Overview

The Simrad 000-13895-001 is an A2004 rotary autopilot control head that gives you a dedicated helm station for heading control, steering modes, and turn patterns in a networked autopilot system. The 4.1-inch display (320 x 240) is optically bonded, uses a transflective panel for sunlight readability, and keeps its viewing angle wide at 170°.

This control head connects to the NMEA 2000 backbone on a Micro-C (CAN) connector and takes its power from the network. It runs on 12 V supply (10.8 V to 15.6 V), draws up to 5 LEN (244 mA max), and carries an IPx7 waterproof rating for open-helm installs where spray and washdowns are part of life.

Physical fit is straightforward: the main body is 177 mm wide, 115 mm tall, and 56 mm deep, with mounting options for a dashboard install or a bracket mount. The rotary dial uses anodized aluminum, and the keypad is silicone rubber, which helps when you are running the boat with wet hands or gloves.

Key features

• 4.1-inch transflective TFT-LCD with 320 x 240 resolution and 170° viewing angle; optically bonded to help prevent internal fogging.
• Brightness above 600 nits for strong daylight visibility, with selectable night color schemes.
• Powered from the NMEA 2000 backbone through a Micro-C (CAN) connector; 12 V supply range 10.8 V to 15.6 V.
• NMEA 2000 certified and draws 5 LEN (244 mA max) from the network.
• IPx7 waterproof rating for installations exposed to spray and routine washdowns.
• Mounts in a dashboard or on a bracket; body size 177 mm x 115 mm x 56 mm for planning helm space and clearance.
• Anodized aluminum rotary dial with silicone rubber keys for confident use with wet hands and gloves.
• Works as the control head for systems using Simrad AC70 or SG05 Pro autopilot computers; supports a single thruster when paired with an AD80 or SD80 interface module.

What’s included

• A2004/AP48 mounting bracket kit

Compatibility and fit

This unit is a controller and display, not the full autopilot by itself. It is used in systems that include an autopilot computer such as an AC70 or SG05 Pro, plus the required sensors and steering drive hardware for your vessel.

For helm placement, allow space for the 177 mm x 115 mm front footprint and 56 mm depth, plus cable bend radius behind the panel. Keep magnetic compasses and other sensitive heading equipment at least 0.4 m away from the control head when laying out your dash.

Electrical and system integration

Plan your network power around a 12 V NMEA 2000 backbone. On 24 V boats, this typically means a dedicated 12 V network supply or a suitable DC-DC solution feeding the backbone. With the display backlight off it draws about 1.62 W (0.12 A at 13.5 V), and with backlight at maximum it draws about 2.97 W (0.22 A at 13.5 V).

The Micro-C connection is the point of power and data, so pay attention to backbone termination, drop lengths, and clean connections to avoid intermittent control or network errors.

Installation and setup

Use a dashboard install when you want a flush helm layout, or use the bracket when you need to angle the screen toward the operator or share one control head between stations. Route the network cabling with a drip loop and support it so vibration does not work the connector loose over time.

Once on the network, the unit stays on whenever the NMEA 2000 backbone is powered, and it can be set to sleep when the helm is shut down for the day.

Use on board

This control head fits well on workboats, commercial fishing boats, and fast-moving pilot or passenger craft where the autopilot needs to be adjusted quickly without digging through a multifunction display. The rotary dial layout is also a good match for wheelhouses where you are frequently making small heading changes while watching traffic, gear, or sea state.