Radio upgrade help

DDD

DDD

New Member
Oct 27, 2012
268
Tampa, FL
Boat Info
2008 45
Engines
Diesel
I am referring to the FM/CD player radio.

Looking to go BlueTooth.
Is it as easy as swapping out the old unit/receiver with a new one that has Bluetooth capabilities?
Plug and Play style?

Currently have a am/fm/sat/6 changer CD.
Really looking for just something with bluetooth and FM.

Any suggestions?
 
DDD said:
I am referring to the FM/CD player radio.

Looking to go BlueTooth.
Is it as easy as swapping out the old unit/receiver with a new one that has Bluetooth capabilities?
Plug and Play style?

Currently have a am/fm/sat/6 changer CD.
Really looking for just something with bluetooth and FM.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...


it IS that easy....lots of folks here will recommend Fusion (expensive)....I use Clarion....here's a unit that a lot of folks use that won't break the bank http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-M303-...31366003&sr=8-1&keywords=clarion+marine+audio
 
I don't know much about radios, but there are Bluetooth "dongles" that simply plug into an aux input, if your stereo has one of those. If not, I wonder if there's a way to plug a Bluetooth receiver into either the CD or Sat input?
 
Lazy Daze said:
I don't know much about radios, but there are Bluetooth "dongles" that simply plug into an aux input, if your stereo has one of those. If not, I wonder if there's a way to plug a Bluetooth receiver into either the CD or Sat input?
Click to expand...

"Bluetooth 'dongles"?

I currently have Clarion 6 disk changer.
Wonder if swapping out for a clarion would make it easier...

Would I need to go "Marine"?
It's down in the Salon area.
 
"Bluetooth 'dongles"?

If you have an auxillary input, you can purchase a bluetooth dongle for less than $50 and it will receive any bluetooth signal that you pair with it. This is what i did. We use the iPhone, iPad, and my wife's Galaxy phone. I also bought a bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack on the TV and sound comes through the stereo speakers. Much cheaper alternative to buying a new head unit unless yours is toast.

Bennett
 
I recently had mine changed out for the same reason......that, and I wanted something I could actually read the display. I had the Clarion CD and 6 disc removed and a Kenwood DDX8901 put in. Has Bluetooth (which is all I use) and numerous other features. The only thing I'm wondering at this point is why I waited so long to change things out.....

Because it's a car stereo, it wouldn't work with the marine remote at the helm, but that was solved by replacing that remote with an eye with a repeater. Now I can adjust volume or whatever with a remote from anywhere on deck - much nicer.

Stereo_zpsyczhxoss.jpg
 
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Just installed the Fusion - LOVE IT!! Sounds great, the iPhone app is really handy. It was expensive - but one of the best upgrades we've done.
 
What Clarion changer model do you have? If its above an XM3 you should have an aux in and can add a $35 bluetooth dongle.
 
tmc209 said:
Just installed the Fusion - LOVE IT!! Sounds great, the iPhone app is really handy. It was expensive - but one of the best upgrades we've done.
Click to expand...

Not sure.
But sure am going to check!

If a dongle dose work, will it work with my iPhone at the helm, if it is down below in the cabinet in the radio?
Is there software to pair the radio with the iPhone via bluetooth?
 
DDD said:
If a dongle dose work, will it work with my iPhone at the helm, if it is down below in the cabinet in the radio?
Click to expand...

Bluetooth is Bluetooth. Whether it's built into a radio or a dongle, the "range" should be the same.
 
The Bluetooth on my Clarion M502, which is the biggest pile of crap I have ever owned, has a range of ten ft. It's almost useless. The Sony unit I have in my excursion has a range of 60' with the doors and windows closed. I can't wait to upgrade to something with a decent Bluetooth range. I'm focused on the fusion myself.

Pete
 
I have this connected to my stereo located deep in the cabin and works pretty good:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_822BTREC/Milennia-MIL-BTREC.html

It gets sketchy when I'm on the swim platform with my iPhone, but I really shouldn't be on the swim platform with an unprotected phone. I was considering running an RCA patch cable to put the unit under the dash at the helm but it has been two years now and I am satisfied with the range. You can run most everything right from your iPhone like searching for songs. All you do is turn the marine stereo on, switch to AUX and preset your volume. After the first time (code: 0000) it pairs automatically everytime it's in range. Just becareful allowing it to pair to more than one device because it pairs to the first device (ie: your kids phone) and then when you try to connect it won't until the first device is disabled. For $40 it's been great. About 3 of my friends went out and got this after they were impressed with my set up.
 
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DDD The CDM5 has a aux input and you can put a dongle on it :


cmd5.jpg

So you should be able to get by for $40 rather than spring for a whole new unit.

Yeah that unit from Crutchfield works well too I used it too until I changed up to my Fusion 700AV. Just FYI as fantastic as the Fusion is, the bluetooth dongle STILL needs to be placed properly. I had to snake mine up from the main circuit panel to just about under the dash board and now its perfect even when out on the dock. I think the "bluetooth" technology has it limits of range so just realize that you have to help it over come obstacles when your installing it.
 
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peterkvs said:
The Bluetooth on my Clarion M502, which is the biggest pile of crap I have ever owned, has a range of ten ft. It's almost useless. The Sony unit I have in my excursion has a range of 60' with the doors and windows closed. I can't wait to upgrade to something with a decent Bluetooth range. I'm focused on the fusion myself.

Pete
Click to expand...

Interesting. I have not had that experience with Bluetooth - they all have seemed to be about the same. Or, at least close enough that I haven't noticed. Could there be something about the boat that prevents the signal from traveling as far? But, good information.
 
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I purchased a Miccus RX Bluetooth dongle off of eBay for about $35. My iPhone connects with it and works anywhere on my boat with the cabin door closed. We move the TV to the arch and the transmitter on it connects with the dongle and works perfect.

Bennett
 
tmc209 said:
Just installed the Fusion - LOVE IT!! Sounds great, the iPhone app is really handy. It was expensive - but one of the best upgrades we've done.
Click to expand...


I just installed a 750 and love it but can't get the iPhone app to synch up with the head unit? Any tips?
Thanks
 
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