Simrad NSS9 evo3S Chartplotter/Fishfinder MFD 9-inch

The Simrad NSS9 evo3S is the 9-inch chartplotter/fishfinder/multifunction display from Simrad's NSS evo3S product line - the refresh that takes the well-regarded NSS evo3 platform and significantly improves processor speed, display smoothness, and user interface refinement through a next-generation iMX8 processor and software updates. For boats that already love the NSS evo3 capability set but want faster operation, the evo3S is the direct upgrade path. For new installations, the evo3S is what you specify because the same hardware now responds noticeably faster.

The iMX8 processor upgrade - what 2X faster page loading means in practice. Chart page loading, sonar page switching, radar page rendering, and split-screen layout changes all happen 2X faster on the evo3S vs. the original evo3. In real fishing and cruising use, this means: switching between chart and sonar pages feels instantaneous instead of having a noticeable lag, zooming in and out on detailed charts redraws cleanly without waiting for tiles to load, split-screen mode changes happen smoothly without freezing the operating screen for a beat, and the entire user experience feels modern rather than dated. The original evo3's hardware was perfectly capable but slow page loading was the one criticism users had - the evo3S processor refresh specifically addresses that complaint.

SolarMAX IPS display technology. The 9-inch display uses Simrad's SolarMAX IPS panel - in-plane switching LCD technology with high-brightness backlighting that stays readable in direct sunlight. IPS specifically delivers wide off-axis viewing (the operator standing to the side sees the same colors and contrast you see seated at the helm) and clean visibility through polarized sunglasses (the polarization angle that makes traditional TN displays go black at certain head angles doesn't affect IPS the same way). The display is engineered to withstand summer sun heat without thermal damage and is optically bonded to prevent condensation or fogging within the display lens.

Multi-touch plus physical keypad - hybrid control. Modern marine MFDs almost all use touchscreen control, but pure touchscreen has limitations in rough water where the boat is moving and the operator's hand isn't steady. The evo3S includes both a multi-touch screen for normal use AND a full physical keypad for precise control when conditions demand it. Adjust a chart layer when the boat is on plane and the screen is shaking? Use the keypad. Run a routine navigation task at the dock? Use the touchscreen. The hybrid approach is meaningfully better than touchscreen-only for serious offshore use.

Built-in advanced sonar. The evo3S has a complete sonar platform built into the chartplotter: (1) 1 kW dual-channel CHIRP traditional sonar for deepwater performance and high target separation. (2) ForwardScan forward-looking sonar (with the appropriate ForwardScan transducer, sold separately) for shallow water navigation hazards ahead of the boat. (3) SideScan side-imaging sonar for finding structure and bait off to the sides of the boat. (4) DownScan down-imaging sonar for photo-like detail of the bottom directly below. (5) StructureScan 3D imaging (with the appropriate 3D transducer). All sonar modes work simultaneously - the screen can show traditional CHIRP, SideScan, DownScan, and chart in a four-panel split if you want to monitor everything at once.

Dual transducer ports. The back of the unit has TWO transducer connection ports, so you can run two transducers (e.g., a thru-hull CHIRP transducer for deepwater fishfinding plus an Active Imaging transducer for shallow-water side/down imaging) from one display without external switching hardware. Standard MFDs have one transducer port and require external switches to handle multiple transducers. the dual-port design simplifies install and operation.

Preloaded US charts plus expansion options. The evo3S ships with US chart preloaded - high-resolution inland and coastal coverage plus a C-MAP Reveal layer specifically of the Florida ocean floor (showing seafloor bathymetry in unprecedented detail for Florida offshore fishing). Beyond the preloaded charts, the unit accepts a wide range of chart product expansions: C-MAP (additional regions and detailed cartography), Navionics (alternative chart product), CMOR (high-detail bathymetric mapping for specific regions), and Florida Marine Tracks (specialized Florida fishing tracks and structure mapping).

UI improvements over evo3. The evo3S adds several user interface refinements that improve daily-use ergonomics: (1) Dark-themed wallpaper option for less light pollution when multiple MFDs are mounted at a single helm. (2) Audio sidebar that can expand into a full-page view for serious audio control. (3) Chart orientation button (North up / Heading up / Course up) accessible without opening the menu. (4) Tide graph in the instrument bar so you can monitor tide changes without leaving your current page.

Wireless connectivity for mobile devices. Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connect the evo3S to compatible iOS and Android phones and tablets. The mobile devices can mirror the MFD display (showing charts, radar, sonar, engine data from anywhere on the boat) and the MFD can pair with mobile audio devices for direct audio control. Useful for boats where the operator wants to check chart or sonar data from the cockpit instead of walking to the helm.

Network integration. The evo3S sits on the SimNet / NMEA 2000 backbone (electrically NMEA 2000 with the SimNet connector style) for engine data, autopilot integration, instrument data, and AIS targets. The Ethernet-based high-bandwidth network connects to Simrad's Halo Dome and Halo Open Array radars (drives them directly with no external processor), the S5100 Sportfishing Echosounder (the dedicated multi-frequency CHIRP sonar module for serious offshore fishing), additional MFDs at other helm stations, and other network-capable Simrad devices.

Direct audio and autopilot control. The evo3S provides direct touchscreen control of compatible marine audio systems (volume, source, playback) and compatible Simrad autopilots (engagement, mode switching, course commands). The audio integration uses NMEA 2000 messages. The autopilot integration is over the same network. So you don't need separate audio remote or autopilot head unit at the helm if you have these networked - the evo3S handles both from its touchscreen.

Low-profile glass dash styling. The bezel design is intentionally minimal so the display dominates the visual presentation rather than the bezel. Mounted flush in a dash panel, the evo3S produces a modern "glass cockpit" appearance similar to high-end automobile dashboards. Multiple evo3S units can be flat-mounted edge-to-edge for the multi-display glass dash look on bigger boats.

Specs and operating environment. 9-inch display. 287 x 166 x 90 mm dimensions (11.3 x 6.55 x 3.5 inches). 1.41 kg / 3.11 lb. Operating temperature -15 to +55C (5 to 131F). Storage temperature -20 to +60C (-4 to 140F). 100,000 cycles of 20G shock vibration tested. IPX6 and IPX7 water resistance (IPX6 = powerful water jets, IPX7 = temporary immersion). Supply voltage 10 to 31.2 V DC (works on both 12V and 24V boats). 5A fuse rating. 21W maximum power consumption. Built-in white LED backlight.