GPS, navigation data, wind data, boat speed, heel, rig loads etc. Onboard electronics are far more accurate and capable than ever before, and with the innovations in solar, hydro-generators and efficient batteries, sailors are able to charge and depend on more electronic systems, without worrying about battery life and excess CO2 emissions.
All of these on board sensors are capable of coming together to generate a huge amount of useful and accurate data, but it all comes to nothing, unless it can be clearly read and analysed quickly by you and your crew. This is where the nke Multidisplay comes in.
The nke Multidisplay features a bright 7-inch colour screen which is capable of displaying information from sensors connected to the Topline BUS* as well as controlling the Autopilot computer. It does not have an integrated keypad and therefore it is necessary to use a dedicated input device, the Pad Display, to navigate the Multidisplay (see below).
(*N.B. The Topline BUS transfers data through your boat's complete electronic network. A single cable connecting all elements of your electronics system from sensors to processors, displays, and the autopilot.)
The interface has been designed to enable you to customise your own display screen depending on your needs and system attachments, from a mix of analogue, digital or historical data. The waterproof (IP68) Multidisplay (196 x 122 x 28mm) can be mounted horizontally or used vertically as a mast display for crew data.
There are three core roles / functions of the Multidisplay:
1. Autopilot control
A good, correctly configured autopilot system can steer your boat over long periods of time, as well as, if not better than, a human. This is an essential piece of kit for shorthanded sailing.
The nke pilots can be pre-programmed with settings for use in different conditions, using a matrix that covers running, reaching and close-hauled wind angles in light, medium and heavy airs.
A good autopilot computer is able to respond to these and steer the boat accordingly. While the autopilot computer is an essential core to the system, a good sailor with foresight and experience is essential to tweak and modify the autopilots recommendations.
The nke Multidisplay is able to show you exactly what adjustments the autopilot system is making and allows you to make on the fly changes to the settings, using the remote Pad Pilot keypad (see below), to increase your performance and safety on the water.
2. Navigation Data
GPS, compass data and waypoint headings can all be added to the system using attachments such as the nke high frequency gps or nke Compass X9.
The Multidisplay can show you all the essential navigation data such as distance to waypoint, cross track error and key performance data for regattas such as timers and start line information.
3. Sensor information
The nke wind, current, temperature or speed sensors, can all be fed into the Multidisplay to give you accurate, real time info at a glance.
This allows you to stay in tune with your boat even when below deck and make necessary adjustments in response to changing environmental factors.
Remote controls
The nke Multidisplay can be operated via the PAD Pilot or the PAD Display. These remotes are used to change the display, enter the menus, perform sensor calibrations and driver settings.
Both remote controls have a 'PAGE', "OK' and four directional buttons for quickly changing the pages displayed and making other adjustments such as sensor calibration or driver settings. Both remotes also have a red MOB Button. This can be used to trigger an alarm in the case of a crew member going overboard.
PAD Pilot
The six middle buttons on the PAD Pilot are specifically geared towards calibrations and adjustments that can be made to the autopilot.
PAD Display
The PAD Display is focused on the control of navigation and sensor data and has four customisable preset buttons. With these buttons, you are able to set different shortcuts depending on what page you are currently on. This gives you a huge amount of flexibility, functionality and control - but takes some time to configure to get the most out of your nke instruments
Both remotes are able to control the multidisplay, so your choice really depends on whether your focus is on pilot control or navigational instruments and settings.
Both remotes and displays come in either white or black.
Conclusion
The impressive range of electronics nke have created over the past 30 years means that you can be confident that they will have all the sensors and marine electronics you need. Whether it’s for simply cruising, long distance sailing or racing, the nke Multidisplay is a clear and easy way to access all that information in one place and maximise your performance.
Click here to view the nke Multidisplay or if you have any questions about upgrading your onboard electronics package, you can contact us at support@upffront.com or by clicking the link below.
