34 Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Simrad transducer is compatible with my specific display model?
Compatibility between a Simrad transducer and a display depends on the connector type used on your unit, the sonar technologies your display supports, and which transducer platform that display generation is designed to work with. Current NSS evo3S and GO12 XSE units are built around ActiveImaging transducers, while older evo2 units typically use the 9-pin blue connector found on TotalScan and earlier CHIRP transducers. The connector is not just a physical fit issue - pairing the wrong transducer generation can result in missing features or no sonar signal at all. The most reliable way to confirm compatibility is to cross-reference your display's model number against Simrad's published compatible transducer list, which is available in their product documentation. Our team at BLD Marine can also help you verify the right match before you order.
How does a Simrad ActiveImaging transducer compare to the older TotalScan transducer?
Both the Simrad ActiveImaging and TotalScan transducers deliver CHIRP sonar, SideScan, and DownScan imaging from a single transom mount unit - the core functional offering is similar. The ActiveImaging series represents an updated design with improved signal processing, a wider SideScan swath, and enhanced CHIRP performance at depth compared to the TotalScan platform. ActiveImaging also uses a newer connector standard designed for current-generation Simrad displays. For boaters with older displays that use the TotalScan connector, the TotalScan transducer remains the compatible and correct choice, and it continues to perform well for the majority of coastal and inshore fishing scenarios. If you are pairing a transducer for Simrad display that is a current-generation unit, ActiveImaging is the stronger long-term investment.
Is a Simrad transducer difficult to install, and can I do it myself?
A transom mount Simrad transducer installation is one of the more approachable DIY electronics jobs on a boat, and most boaters with basic tools and some patience complete it without professional help. The process involves selecting the correct transom location - typically six inches to the side of the centerline, below the running surface, away from turbulence sources - securing the bracket at the right angle, and routing the cable to your display. Simrad provides detailed installation guides with specific positioning guidance for each transducer model, and following those instructions closely makes a real difference in sonar performance. Thru-hull installations are more involved and require cutting a hole through the hull, properly sealing the fitting, and in some cases, professional alignment - those jobs are worth handing to a qualified marine technician if you have not done it before.
Will a Simrad transducer work with a non-Simrad fishfinder or display?
Simrad transducers use proprietary connectors and are engineered to work within the Simrad electronics ecosystem. They are not designed for plug-and-play compatibility with Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, or Raymarine displays, and attempting to cross-wire them without proper adapters risks damaging both the transducer and the display. Some aftermarket adapters exist that allow basic frequency compatibility between brands, but these typically sacrifice imaging features - SideScan, DownScan, and StructureScan 3D functions are proprietary and will not translate across brands even with an adapter in place. For the full performance of a Simrad transducer, pairing it with a compatible Simrad display is the only path that delivers everything the transducer is capable of. If you are building a mixed-brand helm and need transducer compatibility across systems, that is worth discussing with our team before purchasing.