Replacing the OEM stereo (XMD1)

[sb in gp]

Ok, after reading a bunch about interfacing the Ipod, I am starting to think it is more trouble than its worth to try to retrofit this old unit for an Ipod, when stereos in general are fairly inexpensive.

I have an older original Clarion cassette deck model M3170. I think this is what is referred to as a XMD1 (but not sure).

Requirements:
AM/FM/CD
Ipod interface
Helm control for everything, including Ipod

My main question is why not just use a standard car stereo with an RF remote (if my stereo gets wet I've got bigger problems than worrying about a $150 stereo). What is so special about the marine stereos?

Are the cutouts the right size to hold a car stereo?

If I use an RF remote then could carry it anywhere on the deck and control the music while docked and drinking a cold one.

Scott

 

[HIFI]

Scott . . . just a couple thoughts

My main question is why not just use a standard car stereo with an RF remote (if my stereo gets wet I've got bigger problems than worrying about a $150 stereo). What is so special about the marine stereos?

You will find car decks with IR remote but not likely RF remote. IR remote works by line of sight and direct sun will kill the range. Therefor your idea wont work. I have not shopped for a couple years but I have never found a car deck with RF remote. BTW . . Marinized decks have coated circuit boards. This is an area that will deteriorate fast in a marine invironment.

Are the cutouts the right size to hold a car stereo?

Yes, Same sizes for 95% of what is available.

If I use an RF remote then could carry it anywhere on the deck and control the music while docked and drinking a cold one.

There are several solutions for your needs. You could add a IR repeating systems. There is more than one brand that offer 12V systems. It will still work in line of sight. Keep in mind, sunlight kills range. There are also universal learning remotes that have RF capabilities from a hand set to its owne IR repeater. The repeater just sits in front of your deck.

My first hand experience with Sony brand has proven there is no inexpensive solution. I liked the Sony because of the flexibility with their branded Wired remote system but the IR frequency is not one that works with any of the aftermarket RF equipment. Therefor I still have to swim to the back of my boat to remotely operate my in-cabin radio.

 

[JeffM]

I've used a cassette adapter (like we used to use for portable CD players) to interface my iPod with my car stereo. Sound quality is not at an audiophile level but it's good enough given the ambient noise level. I was thinking about doing the same on the boat this summer. Again, I suspect ambient noise will make the lower quality sound un-noticeable.

Won't give you remote control of the iPod, but it's a lot less expensive.

Jeff

 

[sb in gp]

Marinized decks have coated circuit boards. This is an area that will deteriorate fast in a marine invironment.

OK, but in a fresh-water environment I can't see this being a big issue. I can't imagine my boat being a more harsh environment than the inside of a car in Winter. Cars in snowy condition have significant moisture inside and the stereos are built to handle it, so I would think a fresh-water boat would be fine. Am I missing something?

There are several solutions for your needs. You could add a IR repeating systems. There is more than one brand that offer 12V systems. It will still work in line of sight. Keep in mind, sunlight kills range. There are also universal learning remotes that have RF capabilities from a hand set to its owne IR repeater. The repeater just sits in front of your deck.

My first hand experience with Sony brand has proven there is no inexpensive solution. I liked the Sony because of the flexibility with their branded Wired remote system but the IR frequency is not one that works with any of the aftermarket RF equipment. Therefor I still have to swim to the back of my boat to remotely operate my in-cabin radio.

That is too bad, I'll look around and see what is out there. I have noticed a number of decks have bluetooth capabilities. Not sure if this can be used with a remote, or is it only for integrating a phone with the stereo?

 

[wish2fish]

I think your biggest culprit for a car radio in the boat is direct water contact. Most newer boats don't have the radio's in the open environment anyway so I think you would likely be okay.

Why do you need to change your songs so often? Don't want you friends to hear the Brittany Spears that is on your IPOD? (j/k)

 

[sb in gp]

Why do you need to change your songs so often? Don't want you friends to hear the Brittany Spears that is on your IPOD? (j/k)

You caught me!

 

[philly_sean]

I'm working on the same issue. I looking at trying to install a new radio with an ipod USB input:

Sony CDXGT640UI MP3/WMA/AAC Player CD Receiver (Black)

and then use this as a RF remote:

ALPINE RUE-M1RF MARINE RF REMOTE CONTROL RUE M1RF

I'm going to move forward and try this out but I was wondering if anyone has tried this before or familiar with either component.

And wish me luck!

 

[tdappleman]

I bought a really cheap Sony CD with aux in to replace the old Clarion cassette deck. It is installed in the cabin behind the power panel door so no direct exposure to moisture except for wind or humidity. After 1 year the unit is already experiencing issues and I would guess if I opened it up there would be corrosion on the internals. The good news is this was a package deal from Wally World - CD, 4 speakers for $90 so I'm not out much - plus the 6.5" speakers actually sound ok in the cabin. I did it mainly to keep tunes on the boat while I did research into what I really wanted long term which I haven't actually done yet.... but - you may want to skip the automotive version and decide now what you really want and get a marine version. The same thing is happening to a new head unit I put in my Bronco - intermittent operation and the volume control is starting to lose it's battle. May need a marine version in it even though it doesn't get direct moisture either.

 

[La Maddalena]

I have a similar related question for all of you. My 2003 360 DA has the Clarion XMD1 stereo with the Clarion DC625 six CD changer, both mounted in the electronics cabinet in the cabin, with the dash mounted remote at the helm. I would like to upgrade the stereo to one that includes Sirious/XM satellite radio along with an iPod jack. I assume this will require replacement of both the stereo head unit and the helm remote. Does anyone have stereo mfr & model # recommendations? I assume there are marine models that include both the head unit and helm remote as a package, and that the necessary new wiring can be pulled between the cabin and the helm using the existing wiring path.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

OK, but in a fresh-water environment I can't see this being a big issue. I can't imagine my boat being a more harsh environment than the inside of a car in Winter. Cars in snowy condition have significant moisture inside and the stereos are built to handle it, so I would think a fresh-water boat would be fine. Am I missing something?

I've used regular car audio receivers in past boats without any problems. The units have been installed in the cabin and one did have a IR remote that would work within 2' from the cabin door if it was pointed just right (not the best).:smt101

I'm also in fresh water so it might be more of an issue in the salt water?:huh:

 

[philly_sean]

Update on my project:

Since the radio dimensions were slightly different and I no longer needed the area dedicated to the CD player, I built a new insert and made a little storage area for the ipod I plan to use with the new radio. Pics are attached. I think it turned out pretty good.

The project was not without complications though. The Alpine remote did not work with the Sony Radio (Sony CDXGT640UI) so I purchased a new helm remote (a Sony version). Here I think I was a little clever though; instead of fishing the report wire through the hull (which I tried but could not make much progress on) I cut the existing remote wire and spliced it to the new connections for the remote. This worked out quite well if you're wondering if it could be done.

Just thought I'd update this if anyone is considering such an experiment.

Good luck and bring on the boating season!

 

[Great lakes pirate]

I am in the process of installing a Sony CDX-50IP stereo and a Sony RM-X55M wired remote. I am going to swap out the existing XMD1 and wired remote.

The stereo is Ipod ready and I had one on my last boat and it worked good so I bought the same one for this boat. It also comes with a IR remote.

New on Ebay for $199.

Now if I can only figure out how to snake my RCAs to my amp I can crank the tunes while I clean her up for launch!!!!