Polk UM1A Radio Install

[Todd M Caldwell]

Removing the Old Clarion Radio and replacing it with a New Polk UM1A. I hate doing electrical work (them wires have magic smoke in them), and of course the Plugs are different so I have to cut the old plug and splice in the new one. Sounds easy...... until I looked at the wiring diagram. Pin # 3 and 4, make no sense to me. #3 is marked "ILL-DIM (Running Lights) and #4 is marked Remote Trigger"..... ????

 

[gdavis67]

#3 is used if you have a dimmer switch for lights - this is typically only in automotive situation. Your boat likely does not have a dimmer for lighting (gauges). #4 is the remote trigger if you have an amp installed. That signals the amp to turn on when the head unit is on, and off when the head unit is off.

 

[dtfeld]

Ill-Dim is a Dimmer, but I think you need to call Polk to see what that wire does. Is it looking for a varied current from a rheostat to turn the illumination up or down, or is it a trigger to toggle a high/low output? Is it even necessary because you may be able to set the illumination in the unit?

The Remote trigger is usually a blue wire that turn the remote amps on or off. If you have amps, you will need to connect this to get the amps to turn on. Its just sending a 12V DC signal to the amps

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

999 out of 1000 ignore the dimmer circuit on a boat, as most boats do not have a dimmer knob for the helm lights.

If #4 wire is blue or blue/wht, it would be for external amps.

IIRC, the polk does not have both a yellow 12V B+ constant and a red IGN. It only uses one, so may also create some confusion as the clarion uses both.

 

[Todd M Caldwell]

what wire(s) do I use for the Front Left Speaker? I am heading to the boat(cleaning) so I can take some pictures if that helps!

 

[Todd M Caldwell]

Oh Shoot.... I just read the Diagram again I'm looking at the wrong Pins, Old age I guess...LOL

 

[Todd M Caldwell]

Installation is now completed. The Admiral is happy. Lol

Todd