Simrad AP70 MK2 – Autopilot IMO Pack with AC80S Computer

Description

The Simrad AP70 MK2 Autopilot IMO Pack with AC80S Computer is a professional autopilot package for commercial vessels with compatible solenoid-controlled hydraulic steering. It includes the AP70 MK2 control head and AC80S solenoid autopilot computer, providing dedicated control for constant-running pumps, solenoid valves, and approved twin-steering configurations. A heading sensor, steering-gear hardware, solenoid valves, feedback equipment, power supply, and vessel-specific installation materials are required separately.

The AP70 MK2 is Wheelmarked for SOLAS-vessel applications when used as part of a complete approved installation. The AC80S is designed to interface with solenoid steering gear rather than directly power a reversible hydraulic pump. It supports professional system architectures with NMEA 2000 or SimNet, NMEA 0183, and applicable marine CAN-bus connections. Regulatory compliance depends on the complete system design, installation, testing, approvals, and operational arrangements.

Key Specifications

• Professional Simrad IMO autopilot pack with AP70 MK2 control head and AC80S solenoid computer.
• Designed for compatible solenoid-controlled hydraulic steering and constant-running pump systems.
• Requires separate heading sensor, solenoid valves, hydraulic pump, steering gear, feedback sensor, and installation hardware.
• Supports 12V or 24V DC vessel electrical arrangements.
• The AC80S provides four solenoid drive channels for compatible steering-gear control.
• Supports compatible dual steering-system configurations where vessel design and system architecture permit.
• Uses NMEA 2000 or SimNet, NMEA 0183, and compatible marine CAN-bus integration.
• The AP70 MK2 has a five-inch 480 by 272 pixel color display with IPX7 front protection; the AC80S requires dry protected mounting.

System Integration

This is not a complete steering system. The AC80S must be matched to the vessel’s solenoid-control logic, valve voltage and current, constant-running pump arrangement, steering-gear hydraulic characteristics, heading source, physical feedback method, alarm functions, and required redundancy.

IMO and SOLAS approval applies only when the complete installation meets the relevant requirements. An IMO-approved configuration requires the appropriate computer and connected equipment through the designated interface architecture; the controller and AC80S alone do not guarantee compliance. Use qualified commercial-marine installation and commissioning procedures.

Installation Considerations

Install the AP70 MK2 at an accessible bridge station and mount the AC80S in a dry serviceable location with sufficient clearance for power, solenoid, feedback, alarm, and network wiring. Label valve circuits, separate high-current pump wiring from low-level signal cables, verify correct port and starboard operation, and test steering alarms, changeover modes, emergency operation, and required dockside, sea-trial, and class-survey functions.

Before Ordering

Confirm compatible solenoid-controlled hydraulic steering, constant-running pump arrangement, solenoid voltage and current, steering-gear command logic, required heading sensor, feedback method, 12V or 24V supply, NMEA 2000 or SimNet network, NMEA 0183 requirements, AP70 MK2 bridge-panel space, AC80S dry mounting location, redundancy and alarm requirements, and applicable IMO, SOLAS, class, and flag-state requirements before purchase.