Networkable displays have range of bells and whistles

The new Simrad NSS features a touch pad and a rotary control and is available in three sizes. Photo / Supplied

A new range of touch screen, networkable, multifunction marine displays has just been released in New Zealand by Simrad distributor Advance Trident.

The Simrad NSS range, consisting of the NSS7, 8 and 12 (the units' screen sizes in inches) all feature touch screen and rotary knob controls and are networkable.

"This means that on any given boat you can have a number of screens all sharing the same radar, chartplotter or sounder," says Advance Trident's Mike Wilson. "An example could be a 15-inch NSO display on a flybridge, an NSE12 display in the cockpit and an NSS7 in the master cabin."

Wilson says the new Simrad displays can also work with a number of complementary "plug and play" products.

"Simrad's Sonic Hub is AM/FM - an iPod docking station is a good example. It gives complete control of volume, song selection and channel selection through an NSS display. Engine status and information from the majority of leading engine manufacturers can also be displayed on these new screens," he says.

The new Simrad Sport NSS7 and 8 have a built-in BSM-1 sounder module while the NSS12 can integrate with the company's new BSM-2 module.

"This is a new Chirp sounder, which uses the frequencies 38 to 60kHz and 160 to 210kHz," says Wilson. "Sounders traditionally use the fixed frequencies of 50 and 200kHz. This means the new Chirp sounder can deliver superior target detection in all water depths, massive depth detection [up to 3050m] and dramatically improved target discrimination and separation from the bottom."

Other potential inputs include Simrad's Structure Scan down-imaging and side-imaging sonar, a Simrad pilot and their 3G broadband or more traditional high-definition pulse radars.

Advance Trident will showcase the new NSS displays at the Auckland International Boat Show next month and through a nationwide roadshow later in the year.