[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ border_style=”solid” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”814″ style_type=”bottomshadow” hover_type=”none” align=”none” lightbox=”no” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”up” animation_speed=”0.3″]http://findthosefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Title-e1480125397665.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_tagline_box shadow=”no” shadowopacity=”0.7″ border=”1″ highlightposition=”left” content_alignment=”center” linktarget=”_self” buttoncolor=”default” title=”Simrad GO7 XSE Chartplotter Review” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ /][fusion_text]
One in a while, a company comes along and released a product that changes the way we’ve approached a specific problem. Simrad’s solution, at first, was a little surprising. The fish finder market has been expanding at a rapid pace, and the models available to use today are lightyears ahead of what we’ve seen only a few short years prior. The GO7 XSE does have the ability to operate as a fish finder, but that’s not it’s entire purpose. In fact, what it can do is limited only by your needs. To illustrate this point, let’s look at it from a few different angles.
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Design
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Most fish finders are designed along a common theme. At the heart of the system is a dedicated set of hardware and software that was engineered for a very specific purpose. Much of the advancements we’ve seen lately have been due to manufacturers integrating the same technology found in modern smartphones and tablets.
Simrad decided to cut out the middle man and build their solution on top of a typical tablet. This means it has the same high quality multitouch display you’d expect to find in a Samsung smartphone. The exterior was completely revamped to provide additional waterproofing and durability that’s not commonly added to modern electronics. It’s rated as IPX7, meaning it can handle all exposure to liquids including full submersion. On the back, you’ve got a full-size mount that’s designed to fit on any standard boat, provided it’s large enough to take such a large device.
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Navigation
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Above all, the GO7 is sold as a chartplotter. There is no shortage of compact instruments that offer this feature, but Simrad’s solution is a cut above the rest. The included software supports all major cartography formats including Insight, Navitronics, and CMAP. This means that you can use any map from any source, integrating them in a cohesive interface.
When you’re out on the water, you’ll want access to more than just the maps. The navigation system includes auto routing, allowing it to easily find the best route to your destination. Alternately, you can switch to Jeppesen Easy Routing, a system that focuses on following the routes you’ve taken previously. With storage for over 10,000 navigation points, years of data can be compiled into a system that adapts to your specific usage. This provides superior navigation in environments which are not well mapped, something that you encounter frequently while out on the water.
The software is what brings navigation to live, but your GPS is the heart of the technology. Consumer grade GPS is actually very inaccurate. Google maps might seem fine while you’re driving around in your car, but most of the accuracy is the phone estimating your position based on the road location and the internal accelerometer data. This is obviously not possible on the water, so manufacturers have to attack this problem from a different angle. Simrad used a 10 Hz GPS receiver which calculates your location three times as frequently as a typical GPS. This means that you’ve got more accurate navigation than ever, one of the ways this device really stands out.
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Sonar
[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”815″ style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” align=”none” lightbox=”no” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]http://findthosefish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/sonar-e1480125722668.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]
While it’s not the most heavily advertised feature, you can use this as a fish finder. It’s got a built in broadband sounder, providing basic sonar service. We don’t often seen broadband promoted in fish finders, as it’s a bit of an uncommon technology. CHIRP provides a much more detailed image as it’s constantly sweeping a series of frequencies, while broadband uses a single wave that is constantly monitored. The end result is an image that is a little more stable, although not quite as detailed.
Performance wise, this technology is on par with the typical CHIRP technologies you find in consumer grade fish finders. Officially, CHIRP can use up to 10 different frequencies. Unless you’ve purchased an upgraded sounder, you’re usually only able to access two of them.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, there are a few sonar technologies that are compatible with the Simrad GO7. It can take any typical CHIRP transducer, although we don’t really feel this would provide much of an upgrade. For better imaging, you’re going to want to choose StructureScan HD imaging or ForwardScan sonar. Our recommendation would be for Structurescan. This provides a detailed image directly below the boat, and a little off to each side. Think of it like a mid-way between side imaging and down imaging. Forwardscan is more commonly used for commercial fishing or navigational purposes.
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GoFree Wi-Fi
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For inland expeditions, the GoFree Wi-Fi module that’s built into the display could turn out to be pretty handy. It requires a monthly subscription, but significantly improves the navigational accuracy of the included maps. First, all of the data it’s able to collect is compiled, and sent back to simrads navigation system. It collects information such speed, distance, and coordinates to accurately poinpoint exactly where you are. Based on readings from the sonar system, the maps can then be updated to provide a more accurate representation of your area.
The system does do this automatically, but with Wi-Fi enabled you’re tapping into a network of thousands of other users, all of whom have the same navigational system.
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NEMA Compatibility
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If the size didn’t tip you off, the focus on NEMA connectivity is the biggest indicator that this device is intended for larger vessels. For those who aren’t familiar, NEMA is a protocol that’s designed to allow computers to communicate with the various sensors located on your boat. From the display, you’ll have easy access to your current speed, distance travelled, fuel consumption (both rate and historical), and many other tidbits of information. Some advanced systems even let you control the engine parameters, although this is less common. The GO7 XSE is compatible with all of these interfaces, all through a common port.
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