Simrad GO7 XSR Basemap TotalScan

The Simrad GO7 XSR is a newer version of the GO7 XSE. It’s a multifunction display offering structure scanning sonar, traditional sonar, and a wide palette of navigation features including GPS, chart support. Also, as opposed to the GO7 XSE model, it offers Radar support.

In this post, we’re going to cover the GO7 XSR part number 000-14077-001. This one also includes the TotalScan transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, 16:9 aspect ratio, WVGA color TFT, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP, StructureScan (SideScan and DownScan)
• Depth Capability:
  • 1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  • 300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 50/83/200/455/800 kHz
  • 300′ (91 m) on each side – 455 kHz SideScan
  • 100′ (30 m) on each side – 800 kHz SideScan
• Transducer: TotalScan with transom mount
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10-17 VDC
• Power Consumption: 950 mA @ 13.5 V
• GPS: 32-channel, 10 Hz internal
• Charts: Basemaps
• Waypoints, routes, tracks: 6000, 500, 50

Sonar and transducer

The Simrad GO7 XSR has several built-in sonar applications. These are traditional 2D CHIRP sonar, DownScan and SideScan. It also supports ForwardScan, but for this type of sonar you will need a different transducer.

The unit itself supports multiple frequencies, but with the included TotalScan transducer, you can only benefit from 83/200 kHz for the traditional sonar and Mid-Range/High-Range CHIRP, while for structure scanning, this transducer supports 455/800 kHz for both DownScan and SideScan. The TotalScan transducer also integrates a temperature sensor (the unit can provide temperature readings as well), and approx. 24′ (7.3 m) of cable.

The system’s depth capabilities with this transducer are 1,000′ (305 m) @ 83 kHz, 500′ (153 m) @ 200 kHz, and approx. 300′ (91 m) for DownScan and SideScan. Also, the maximum speed at which the transducer can keep a bottom reading is 40-50 MPH, but in order to obtain the best quality and a maximum of targets, it’s recommended to scan at speeds lower than 10 MPH.

The TotalScan transducer uses conical beams for the 2D sonar and thin beam for DownScan/SideScan. Their exact coverage is not specified, but as a general idea, the DownScan/SideScan beams offer more coverage than the 2D beams. Also, the SideScan beams can extend up to 300′ (91 m) on each side of the boat.

The unit offers a consistent base of standard sonar features. To begin with it has Overlay DownScan similar to the Lowrance units. This feature allows you to blend the 2D sonar with the DownScan, in order to get a better view of the fish arches in relation to structure shown by the DownScan. Fish ID is also included. This application assigns fish icons to targets interpreted as fish by the unit, which can be very helpful. Other than these, the unit also has A-Scope, Split-Zoom, Sonar Recording, various alarms, and more.

Navigation features

The Simrad GO7 XSR is equipped with a 10 Hz, 32-channel internal GPS which can provide position updates 10 times per second. A GPS speed function is available as well. Plus, the unit’s GPS system can provide position enhancements via WAAS, MSAS and EGNOS.

The unit can save up to 6,000 waypoints in its memory. However, it only has 90 MB of internal storage, so for sonar recording, you will have to use a blank data microSD card. The unit also has route creation and track plotting functions. It can save up to 500 routes in its memory, with 100 points per route, and up to 50 tracks with up to 12,000 points per track. Of course, each track can be converted into a route.

In terms of charts, the Simrad GO7 XSR 000-14077-001 only has the Basemap platform. These charts don’t offer too much detail. But still, they offer the possibility to clearly view the boundaries between land and water allowing at least a minimum of awareness. On the other hand, the unit supports Nautic Insight charts, Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX N and C-MAP MAX N+. If you opt for a Navionics charts chip, you can also benefit from the SonarChart™ Live feature which allows you to create a depth contour overlay on your charts using live sonar data from the echosounder.

TripIntel™ is another useful navigation feature available with this unit. It tracks and displays the key information you need to plan your trip safely. With this feature at hand, you can make smart decisions with fuel range overlaid on charts, easy access to current and future tide levels, and a detailed history of your previous trips including the route you took and how your boat performed.

Instrument pages are also available. These consist of multiple gauges that can be customized to show selected data such as fuel/engine information, engine, and tank information.

Finally, as we’ve mentioned above, the XSR unit supports Halo, Broadband and HD Radars. It can communicate with AIS units via NMEA 2000 as well. Plus, if an AC12N, AC42N, SG05 or a NAC-1 autopilot computer is connected to the unit via NMEA 2000, autopilot functionality is available.

Control unit and networking features

As its name suggests, the Simrad GO7 XSR has a 7-inch diagonal (color) display. Its pixel matrix is standard 800×480. It has built-in adjustable LED backlight which provides an excellent view of the applications onscreen even from angles as sharp as 80°. It is also IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof which means that it can withstand incidental water exposure, water jet exposure, and even immersions in freshwater.

The unit’s interface is multi-touch; you operate it just as any other touchscreen device. It does not have a keypad, only the on-off button, but can be operated via an OP40 or OP50 controller via an NMEA 2000 network.

The unit’s interface is highly intuitive. You can pin various applications to the homepage for quick access. It also offers the possibility to view and work with up to three applications in split-screen.

In terms of networking, the unit has an Ethernet port for Radar and an NMEA 2000 Micro-C port. It does not have any NMEA 0183 ports but can export NMEA 0183 via Wi-Fi.

The unit’s internal Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect online at any hotspot in order to access the GoFree shop, download charts, get system updates, and access various other features. Also, the Wi-Fi connection allows you to sync your Simrad unit with your smartphone or tablet and control it from your smart device.

Also, if a SonicHub server or a FUSION marine entertainment system is connected to the NMEA 2000 network, you can use the GO XSR to control and customize the audio system on your vessel. When connected to a WM-3 Satellite module with an active subscription, you can include SiriusXM products on your system.

Last but not least, the box includes the U-type mounting bracket and a sun cover.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar, DownScan, and SideScan;
• ForwardScan capable;
• TotalScan transducer included;
• 1,000 ft. depth capability (3,000 with a 50/200 kHz transducer);
• 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 Overlay DownScan, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
• 10 Hz GPS, 32-channel;
• 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;
• Supports AIS;
• Supports 3G/4G and Halo Radars;
• MicroSD card reader;
• NMEA 2000 connectivity;
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity;
• Simrad SonicHub®2 & Bluetooth Audio Integration;
• Sun cover included;
• Available in multiple language packs;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• Transom mount only for the transducer;
• Only one microSD card slot;
• No NMEA 0183 ports.

Summary

The Simrad GO7 XSR is a multifunction display offering 2D CHIRP sonar, DownScan, SideScan, 10 Hz GPS, and compatibility with various premium charts. It includes the TotalScan transducer. It offers superior networking possibilities, featuring Ethernet Radar and NMEA 2000 ports. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It’s an excellent system for small to medium boats, inland and even off-shore fishing, offering an excellent value for the price.