Simrad Professional announces new MX610 and MX612 navigation systems

Simrad Professional announced two new International Maritime Organization (IMO) Type approved global navigation systems, the Simrad MX610 and MX612.

Offering professional performance and easy operation, the new navigation solutions are built to withstand the harshest of commercial marine environments. Designed to specifically aid professional mariners in reliable and safe navigation, the Simrad MX610 and MX612 feature a convenient and intuitive user-interface and expanded networking options.

With a low profile bezel and a new sleek, modern design aesthetic, the MX610 and MX612 are system-matched to the recently-introduced Simrad AP60, AP70 and AP80 Autopilots. The units’ 5-inch, color TFT, bonded LCD display ensures clear, bright, fog-proof operation and offers wide-angle viewing. Convenient menu operation and hot keys provide quick and direct access to essential navigation information including position and navigation data, plus the added functionality of heading and AIS data when an appropriate GPS compass or AIS unit is connected on the NMEA 2000 network®. A dedicated Man Over Board (MOB) key offers quick waypoint marking, and calculation of range and bearing for rescue. The units also have an external alarm and MOB switch connection.

“The new Simrad MX610 and MX612 are complete, cost-effective navigation solutions for professional mariners requiring an IMO safety compliant system with reliable performance for demanding offshore ventures,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO of Navico. “The systems feature the most convenient data interface using either SimNet or NMEA 2000, and set up and connection to other devices couldn’t be simpler.”

The Simrad MX610 and MX612 navigation systems are equipped with an intuitive data interface that allows for connectivity using NMEA 2000 or SimNet. Offering simple and seamless setup and connection to other compatible devices, operators can also create a multi-port NMEA 0183 interface using the smart junction box, available for each model, that provides easy plug-and-play connectivity to NMEA devices such as ECDIS, AIS, Gyro and other navigation information systems. The MX610 model controls four independent NMEA 0183 serial ports, while the MX612 controls 12 ports. Both units’ USB ports allow operators to save and restore navigation data and complete software updates with a USB flash drive.

The systems can be purchased as a complete solution that includes the Simrad MX610 or MX612, Simrad MX521A smart antenna and MX61x junction box. Compatible with a range of Simrad antennas, the systems can operate with the MX575C DGPS Compass with dual IMO-compliant certification as a navigation and heading device, the Simrad HS80 GPS compass, and the compact Simrad GS70 antenna.