Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website SIMRAD and XENTA combine their Technology
november 15, 2019 - Simrad

SIMRAD and XENTA combine their Technology

XENTA enhances its integrated steering systems: A new interface dedicated to #simrad autopilots is born, which will make available newly designed functions, that utilize the rudders independently and enhancing most of the autopilot functions.

Milano, Italy – Dialogue, integration, supervision: Similar technology currently used in fine sports cars, now makes navigation more efficient, and safe, without masking the feeling of going to sea, conversely enhancing it.            

Since 2004, #xenta has been producing maneuvering systems for the boating industry with the aim of enhancing the qualities of each boat, making its operation safe and completely user friendly. This creates a different bond between man and hull, creating a new, never before experienced level of excitement for those who are at the helm.

XENTA, with over 4,000 installations world-wide, ranging from tactile steering systems, to joysticks and throttles - utilizes electronics and mechatronics to create a "Pilot by Wire" connection from the helm and the parts responsible for controlling the motion (engines, inverters and propellers) and steering (rudders) of the boat. Thanks to a CAN BUS connection, all mechanical connections are replaced by electrical signals giving greater efficiency, responsiveness and precision to the exchange of information between the driver and the boat achieving true total integration.

Speaking specifically about the rudder, digital information exchanged between the #xenta helm and the Main Control Unit allow dedicated software to precisely control the yacht's rudder. The rudders are driven by electro-hydraulic actuators. #xenta can enhance performance with the coupled blades, but with independent ones, able to rotate individually at different rates, depending on hull speed and driving conditions. independent use of the rudders, at different speeds, enhances the performance of the boat, reduces speed loss throughout the turns and ensures maximum safety at all speeds and in all situations.

XENTA's "Tactile Steering System" offers the driver unique sensations, a true automotive-style driving feeling. The steering wheel is self-centering, returning autonomously to its center position, optimizing the end of the turn. When the wheel has returned to its central position, direction keeping is automatically activated – Autocourse Function. This relieves the captain of the tedious task of making continuous small corrections. When the captain is ready to take the wheel our “Tactile” Function fluidly adapts the helms sensitivity and adjusts the length of stroke, to experience an enhanced level of feel and control never felt before with a precision and turning fluidity never before achieved in the nautical industry.

A big plus of the system is the interface dedicated to #simrad autopilot systems. This integration takes place via CAN BUS connection and is, therefore, totally efficient, reactive and precise. The NMEA interface used by both #xenta and #simrad allows for newly developed advanced functions, of independent rudder use, enhancing most of the autopilot functions.

The #xenta APP, a collaboration development with Naviop (part of the #simrad Group), will be increasingly integrated into the entire range of #simrad displays and will be able to provide detailed information on all #xenta products. It will not be limited to the Steering System with Active Helm, but will also report information about the "Joystick Docking System", "Dynamic Positioning" and "Engine Control".

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