The professionals will go for it - and so will those of us who like using the new toys. Simrad Yachting has announced the May 2006 availability of the new QuickStick (QS50). This new joystick device combines fingertip control with advanced autosteering features for commercial fishing boats, workboats and motoryachts utilising the award winning AP50 autopilot.
Remote operation
QuickStick adds a higher level of performance and versatility for the AP50 by allowing full control of major autopilot functions without the need to reach for the main control.
Locate anywhere
The QuickStick can be placed at the preferred station on a vessel, be it on the wheelhouse console, pilot's chair arm or—thanks to Simrad's weather and waterproof construction—out on the open deck.
Fingertip control
Its unique design provides easy fingertip control of NFU power steering with automatic centering of the rudder simply by pulling back on the stick. This key feature provides precise control by eliminating the need to jog the rudder over to steer a straight course.
Touch button easy
Selecting from Standby, NFU or Auto Modes is achieved by a single press of the joystick. Thruster control can also be applied with a single press. LED status lights designed for day and night vision confirm mode selections and make it easy to check autopilot status at a glance. There is also an optional three position switch for combinations of thruster and rudder control.
Automatic heading capture
The Simrad QuickStick is designed for simplified control; a single press of the joystick delivers a 1° change of course and a press and hold enables a 5° course change. The unique Heading Capture feature allows the captain to press the stick forward during a turn to capture the new heading.
Use with AP50 autopilot
The new QuickStick works exclusively with Simrad's AP50 autopilot.
