Simrad NX45
Big Screen Plotter Review

The Simrad NX45 is a large screen next-generation multifunction display with an onboard dual frequency fishfinder. This MFD can also interface with a variety of other devices and sensors.

The first thing I noticed about the NX45 when I unpacked it was how light it was—by itself the display unit weighed only 6 pounds 6 ounces. That is a couple pounds lighter than a comparably sized legacy Simrad display like the CX44.

Simrad NX45

It seems Navico, now the owner of B and G, Eagle, Lowrance, Northstar, Navman, MX Marine, and Simrad is moving some product around among their various brands.

The Simrad NX45 started life as a Navman unit, then enjoyed a reincarnation over at Northstar, and was finally added, with some changes, to the Simrad lineup.

Connectivity

The Simrad NX45 MFD can connect to and supply to the user, a variety of information from numerous sources. These include the GS10 GPS sensor, fuel monitors, certain engine data, video, and an AIS unit. Three radar options are also available, from a 2-Kw dome style unit to a 4-foot open array antenna with 6-Kw of power.

A sounder is included as an integral part of the NX45. This unit can communicate with other devices using the Simrad SimNet (NMEA2000 network) or through a NMEA 0183 connection. Simrad NX-series units use C-Map cartography.

The NX45 is 15.2 inches wide, 10.1 inches high and 3.1 inches deep.

Screen Size and Viewability

The display screen is 9.7 inches wide by 7.2 inches high and measures 12.1 inches on the diagonal. Resolution is a very respectable 800 x 600 pixels.

I found the Simrad NX45 performed well in our daylight viewability testing and earned a good rating. The Simrad screen was not quite as bright as some other big screen MFDs I’ve tested in the past.

When viewed straight-on with polarized sunglasses the screen darkens a bit. We tried the unit in normal and sunlight daytime palette colors and set the first depth limit at zero to lighten the screen further. This enhanced day light viewing somewhat. We noticed some screen darkening when viewing from severe side angles.

The Simrad NX45 screen brightness controls are accessed with a momentary press of the PWR button. This triggers the onscreen appearance of a display menu showing the current level of brightness and a check box to select night mode. Screen backlight level adjustments can be using the cursor pad to one of 16 levels. Toggling down to night mode then using the check key or the left arrow on the pad sets your preference. The color changes to a black background with white numbers and darker chart colors when using the night palette.

The screen brightness can also be set via the main menu. As our evaluations progressed to night viewing we dimmed the NX45 in the normal day setting, then later we switched to the night palette. At the very lowest brightness levels in night mode the screen will go nearly black. With the night palette selected we noticed no screen darkening at side angles.

Keypad lighting on is linked to the screen brightness level and not separately adjustable. I rated night viewability as good.

Operation

We tested the NX45 with software version 2.3.15 installed. This unit uses a number of dedicated function keys and multi-layered menus to for control and use. Hitting the FAV button brings up five page choices. You can pick from a variety pre-configured pages or build your own custom page set.

Up to 4 windows and a data bar can be displayed simultaneously. The WIN key lets you select an active window with a single button push.

Waypoints

A waypoint can be saved at the present position with one push of the MARK key. Waypoint are identified with names up to eight characters long, one of 48 possible icons, and one of seven display colors. Waypoint type can also be shown as normal for a navigation waypoint or danger for a point to be avoided.

A waypoint is created at the cursor position by placing it on the chart page, then hitting the MENU key and choosing new waypoint. This unit has no alphanumeric keypad for data entry. Instead you must use the cursor pad arrows to scroll through long lists of numbers and letters. In our opinion, this is a slow arduous process.

Routes

A new route is created by pressing the MENU key from the chart page and choosing new route. Then you can move the cursor to a point and hit the check key to add the waypoint. You can continue this out to 500 waypoints.

Odds and Ends

Hitting the MOB key takes the unit into man overboard mode. First, you’ll hear an audible alarm, and then you’ll need to tell the plotter whether or not you want use the autopilot to navigate back. We didn’t so we hit no. Next you’ll see the chart page blank, an MOB waypoint appear, and a switch to minimum range. Data boxes at the top only gave range to the MOB position in nautical miles. Bearing must obtained from the blank chart page. We really don’t like this MOB functionality. We’d much rather see a one button operation that automatically gives the helmsmen navigational data to the MOB position.

Chart redraws on the NX45 are lightning fast; it redraws the majority of the map instantly after a map range change. Minimum range can be set as low as .005 nautical miles.

Fishfinder

The Simrad NX45 has an internal dual frequency sounder capable of 600 or 1000 watts of output power depending on the transducer used. You can display fish finder data full screen or in a window. The window can be sized as you see fit using the split ratio tool.

The sonar has all the features you’d want in a top-notch fish finder including A-scope and bottom lock. The unit has two automatic gain modes as well as manual. The sounder menu is accessed by pressing the menu button when the fish finder is the active page.

During our testing it marked all three submerged targets but only when using the dual frequency display. Fine tuning with manual gain improved the view.

Buy this Simrad MFD here.