Simrad navigates its way to Seawork
Marine navigation, auto steering, communications and fishfinding system specialist Simrad has introduced a host of innovative new software enhancements for its NSE navigation systems, some of which will be on display on Stand 132 at Seawork 2010.
Simrad’s new NSE 2.0 software puts the user in complete control of a range of onboard, integrated functions including full Simrad Autopilot control, integration of the recently launched StructureScan Sonar Imaging and digital switching, control and monitoring of nearly any system on a vessel.
Simrad’s Mike Fargo said, ‘With this new technology it is now possible to control a whole host of important functions through a single user friendly interface. Bringing everything together in one place gives the user an integrated solution allowing them to control the boat from a single screen.’
The new NSE system is already proving a valuable tool for working vessels such as the WindCat series of catamarans. WindCat Workboats, a provider of specialist crew transfer vessels to the offshore wind power industry, is one of the first to have installed the new NSE units.
Jacob van Duyn, WindCat’s delivery skipper said, ‘The Simrad NSE is extremely impressive. The interface is simple and easy to use and the quality of the radar picture and chart plotter is brilliant.’ WindCat Workboats will be fitting the same systems on the next series of their WindCat vessels.
The new NSE 2.0 software combines charting, autopilot and vessel pages for unprecedented vessel control and add additional screens where needed. It also integrates the NSE unit with the new StructureScan Sonar Imaging technology, which delivers lifelike imaging of underwater structures. This in turn incorporates SideScan & DownScan imagery. The addition of exclusive DownScan Overlay over a traditional echosounder adds a new dimension which clearly separates fish from other targets and structures.
Using innovative Czone digital switching technology, it is now possible to control and monitor almost any system on the boat from the NSE display unit. Lights, bilge pumps and tank levels are among the functions that can be operated, monitored and adjusted at the touch of a button. The ability to monitor and adjust fuel and power settings from the NSE unit allows users to moderate energy consumption and reduces the overall running costs of the vessel.
