Overview

The B&G ZC2 Remote is a fixed-mount keypad and rotary controller for running compatible multifunction displays and an onboard autopilot from a dedicated control point at the helm or nav station. It connects to the NMEA 2000 backbone through a single Micro-C connection that carries both power and data, so it keeps wiring simple when you want full control away from the main screen.

It runs from a 12 V DC supply and accepts 10-16 V input, with a 2 LEN network load and less than 90 mA current draw. The housing footprint is about 150 x 60 x 45 mm (5.9 x 2.4 x 1.8 in), and it is rated IPX6 from the front when dash mounted with the gasket in place for cockpit washdowns.

On the water, the rotary/joystick knob and hard keys are useful when the boat is moving and you do not want to lean into a touchscreen. The internal beeper is under 80 dBA at 0.5 m for audible alerts, and the unit is rated for -15 to +55 C (5 to 131 F).

Key features

• Single NMEA 2000 Micro-C connection for both power and control on a 12 V DC backbone (10-16 V input range)
• Can be assigned to control up to six compatible MFDs, with LEDs showing which display is selected
• DISP key cycles between assigned displays; hold DISP to enter configuration for assigning and unassigning displays
• Rotary/joystick knob scrolls menus, zooms charts, and pans screens without touching the display
• Dedicated keys for HOME, MENU, WIN, MARK/GOTO, and MOB for quick actions underway
• STBY/AUTO key brings up autopilot control through a networked display
• Front face rated IPX6 when dash mounted with gasket for exposed helms and regular washdowns
• Audible alarm output under 80 dBA at 0.5 m to draw attention to critical alerts
• Low 8 mm dash-mount profile, with a flush mounting option using an additional bracket

Variants

The ZC2 Remote is offered in two mounting orientations to match available panel space and the way you want the keypad to sit at your station.

Across the range, the unit connects on NMEA 2000 and supports the same display assignment approach; the main difference is the physical orientation, and the landscape version does not use the Port and Starboard indicator lights.

• 000-12365-001: Type Portrait. Suits vertical installs on a cockpit pedestal face or beside a chart table where a narrow control strip fits the space.
• 000-12513-001: Type Landscape. Suits horizontal installs such as a helm chair arm or wide dash layouts where the keypad reads left to right.

Installation and setup

Plan the location like any other helm control: leave room behind the panel for the Micro-C drop and a gentle bend radius on the cable, especially in pedestal installs where space is tight. For dash mounting, use the supplied sealing approach so the front face maintains its IPX6 protection against spray and washdowns.

Display control is set up through assignment. With the connected MFDs powered on, holding the DISP key for about 5 seconds puts the controller into configuration mode so you can assign each display to an LED position. On boats with multiple ZC2 controllers, holding DISP for about 1 second in configuration mode switches which controller you are configuring.

Compatibility and fit

This controller is intended for B&G Zeus2, Zeus3, Glass Helm, and Vulcan MFD networks. It is a good match for boats that steer from the cockpit but want full chart and autopilot control from a pedestal face, a chair arm, or a nav station keypad.

Some older MFD software can limit remote control to four displays, which matters most on installations with more than one screen at the helm.

Electrical and network integration

Power is supplied by the NMEA 2000 backbone. Typical consumption is around 0.6 W with a 1.0 W maximum, and a 5 A fuse is commonly used on the NMEA 2000 power feed. Keep the controller at least 200 mm (0.9 ft) from the ship's compass when choosing a mounting location.

The unit is compliant with IEC/EN 60945 and is rated for environments up to 95% relative humidity, which suits enclosed nav stations and open helms that see spray and condensation.