Overview

The Simrad NSS 4 is a touchscreen multifunction display for charting and sonar that runs on 12/24 V DC (10 to 31.2 V). It is offered with 10 inch and 12 inch screens at 1280 x 800 resolution, plus a 16 inch screen at 1920 x 1080, all with brightness above 1200 nits for daylight helms.

The housing is rated IPx6 and IPx7, and the controls combine touch, a rotary dial, and a keypad for when the boat is moving and your hands are wet. A 10 Hz GNSS receiver handles positioning, and built-in NMEA 2000, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and dual microSD slots let the display sit at the center of a Simrad network.

Key features

• Screen sizes: 10 inch and 12 inch (1280 x 800), or 16 inch (1920 x 1080) with full multi-touch and >1200 nits brightness.
• 12/24 V DC input (10 to 31.2 V) with a 5 A recommended fuse; max power draw is 28 W (10 inch), 40 W (12 inch), or 43.5 W (16 inch).
• IPx6 and IPx7 water protection with an operating range of -15C to 55C for open-boat spray and enclosed helms.
• Hybrid control set: touch screen, rotary control, and keypad for quick changes when conditions are rough.
• 10 Hz GNSS receiver for GPS and GLONASS, with support for combinations including Galileo, Beidou, QZSS, and SBAS.
• NMEA 2000 (Micro-C) plus two Ethernet ports (X-coded M12 GbE and 5-pin) for networking with sensors, radar, sonar sources, and other displays.
• Two microSD (SDHC) card slots for charting, software updates, and data transfer.
• Select models add built-in dual-channel 1 kW CHIRP sonar, and sonar can be shared between NSS 4 and NSX devices on a network.

Variants

This listing covers six NSS 4 configurations that vary by screen size (10 inch, 12 inch, or 16 inch), mapping bundle, and whether sonar is built in.

Mapping is either C-MAP DISCOVER X or a preloaded basemap. Sonar models include built-in dual-channel 1 kW CHIRP, while non-sonar models can display sonar from compatible network sources. Across the NSS 4 range, power input is 12/24 V DC (10 to 31.2 V) and the housing is rated IPx6/IPx7.

Installation and fit

NSS 4 supports gimbal bracket mounting or a rear mount install. Plan dash space and cable clearance, and keep the unit at least 65 cm from a magnetic compass.

Power it from a clean 12 V or 24 V DC feed within the 10 to 31.2 V range and protect the circuit with a 5 A fuse. Like any helm display, it is happiest on a stable supply when cranking engines or running other high loads.

System integration on board

The NMEA 2000 port is the usual connection point for heading sensors, engine data gateways, autopilot components, and other backbone devices. The Ethernet ports handle higher bandwidth items like radar and shared sonar, and they also make it easy to link more than one display.

With dual microSD slots, you can keep charts in one card slot and leave the other free for updates or data. Built-in Wi-Fi supports wireless workflows when you would rather not move cards around.

Who this is a good match for

This is a solid fit for boats that want one primary helm screen with room to grow into a networked system. It suits coastal cruisers and anglers who run NMEA 2000 gear and want charting, radar, and sonar on the same interface, with the option to choose built-in sonar or a networked sounder setup.

Maintenance and care

After saltwater runs, a gentle fresh-water rinse keeps salt from building up around the keypad and card door. Keep the microSD slots closed when underway, and use the sun cover when the boat sits outside for long periods.