U80 - Marine Electronics SIMRAD - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Marine autopilot remote control (NF80, FU80, QS80 models)
Brand	Simrad
Model	U80 (covers NF80, FU80, QS80)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	63 mm x 51 mm x 16 mm (2.46" x 1.98" x 0.63")
Weight	NF80/FU80: 0.5 kg (1.10 lbs); QS80: 0.4 kg (0.88 lbs)
Display	2" monochrome, transflective, 128 x 64 pixels
Power Supply	Via CAN bus or SimNet backbone (6 m Micro-C drop cable included)
Power Consumption	Off: <20 mA (LEN 1); On with max illumination: <110 mA (LEN 3)
Operating Temperature	-25°C to +55°C (-13°F to +131°F)
Compass Safe Distance	0.4 m (ref. IEC 60945 sec.11.2)
Environmental Protection	IEC 60945 sec. 8.8 exposed, front when desk mounted or bulkhead mounted with optional frame; corresponds to IP X6
Compatible Autopilot Systems	AP70, AP80, AP24, AP28, NSE, NSS, NSO (Simrad multifunction displays)
Control Modes (per model)	NF80: NFU, AUTO, NoDrift; FU80: FU, AUTO, NoDrift; QS80: NFU, AUTO, NoDrift, NAV, Wind
Key Functions	CMD (take command/activate thrusters), LIGHT (adjust illumination/dim), STBY (standby), MODE (mode toggle)
Mounting Options	Panel mount (flush) with gasket and screws; optional bulkhead mounting frame
Cable Length	Micro-C drop cable, 6 m (19.7 ft) factory connected
Maintenance	Clean with fresh water and mild soap; avoid chemical cleaners and hydrocarbons
Warranty	Separate warranty card; refer to brand website
Spare Parts / Accessories	Optional bulkhead frame; replacement lever for FU80; gasket and screws included
Regulatory Compliance	CE (2004-108 EC EMC Directive), C-Tick, Wheelmark approved (European Marine Equipment Directive 96/98)

Frequently Asked Questions - U80 SIMRAD

How do I take command of the autopilot from the remote?

Press the CMD key on the remote. If the system has command transfer restrictions, you may need to confirm on the active control unit.

Can I change the operating mode on the remote?

Yes, repeatedly press the MODE key to toggle through available modes. The selection times out and triggers the mode shift. Available modes depend on the model (NF80, FU80, or QS80).

How do I adjust the display brightness?

Press the LIGHT key repeatedly to cycle through brightness levels (0-10). A long press (3 seconds) toggles between day and night illumination modes.

What should I do if an alarm sounds?

Acknowledge the alarm by pressing the CMD key (mute alarm) or LIGHT key (acknowledge). If the alarm is steering-critical, the lever/stick may not operate normally; refer to the autopilot operator manual for corrective action.

How do I clean the remote?

Use fresh water and a mild soap solution. Avoid chemical cleaners, diesel, petrol, or any hydrocarbons that could damage the unit.

What autopilot systems are compatible with the U80 remotes?

The remotes work with Simrad AP70, AP80, AP24, AP28, and multifunction displays NSE, NSS, NSO that have autopilot functionality.

Can I mount the remote outdoors?

Yes, but choose a position that prevents water from pooling on the display. Use the included gasket for sealing and consider the environmental protection rating (IP X6 when properly mounted). Cover when not in use.

How do I invert the rudder direction on the FU80 or NF80?

You can change the rudder command direction from the Main menu (accessed by holding the MODE key for 3 seconds in Standby mode). Alternatively, on FU80 you can rotate the lever 180° mechanically.

Where can I download the user manual?

The manual is available for free download in PDF format from the notice-facile.com website or from Simrad’s official websites: pro.simrad-yachting.com and www.simrad-yachting.com.

What does the 'Locked' icon mean?

The Locked icon indicates that the autopilot is being operated from another control unit and your remote is locked. Press CMD to request command; it must be accepted on the active unit.

USER MANUAL U80 SIMRAD

Three black SIMRAD remote control devices with digital displays and control knobs (no visible text or symbols on the devices themselves)

Preface

As Navico is continuously improving this product, we retain the right to make changes to the product at any time which may not be reflected in this version of the manual. Please contact your nearest distributor if you require any further assistance.

It is the owner's sole responsibility to install and use the equipment in a manner that will not cause accidents, personal injury or property damage. The user of this product is solely responsible for observing safe boating practices.

NAVICO HOLDING AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, BRANCHES AND AFFILIATES DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN A WAY THAT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGE OR THAT MAY VIOLATE THE LAW.

