Simrad AP48 – Autopilot Control Head with Rotary Knob

Description

The Simrad AP48 Autopilot Control Head is a dedicated full-featured control display for compatible Simrad autopilot systems. Its 4.1-inch optically bonded color display, rotary control dial, and keypad provide direct access to standby, auto, navigation, no-drift steering, turn patterns, and course adjustments. This is a control head only and does not include a course computer, steering drive, heading sensor, hydraulic pump, or rudder-feedback sensor.

The AP48 connects through NMEA 2000 Micro-C and receives network power. It is designed for use with compatible Simrad NAC-2, NAC-3, AC12, AC42, and SG05 autopilot computers. The display measures approximately 170 mm by 114 mm by 48 mm, weighs about 0.51 kg, and provides IPX7 water protection for a suitable exposed helm location.

Key Specifications

• Dedicated Simrad autopilot control head with rotary dial, keypad, and 4.1-inch bonded color display.
• Designed for compatible Simrad NAC-2, NAC-3, AC12, AC42, and SG05 autopilot systems.
• Does not include a course computer, steering drive, hydraulic pump, heading sensor, or feedback sensor.
• Supports Auto, Standby, Navigation, No Drift, turn-pattern, and course-adjustment functions when enabled by the connected system.
• Connects through NMEA 2000 Micro-C and receives network power.
• Uses a 320 by 240 pixel color display with a rotary course-control knob.
• Measures approximately 170 mm by 114 mm by 48 mm and weighs approximately 0.51 kg.
• Has IPX7 water protection and is suitable for flush-mount helm installation.

System Integration

The AP48 sends commands through the NMEA 2000 network to a compatible autopilot computer, which controls the selected hydraulic pump, linear drive, rotary drive, wheel drive, or solenoid system. Drive-current capacity, feedback support, compass compatibility, and steering-system suitability depend on the connected course computer and complete autopilot installation.

Navigation, no-drift, and route-steering functions require compatible GPS, chartplotter, and network data. A physical rudder-feedback sensor may be required depending on the selected steering drive and whether the vessel supports Virtual Rudder Feedback.

Installation Considerations

Mount the AP48 at a visible and accessible helm position with adequate cutout space and rear clearance for the NMEA 2000 connection. Ensure the backbone is powered and correctly terminated, then confirm display recognition, rotary control response, autopilot modes, connected heading data, and steering direction during system commissioning.

Before Ordering

Confirm a compatible Simrad NAC-2, NAC-3, AC12, AC42, or SG05 autopilot computer, available NMEA 2000 backbone connection, suitable 170 mm by 114 mm helm-panel space, rear cable clearance, required heading sensor, steering drive, feedback method, chartplotter data source where needed, and complete autopilot-system components before purchase.