Simrad Buyers Guide
Sep/9/2011
Simrad offers a wide range of Multifunction units to satifsy the needs of any
recreational boater. From 7" color screens up to 12". Simrad is pioneering new
technologies that keep them at the forefront. These include Broadband Radar,
Broadband Sounders, Side Imaging, and CHIRP Sounder Technology. All Simrad NSS
and NSE model screens are fully networkable with each other. So you can have a
NSS at the lower helm and a NSE on the bridge and share peripheral devices like
radar. Here is a breakdown of their 2 popular series.
NSS Series - In 2011 Simrad launched their NSS Touchscreen Series to directly
compete with Garmin's 700, 5000 and 7000 series. The NSS units come in 7', 8'
ans 12". The NSS7 and NSS8 both have built in Fishfinders. So a separate
fishfinder module is not necessary. The NSS12 requires a BSM1 or BSM2 Fishfinder
Module. The NSS Series units all have a built-in GPS antenna. NSS units are
compatible with newer Simrad Open Array Radars and with the Broadband 3G Radome.
This series is also compatible with WM-2 Sirius Weather Module, LSS1 Side
imaging, and the SonicHub Audio Server. NSS units have a network port built
into the back, as well as a Video Input Port, Simnet, NMEA0183 and NMEA2000
port. NSS Units are pre-loaded with Simrad Nautic Insight Cartography
which covers the entire coast of the USA.
NSE Series - The NSE Series is Simrad's flagship line that comes in 8" and
12" screen sizes. These units use buttons instead of touchscreen. They are
built into a rugged metal chassis. These units have 3 network ports built
into the back, essentially a built-in hub. They also have video input.
They are compatible with all of Simrad's network devices such as the BSM1 and
BSM2, Broadband 3G Radar, Open Array Radars, WM-2 Weather Module, and LSS1 Side
imaging. These units can do Simnet, NMEA2000 via an adapter, and
NMEA0183.