Governing Language: This statement, any instruction manuals, user guides and other information relating to the product (Documentation) may be translated to, or has been translated from, another language (Translation). In the event of any conflict between any Translation of the Documentation, the English language version of the Documentation will be the official version of the Documentation.

This manual represents the product as at the time of printing. Navico Holding AS and its subsidiaries, branches and affiliates reserve the right to make changes to specifications without notice.

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 Navico Holding AS.

Warranty

The warranty card is supplied as a separate document.

In case of any queries, refer to the brand web site of your display or system:

pro.simrad-yachting.com

www.simrad-yachting.com

2 Introduction

2 About this manual

2 Wheelmark approval

3 Parts included

4 Installation

4 Mounting

6 Wiring

7 Operation

7 Basic operation - all remotes

10 Using the NF80

12 Using the FU80

14 Using the QS80

16 Changing commanded rudder direction

16 Alarms

17 Restoring factory settings

17 Maintenance

18 Changing default settings

18 The main menu

19 Specifications

19 Technical specifications

20 Drawings

1

Introduction

About this manual

This manual describes how to install and use the FU80, NF80 and the QS80 remotes.

Line drawing of a device with a cylindrical top and rectangular base, no text or symbols present

Front view of a SIMR20 device casing with a circular button and rectangular panel (no text or symbols)

Front view of a SIM R2D device casing with control panel and circular button (no text or symbols)

NF80FU80QS80

These remotes can be used to remotely control the AP70, AP80, AP24 and AP28 autopilot systems. They can also be used to remotely operate the autopilot function in NSE, NSS and NSO (Simrad Multifunction Displays).

For detailed description of operational modes, see the Operator manual for you autopilot system or for your NSE/NSO/NSS.

For details about installation of CAN bus or SimNet backbone, see the autopilot System Installation manual.

Wheelmark approval

The remotes are produced and tested in accordance with the European Marine Equipment Directive 96/98 and can be used in a Wheelmark installation according to the certificates.

For details and certificates refer to our websites:

pro.simrad-yachting.com and www.simrad-yachting.com.

Parts included

Key Description

1 Remote unit, including 6 m (19.7 ft) Micro-C drop cable

2 Gasket for panel sealing

3 Screws and accessories

4 Long type lever (FU80 and NF80)

5 Micro-CT-connector

6 User manual

7 Mounting template

8 Warranty card

2

Installation

Mounting

The remotes should be mounted with special regard to the units' environmental protection, temperature range and cable length. Refer "Technical specifications" on page 19.

→ Note: If installed outdoors, select a position and a mounting option that prevents water from remaining on the display. It is recommended to cover the units when not in use.

Panel mount

1. Attach the mounting template to the selected position
2. Drill fastening holes and remove the cut-out
3. Peel backing off the gasket (A) and apply it to the remote or to the mounting surface
4. Place the remote into the console
5. Secure the unit with the 4 screws (B)
6. Clip the bezel (C) in place

Isometric line drawing of a rectangular enclosure with mounting holes and a small internal component, no text or symbols present.

The bulkhead frame

An optional bulkhead frame is available.

For part number, refer to our web sites

(pro.simrad-yachting.com and www.simrad-yachting.com)

1. Attach the mounting template to the selected position

2. Drill fastening holes

3. Drill hole for the cable, or remove the material in the cable entry area on the frame

4. Peel backing off the gaskets (A) and apply one to the remote, and the other to the sealing frame (D)

5. Secure the unit with the 4 screws (B)

6. Clip the bezel (C) in place

The NF80 lever

The lever is not mounted from factory. Screw the lever firmly into the mounting hole.

The FU80 lever

The factory mounted short lever can be replaced by the longer lever included in the package.

The lever can be mounted in a 180° opposite direction as follows:

1. Remove the knob's cap (A)
2. Remove the screw (B), and carefully remove the knob (C)
3. Rotate the knob 180°, install the selected lever, re-install the knob and the cap

Wiring

Note: Don't make sharp bends in the cables, and avoid running cables in a way that allows water to flow down into the connectors. If required, make drip and service loops.

The remotes connect to the CAN bus backbone or SimNet backbone as shown below.

AP70/AP80 system AP24/AP28/NSE/NSS/NSO systems

For part numbers, refer to our web site.

