Simrad Precision 9 000-12607-001 Compass w/Mounting Bracket Used Fully Tested

Simrad Precision-9 Compass (000-12607-001) is a high-performance, professional-grade heading sensor that is fully compatible with your Lowrance ecosystem (including your HDS PRO).

While it shares the same parent company (Navico) and network language (NMEA 2000) as the Lowrance Point-1, it is a different class of hardware.

Precision-9 vs. Point-1: Key Differences

Should you buy it for your build?

When to Choose the Precision-9:

• Autopilot Systems: If you are planning to install or upgrade an autopilot, the Precision-9 is the superior choice. Its 9-axis solid-state sensor provides much more stable “rate-of-turn” data, which is critical for smooth autopilot performance in rough conditions.

• Radar Overlay: If you are running a radar, the Precision-9 is far better at keeping the radar image aligned with your chart overlay, especially during rapid turns or when the boat is pitching and rolling in heavy seas.

• Advanced Vessel Motion: Because it outputs pitch, roll, and heave data, it is a much more robust “motion sensor” than the Point-1.

   

When to stick with the Point-1:

• Simple Fishing: If your primary goal is just to have your chart look correct while you are sitting still fishing (spot-lock or drift), the Point-1 is perfectly adequate and more cost-effective.

• Integrated GPS: Remember, the Point-1 contains a GPS receiver; the Precision-9 does NOT. If you buy the Precision-9, you must ensure you have another reliable GPS source on your NMEA 2000 network (your HDS PRO display already has an internal GPS, which works well for most setups).

Buying a “Used” Precision-9

Since you are looking at a used unit, keep these practical points in mind:

1. Calibration is Key: The Precision-9 relies on a precise calibration process to reach its $\pm 2^{\circ}$ accuracy. Since it is used, you must perform a new compass calibration (via your HDS PRO settings menu) once it is mounted on your boat. If it isn’t calibrated correctly, it will be no better than a basic compass.

    

2. Mounting Location: Because it is a high-precision sensor, it must be mounted away from large metallic objects or high-current power cables that could cause magnetic interference. The included bracket allows for clever mounting (e.g., up high or on a bulkhead), which is a major advantage for reducing interference on boats with steel components.

3. NMEA 2000 Connection: Like the Point-1, this is a “plug-and-play” NMEA 2000 device. It will work immediately with your HDS PRO once connected to your powered backbone.