Simrad NSS9 evo3S

The NSS evo3S is a series of Simrad fish finder and chartplotter combos released in 2020. They’re not much different as range of features and design from the older NSS evo3 units but they do come with a new iMX 8 high-performance processor with offers super-fast response times considerably improving the unit’s functionality. In this post, we’re going to address the Simrad NSS9 evo3S part number 000-15402-001, the one that comes with the C-MAP Enhanced Charts. The unit 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: US C-MAP Enhanced Basemap
• Waypoints, Routes, Tracks: 6000, 500, 50
• Networking: Ethernet, NMEA 2000, Bluetooth, WiFi

Sonar features

The Simrad NSS9 evo3S is a multifunction display that supports multiple sonar technologies. The list includes standard CHIRP sonar, DownScan, SideScan, ForwardScan, and StructureScan 3D. It does not support ActiveTarget live sonar, though. It also supports multiple base frequencies, including 50/83/200 kHz for standard CHIRP sonar, and 455/800 kHz. It does not support 1000 kHz frequencies, though.

As we’ve mentioned above, the unit does not include a transducer. However, it is compatible with multiple transducers. The list includes the TotalScan transducer, the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transduccer, the LSS HD transducer, the ForwardScan transducer, the Lowrance HDI skimmer, the 83/200 kHz skimmer, the 50/200 skimmer, and the StructureScan 3D pack (transducer + 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 have another look at the sonar history.

Navigation features

To begin with, the Simrad NSS9 evo3S is equipped with a 34-channel, 10 Hz GPS antenna. This being said, it provides position updates 10 times per second. The unit can save up to 6,000 waypoints in its memory, 500 routes, and 50 tracks. Each route can have up to 100 waypoints, and each track can have up to 12,000 points. Of course, the unit’s GPS supports WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN, Beidou, and Galileo data for position augmentation.

The unit’s internal chart platform is the C-MAP Enhanced Basemap. This chart platform offers extra detailing compared to the basic C-MAP included with all three NSS evo3S models. It offers inland coverage with 1-foot contours for more than 4,000 U.S. lakes, and 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.

It’s important to mention that, unlike the older NSS evo3 units, the newer NSS evo3S models do not support Genesis Live. At least not for now. However, if loaded with a Navionics+ or Navionics Platinum+ chart card, the unit can use the SonarChart application for bathymetric mapping. Also, the unit can read maps created with C-MAP Genesis.

One of the prime features offered by the NSS9 evo3S is its Radar application. 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 NSS evo3S features a 9-inch SolarMAX IPS display with a pixel resolution of 1280H x 720V with ultra-wide viewing angles and viewable with polarized sunglasses. Its interface combines keypad and touchscreen technology. It is highly intuitive and very easy to use. Its homepage can be customized with the most used applications or application combos for ease of access and provides various split-screen possibilities.

As we’ve mentioned above, the unit is equipped with an ultra-fast iMX 8 processor for superior performance and seamless application usage. It is IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof which essentially means that it can withstand high-pressure, heavy sprays of water, and in general, incidental water exposure.

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 to 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 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 NSS9 evo3S is a multifunction display offering CHIRP sonar, DownScan, SideScan, ForwardScan, and StructureScan 3D support. It has a 10 Hz internal GPS receiver, the C-MAP Enhanced Basemap, offers a wide array of networking features, and is compatible with multiple other boating instruments such as Broadband and Halo Radars, Sirius XM radios, autopilots, and more. It also has wireless connectivity (Bluetooth and WiFi) so you can easily download or upload data, as well as control it remotely from your smartphone. It’s a great boating tool for both inland and off-shore fishing, for a wide array of boats.