The NAC-2 autopilot computer is the brain of the Simrad autopilot system. It contains the electronics required to operate a hydraulic steering pump or mechanical steering, as well as an interface to other components such as steering sensors and rudder angle sensors. The NAC-2 is designed for vessels up to ten meters (35 feet) in length and can operate low-current pumps, mechanical steering and solenoid valves (8 amps continuous and 16 amps peak).
Main features
- Reliable autopilot based on Simrad Continuum steering technology
- Recommended for boats up to 10 meters (35 feet) in length
- Continuous power 8 amps, peak power 16 amps
- Switch output (up to 3 amps)
- Compatible with low-flow duty pumps, mechanical actuators, hydraulic linear actuators and solenoid valves
- Virtual rudder angle sensor makes installation easier on boats with outboard motors (outboard or sterndrive)
- Supports Simrad RF25 rudder angle sensors
- Plug and play connectors make installation easy
- NMEA 2000® connectivity for heading sensors, rudder angle sensors, separate autopilot control panels and multifunction displays
Simrad Continuum steering technology Every Simrad steering innovation is based on over sixty years of experience in autopilot development. This development continues at Simrad Yachting’s autopilot research center in Norway. The result of this development is, for example, the Continuum algorithm, which is the software that drives Simrad steering technology. Continuum brings years of research and experience on the water to the helm. It is an intelligent pilot you can trust to steer.
Standard power The NAC-2 autopilot computer is recommended for boats up to 10 meters (35 feet) in length. It has a continuous output of up to 8 amps and a peak output of 16 amps. It also has a switch output. It is suitable for controlling low-current duty pumps such as the Simrad RPU80, mechanical drives such as the Simrad SD10, hydraulic linear duty units such as the HLD350 series, and solenoid valves.
Virtual Rudder Feedback Simrad Virtual Rudder Feedback technology eliminates the need for a separate rudder feedback sensor on boats equipped with outboard engines (outboard or sterndrive). This reduces the overall cost and simplifies the autopilot system. It is ideal for applications where a rudder feedback sensor cannot be used due to mechanical limitations.
Rudder angle sensors Rudder angle sensors are mechanically attached to the rudder and continuously report the rudder position to the autopilot computer. This allows the Simrad Continuum steering algorithm to make the best possible steering decisions. These sensors are typically used on sterndrive boats, larger vessels, and in special applications where a virtual rudder angle sensor cannot be used. The NAC-2 supports SimNet or NMEA 2000® connected Simrad RF25 angle sensors and resistive rudder angle sensors.
Easy to install Plug and play connectors simplify installation and minimize the wiring required for an autopilot system installation. Industry-standard NMEA 2000® connectivity allows easy connection of steering sensors, rudder angle sensors, autopilot control panels and multifunction displays to any location on the boat.
compass provides accurate heading and rate of turn information to Simrad autopilot, radar and navigation systems via NMEA 2000® connectivity. Internal solid-state sensors continuously measure motion and heading in nine axes. This allows the Precision-9 to provide roll, pitch and roll information to a compatible device. The easily adjustable mount and single-cable connection make installation simple on any boat, including mast mounting on suitable steel-hulled boats.
NMEA 2000® – heading and rate of turn information
The Simrad Precision-9 compass uses a NMEA 2000® network to provide heading, rate of turn (ROT), roll, pitch and roll, and horizontal displacement to connected devices including autopilots, radar, sonar, multifunction displays, and other navigation systems.
Semiconductor sensor technology
The Precision-9 compass uses an advanced solid-state sensor system based on MEMS technology. This highly accurate system measures motion in nine axes: heading, masthead, trim, roll, pitch, roll, heave, roll, and horizontal displacement. The information from these nine axes is used to calculate the most accurate heading and rate of turn possible, while avoiding the limitations of conventional magnetic gyro compasses and instead providing a heading accurate to ±2 degrees after calibration.
Attaches to almost anything
The easily adjustable mount allows the Precision-9 compass to be mounted on any boat, in almost any location. The compass can also be mounted directly on any flat surface. In addition, the compass is IPX7 waterproof, allowing it to be mounted externally on the mast of steel-hulled boats, avoiding magnetic interference. Installation is also made easier with NMEA 2000® connectivity – a single cable for both power and data.