Simrad AP70 MK2 – Autopilot Control Head Only

Description

The Simrad AP70 MK2 Autopilot Control Head is a professional autopilot controller for commercial vessels and larger yachts using compatible Simrad autopilot computers. Its five-inch high-brightness bonded color display, rotary control knob, keypad, and configurable work modes provide a dedicated bridge interface for heading control, navigation steering, steering modes, turn patterns, and supported thruster or waterjet functions. This is a control head only and does not include a course computer, drive, compass, feedback sensor, pump, or steering gear.

The AP70 MK2 supports NMEA 2000 or SimNet networking, NMEA 0183 connections, and compatible marine CAN-bus integration through the complete installed system. It can work with magnetic, GPS, and gyro heading sources supplied through compatible autopilot computers. The controller measures approximately 252 mm by 144 mm by 51 mm, weighs approximately 1.1 kg, and has IPX7 front-panel protection.

Key Specifications

• Professional Simrad autopilot control head for compatible commercial and large-vessel autopilot systems.
• Features a five-inch bonded high-brightness color TFT display with 480 by 272 pixel resolution.
• Does not include a course computer, steering drive, pump, solenoid assembly, heading sensor, or rudder-feedback sensor.
• Supports compatible hydraulic, solenoid, thruster, waterjet, and other professional steering systems through the connected course computer.
• Accepts compatible magnetic-compass, GPS-compass, and gyrocompass heading data through the installed system.
• Uses NMEA 2000 or SimNet networking, NMEA 0183 interfaces, and supported marine CAN-bus integration.
• Supports configurable work modes, turn patterns, and supported thruster-control functions.
• Measures approximately 252 mm by 144 mm by 51 mm, weighs approximately 1.1 kg, and has IPX7 front-panel protection.

System Integration

The AP70 MK2 sends control commands to a compatible AC70, AC80, AC80S, AC80A, or other approved professional Simrad course computer. The course computer determines drive-current capability and controls the selected hydraulic pump, solenoid steering gear, waterjet, thruster, or other approved actuator. Rudder-feedback compatibility also depends on the installed computer and feedback interface.

Commercial and regulated vessel installations can require approved heading sources, alarms, redundancy, steering-mode changeover, specific feedback arrangements, and class or flag-state acceptance. The controller alone does not make the vessel IMO, SOLAS, or Wheelmark compliant.

Installation Considerations

Mount the AP70 MK2 at a protected and accessible bridge location with adequate panel space, rear connector clearance, and clear operator visibility. Connect it to a properly designed network and verify system configuration, heading-source selection, control-station priority, steering direction, alarms, rudder response, and all required dockside and sea-trial tests.

Before Ordering

Confirm a compatible Simrad professional course computer, selected steering drive or steering gear, heading source, feedback arrangement, NMEA 2000 or SimNet network, NMEA 0183 and CAN-bus requirements where applicable, 252 mm by 144 mm mounting space, rear cable clearance, vessel control-station requirements, and complete regulatory installation requirements before purchase.