Item Component
A Micro-C drop cable. 6 m (19.7 ft)		Included with the unit
B Micro-C T-connector
C CAN-bus backbone
D Simnet to Micro-C (female) cable. 0.5 m (1.64 ft)
E SimNet T-joiner (3p) or SimNet Multijoiner (7p)
F SimNet backbone

3

Operation

Basic operation - all remotes

The keys

Key Short press Long press (3 seconds)
	Take/request command	Activates/de-activates thrusters *
	Adjust illumination	Toggles day and night display illumination
	Turn the autopilot system to Standby mode
	Toggle between available modes	Displays the Main menu(Standby mode only)

* Only available in AP70/AP80 systems. The thrusters must be available for autopilot steering in active steering profile. See the AP70/AP80 Operator manuals for more information.

A long press is indicated with a progress bar. Keep the key pressed until all segments are filled.

Softkeys

When the menu is active or when an alarm message is displayed, the small icons below and above the keys indicate the key's function.

Softkey Key Function
	[SADH]	OK/Accept/Acknowledge alarm
[225Z]	[80D3]	Cancel/Return to previous menu level
[20K3]		Mute alarm
[A4BH]		Move upwards in menu
[84W0]	[G3W5]	Move downwards in menu

The screen

The upper part of the screen shows information relevant for the autopilot mode as shown below.

Standby NFU FU
- Active heading sensor- Heading (True or Magnetic)- Current heading		- Commanded rudder angle

AUTO NoDrift NAV WIND
- Set heading - Set course- Course Over Ground (COG)		- Bearing to next waypoint- Cross track distance (XTD), analog and graphical	- Set wind angle- Current wind angle

The bar in the lower part of the screen indicates always current rudder position.

Status icons

The remote's operational state is indicated with icons.

Icon Status Description
None Active In operation
	Passive	The autopilot is operated from another control unit
	Locked	The autopilot is operated from another control device and this device is locked

Switching from automatic to manual steering

Press the STBY key on active remote to switch the system from automatic mode to Standby mode.

If a menu or dialog is open, you must press and hold the STBY key to switch to Standby mode.

Turning the unit on/off

The remote units have no power key, and will be on as long as connected to a powered CAN-bus/SimNet backbone.

If the autopilot system is turned off from an autopilot control unit, the remotes will go to sleep mode. In this mode the display will be black, and it is not possible to use keys or lever. The remotes will remain in sleep mode until the system is powered on from an autopilot control unit.

Light adjustment

A single press on the light key will display the light adjustment dialog. Repeated short presses cycles through the brightness levels (0 - 10). The selection times out after 2 seconds.

A night mode which optimizes the color palette for low light conditions, is included. You switch between day and night illumination by pressing and holding the light key.

White is the default background color on display and keys for day illumination, while red is used for night. Refer “Changing default settings” on page 18.

→ Note: The brightness level is adjusted independently for day and night modes.

Activating/de-activating thrusters

If thrusters are available for autopilot control, you toggle the trusters on and off by pressing and holding the CMD key.

Active thrusters are indicated with thruster icon in the display.

→ Note: Only available in AP70/AP80 systems. The thrusters must be available for autopilot steering in active steering profile.

For more

information about multi stations, see the Operator Manual for your autopilot system.

Taking command

Take command by pressing the CMD key. When command is transferred, the autopilot system will remain in current mode.

In an open system (no command transfer restrictions), you will get immediate control on the remote unit requesting command.

In a multi-station system with active lock function, the command request must be confirmed on the active control unit before you can use the remote.

CMD

graph LR
    A["Set HDG<br>A 113"] --> B["CMD Transfer<br>Waiting for accept<br>CMD Retry<br>Cancel"]
    B --> C["CMD transfer<br>Command requested!<br>Accept?"]
    C --> D["Yes No"]

Display on remote, and... on AP70/AP80

Diagram of a device with a knob and handle, showing directional arrows (no text or symbols)

Using the NF80

The NF80 lever has a mechanical spring that will return the lever to the mid-position when the lever is released.
You can use the NF80 in NFU, AUTO and NoDrift mode.
You can also get command if the system is in FU, NAV or Wind mode, but you cannot operate these modes from the NF80.

Initial mode Lever moved / Resulting mode (action)
Standby	NFU (rudder command)NFU
FU
AUTO AUTO (heading change)
NoDrift NoDrift (course change)
NAV	No action (warning sound and information dialog)
Wind

→ Note: The Wind mode is only available if the autopilot system has been set up for sailboat. See the Installation manual for your autopilot system.

Mode selection

You toggle between available modes by repeated pressing the MODE key. The selection times out and triggers the mode shift.

When in any other mode than NFU, the first press on the MODE key will turn the system to NFU mode.

You switch to Standby from any mode by pressing the STBY key.

