Invisible Communications

What transducers go on the NSS, and what depths can you use them for?

You may use any Simrad transducer that is suitable for your vessel and the requirements, for example a Transom mount for a runabout or centre console; or a thru-hull for an offshore fishing boat or larger cruiser.

Best basic Transom mount: Simrad HST-DFSBL (50/200kHz)

Through-hulls are a little more complex, depending on your vessel material, thickness, and other factors.

The NSS 7 and NSS 8 come with a built-in sounder which is rated at 1000m depth (250W p-p output power). I know 1km depth in a unit this size is hard to believe, but Navico's broadband sounder technology is incredible, and really performs as well as they say. It "whispers" into the water and has great depth and clarity.

For the NSS12, you will need to attach at least a BSM-1 to get depth sounder functionality. The transducer connects to the BSM1, which in turn connects to the NSS via the ethernet connections. The BSM1 has 250W RMS (2,000W p-p) power.

If you require a top line sounder for greater depths you may install the new BSM-2 (broadband sounder module 2), which is rated up to 3,000 metres, and has CHIRP functions. These sounders perform to the depth of a 3kW unit, but have much better clarity and less noise. Visit http://www.simrad-yachting.com.au/Products/Navigation-Fishfinding/Simrad-BSM-2/ for more. The BSM-2 may be added to any NSS model.

This is a screenshot from the BSM-1 (operating on a Simrad NSE)

Hi, welcome to the forums.

The NSS does not come with a transducer, so this must be purchased separately. The recommended transom mount transducer, which would be suitable for your size boat and usage, is the HST-WSBL (RRP $290). This covers both 83kHz and 200kHz.

Typically, the higher frequency (200 kHz) provides the best resolution and definition of structure and targets. The 50 and 83 kHz frequencies have much greater depth penetration capability, but show less definition. Ensure you always use 200kHz as your primary frequency in shallow water.

There are a number of things you should check before going out to buy a new unit, I have gone into more detail in the post linked below in the main forums, to keep on topic in this forum.

http://invisiblecommunications.com.au/forum/view-postlist/forum-1-marine-electronics-forum/topic-50-transducers-fish-frequencies-problems.html

All the best,

Hi Mike,

You should be able to use your older Airmar transducer with no worries.

Most of the airmar transducers are standard:

blue and black for txdr +\-

brown, white for temp sense.

This is for a standard single line diplexed transducer, if it's a dual line you would need to fit a airmar external diplexer or just use a single frequency.

The attached picture shows the pinouts on the NSS for the transducer. You will need the 7-pin to bare wires adaptor to connect to your transducer.

All the best,

Attachments
 NSS transducer pinouts.JPG [56 KB]