Simrad GO5 XSE Active Imaging 3-in-1 C-MAP Pro

The new line of Simrad multi-function displays released in 2018 offers full Active-Imaging 3-in-1 compatibility. In this post, we’re going to address the Simrad GO5 XSE part number 000-14836-001; this unit includes the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer and also comes with a C-MAP Pro microSD card.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, WVGA color TFT, multi-touch, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: Active Imaging 3-in-1
• Transducer: Active Imaging 3-in-1
• Depth Capability:
  1,000′ (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  300′ (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  83/200/455/800 kHz
  300′ (91 m) on each side – 455 kHz SideScan
  100′ (30 m) on each side – 800 kHz SideScan
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 12 V DC
• Power Consumption: 900 mA @ 13.5 V
• GPS: 10 Hz internal
• Charts: C-MAP Pro
• Waypoints, routes: 3,000; 100

Sonar and transducer

The unit offers the same sonar capabilities as the Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2. In other words, it has built-in Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which means it offers the possibility to use 2D CHIRP sonar, DownScan Imaging Sonar, and SideScan Imaging Sonar. It also supports ForwardScan Imaging sonar, but this requires the ForwardScan transducer. It’s also important to mention here that this unit does not support the new LiveSight sonar technology developed by Lowrance.

The unit includes the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer. This transducer is not much different from the older TotalScan transducer. It basically offers the same coverage and operates at the same frequencies. It has an internal temperature sensor, a 9-pin connector, and 25′ (7.6 m) of cable. However, its transom mount is metallic and a bit smaller than for the TotalScan. It also has the jackplate mounting which allows you to attach it to a trolling motor. Of course, the unit is also compatible with various other transducers, including the HDI skimmers, the Active Imaging 2-in-1, and the TotalScan transducer.

In terms of DownScan and SideScan sonar, the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer uses the 455/800 kHz channels. It offers scanning capabilities up to 300′ (91 m) at 455 kHz, while the side range of the SideScan beams reaches 300′ (91 m) on each side at 455 kHz, and 150′ (46 m) at 800 kHz (a bit better than the TotalScan transducer). The shape of the transducer beams is oval; their exact angles are not specified.

For the 2D sonar, the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer offers Mid/High CHIRP possibilities. It uses conical beams, not oval as for DownScan and SideScan. Again, their exact coverage isn’t specified. However, the maximum depth capability that can be reached while using the 83 kHz channel is 1,000′ (305 m).

In terms of operating speed, the AI 3-in-1 transducer should be able to maintain a bottom reading at up to 55 MPH if using the 2D CHIRP sonar. However, for SideScan and DownScan it’s recommended maximum speed of 10 MPH.

The Simrad GO5 XSE 000-14836-001 unit offers a wide array of sonar functions. Among them, we can count Overlay DownScan, Bottom Lock, Fish ID, TrackBack, Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm, and more. The new FishReveal feature is also available with this unit. FishReveal puts all the fish arches detected by the 2D CHIRP sonar beams into the DownScan Imaging view. Therefore, it gives you the possibility to make better assessments with regards to the position of fish targets in relation to the better-detailed structure, vegetation, or the bottom.

Navigation features

Since this is one of the 5″ Simrad units available, it does not support Radar. However, it does have the 10 Hz internal GPS receiver which offers position updates 10 times per second. It can provide position enhancements by WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS, also making available a GPS speed function.

The unit offers the possibility to store up to 3,000 waypoints in its memory and save up to 100 routes. It also has a trackplotting function which gives you the possibility to plot your course, and later on, convert your tracks into routes. For routes, the system includes support for Navionics Autorouting and C-MAP Easy Routing.

The unit’s internal chart platform is a worldwide basemap. These charts don’t offer too much detail. However, a C-MAP Pro microSD card is included with the unit. These charts offer full coverage of the US Inland and Coastal waters. Over 9,000 lakes in this chart base are covered with 1′ to 3′ depth contours. These charts also include fishing hotspots and other lake-specific points of interest.

Of course, the unit is compatible with a wide array of other charts. The list includes Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, C-Map Genesis, C-MAP Max N+, NV Digital and more. It is important to mention, though, that this unit does not have the Genesis Live application as the Lowrance Ti2 units, and does not have an internal map recording feature. However, since it’s compatible with all the charts from Navionics, it does offer SonarChart support.

In terms of navigation, TripIntel and Cruise Charting view are two features important to mention. TripIntel is a feature designed for power boaters; it tracks and displays key information for safe planning on the water. It allows you to plan fuel range in relation to your route length, offers access to current and future tide levels, and detailed history of your previous trips. The Cruise Charting view puts all the crucial data and charts available in one easily readable display.

Control unit features

The Simrad GO5 XSE Active Imaging 3-in-1 000-14836-001 features a 5-inch display, WVGA type, color TFT, with a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V. It has a highly intuitive, easy-to-use, multi-touch interface. In other words, it responds to all the touch commands as a tablet and does not have a side keypad like other fish finders, promoting a sleek, minimalistic aspect. It also has LED backlight (1,200 nits) and is IPX7 waterproof.

The box includes the classic tilt-swivel mount, an in-dash mounting kit, and a sun cover.

In terms of networking, the unit is NMEA 2000 compatible. It offers easy plug-and-play connectivity between other NMEA 2000 devices such as AIS units, or various other boating sensors (except Radar – only GO7 and above units support Radar).

The unit also has wireless connectivity. Its built-in WiFi module gives you the possibility to connect to a WiFi hotspot and download software updates or charts. Also, the wireless connection allows you to sync your unit with your smartphone via the Link App, in order to mirror your unit’s display on the smart device or use your smart device as a remote control for the Simrad unit.

Last but not least, this Simrad fish finder and GPS combo is equipped with a microSD card reader with one slot which you can either load with the included C-MAP Pro charts card, other chart cards from Navionics, C-MAP, NV Digital or Insight Genesis, or simply a blank microSD card for backups or data transfer.

The Pros

• Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar technology (2D CHIRP, SideScan, DownScan);
• ForwardScan capable;
• Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer included;
• 1,000 ft. depth capability;
• Fast chart updates, fast navigation through menus;
• Easy to use, intuitive interface, with touchscreen technology;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability;
• Various sonar functions, such as FishReveal, DownScan Overlay, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
• High precision, 10 Hz GPS;
• C-MAP Pro charts included;
• Compatible with a wide array of custom charts, including Nautic Insight PRO and HD, Navionics HotMaps Premium, Fishing HotSpots, Navionics+, Lake Insight PRO and HD, C-MAP MAX-N, and Insight Genesis;
• TripIntel™ and Cruise Charting view;
• GPS and sonar overlay data possibilities, via Insight Genesis;
• AIS capable;
• MicroSD card slot reader for data backup and transfer;
• NMEA 2000 connectivity;
• Wireless connectivity;
• Simrad SonicHub®2 & Bluetooth Audio Integration;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• Does not have its own sonar mapping feature;
• Touchscreen technology may also be a downside for a fish finder, as you’ll have to constantly wash your hands if you’re fishing, or constantly clean the display.

Summary

The Simrad GO5 XSE 000-14836-001 includes the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, the C-MAP Pro charts, has internal GPS, and wireless connectivity. It is also NMEA 2000 capable, offering plug-and-play possibilities with other NMEA devices, except Radar. It’s a multifunction display with a touchscreen interface, and also has a microSD card reader. It’s a great unit for both off-shore and inland fishing, offering excellent value for the price, considering that it includes both the transducer and the charts card.