Non-follow up steering

In this mode you use the lever to move the rudder. The rudder will move in the same direction as the lever, and will move as long as the lever is moved from mid-position.

→ Note: See "Changing commanded rudder direction" on page 16.

Auto and NoDrift mode

When you select AUTO/NoDrift mode, the system will continue on the heading/course read from the sensors the very moment you selected the mode.

Auto mode NoDrift mode

Changing set heading/set course

Use the lever to change set heading in AUTO mode and set course in NoDrift mode. The value will change 1° each time the lever is pressed to left or right. If you keep the lever pressed, the value automatically changes at a rate of 5° per second. Each beep indicates a 1° change.

Using the FU80

The FU lever can be rotated 70^ to port and starboard from mid-position. The lever will remain in set position, and the commanded rudder angle/heading change maintained until the lever is returned to mid-position.

You can use the FU80 in FU, AUTO and NoDrift mode.

You can also get command if the system is in NFU, NAV or Wind mode, but you cannot operate these modes from the FU80.

Initial mode Lever moved / Resulting mode (action)
Standby No action
NFU No action
FU FU (rudder command)
AUTO AUTO (heading change)
NoDrift NoDrift (course change)
NAV	No action
Wind

→ Note: The Wind mode is only available if the autopilot system has been set up for sailboat. See the Installation manual for your autopilot system.

Mode selection

You toggle between available modes by repeated pressing the MODE key. The selection times out and triggers a mode shift.

When in any other mode than FU, the first press on the MODE key will turn the system to FU mode.

You switch to Standby from any mode by pressing the STBY key.

Follow-up steering

In FU mode you use the lever to set the commanded rudder angle.

⚠ Warning: To avoid unintended rudder movement you should observe the lever position (commanded rudder angle) before activating the FU mode!

To increase resolution on small rudder angle commands, the relation between the lever rotation and the commanded rudder angle is non-linear. When the lever is rotated 20^ from mid-position the rudder will be commanded 5^ to port or starboard. A 65^ lever angle will move the rudder to 40^ . Max lever rotation will give max rudder angle. Refer your autopilot installation manual for how to set max rudder angle.

The rudder will remain in set position until a new rudder angle is commanded.

AUTO and NoDrift mode

When you select AUTO/NoDrift mode, the system will continue on the heading/course read from the sensors the very moment you selected the mode.

Auto mode NoDrift mode

Changing set heading/set course

Use the lever to change set heading in AUTO mode and the set course in NoDrift mode. The value will change in steps defined by lever rotation, starting from 0.5°/second at 3° lever rotation, up to 5°/second at max lever rotation.

Top-down schematic of a device casing with directional arrows indicating movement or force (no text or symbols)

Using the QS80

The QS80 stick has a mechanical spring that will return it to mid-position when the stick is released.

You can use the QS80 in NFU, AUTO, NoDrift, NAV and Wind mode.

→ Note: The Wind mode is only available if the autopilot system has been set up for sailboat. See the Installation manual for your autopilot system.

Mode selection

You toggle between available modes by repeated pressing the MODE key. The selection times out and triggers a mode shift.

You can also use the stick to change mode as shown in the table.

Initial mode	Stick movement / Resulting mode (action) Up Down Left/Right
Standby	AUTO	Standby(center rudder)	NFU (rudder command)NFU
FU		Standby
AUTO	Heading capture Course change		Heading change
NoDrift
NAV	AUTO		No action
Wind			Adjust relative wind angle

Non-follow up steering

When in Standby or FU mode, press the stick left or right to switch to NFU mode and to give rudder commands. The rudder will move as long as the stick is pressed.

Diagram of a mechanical component with a central circular feature and a downward arrow, no text or symbols present.

Centering the rudder

A single downwards press on the stick while in Standby or NFU mode will command the rudder to mid-position. A short beep will sound when the rudder is centered.

Auto and NoDrift mode

When you select AUTO/NoDrift mode, the system will continue on the current heading/course the very moment you selected the mode.

Auto mode NoDrift mode

Changing set heading/set course

Use the stick to change set heading in AUTO mode and the set course in NoDrift mode. The value will change 1° each time the stick is pressed to left or right. If you keep the stick pressed, the value automatically changes at a rate of 5° per second. Each beep indicates a 1° heading/course change.

Diagram of a mechanical component with a circular head and upward arrow, no text or symbols present

Heading capture

When in AUTO or NoDrift mode, the heading capture feature allows you to automatically cancel the turn you are in by an instant upward press on the stick. The autopilot will cancel the turn to continue on the heading read from the compass the very moment you pressed the stick.

