Simrad NSS9 evo3 Insight Pro

Although the NSS evo3 units were released in 2017, they’re still available at the moment. In this post, we’re going to address the Simrad NSS9 evo3 unit, which is a fish finder and chartplotter with impressive networking capabilities, equipped with the Insight Pro charts and compatible with a wide array of transducers. This is the part number 000-13234-001, though, the model that does not include a transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: SolarMAX™ HD, 9″ diagonal, 1280H x 720V pixel matrix, color, with LED backlight
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP, StructureScan (SideScan, DownScan, ForwardScan)
• Transducer: Not included
• Power Input: 10-31.2V DC
• GPS: 10 Hz internal, 34 channels
• Charts: U.S. Insight Pro
• Waypoints, Routes, Tracks: 6000, 500, 50

Sonar features

Similar to the NSS7 evo3 that we’ve already reviewed, the Simrad 000-13234-001 has a wide array of sonar options. Its built-in sonar types are 2D CHIRP, DownScan, SideScan, and ForwardScan. It does not support LiveSight sonar like the new Lowrance HDS-9 Live, though.

The unit does not include a transducer, but it is compatible with quite a few transducer models. The list includes single-channel CHIRP, 50/200 kHz, TotalScan, LSS HD, and the ForwardScan transducers. Most anglers recommend the Lowrance TotalScan transducer for this unit as it is the most versatile and doesn’t require an external sonar module. This transducer can operate at 83/200 kHz for the 2D CHIRP sonar, offering the possibility to use High-Band CHIRP and Mid-Band CHIRP, and at 455/800 kHz for StructureScan, offering the possibility to use DownScan and SideScan. The Lowrance standard HDI Skimmer can also be used with this unit, as well as the Airmar TM260, the Airmar P66, the ForwardScan transducer, and many more. It is important to mention, though, that the NSS9 evo3 does not support the Active Imaging 2-in-1 and Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducers.

In terms of external sonar modules, this Simrad fish finder is compatible with the SonarHub, BSM-3, and BSM-2. These offer greater depth scanning possibilities (up to 10,000 ft – 3,000m), and if paired with a 50/200 kHz transducer, this Simrad fish finder system is ideal for off-shore, deep water fishing.

The NSS9 evo3 unit offers a wide array of standard sonar features as well. The list includes DownScan Overlay, A-Scope, Fish ID, Bottom Lock, Sonar Recording, Sonar Rewind, several alarms, and more.

Navigation features

As the title suggests, this Simrad fish finder and chartplotter is equipped with the Insight Pro charts. This chart platform combines U.S. coastal coverage from C-MAP with inland lake coverage from Lake Insight Pro. It includes all of the Lake Insight maps, many new lakes, and updates from Insight Genesis, C-MAP’s inland coverage, Fishing Hot Spots points of interest, as well as the coastal charts from C-MAP. It offers high-definition 1-3-foot depth contours for thousands of lakes, new state fish and wildlife regulations, and you can also benefit from free updates from the Insight Genesis Social Map.

The unit is also compatible with premium charts from Navionics and C-MAP. It supports Navionics Gold, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX N, and C-MAP MAX N+. The unit does not support Genesis Live like the new Lowrance HDS-Live or Elite Ti2 units, but you can still benefit from the SonarChart application if you opt for a Navionics+ or Navionics Platinum+ charts card.

This Simrad unit also has the StructureMap feature. This application allows you to overlay recorded images from the SideScan sonar (if you have a SideScan transducer) onto the maps for better awareness. You can also upload your StructureMap created maps on the Insight Genesis base, or download already created maps from there, using the internal wireless connection, if a Wi-Fi hotspot is available.

The Simrad NSS9 evo3 has a built-in 34-channel, 10 Hz GPS receiver. This being said, it provides position updates 10 times per second. It has a horizontal position accuracy of 3 m (9.8 ft). It offers position augmentation possibilities via MSAS, EGNOS, and WAAS. It also has a GPS speed function.

The unit can save up to 6,000 waypoints in its memory. It also has route creation and track plotting functions. It can save up to 500 routes with up to 100 waypoints per route, and up to 50 tracks with up to 12,000 track points for each track.

As we’ve mentioned above, this Simrad evo3 unit excels in networking capabilities. Therefore, it supports Broadband Radar, Halo Pulse Compression Radar, and HD Pulse Radar. It also supports AIS data, full autopilot control, and commissioning.

Control unit features

To begin with, the NSS9 evo3 Insight Pro unit features a highly intuitive, keypad-assisted touchscreen interface. This being said, it can be operated via touch just like any regular tablet or smartphone, but you can also navigate through its menus or launch any functions via the keypad on the right. You can customize its homepage with the most used applications, and you can work with up to four applications per view in split-screen format.

Since it’s an NSS9 unit, it has a 9-inch SolarMAX HD display with ultra-wide viewing angles (80° top/bottom, 80° left/right), and provides an excellent readability in direct sunlight. Its pixel resolution is 1280H x 720V, offering very sharp imaging. It is also IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof, which essentially means that it can withstand incidental water exposure with no problem.

The unit offers superior networking possibilities. It supports NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 (1 x NMEA 2000 Micro-C port, 1 LEN), and Ethernet (1 x 5 pin yellow connector). It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The internal Wi-Fi module allows you to connect your unit to various hotspots for data download or upload, or benefit from smartphone monitoring or tablet control. The Bluetooth feature allows your unit to communicate with a SonicHub 2 module, in order to control various audio devices.

Its internal memory storage is 16 GB, so it can hold plenty of recorded data. However, it also has a dual microSD card reader which allows you to load it with a Navionics or C-MAP charts carts, or with a blank card for data backup and sonar recordings.

Finally, the unit includes a standard bracket mount but the option of a flush mount is also available. A unit cover is also included.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar, DownScan, SideScan, and ForwardScan;
• StructureScan 3D capable;
• Fast chart updates, fast navigation through menus;
• User-friendly, highly-intuitive interface;
• Touchscreen and keypad navigation;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability (80°/80°);
• Various sonar functions, such as DownScan Overlay, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
• Internal 34-channel, 10 Hz GPS;
• US Insight Pro charts included;
• Compatible with a wide array of premium charts such as Navionics Gold, Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX N and C-MAP MAX N+;
• TripIntel™ and Cruise Charting view;
• Bridge Control feature included;
• StructureMap feature included;
• Full autopilot control and commissioning;
• Wi-Fi connectivity for data download/upload and smartphone/tablet control or data streaming;
• Bluetooth connectivity and SonicHub 2 compatible;
• AIS and Radar capable;
• Dual MicroSD card reader for data backup and transfer;
• NMEA 0183 ports;
• NMEA 2000 Micro-C port;
• Ethernet support;
• Fusion-Link support;
• FLIR camera support (2 ports);
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• Transducer is not included;
• Flush mount is not included;
• Does not support the new Active Imaging transducers.

Summary

The Simrad NSS9 evo3 Insight Pro offers 2D CHIRP sonar, SideScan, DownScan, ForwardScan, 10 Hz GPS, and the US Insight Pro charts. It does not include a transducer but does support a wide array of transducers from Lowrance and Airmar, such as the TotalScan, LSS HD, 50/200 kHz and more. It’s also highly networkable and supports many navigation tools such as Radar, AIS, FLIR cameras and more. In all, it’s a versatile fish finder and chartplotter, great for a wide array of boats, inland and off-shore fishing.