing: Solid-state fluxgate magnetometer directly detects the Earth’s magnetic field with zero moving mechanical components.
• Independent of Host Magnetic Compass: Operates as a standalone primary heading sensor without requiring a mechanical magnetic compass card or binnacle.
• Gyrocompass Alternative or Backup: Provides dependable magnetic and true heading data (when paired with MD97CSP and MD71THD/MD86HCU) for vessels where a gyrocompass is impractical.
• Weatherproof Marinised Enclosure: Built into an IP65-sealed marine-grade aluminum alloy housing finished in corrosion-resistant powder coat.
• Trunnion-Mounted Installation: Supplied with an integral trunnion bracket allowing precise leveling and alignment on bulkheads or overhead structures.