Overview

The Simrad OP50 is a wired remote controller for Simrad multifunction displays that gives you keypad control plus a rotary and joystick-style knob for navigation, zoom, and menu work. It connects on NMEA 2000 for both power and control, and one controller can operate up to six compatible displays on the network.

Power is supplied from the NMEA 2000 backbone (12 V DC) and the unit includes an integrated 1.8 m male Micro-C cable for the drop connection. Current draw is under 90 mA with a NMEA 2000 Load Equivalency Number (LEN) of 2, which helps when you are budgeting network power on a larger helm.

The housing is rated IPX6 when dash mounted, and the slim dash install keeps the face close to the panel. OP50 is offered in portrait and landscape mounting orientations so you can match the control layout to your helm space.

Key features

• Single NMEA 2000 connection for power and control of up to six compatible Simrad multifunction displays
• Integrated display-assignment LEDs and a dedicated DISP button for switching which screen the OP50 is controlling
• 12 V DC supply from NMEA 2000 with current draw under 90 mA (LEN 2)
• Integrated 1.8 m male Micro-C cable for the NMEA 2000 drop connection
• Rotary and joystick-style knob for scrolling, selecting, and cursor movement, plus an aluminium dial with a knurled edge
• Low-profile dash mounting (about 8 mm) with an optional bracket available for a total flush-mount install
• IPX6 environmental protection when dash mounted
• Integrated speaker for critical alarms

Variants

OP50 is offered in two mounting orientations to suit different helm layouts and screen arrangements.

The control functions and NMEA 2000 connection remain the same across the range. The difference is the physical orientation and how the unit fits alongside displays, chair arms, and tight console spaces.

• 000-12364-001: Portrait mount (vertical). This layout works well on narrow helm chair arms and between monitors, with a side-entry cable that helps keep the harness tucked away.
• 000-12512-001: Landscape mount (horizontal). This layout is commonly installed beneath touchscreen or pilothouse monitors so your hand stays below the screen while you work the dial and keys.

What’s included

• N2K-T-RD network T-connector
• OP50/ZC2 keypad sun cover
• ZC2 dash kit (gasket, bezel, screws)

Installation and setup

OP50 installs as a dash-mounted control head and ties into your NMEA 2000 backbone using the included T-connector. For washdown areas, the dash gasket and correct panel mounting matter for maintaining the IPX6 rating at the front face.

A total flush-mount installation is supported with an optional bracket. Plan cable routing so the Micro-C lead reaches the nearest backbone drop point without tension, and secure the run so vibration at the helm does not work the connector loose over time.

Electrical and network integration

Because OP50 is powered from the NMEA 2000 network, confirm your backbone power supply has enough headroom for the added LEN (2) and any other devices on the segment. Once wired, the controller must be assigned to the displays on the network before it will respond to key presses.

On systems with older display software, remote control may be limited to four displays. If you are building a multi-screen helm, it is worth confirming your display software is current before you commit to a six-display control layout.

Use on board

This controller is a good match for helms where you want tactile keys and a dial for fast, one-handed operation in chop, at night, or while standing at a leaning post. It also fits well on boats with multiple stations where one position needs quick control over several networked displays without reaching across the glass.