Simrad NSO evo3S MPU Marine Processor (Black-Box)
Simrad NSO evo3S MPU Marine Processor (Black-Box) — Product description
Simrad's compact black-box Marine Processing Unit at the core of the NSO evo3S glass-helm system. Two quad-core processors, support for two independent monitors (touchscreen or non-touch), full Simrad ecosystem integration over Ethernet, NMEA 2000, and NMEA 0183, and video inputs for camera feeds. The MPU is the brain. The monitors and HID inputs are sold separately for a fully tailored helm.
The NSO evo3S MPU is what serious yacht and powerboat owners buy when they don't want their helm dictated by the bezel and shape of an all-in-one chartplotter. The processor is a black-box unit, roughly 11 by 9 inches by 2.5 inches deep and 2.33 pounds, that mounts hidden inside the helm console. From there it drives up to two independent marine monitors at the helm and (optionally) at a flybridge or secondary station. You choose the monitor make, size, and bezel style to match the dash. You choose the HID controls (Simrad's wireless OP50 or OP70 keypads, a marine trackball, or a separate touchscreen monitor) to match how you actually operate the boat. The result is a glass helm that looks designed for the boat rather than retrofitted to it.
Two quad-core processors inside the chassis handle the rendering and the network traffic, which on a glass-helm system that's running a chart on one monitor and a Halo radar overlay on the other (plus a network sonar window) is what keeps the picture responsive when you pan, zoom, or split-screen. The dual-CPU architecture is what separates the NSO evo3S from the single-CPU all-in-one chartplotters: each monitor gets its own dedicated processing pipeline, so a heavy sonar refresh on one screen doesn't slow down a chart pan on the other. For boats with serious electronics stacks (radar, multiple sonar transducers, autopilot, engine integration, cameras) the processing headroom is what makes the difference between a system that responds and one that lags behind your hands.
Network connectivity is the second reason this processor lands on bigger powerboats. Ethernet is the high-speed backbone for radar, network sonar like StructureScan and ActiveTarget, and chartplotter-to-chartplotter data sharing between multiple stations. NMEA 2000 covers the standard data instruments, autopilot heads, VHF radios, AIS receivers, fuel and engine data, and digital switching. NMEA 0183 handles legacy gear that hasn't been retrofitted to 2000 yet. Two video inputs accept analog camera feeds (engine room, livewell, cockpit, dock cam, infrared night vision) that show up as picture-in-picture or as full screens on the connected monitors. One video output mirrors the processor's display to an external monitor or video distribution amp for multi-station setups. Wi-Fi is available with the optional external Wi-Fi module for cloud chart updates and app pairing.
The MPU itself is built for the helm console environment. The IPX2 rating is the right spec for an enclosed installation: the unit handles dripping water and condensation but isn't meant to be mounted exposed on a flybridge. Supply voltage runs from 9 to 31.2 volts DC, which covers 12V and 24V house systems without a converter. The compact form factor lets the installer hide the processor behind the dash with cable runs to the monitors and the input devices, which keeps the helm itself clean. The package includes the MPU, a 6.5-foot power cable, a short Ethernet cable for the first network device, NMEA 2000 and 0183 cables, NMEA 2000 T-connectors and a terminal resistor kit to start the network backbone, and the installation manual.
One critical thing to know about buying this MPU. It is sold by itself, not as a complete helm. You'll need at least one marine monitor (Simrad MO19-T, MO24-T, or another compatible touchscreen monitor or non-touch dash monitor with HDMI input), the HID controls to drive it (if you go non-touch), any radar, sonar, autopilot, and instrument hardware you want on the network, and the install labor to wire it up. We can spec the full system with you before you order, including monitor sizing, cable runs, and the right radar and sonar pairings for the boat. The MPU plus a pair of Simrad MO24-T touchscreen monitors is the most common glass-helm build, but plenty of yacht owners run a mix of touch and non-touch monitors based on helm ergonomics.
Key Features
- Black-box marine processor (Marine Processing Unit), designed for hidden install behind the helm
- Dual quad-core processors for responsive multi-monitor operation
- Drives two independent displays at the helm and/or secondary station
- Supports touchscreen and non-touch monitors interchangeably
- Ethernet backbone for radar, network sonar, and station-to-station data sharing
- NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 for instruments, autopilot, VHF, AIS, engine, fuel data
- Two analog video inputs for camera feeds (PIP or full-screen)
- One video output for monitor mirroring or external distribution
- Wi-Fi capable through optional external module
- 9 to 31.2 volt DC input, runs on 12V or 24V house bank
- Compact 11 x 9.1 x 2.5 inch chassis at 2.33 pounds
- Includes power cable, Ethernet cable, NMEA cables, T-connectors, terminal resistor kit
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Simrad reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
The NSO evo3S MPU is the start of a system, not a finished helm. We'll spec the monitors, HID controls, radar, sonar, and network cabling with you before you order so the install comes together cleanly. Tell us the boat layout, what electronics are already onboard, and what stations you want to drive, and we'll put together the full bill of materials.
