Simrad NSX 3007 HDI C-MAP Discover X

The Simrad NSX series released at the beginning of 2022 includes three new MFDs (7″, 9″, and 12″) which are essentially meant to replace the older models of the Go series. These have a brand new operating system, a modern interface, powerful C-MAP navigation capabilities, and several other new features. In this post, we’re going to address the Simrad NSX 3007. To be more specific, this is the Simrad part number 000-15371-001, the one that comes with the C-MAP Discover X charts and the HDI Skimmer transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 7″ diagonal, 1024H x 600V pixel matrix, with adjustable LED backlight
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP, DownScan
• Transducer: HDI Skimmer
• Depth Capability (with the included transducer):
  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°)
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 12 V DC (10 – 17 V DC min – max)
• GPS: 32-channel, 10 Hz internal
• Charts: C-MAP Discover X
• Waypoints, routes, tracks: 6000, 500, 50
• Networking: Ethernet, NMEA 2000, WiFi

Sonar and transducer

The Simrad NSX 3007 supports direct connection to various Simrad transducers. It supports Active Imaging sonar, DownScan, and SideScan. It currently doesn’t support Active Target Live sonar, ForwardScan, or the Simrad S5100 multi-channel CHIRP sonar module, but future software releases will probably cover these, as well. For the standard CHIRP sonar, it supports 50/83/200 kHz, and for the structure scanning sonar, it supports 455/800 kHz.

As we’ve mentioned above, this is the NSX 3007 part number 000-15371-001 which includes the Med/High 455/800 kHz HDI Skimmer. This transducer features a thermoplastic construction, has 6 ft. (2 m) of cable with a 9-pin connector, and integrates a temperature sensor. It comes with a transom mount.

The transducer casts two conical beams for the unit’s supported standard CHIRP sonar. Their coverage is 52° @ 83 kHz and 22° @ 200 kHz. The exact CHIRP intervals are not specified. The maximum depth range that can be reached with the CHIRP sonar of this transducer is 1,000 ft. (305 m).

For DownScan, the transducer casts thin, oval beams. Their coverage is 56° @ 455 kHz, and 32° @ 800 kHz. The maximum depth range of the DownScan beam with the included transducer is approx. 305 ft. (106 m).

The unit offers a fairly decent range of standard sonar functions. To begin with, it has the FishReveal feature which offers the option to view the fish arches caught by the standard CHIRP sonar within the DownScan window. It also has the DownScan Overlay function that simply allows you to overlay the DownScan image on top of the standard CHIRP image. Among other features, we can count Sonar Recording, Fish ID, Gain Adjustment, Split Zoom, Temperature Graph, and more. However, since it’s a unit meant for usage on a boat, it does not have a Circular Flasher view.

Navigation features

In terms of navigation features, the Simrad NSX 3007 is essentially similar to the GO7 XSR model. However, it comes with the new C-MAP Discover X charts. These are truly next-generation charts, offering full-featured vector data, high-res bathymetry, custom depth shading, detailed marina port plans, harbor and approach details, tides and currents information, a new map inspector tool, smooth app integration, and more. The maps are not built in the unit; they come as a card. Also, with the purchase, you will benefit from free updates for 12 months.

The unit also supports the C-MAP Reveal X charts, which come with extra features, such as a shaded relief layer and satellite imagery. It’s important to mention that currently, the NSX units do not support Navionics charts, or other charts from C-MAP, only the Discover X, and the Reveal X charts. They also don’t have a bathymetric mapping feature like GenesisLive but do have a high-resolution bathymetry layer.

The unit is equipped with a 32-channel internal GPS system. It operates at 10 Hz, which means that it can provide position updates 10 times per second. It also supports GLONASS, MSAS, WAAS, and EGNOS for position augmentation.

Route creation, track recording, and waypoint-saving features are included as well. You can save up to 500 routes in its memory, 6,000 waypoints, and 50 tracks. Each route can have 100 route points, and each track can have 12,000 track points.

The unit supports HALO radar. It should work with 3G and 4G broadband radar units, but these have not been fully tested, and thus aren’t officially supported (at least not for now). It also supports autopilots; the list includes Simrad NAC-1, NAC-2, NAC-3, NAC-D, and SGO5. Trolling motors are not currently supported (support for them may be added in future software updates). The NSX 3007 also supports advanced engine monitoring.

Control unit features

First of all, the Simrad NSX 3007 features a 7-inch display, but with a richer pixel resolution than the older GO7 XSR (1024 x 600, up from 800 x 480). Since it’s an MFD (multifunction display), it is full-touchscreen; functions as a tablet, and does not have a keypad. Its screen brightness is >1200 nits, and the display offers excellent visibility from angles up to 85° (top, bottom, left, and right). It is also IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof.

As we’ve mentioned above, the Simrad NSX units have a brand new operating system called Neon. It was re-written from scratch, and has a highly intuitive interface. Its homepage can be easily customized with various shortcuts. It also supports various split-view formats, but not for IP cameras, just for the built-in applications.

The unit is equipped with four connectors, for Ethernet, NMEA 2000, power, and transducer. This particular unit does not have the USB port (this is only available with the 9-inch, and 12-inch models). It also has a microSD card port. Via Ethernet, you can connect radar modules and IP cameras (FLIR cameras are not supported), as well as Digital Switching. Via NMEA 2000, you can connect audio units such as SonicHub 2, Fusion, Kicker, Polk, and others, as well as auto-pilots and engine data.

The unit also has WiFi connectivity. You can connect it to a WiFi hotspot just like a tablet or laptop, in order to download software updates with ease. It is also compatible with the Simrad App. You can install this app on your phone or tablet, personalize charts, plot routes, add waypoints, etc., and then sync the data with your Simrad NSX chartplotter. You can also mirror your plotter on your phone via this app, as well as see other app users around you, benefit from weather data, and more.

Finally, the unit comes with a standard bracket mount. A flush mount, corner clips, and a unit cover are also included. The HDI skimmer transducer comes with a transom mount.

The Pros

• CHIRP and DownScan sonar;
• SideScan and Active Imaging capable;
• Med / High HDI skimmer transducer included;
• Depth range up to 1,000 ft. with the included transducer;
• Fast chart updates, fast navigation through menus;
• New and superior operating system;
• Setup Wizard feature for easy and intuitive setup;
• Easy to use, intuitive interface, with touchscreen technology;
• Super-bright display, excellent readability;
• Various sonar functions, such as FishReveal, Overlay DownScan, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
• 10 Hz internal GPS, 32-channel;
• C-MAP Discover X charts card included;
• Supports C-MAP Reveal X charts;
• Supports AIS;
• Supports HALO radar units;
• Supports broadband 3G/4G radar units;
• Engine data view;
• Autopilot integration;
• One microSD card slot;
• NMEA 2000 connectivity (1 Micro-C port);
• Ethernet connectivity;
• Wireless connectivity;
• Simrad app integration;
• Richer pixel resolution than the previous Go series models (1024 x 600);
• Sun cover included;
• In-dash mounting kit included;
• Available in multiple language packs.

The Cons

• Does not have the Genesis Live feature;
• Does not support other charts than C-MAP Discover X and Reveal X (at least not for now);
• Does not have a Circular Flasher feature.

Summary

The Simrad NSX 3007 HDI C-MAP Discover X is a fish finder and chartplotter multifunction display (MFD). It comes with the HDI skimmer transducer for standard CHIRP and Down Imaging, has internal GPS, and comes with the C-MAP Discover X charts. It also offers superior networking features, such as Ethernet, NMEA 2000, and wireless connectivity.