Simrad NSS EVo3S Routes

[Jmreim]

I'm brand new to Simrad and having a really tough time understanding a number of functions connected to routes and auto-routing (called Dock-to-Dock routing since I'm using Navionics charts). Simrad tech service doesn't seem to be much help on this subject.

Suppose I have 2 waypoints in my waypoints list - 1 is called Home (my current position at the marina) and the other is called Anchorage (a fav spot about 8 miles away).

Is there a way for me to auto-route from the Waypoints list or can I only auto-route by touching the Start and End points on the chart itself? Perhaps I should be asking this diffrently . . . what is the best way to auto-route using 2 already stored waypoints as Start and End?

Thx very much -
Jim

 

[Hippocampus]

Using c-maps not navionics but if you put in both waypoints it does it. To date simrad support has been much better that RM or garmin. Respond to emails quickly.

 

[FWT]

Hippo has it. I don't, YET. I have a package on order for a new build. He has first hand info.

But I did pose questions on the "dock to dock" feature before pulling the trigger. So here's what I think I know, from reading manuals of newer and older models of plotter and quizzing the dealer.

It depends on the model.

You can use Navionics for dock to dock for the current model gear. But user manuals on older models say its not available. By newer model, I mean for example the NSS Evo 3s, but not NSS Evo 3.

The user manual for the Evo 3 that I snagged online from the Simrad site has the following: : “Note: Units designed for sale in the U.S. region do not have Autorouting capabilities. Autorouting features are disabled on all non-U.S. units when they are used in U.S. territorial waters”.

The dealer supplied a user manual for the "s" model, and it gives user instructions on how to do it. The website doesn't have that manual online.

I did not press on why that might be so, once I learned the newer "s" models have the capability.

One trick that isn't documented is something the dealer passed on. If you have multiple plotters on your boat, you have to load the dock to dock route using the plotter that contains the chart chip. It won't do it without the chip. The dealer figured that out responding to customer requests for assistance, so he vouched for the fact it works.

So back to Hippo's response. The Evo3 manual says it can't be done regardless of map package. Hippo says his works with CMap. So another line to pursue is exactly which Navionics map package you have, and whether that makes a difference?

 

[Jmreim]

Yes, the Evo3S I have definitely does dock-to-dock but the process is what I'm trying to understand. I can do it by viewing the chart, selecting New Route, selecting a Start and End point and then selecting dock-to-dock.

But it isn't always easy to hunt down waypoints by scrolling around the chart. There must be a way to do dock-to-dock by selecting waypoints from the waypoints list screen - I just can't figure it out.

 

[FWT]

From page 38 of the NSS Evo 3s manual I have:

"Creating routes using existing waypoints
A new route can be created by combining existing waypoints from the Routes dialog. The dialog is activated by using the Waypoints tool on the Home page and then selecting the Routes tab."

The manual makes a distinction between Waypoints and Routepoint, without explanation. So, its just my interpretation that you can create a route from Waypoints, or, if you want to use dock to dock you need to create a beginning and end point (routepoint). But once a route is created, it can be edited and saved as "Marina to Favorite Cove" or similar.

If you discover otherwise, I'm interested in hearing.

 

[Jmreim]

Thank you all for weighing-in: have to attack this again next time I'm aboard.I
t's the actual step-by-step execution that seems less intuitive than expected. I've previously used Raymarine Axiom and it's quite straightforward with less steps. Simrad Tech Support can't seem to take me through an example (at least not the 2 reps I've discussed this with so far)

 

[Arc]

Put all destinations in the way point list first. Even home port. Then go to route. Click new. Use home port as the first way point . Then start adding to the list until you are at your destination. That was you can reverse route to your home port.

 

[Jmreim]

That does work for building a route manually using multiple waypoints.
But I'm attempting to auto-route using just 2 points - Start and Destination. And I'm trying to pick these 2 points from the Waypoints list.

 

[Jmreim]

Just to finish this thread off, I've now had 4 calls with Simrad Tech Support - 2 of them were elevated to their 2nd level tech team. Amazingly, no 1 at Simrad is well versed in Dock-to-Dock Routing, its capabilities, or how it might be initiated from the existing waypoints list. In fact, all 4 tech reps repeatedly ran into unexpected roadblocks (bugs?) that confused them. Apparently, Simrad has never tested this system or documented it thoroughly. I find that stunning!!! Would recommend no 1 purchase Simrad if Dock-to-Dock Routing is an important to you.

Perhaps most upsetting was their misleading communication with me. I was able to arrange a call on a specific date/time and was told I would not have to sit in the endless dreaded queue. In order to be in front of my system, I drove 25 mins. to the boat - Simrad called me as promised @ 2:00 today, assured me I would be immediately transferred to a live Level 2 Tech Rep and proceeded to put me into the queue at #7. I reluctantly held for 20 mins. and finally hung-up since I was still at #7.
NEVER AGAIN, SIMRAD!!!