Certain versions of the KI-525A include a bootstrap heading synchro transmitter. This synchro outputs a voltage per degree of heading rotation. This output is provided to be a source of slaved heading information for external systems such as autopilots, flight directors, stormscopes or any other device that might need a magnetic heading reference.

The term "boostrap" refers to the amplified repeated heading from the system heading reference and synchro transmitter.