Simrad NSS7 evo2 Combo Insight

The Simrad NSS7 evo2 Combo is a fish finder and chartplotter featuring advanced sonar and navigation functions. However, this is the 000-11184-001 model, the one which does not include a transducer but is compatible with a wide array of transducer models. As the title suggests, this unit comes with the U.S. Insight charts bundle.

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, DownScan, ForwardScan)
• Transducer: Not included
• Power Input: 9-32V DC
• GPS: 10 Hz internal
• Charts: U.S. Insight
• Waypoints: 10,000

Sonar features

Although we’ve mentioned in the introduction of this post, we’re going to underline once more that the Simrad 000-11184-001 does not include a transducer. It is compatible, though, with many transducer types, including the TotalScan transducer, the classic HDI Skimmer 000-10976-001, the 50/200 kHz HDI Skimmer 000-10977-001, or other models such as the B258 or B75M.

This Simrad fish finder integrates several sonar technologies including 2D broadband CHIRP sonar, DownScan Imaging, SideScan Imaging and ForwardScan Imaging. It’s also capable of StructureScan 3D if paired with a StructureScan 3D module. The 2D broadband CHIRP sonar should be usable with most types of transducers, but in order to use StructureScan sonar technology, you will need a StructureScan capable transducer. For example, if you want to use DownScan and SideScan, plus two 2D sonar frequencies (83/200 kHz), the TotalScan transducer is the best choice. In case you want only DownScan, the HDI Skimmer may be your best option, as it’s cheaper than the TotalScan model. Also, if you want to use ForwardScan sonar, you will need a ForwardScan transducer.

This Simrad fish finder is capable of several frequencies for its 2D sonar, including 50/83/200 kHz. Since it’s a CHIRP unit, depending on the transducer used, each frequency interval will vary. Also depending on the transducer, you opt for the system’s depth capabilities may vary. For example, with a 50 kHz transducer for deep water fishing, such as the B258, you should be able to scan depths up to 3000 ft (914 m).

Although the unit features several advanced sonar technologies, it still has most of the standard sonar functions. These include Fish ID, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Depth Line, Zoom Bars, DownScan Overlay, Sonar Recording, Fish Alarm, etc.

Navigation functions

The Simrad NSS7 evo2 Combo Insight offers a very consistent palette of navigation functions. To begin with, it is equipped with a fast and accurate, 10 Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver, which updates your position 10 times per second, being ideal for fast boats. The GPS system is fast enough to provide real-time position data, without jumps from a point to another. Via GPS, the unit can also calculate the speed of your boat.

Just like the Simrad GO7 XSE 000-12671-001, the NSS7 evo2 000-11184-001 comes with the Insight USA charts. These charts offer advanced details for over 8,000 US lakes and rivers, with detailed contour lines, relief shading, shoreline details, and depth soundings to 1,000′. However, the unit is compatible with Navionics Hotmaps and Hotspots, Navionics+, and C-MAP MAX-N charts. This Simrad unit can also use Insight Genesis charts. Even more, you can upload your sounder logs to Insight Genesis in order to create custom maps.

An excellent function available with the Simrad NSS7 evo2 is TripIntel™. This function allows you to track and display information required for safe trips. It gives you the possibility to make smart decisions regarding the fuel range required for a trip, tide information overlaid on charts, detailed history of your previous trips, data regarding the performance of your boat during previous trips, etc. Evidently, it can record tracks, convert tracks into routes, and save up to 10,000 waypoints.

Another extremely useful feature available with this unit, especially for larger vessels, is Bridge Control. This feature allows you to manage multiple displays across a helm station. You can link up to four displays as a bridge and create your own bridge presets for various activities such as diving, fishing, navigation or docking. On vessels with multiple stations, it allows you to define up to four bridges. Each bridge has its own displays and presets. For example, you can dedicate the cockpit with the echosounder and StructureScan displays for fishing, while setting up your flybridge displays to navigation and autopilot.

The unit supports AIS and Radar units. If a NAIS400, an AI50 or a NMEA 2000 VHF that can do AIS (Automatic Identification System) is connected to the NSS evo2, then any targets detected by these devices can be displayed and tracked. You can also see messages and position for DSC transmitting devices within range. The same goes for radar units. If a radar unit is connected to the Simrad unit via NMEA or cable, the unit can display radar data. There are several radar modes, including Custom, Harbor, Offshore, Weather, and Bird. A radar recording function is also available.

Control unit features

The Simrad NSS7 evo2 features a 7-inch LCD display, WVGA color TFT, with a pixel resolution of 800 x 480 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. It integrates LED backlight (1200 nits), a feature that offers excellent readability in direct sunlight, or from sharp angles. It’s IPX7 waterproof, which essentially means it can withstand incidental water exposure.

The unit combines touchscreen with traditional keypad navigation. Therefore, you can use it either as a tablet or in case high waves and excessive boat movement, you can use the buttons and the rotary push-to-enter dial on the right side of the unit.

The NSS7 evo2 uses the Simrad Yachting HEROiC software, which allows common gestures that smartphone and tablet users will find familiar. A new Nav page puts key navigational info together in one place and a favorites function gives you the possibility to group up and quickly access the functions you use the most.

This unit also has the GoFree™ Wireless feature. Wherever you have a wireless internet connection, whether it’s your home Wi-Fi and your boat is in your driveway, or it’s the marina’s Wi-Fi while you’re at the dock, the GoFree™ feature allows you to connect to the GoFree Shop in order to download charts or other software, upload radar or sonar logs, software updates etc. It also gives you the possibility to control your unit remotely from an iPad or Android tablet. The GoFree™ wireless connectivity requires a WIFI-1 module which is not included, though.

This Simrad unit offers excellent networking possibilities. It has an Ethernet port and a NMEA 2000 port. It is equipped with a dual microSD card reader which gives you the possibility to upgrade its charts, store and transfer data, etc. It also has a video camera input, so if you connect it to a compatible camera, you can view its live feed on the unit’s display. As for transducers, it has two ports, one for CHIRP and conventional models, and one for structure scan models.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar, DownScan, SideScan, and ForwardScan;
• Fast chart updates, fast navigation through menus;
• Easy to use, intuitive interface, with touchscreen technology and keypad navigation;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability;
• Various sonar functions, such as DownScan Overlay, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
• High precision, 10 Hz GPS;
• Insight USA 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;
• Bridge Control feature included;
• GPS and sonar overlay data possibilities, via Insight Genesis;
• Wireless connectivity via the GoFree app;
• AIS capable;
• Radar capable;
• Dual MicroSD card reader for data backup and transfer;
• NMEA 2000 connectivity;
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity;
• Simrad SonicHub®2 & Bluetooth Audio Integration;
• Available in 31 language packs;
• Easy to install.

The Cons

• Transducer not included;
• Mounting bracket not included.

Summary

The Simrad NSS7 evo2 is a multifunction display which offers both navigation and sonar features. It has 2D CHIRP sonar and StructureScan, as well as a fast GPS and the US Insight charts. It offers a wide array of other navigation and boating features which makes an extremely versatile and useful boating tool. This unit doesn’t include a transducer but is compatible with many models, including the TotalScan transducer and the HDI Skimmer (83/200 kHz or 50/200 kHz). It’s an excellent unit for medium and even large vessels, designed specifically for off-shore fishing and navigation, but can be very effective on lakes and other inland bodies of water as well.