Remotes with Clarion XMD3

jason78

jason78

Active Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
Sep 3, 2008
3,662
Fort Mill, SC / Lake Wylie
Boat Info
1997 20 Outrage
Engines
200 Merc Offshore
I have a Clarion XMD3 with (Oval) M301RC remotes on Helm and Transom. As with many others I have seen, the sun has ruined the transom remote. The M301RC is now hard to find but I have been told the newer (Round) model CMRC1-SB remote will work with the XMD3. I was wondering if anyone has and idea if I can use the Round model on the transom while leaving the other model at the helm. I know they connect to a Y-Cable and go back to the head unit.

I don't know if it is the same electronics with a different form factor or if it is more than that.

Thanks
Jason
 
I'm in the same situation as Jason....My transom controller is shot. Thanks for the link- now let me know if they actually have them in stock if you order it!- And how bad of an install it is!
When I got my boat the helm control was intermittant, and had to disconnect the transom y-split then the helm worked fine....just waiting to see what to do with the transom one....it's just plugging a hole now...
good luck!
--Kevin
 
Thanks for that link for the oval remote. I think I am going to try and call Clairon tommorow and see what they say. I would rather have the Round one if it will work. I can get the newer round one for about $90 and it looks like it would be more durable. I looked in the manuals and it takes the same size hole for mounting. I will post what I find from them. My dock neighbor has an 05 340DA with the same problem. It seems these remotes were only used in 2004 and part of 2005 and did not stand up well to the sun.

No matter which one I end up with, installation is going to be a pain. It has to be installed from the rear so it looks like I will have to remove the backboard holding the shore power connections and faucet. I am sure that will be fun.

Jason
 
i had to replace the remote in my dash 04 280 dancer. there are two sizes in the round style. with limited to no product size description i got the larger one don't figure. had to increase hole size by over a inch but remote was dead center. wires to the same connecters. You need to install a diode because the screen is blinding at nite even dimmed down all the way .tool of choice a welding de-burring tool its like a heavy duty dremel. good luck
 
Tech support says you can mix and match between those 2 remotes. I have also checked and both units require a 3" hole so I don't think I will have any problems there. I have ordered a new remote so I will post and let everyone know how it goes...... Has anyone ever removed the wall inside the lazerette that has the shore power mounted on it?

Jason
 
I just looked up in some manuals I have. the 301 needs a 2" hole and the CMRC1 needs a 3" hole. where did you get your info? You can move up to the newer remote but trying to cut the hole bigger my give you a few headaches.
 
Tech support said it was a 2" hole for both. I have the link below for the CMRC1 manual which says 2" hole on Page 5 Figure 2. The illustration says 3" but they told me the unit was 3" and the hole was 2". I might just have to wait till it comes :huh: I think the biggest headache is going to be getting that inside Shore Power panel off......

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/MungoBlobs/300/557/CMRC1SB_BSS.pdf
 
wish2fish said:
page 8 says both 2" and 3" hole. hope it works for you.
Click to expand...

Me too! :grin: It seems they did not proofread their manuals.

On a good note I was down tonight and think I may be able to remove the CATV shore connection to get enough room to access the remote. We will see......

Jason
 
UPDATE- The CMRC1 does work with the XMD3. As well2fish thought- it requires a 3 inch hole.

Now I have to decide-

1. Increase hole size by 1 inch and use CMRC1

2. Buy a CMRC2 (smaller round remote with no display) and put it in the existing 2 inch hole.

3. Find an older Oval remote to get display in 2 inch hole and deal with this again in 3 years when the new one goes bad.

Leaning towards #1 but think I could live with #2 and no display. Big thing is I already have the CMRC1. Decisions, decisions.......

Jason
 
Heads up guys: I have a Clarion XMD3 with the standard remote. I bought a new-fangled transom remote and tried it on the original cable - it worked. I bought a Y and an extension cable. I was preparing to drill a hole in the back of the boat when I decided to try it all with the Y and the extension - it didn't work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read some cautions about it first- thank God I headed them. It worked with the old one on the extension, but the holes were different sizes.

I added an RF remote inside the transom. I attached the key fob to a koozie. We use it from the beach.
 
Hampton said:
Heads up guys: I have a Clarion XMD3 with the standard remote. I bought a new-fangled transom remote and tried it on the original cable - it worked. I bought a Y and an extension cable. I was preparing to drill a hole in the back of the boat when I decided to try it all with the Y and the extension - it didn't work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read some cautions about it first- thank God I headed them. It worked with the old one on the extension, but the holes were different sizes.

I added an RF remote inside the transom. I attached the key fob to a koozie. We use it from the beach.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info John! I have the Y cable and 2 remotes factory installed with the Oval remotes at Helm and Transom. Today, I plugged in the newer CMD1 to the helm connection. I was able to operate all options on the new CMD1 and the old Oval remote on the transom while they were both connected. Do you know what remote you were using that did not work? Just want to make sure before I start drilling! Thanks! Jason
 
CMRC1-BSS

http://www.abt.com/product/35154/Clarion-CMRC1BSS.html

It worked intermittantly. Apparently, the old one used up too much of the signal. I think I could install two of the new ones together, but not one old and one new. At first, it appears to work, then the screen fails. If it's not on the extension, it works great all of the time. If the old one is on the extension, they both work fine.
 
Guys, any info on the RF remote option? I've been curious about adding one but have never seen one installed with a Clarion system. What brand works well, any other info would be appreciated.
 
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