Overview

The Simrad 000-10185-001 is an NF80 non follow up (NFU) remote controller that adds a dedicated steering lever and keypad control to a Simrad autopilot over the NMEA 2000 network. It uses a 1.7-inch display to show key steering and mode information so you can make heading and course changes from another station on board.

In NFU steering, the rudder moves while the spring return lever is held to port or starboard, then holds its angle when you let go. The unit is powered from the CAN bus at 12-16 V and draws up to 110 mA, with a single Micro-C connection into your backbone. Physical size is 80 x 144 x 40 mm, weight is 0.5 kg, and the housing carries an IPx6 water resistance rating for exposed helm use when mounted correctly.

Key features

• Non follow up lever steering: rudder turns while the lever is held, then stops and holds position when released
• 1.7-inch display with 128 x 64 resolution for remote autopilot control and status
• NMEA 2000 connection via Micro-C, powered from the network at 12-16 V
• Low load on the backbone, with power consumption up to 110 mA
• Flush panel mounting hardware and sealing gasket for a clean helm install
• IPx6 water resistance rating and -25 C to +55 C operating temperature range
• Supports multiple autopilot modes (including NFU, Auto, NoDrift, and Nav when available on the system)

What's included

• Remote unit with 6 m (19.7 ft) Micro-C drop cable (factory connected)
• Gasket for panel sealing
• Screws and accessories
• Long type lever (for NF80)
• Micro-C T-connector
• User manual
• Mounting template
• Warranty card

Installation and setup

For a panel mount, the gasket seals against the console and the unit secures with four screws before the bezel clips in place. The lever is supplied loose and screws into the mounting hole, and the knob can be re-oriented 180 degrees to suit the direction you want the lever to travel at the helm. Plan the cutout using the mounting template, and route the cable so it forms a drip loop and does not allow water to run into the connector.

If installed outdoors, choose a position that prevents water from sitting on the display, and cover the unit when the boat is not in use. Allow about 0.4 m (15.75 inches) clearance from a magnetic compass.

Compatibility and system integration

This is a wired controller that joins the CAN bus backbone through its Micro-C drop cable and T-connector. It is intended for Simrad autopilot systems that use an NMEA 2000 backbone; on SimNet backbones it can be integrated using an appropriate SimNet to Micro-C adapter cable. Because it takes power from the network, confirm your backbone power feed is within the 12-16 V range before adding it to the bus.

Use on board

The NF80 makes sense on boats where the person steering is not always standing at the main autopilot head, such as a flybridge boat, a pilothouse with an aft steering position, or a sailing setup with a cockpit station. NFU lever control is especially handy for low speed work like docking, holding a steady rudder angle in a channel, or making quick corrections while fishing lines are out.

Maintenance and care

Rinse salt spray off with fresh water and avoid harsh solvents on the display window. Periodically check the Micro-C connector for corrosion or looseness, and make sure the cable is supported so vibration is not carried into the plug.