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| A remote for the boat? Why not? |
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Channel Surfing – Simrad’s WR20 Remote Control
You can get a remote for your TV, your stereo, and even your air conditioner—but what about your boat? Wouldn’t it be nice to have control of the helm station and your electronics, in the palm of your hand? If you think so, then you’ll be itching to try out Simrad’s Remote Commander WR20.
This remote control allows you to use the autopilot, fishfinder, GPS, or radar from anywhere on the boat, by utilizing Bluetooth technology. Added bonus: the WR20 doubles as a VHF microphone. Key up the VHF function, and you can talk on the radio from anywhere you like without being encumbered by those springy microphone wires. The WR20 fits right into your pocket, (it’s smaller than most cell phones,) and the remote is lighter than a deck of cards. Just in case you prefer to wear it around you neck the WR-20 also comes with a lanyard attachment. The unit has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which will last through a full day of boating and then some, and it comes with a docking cradle for recharging.
When I tried the WR20 the thing I liked most was the ability to play with the fishfinder from afar. Standing in the cockpit as we trolled, for example, I was unable to see bottom detail on the split-screen GPS/fishfinder. Without leaving my battle station I could change the unit’s “page” to a full fishfinder view, zoom in, and see the detail from the back of the boat. When a fish hit I could save a waypoint on the GPS, then turn the boat back to troll over the spot again—all without ever leaving the cockpit. The remote is pretty intuitive, but be warned, you will need the instruction manual if you get into complex functions. There’s an LCD screen you use to scroll through functions and options, a directional keypad, and six function keys.
Price: A hair under $1,000.
The Highs: Control your boat while you kick back in the cockpit.
The Lows: Only works with Simrad systems.
Who Wants It: Anyone who has a Simrad system and doesn’t mind spending the dough for push-button control.
Contact: www.simrad-yachting.com
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