Simrad NSS12 evo3S

The NSS evo3S are some of the fish finder and chartplotter MFDs released by Simrad in 2020. In this post, we’re going to address the NSS12 evo3s, the model with a 12-inch display. Similar to the NSS9 evo3S that we’ve already covered here, this model does not include a transducer. It’s also superior to the older evo3S, as it comes with the new iMX 8 high-performance processor and has several extra features. For reference, this is the Simrad part number 000-15403-001.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: SolarMAX™ IPS, 12″ diagonal, 1280H x 800V 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: US C-MAP Enhanced Basemap
• Waypoints, Routes, Tracks: 6000, 500, 50
• Networking: Ethernet, NMEA 2000, Bluetooth, WiFi

Sonar features

The Simrad NSS12 evo3S fish finder supports several types of sonar, including SideScan, DownScan, ForwardScan, and standard CHIRP sonar. It also supports StructureScan 3D but does not support ActiveTarget live sonar.

The unit supports multiple base frequencies, including 50/83/200 kHz for the standard CHIRP sonar, and 455/800 kHz for structure scanning. However, it does not support 1000 kHz, like the Garmin GPSMAP 743xsv, for example. It does not include a transducer, but it is compatible with a wide array of transducers from Airmar and Lowrance. For example, you can pair it with the classic TotalScan transducer, or other transducer models such as the Active Imaging 3-in-1, LSS HD Skimmer, ForwardScan, the classic HDI skimmers for 83/200 kHz or 50/200 kHz, and more. In order to use StructureScan 3D, you will also need to opt for the external sonar module.

The unit offers a wide array of standard sonar features. The list includes Amplitude Scope, Fish ID, Depth Line, Overlay DownScan, Sonar Zoom, Bottom Lock, Various Alarms, and more. It also has the FishReveal feature, similar to the Lowrance fish finders from the Hook Reveal series. This application allows you to view the fish arches from the CHIRP sonar into the DownScan window. And finally, the unit also has Sonar Recording so you can rewind and review sonar history.

Navigation features

The Simrad NSS12 evo3S is pre-loaded with the United States C-MAP Enhanced Basemap. This chart platform offers coverage for the U.S. inland lakes offering 1-foot contour detailing for more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs. It also offers U.S. coastal coverage including Hawaii and Alaska. Of course, the unit supports various premium charts, including C-MAP MAX-N, C-MAP MAX-N+, Navionics Gold & HotMaps, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, and NV Digital US Raster charts.

The unit is equipped with a 34-channel, 10 Hz internal GPS. This means that it can provide position updates 10 times per second. It supports WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN, Beidou, and Galileo data for position augmentation, and also has a GPS speed function. Plus, you can save up to 6,000 waypoints in its memory, 500 routes, and 50 tracks. Each track can have up to 12,000 points, and each route can contain up to 100 waypoints.

Unlike the newer Lowrance Elite FS 9 unit, this Simrad chartplotter does not support Genesis Live mapping. At least not for now. Future software updates may include this feature, though. But nonetheless, if you opt for a Navionics+ charts card, you should be able to use the SonarChart feature for custom map creation.

The TripIntel page is available as well. TripIntel offers a graphical representation of your trip on the charts as well as various other trip data such as distance covered, time spent on the water, maximum speed, average speed, and more. It also keeps a historical record of your trips, so you can compare data if necessary.

The NSS12 evo3S offers Radar support. Although this particular unit does not come with a Radar module, the unit itself is compatible with Halo Pulse Compression Radars, Broadband Radars, and HD Pulse Radars. You can actually connect any combination of two supported Radars to the unit and view their feed in split-screen.

The Radar application can be overlayed on the chart platform for a better correlation between the charted objects and Radar targets. Sea clutter and rain clutter filters are also features available with the unit’s Radar application. Plus, the unit can receive AIS data over NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 and offers autopilot integration.

Control unit features

The Simrad NSS12 evo3S features a 12-inch color display with a pixel matrix of 1280H x 800V. It is a SolarMax IPS type display with super bright backlight for improved readability in direct sunlight. It also offers polarized support, so you can read the data displayed by it while wearing polarized sunglasses.

The unit has a highly intuitive, easy-to-use interface. It combines keypad navigation with touchscreen technology. It offers multiple split-view possibilities so you can work with several apps at once. Its homepage can be customized with the most used apps and app combinations.

As we’ve mentioned above, this Simrad unit is equipped with the new iMX 8 processor which provides superior performance. In other words, it offers a quick scroll through the applications and seamless usage.

The unit offers an extensive array of networking features. To begin with, it has NMEA 2000 and Ethernet ports so you can easily integrate it into an already existing boat network so it can communicate with various other boating instruments. A video port is also available. Therefore, you can view camera sources on the display of your Simrad chartplotter.

Bluetooth and WiFi functions are available as well. Thus, you can connect the unit to the internet or sync it with your smartphone for data downloads or uploads, and even control it remotely from the screen of your phone or tablet. It is compatible with Sirius XM systems so if you have a Sirius XM receiver, you can control it from the audio bar of the unit.

The unit is IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof, which technically means that it should be able to withstand incidental water exposure. It has two microSD card slots which you can load with various chart cards or data cards for backups or data transfer. It comes with the standard Gimbal bracket. The box also includes a sun cover and an in-dash mounting kit.

The Pros

• CHIRP 2D sonar, DownScan, SideScan, ForwardScan, and StructureScan 3D capable;
• iMX 8 high-performance processor for ultra-fast response times;
• User-friendly, highly-intuitive interface;
• Touchscreen and keypad navigation;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability (80°/80°);
• Various sonar functions, such as DownScan Overlay, FishReveal, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
• Internal 34-channel, 10 Hz GPS;
• US C-MAP Enhanced Basemap;
• 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;
• StructureMap feature included;
• Full autopilot control and commissioning;
• WiFi connectivity for data download/upload and smartphone/tablet control or data streaming;
• Bluetooth connectivity and SonicHub 2 compatible;
• Supports AIS through NMEA 2000;
• Supports Broadband, Halo, and HD Pulse Radar;
• Dual microSD card reader for data backup and transfer;
• NMEA 2000 Micro-C port;
• Ethernet port;
• Fusion-Link support;
• Video camera connectivity;
• Fairly easy to install.

The Cons

• A transducer is not included;
• Does not support GenesisLive.

Summary

The Simrad NSS12 evo3S is a fish finder and chartplotter featuring CHIRP sonar, DownScan, SideScan, ForwardScan, and StructureScan 3D support. It has a 10 Hz built-in GPS, it is pre-loaded with the C-MAP Enhanced Basemap, and offers a wide array of networking features, such as NMEA 2000, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and WiFi. It also supports Broadband and Halo Radars, Sirius XM radios, autopilots, and more. It’s a versatile multi-function display, great for a wide array of boats, for inland and off-shore fishing and navigation.