Simrad claims 'best of class'with new release

Marine Electronics

The ability to change the bottom colour can make it easier to distinguish between marks.

Simrad is claiming ‘best of class’ with its new NSE8 and NSE12 multifunctional units.

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The latest multi-function marine electronic technology to come out of the Simrad factory promises ‘top of class’ performance.

And if the recent release in New Zealand is anything to go by, this has been delivered.

The New Zealand marine press got their first look at the product at a Westhaven function hosted earlier in the month by Advance Trident Ltd, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary as Simrad distributors.

Parent company Navico has combined the best technology incorporated within its various brands to produce the Simrad NSC8 and NSC 12 units, which bring electronic chart plotting, engine management, navigation, sonar and radar together in single packages.

At the heart of the unit is cutting-edge broadband technology, which has sonar and radar functions that are up there with the best.
Because broadband produces much lower emissions, it is safer (with respect to radar), easier on the battery, and more responsive.

Radar
Signal emissions from the radar are one-tenth of those given off from a cellphone. As a result, radome placement is not as critical as it once was, and crew can safely stand in front of the unit without fear of frying their grey matter.
Because of the way broadband radar works with constant transmission, target detection is greater, and combined with the LED screen, crates a crystal-clear image. Even something as small as a bird in flight can be detected. Essentially, the broadband system is always transmitting, using multiple frequencies, so can pick up targets that are small and quite close at hand – down to around 65 metres, it is claimed.
Another advantage of broadband is it fires up instantly from a ‘cold’ start or when in standby mode. The latter state sees the unit draw little power, as it also does when fully operational.
There are several useful functions that ensure safer operation of a vessel. The first is a screen sidebar that nominates the three most potentially dangerous MARPA or AIS targets on the radar and provides information on them. Proximity alarms can be set to warn the helmsman of the imminent danger.
The other is the tracking of commercial vessels operating in the Auckland Harbour, which from this month (October 1) onwards must have Class B Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
The new units can also be interfaced with FLIR night vision, further reducing the potential for collision after dark.
One of the features that makes the new kit special is the rotary key function, which, regardless of the mode you are in, makes changing settings much quicker and more seamless.

Sonar
The high-definition ‘SunView’ screen makes viewing the unit – regardless of what mode it is in – much easier in any given light situation, from bright sunlight to complete darkness.
Like the radar, broadband sonar offers a clearer picture, as there is less power being pumped into the water, creating less clutter. As a result, transducer size is reduced.
The units have tri-frequency capability – 200/83kHz for inshore and coastal work, with 200/50kHz for offshore, deepwater situations.
Broadband signal allows for far better clarity and fine tuning of the function. Even in ‘auto’ mode, the signal – via the rotary key – can be fine-tuned still further to gain maximum results and target definition.
There is a choice of background palettes, along with bottom colouring, allowing the product to be personalized. This gives better definition between the bottom, kelp, or weed and fish.
One particularly useful function is the ability to mark and go back to an ‘event’ such as a fish school. This enables the skipper to return to that school and even track the direction it is heading. Game fishers, in particular, will enjoy this feature, especially when working meatballs. Similarly, when deep water drifting over foul for the likes of snapper and hapuku, the skipper will be able to keep better track of the fish. Also, if ‘events’ such as an underwater structure or fish are encountered at speed, the operator can track back up to the last 3000 soundings to easily find it again.
Of course, there are also more standard features, such as A-Scope, which assists with defining the bottom from other marks, as well as gain and colour functions, showing as on-screen icons and instantly altered by the rotary key.
Standby ‘instant on’ is another good function, made possible by the broadband system. If the power is on, the function is ready to deliver.

Chartplotter
Seamless is the best way to describe the chartplotter function. Using pre-loaded Navionics Platinum cartography, the charting facility is lightening fast to redraw, thanks to the rotary-key function.
It is quick to measure distance and the bearing line, which offers an extension of the ship’s current heading, and changes its range automatically according to speed.
There is also a neat ‘look ahead’ mode that offers maximum viewable screen as well as 3D function, along with an optional satellite overlay that allows for adjustable transparency.
The cursor can be set onto any navigation marks on the chart, and by hitting the enter key, the information relating to the mark is brought up on screen. For those who never did their Boatmaster’s Course, this is a great teaching and safety aid.
Tides are also available, as well as sunrise and sunset for any particular location. You can overlay the radar and, where it is available, the updated weather map. This latest function is not yet available here, unfortunately.
Along the top of the screen, users establish up to two of their own information bars relating to useful information such as Course Over Ground, Distance To Go, Speed Over Ground, engine functions and the like. These screens can be set to alternate at various time frames, down to one second.

Information and Navigation Pages
The navigation/engine-function pages can be highly personalized to suit individual requirements. The unit will be NMEA 2000 compliant, allowing various functions and sensors (regardless of the band) to be ‘plugged and played’ in digital, analogue or bar format.
A fuel computer is built in, with all the functions associated with this tool.
On the unit’s fascia is an interesting ‘red’ key labelled ‘Standby Auto’. While Simrad would neither ‘confirm nor deny’ this was for a forthcoming upgrade, where the autopilot would be interfaced into the system, it was not rocket science to work out this is likely to be on the drawing board.

Overall
The above covers the main bases of the new Simrad NSE 8 and NSE 12 (NSE – Navico Special Edition), but there are plenty more features to explore, and that is why manuals are produced and included!
What particularly impressed me about the new kit was the rotary controller with ‘logical push’ to enter selection and control menus such as gain and zoom. It is a good answer to touch screens, and avoids the annoying finger marks!
Also, the alpha numerical keypad allows quick and easy data entry and waypoint management.
Adding to the functionality are the six quick-touch keys along the bottom of unit beneath the screen that give instant access to chart, radar, echo, navigation, information and other pages. No need to scroll through endless menus to find what you want, as the main functions are directly in front of you. These functions, when entered, can be tailored to individual requirements.
Under Pages there is quick access to the frequently-used option. This is where you edit and display waypoints, routes, tracks and log files.
The units can also be used for entertainment purposes, as you can show DVDs on the screen via a standard DVD player – a great way to entertain the bored kids when you are fishing or anchored up for the night.
The LED technology incorporated in the ‘SunView’ screens creates clear, high-res imagery, regardless of the ambient light, and is another huge leap forward for Simrad.
The units are robustly constructed and designed to deal with the rigours of trailerboat use. They can be flush- or bracket-mounted as required.
So, if upgrading your electronics or fitting out a new boat, this new Simrad range could well be the one for you, and will be available in New Zealand from November 15 onwards.

Key specifications
Screen size: 8” and 12”
Resolution: NSE8 850:1 NSE12 600:1
Contrast ratio: NSE8 850:1 NSE12 600:1
Unit dimensions: NSE8 8.4 x 11.2 x 4.4” (HxWxD)
NSE12 10.5 x 14.0 x 4.8”
Inputs: Two composite video inputs and one DVI output, a USB port on both the front and back of the units.
RRP: NSE8 $7,700 NSE12 $10,500
Distributed by Advance Trident Ltd, Kingsland, Auckland, and available from Simrad outlets nationwide. For more information, check out the website www.simrad-yachting or www.advancetrident.com.

- © Fairfax NZ News