Simrad GO7 XSR HDI Basemap

The GO7 XSR is one of the Simrad units released in 2018. This particular model is no longer available. It’s basically an updated version of the older GO7 XSE. It offers the same sonar and navigation features as the XSE model, but also supports radar. In this post, we’re going to address the Simrad GO7 XSR HDI with the basemap charts, the one that includes the classic HDI Skimmer transducer. For reference, this is the Simrad part number 000-14326-001.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, WVGA color TFT, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP, DownScan
• Depth Capability:
  1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  350 ft. (106 m) for DownScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  2D CHIRP: 83 kHz (52°) / 200 kHz (22°)
  DownScan: 455 kHz (56°) / 800 kHz (32°)
• Transducer: HDI Skimmer
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10-17 VDC
• GPS: 32-channel, 10 Hz internal
• Charts: Basemap
• Waypoints, routes, tracks: 6000, 500, 50

Sonar and transducer

The Simrad GO7 XSR HDI Basemap has several sonar applications. It offers 2D Broadband CHIRP sonar, DownScan, SideScan and ForwardScan. However, the included HDI Skimmer transducer only offers the possibility of using 2D CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging. In order to use SideScan, you will have to opt for a TotalScan transducer or order the 000-14077-001 model which includes the TotalScan transducer. While for ForwardScan, you will also need a different transducer.

The unit supports various base frequencies, such as 50/83/200 kHz for 2D, and 455/800 kHz for StructureScan. The included HDI transducer supports 83/200 kHz for the 2D Broadband CHIRP sonar. The CHIRP modulation intervals are not specified, but as a general idea, with this transducer, you will be able to use Medium Frequency CHIRP and High-Frequency CHIRP.

The HDI Skimmer includes a metallic transom mount, 20′ (6 m) of cable, and also has an internal temperature sensor. For 2D it uses conical beams that offer s coverage of 52° @ 83 kHz and 22° @ 200 kHz. For DownScan, the beams are wider but thin not conical. Their coverage is 56° @ 455 kHz, and 32° @ 800 kHz.

With the included transducer, this Simrad fish finder system offers a depth capability of 1,000′ (305 m) when using the 83 kHz beam, while for DownScan, the max. depth capability is approx. 350′ (106 m).

Of course, the unit offers the full range of standard sonar features. For example, it has the Fish ID function, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, various alarms, Depth Line, Split-Zoom, Overlay DownScan, Sonar Recording and more.

Navigation features

The Simrad GO7 XSR HDI Basemap is equipped with a 10 Hz 32-channel internal GPS. This means it can provide 10 position updates per second. It has a speed detection function and also provides position enhancements via WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS.

The unit offers waypoint creation, route creation, and track plotting functions. It can save up to 6,000 waypoints offering plenty of suggestive icons for them to personalize your maps better. It can also save 500 routes with up to 100 waypoints per route, and 50 tracks with up to 12,000 plots for each track.

When it comes to charts, the unit is pre-loaded with a Basemap chart 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.

Of course, the unit offers support for various premium charts. For example, you can opt for Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX N, C-MAP MAX N+ or Nautic Insight. 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.

The unit also offers the TripIntel page and boating instrument pages. TripIntel 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. The instrument pages consist of multiple gauges which can be customized to show important data with regards to engine, tank, fuel remaining, fuel consumption etc.

As we’ve mentioned above, the Simrad GO7 XSR offers Radar support. It has an internal Radar application and can communicate with Halo, Broadband or HD Radar modules. It offers autopilot functionality if an AC12N, AC42N, SG05 or a NAC-1 autopilot unit is connected via NMEA 2000, and of course, it can also show AIS data.

Control unit and networking features

The Simrad GO7 XSR is a full touchscreen unit. It doesn’t have a keypad like the NSS7 EVO3, but can be operated via an OP40 or an OP50 controller. It has a very intuitive, easy to use interface; you can customize your homepage with the most used applications for quick access. It also offers the possibility to work with up to three applications in split-screen. A U-type bracket mount is included with the unit, as well as a sun cover.

The unit has a 7″ display with a pixel matrix of 800H x 480V. It has integrated (white) LED backlight offering a screen brightness of 1200 nits, and an excellent readability even from sharp angles up to 80°. It’s also IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof, which essentially means that it can withstand incidental water exposure and even immersions in freshwater.

In terms of networking, the unit has an NMEA 2000 Micro-C port and an Ethernet port for Radar. It also has internal Wi-Fi. Therefore, you can connect online if a hotspot is available, in order to access the GoFree shop to download charts or software updates. Plus, the Wi-Fi connection allows you to sync your Simrad unit with your phone or tablet for data streaming and to access various other features.

The unit has one microSD card slot for cards up to a maximum of 32 GB. Therefore, you can use a Navionics or C-MAP charts card, or a blank card for data storage.

If your unit is integrated into an NMEA 2000 network, it can communicate to a SonicHub server or FUSION marine entertainment system for audio customization. Also, if connected to a WM-3 Satellite module with an active subscription, you can include SiriusXM products in your system.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar & DownScan sonar
• HDI Skimmer transducer included;
• SideScan capable;
• ForwardScan capable;
• 1,000′ 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 internal 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

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

Summary

The Simrad GO7 XSR HDI Basemap is a multifunction display offering 2D CHIRP sonar, DownScan, 10 Hz GPS, and compatibility with various premium charts. It includes the classic HDI transducer for 2D and DownScan, but the unit is also SideScan and ForwardScan capable. 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.