Simrad, owned by Navico, recently announced two new International Maritime Organisation (IMO) type-approved global navigation systems, the Simrad MX610 and MX612.
According to Navico, the new systems offer professional performance and ease of operation, with new navigation solutions built to withstand harsh commercial marine environments.
Designed to specifically aide professional mariners in reliable and safe navigation, the Simrad MX610 and MX612 feature a convenient and intuitive user-interface and expanded networking options.
With a low profile bezel and a new sleek, modern design aesthetic, the MX610 and MX612 are system-matched to the recently introduced Simrad AP60, AP70 and AP80 autopilot systems.
The units' 5-inch, colour TFT, bonded LCD display ensures clear, bright, fog-proof operation and offers wide-angle viewing. Convenient menu operation and hot keys provide quick and direct access to navigation information including position and navigation data, plus the added functionality of heading and AIS data when an appropriate GPS compass or AIS unit is connected on the NMEA 2000 network. Further, a dedicated man overboard (MOB) key offers quick waypoint marking and calculation of range and bearing for rescue. The units also have an external alarm and MOB switch connection.
According to Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico, the new Simrad MX610 and MX612 units are positioned to be complete, cost-effective navigation solutions for professional mariners requiring an IMO safety compliant system with reliable performance for demanding offshore ventures. The systems feature convenient data interfaces that utilise either SimNet or NMEA 2000, and set up and connection to other devices has been simplified.
Operators can also create a multi-port NMEA 0183 interface using the smart junction box available for each model, which provides plug-and-play connectivity to NMEA devices such as ECDIS, AIS, Gyro and other navigation information systems.
The MX610 model controls four independent NMEA 0183 serial ports, while the MX612 controls 12 ports. Both units' USB ports allow operators to save and restore navigation data and complete software updates with a USB flash drive.
The systems can be purchased as a complete solution that includes the Simrad MX610 or MX612, Simrad MX521A smart antenna and a MX61x junction box.
Compatible with a range of Simrad antennas, the systems can operate with the MX575C DGPS Compass with dual IMO-compliant certification as a navigation and heading device, the Simrad HS80 GPS compass, and the compact Simrad GS70 antenna.
The Simrad MX610 and MX612 will be available from technical Simrad dealers from December 2013.