Technical specifications
| Title | Simrad NSO evo3S MPU Marine Processor (Black-Box) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Part Number | 000-15100-001 |
| Brand | Simrad |
| UPC | 9420064106578 |
| Type | Black-box marine processor (MPU), monitors and HID sold separately |
| Processors | Two quad-core CPUs |
| Monitor Support | Two independent monitors (touchscreen or non-touch) |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, 2 video in, 1 video out, optional Wi-Fi module |
| Voltage Input | 9 to 31.2 volts DC |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX2 (enclosed install) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 11 x 9.1 x 2.5 inches (281 x 232 x 66 mm) |
| Weight | 2.33 lb (1.06 kg) |
| Boat Size Range | 33 feet (10 m) and larger |
| Compatible Radar | Simrad Halo open-array and Halo dome radar |
| Compatible Sonar | ActiveTarget, StructureScan, S5100 sonar module, Halo network sonar |
| Included Accessories | Power cable, Ethernet cable, NMEA 0183 cable, NMEA 2000 cable + T-connectors + terminal resistors, instruction manual |
Frequently asked questions
Does it include monitors?
No. The MPU is the processor only. You buy the marine monitors separately (Simrad MO19-T or MO24-T touchscreen units are the typical pick, but other compatible monitors with HDMI input also work). That's the point of the black-box architecture: you tailor the helm to the boat instead of accepting whatever bezel an all-in-one chartplotter comes with.
How many monitors can it drive?
Two independent displays. They can be the same size and type or completely different (one touchscreen at the helm, one non-touch on the flybridge, for example). Each monitor gets its own dedicated processing thread from the dual quad-core CPUs, so heavy use of one monitor doesn't slow the other down.
Can I run a non-touch monitor with it?
Yes. The MPU supports both touchscreen and non-touch monitors. For non-touch installs you'd add a Simrad HID control: an OP50 wireless keypad, an OP70 keypad with a built-in mouse pad, or a marine trackball. Plenty of large-yacht installs use non-touch monitors with hardware controls at the wheel and touchscreens at secondary stations.
What's actually in the box?
The MPU processor, a 6.5-foot 4-pin power cable to bare wire, a short Ethernet cable for the first network device, a 6.5-inch NMEA 0183 cable, a 6-foot NMEA 2000 cable, NMEA 2000 power cable with T-connector, the NMEA 2000 terminal resistor kit, two NMEA 2000 T-connectors, and the instruction manual. Everything you need to start the network backbone.
Will it integrate with my existing Simrad gear?
Yes. The NSO evo3S MPU is fully compatible with the current Simrad ecosystem: Halo radar, ActiveTarget and StructureScan sonar, current Simrad autopilot computers (NAC-2, NAC-3, AC70, AC80A), the AP44/AP48 autopilot heads, and the full instrument lineup. If your existing gear is older Simrad you can usually keep most of it on the new MPU.
What size boat is this MPU sized for?
Simrad positions the NSO evo3S system for powerboats 33 feet (10 meters) and larger. That's the threshold where a glass-helm black-box solution starts making sense over an all-in-one chartplotter. Bigger yachts (50+ feet) often run two NSO evo3S MPUs networked for redundancy across multiple stations.
Can I add camera feeds?
Yes. Two analog video inputs let you wire in cameras (engine room, livewell, cockpit, dock cam, infrared night vision) and display them as picture-in-picture overlays or as full-screen views on either monitor. The one video output mirrors the picture to a second monitor or video distribution amp.
Is it waterproof?
IPX2 rated, which means it handles dripping water and condensation but isn't meant to be mounted exposed on a flybridge. The MPU is designed to live hidden inside the helm console where it's protected. The monitors you connect to it have their own (typically much higher) waterproof ratings.
What voltage does it need?
9 to 31.2 volts DC, which covers both 12V and 24V house banks without an external converter.
Can I network two MPUs for redundancy?
Yes, that's a common large-yacht install. Two NSO evo3S MPUs on the same Ethernet backbone share waypoints, routes, and sonar history. If one MPU fails the other keeps the helm operational with reduced monitor count. This is the right architecture for offshore commercial work or long-range cruising where a single point of failure isn't acceptable.
What's the warranty?
Simrad's standard marine electronics warranty applies. 2-year limited on the MPU itself, longer on certain accessories. Coverage details are in the box. We can help coordinate warranty service if you need it.