Nav mode

If you request command and the system is in NAV mode, you will get immediate command from QS80.

If you initiate NAV from any other mode, the required heading change must be confirmed before NAV mode is accepted.

If not accepted, the system will remain in current mode.

Wind mode

→ Note: Prior to entering Wind mode the autopilot system should be operating in AUTO, with valid input from the wind transducer.

Changing set relative wind angle

Use the stick to change the set relative wind angle. The value will change 1^ each time the stick is pressed to left or right. If you keep the stick pressed, the value automatically changes at a rate of 5^ per second. Each beep indicates a 1^ heading/course change.

Changing commanded rudder direction

By default, the rudder moves in the same direction as the lever on FU80 and NF80. When you press the lever to port, the rudder is directed to port.

If the lever is rotated 180° on FU80, or if FU80/NF80 are mounted facing aft, the rudder movement can be inverted to maintain a rudder command that coincide with the lever movement.

The direction of the port/starboard commands can be changed from the Main menu. Refer "Changing default settings" on page 18.

Alarms

All units, both active and inactive, will notify the user if an alarm situations occurs in the autopilot system.

If the sound is enabled, any alarm message will be followed by a sound.

The CMD and LIGHT keys are used to acknowledge or mute the alarm sound.

→ Note: The alarm can only be acknowledged from an active unit.

If the cause for the alarm situation is removed, the alarm dialog will disappear when you press the CMD key.

If the cause for alarm remains after acknowledged, the alarm dialog will be replaced by an alarm icon.

If the alarm is steering critical (e.g. rudder feedback failure), the lever or stick will not operate as usual when in an alarm situation.

For alarm text, probable faults and corrective actions, refer to your autopilot Operator manual.

Restoring factory settings

You can restore all settings back to factory default from the main menu. Refer "Changing default settings" on page 18.

This is a local reset that will only affect the unit where you select the reset option.

graph LR
    A["Main Menu\nLocal settings\nSimnet groups"] --> B["Local settings\nLanguage\nKey beeps\nLocal reset"]
    B --> C["Confirm reset"]

Maintenance

Under normal use, the remotes will require little maintenance.

If the unit requires any form of cleaning, use fresh water and a mild soap solution (not a detergent). It is important to avoid using chemical cleaners and hydrocarbons such as diesel, petrol, etc.

4

Changing default settings

The main menu

The default settings can be changed from the Main menu, activated by pressing and holding the MODE key for 3 seconds.

* Only available on FU80 and NF80.

• Local settings: Gives access to settings that applies to this unit.
  • SimNet group: Assigns this unit to a SimNet group.

You remove the menu and return to standard display by pressing and holding the STBY key, or by moving the lever/stick.

→ Note: The main menu is only accessible from Standby mode.

5

Specifications

Technical specifications

→ Note: For updated technical specifications, compliance and certifications, refer to out web sites.

Display
Display resolution 128 x	64 (H x W)
Display type 2" Monochrome, Bounded, Transflective
Viewing direction NF80:	12 o'clockFU80/QS80: 6 o'clock
Power
Power supply Via CAN bus or SimNet
Current consumption Off:	Network <20mA (NMEA 2000: LEN 1)On with max illumination: Network<110mA (NMEA 2000: LEN 3)
Interface
CAN/NMEA 2000 Factory connected drop cable withMicro-C connector. 6 m (19.7 ft)
SimNet Via optional SimNet to Micro-C cable
Technical
Housing Front: Aluminum with black plastic snap-on bezelBack: Plastic cover
Temperature -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to +131°F)
Weight NF80, FU80: 0.5 kg (1,10 lbs)QS80: 0.4 kg (0,88 lbs)
Environmental
Weather IEC 60945 sec.	8.8, exposed, front whendesk mounted or bulkhead mountedwith optional frame.Corresponds to IP X6
Compass safe distance	0.4m (ref. IEC 60945 sec.11.2)
Notified compliance	CE (2004-108 EC EMC Directive)C-Tick

Drawings

Dimension, Remotes

NF80QS80FU80

63 mm (2.46")

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with dimension lines (no text or symbols)

51 mm (1.98")

16 mm (0.63") 63 mm (2.46")

Dimension, Bulkhead mounting frame

Connector pin-out

Pure technical diagram of a mechanical or electrical component without any text, numbers, or symbols

Technical diagram of an electronic device showing a connector with pins and wiring (no text or symbols)

Pin Color Function

1 Shield
2 Red NET-S (Power source +)
3 Black NET-C (Power source -)
4 White NET-H (CAN high)
5 Blue NET-L (CAN low)

SIMRAD