Simrad NSS Touchscreen Plotters Launch for Cruising Sailors

The continuing updating of this excellent range of chart plotters for sailors has culminated in the launch this month in Palma, Spain of the latest version of the North Star Sport series. This version will allow all those touchy feely folks to satisfy their urge admirably! However, there are still knobs and buttons to play with!

The following article is from Simrad themselves outlining the technical capabilities of the NSS units: 'Developed for maximum ease of use, the Simrad NSS Sport’s Touch Sensible™ technology provides quick and efficient access to the information boaters need to enhance every on-the-water experience.

Available in three sizes, the NSS Sport range includes the NSS7, NSS8 and NSS12. Providing boaters with the perfect combination of control options, the NSS Sport offers touch-screen, keypad and a Simrad-Yachting signature rotary-control knob – enabling the user to remain in complete control in any boating situation.

Designed for performance, the NSS Sport features a bright, clear and highly visible display that employs Simrad Yachting’s unique LED backlighting technology and includes a powerful built-in GPS and BSM-1 echosounder*. Ensuring ultimate flexibility, the NSS Sport can be networked to the Simrad NSO and NSE multifunction displays, as well as Simrad Yachting’s comprehensive range of innovative performance module options -- including the award-winning Broadband Radar™, StructureScan™ Sonar Imaging, SonicHub™ marine audio server and WM-2 SIRIUS® satellite weather/radio module.

The NSS Sport is also pre-loaded with Insight USA™ inland and coastal cartography, and is fully compatible with the complete range of Navionics chart options on microSD. “With the addition of the NSS Sport, Simrad Yachting now offers the most exciting and integrated portfolio of marine electronics on the market,” said Louis Chemi, COO, Navico Americas. “Whether you’re in the market for a touch-screen 7-inch chartplotter or you require a broader range of fishing, sailing or cruising equipment – Simrad Yachting has got you covered with a full selection of award-winning products.” Whether routing to a waypoint, marking a fish or cranking your favorite tunes – operating the NSS Sport is simple with Simrad Yachting’s Touch Sensible technology.

Panning and zooming are fast, responsive, and most of all, easy to learn due to its intuitive icon-driven menu system. The bright LED display also uses less power than traditional display technologies and greatly extends the life of the product. “The NSS Sport is another example of our driven focus to lead with technology that provides meaningful innovation,” continued Chemi. “The combination of a touch-screen display and rotary-control knob enables boaters of all skill levels to complete tasks with absolute ease and precision.”

The Simrad NSS Sport range features high-brightness (1200 NIT) bonded LED displays in 6.4-inch (VGA), 8-inch (SVGA) and 12-inch (XGA) diagonal screen sizes. All support NMEA 2000®, SimNet and composite video input. The NSS series uses little power and is designed for use in 12 and 24V DC power systems. The system has an operating temperature range of 5 degrees to 131 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius); like the NSE and NSO multifunction displays, the NSS Sport is waterproof to the IPx7 standard, and protected by a two-year limited parts and labor warranty.

The new Simrad NSS Sport is also covered by Simrad Yachting’s 24-hour exchange program. In the unlikely event that the device is identified as defective within the first year of warranty, Simrad Yachting will ensure shipment of a replacement device within 24 hours. The Simrad NSS7, NSS8 and NSS12 have suggested retail prices of US$1,895, $2,845 and $3,995 respectively.'

Extract and images courtesy Simrad Yachting

You can read more about chart plotting and navigation in my ebook 'Voyage of the Little Ship Tere Moana' downloadable from my website http://www.sailboat2adventure.com