TV upgrades 1998 370 Sundancer

370Dancer

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2006
2,472
Suncoast of Florida
Boat Info
1998 370 Sundancer
Engines
380hp MAG MPI Gen VI with V drives
Here's my first contribution to this section. SRO guys will know that I have been on a 2 year mission to upgrade the old 13" TV/VCRs in the salon and stateroom with something more modern and useful. To that end, I have taken advantage of the merging computer/tv technologies to install cost effective, and multi talented electronics in virtually the same space that the tv took.

Design rule 1: Do not modify the basic structure of the boat, in case I ever want to put it back to original.
Design rule 2: Install items in a modular fashion, so individual pieces can be upgraded as technology changes.
Design rule 3: Try to make the installation look as factory as possible.

OK, salon first:

I replaced the TV with a Dell C840 laptop mounted in a docking station with a 17" Dell LCD monitor on a custom shelf mount over the latptop. This allows for easy removal of the laptop if I want to use it in the cockpit, etc. The laptop has a 54G wireless internet connection with external antenna, Maptech chartplotter system with 3D contour (tied into the Raymarine 120 GPS and RL80CRC on deck), and a Fusion HDTV USB receiver for terrain broadcast tv including digital HD up to 1080i. I put an aftermarket DVD recorder in the front bay, making it a DVD player as well. I use an interesting pointing device which can be used as a wireless optical mouse, or you can wave it in the air. I can surf the net, get real time weather, watch DVDs, or HDtv near shore, and at the dock. I can display position, and bottom features through the chartplotter.

But, I'm still not quite done. - Turns out the Fusion receiver is great, but not sig-o friendly. Too much stuff to turn on, and set correctly. So, I'm off to the next version. I'll post it when I'm done.
 
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In case you're wondering what the other devices are in the picture above, I replaced the Clarion stereo with a Jensen (and added a couple of remote controls). Below the radio, I installed a Sound Blaster Extigy where the CD changer used to be, and controls for a 5.1 surround system. The Extigy connects to the laptop, and drives the surround system. I also have a microphone input for bad Karaoke nights!
At the bottom, there's a XM receiver that plugs into the Aux input of the Jensen. The Jensen feeds the speakers in the salon and stateroom. The stock amplifier feeds the cockpit sub and speakers, and a second amp feeds speakers in the "garage". I placed one of the remotes there too. This allows us to be in the water right behind the boat and have music without blasting out the cockpit. I control the 2 zones outside with 2 amp switches in the salon at the end of the settee.
 
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370Dncer.....nice job... :smt038 .... looks like you accomplished your goals....
 
370DANCER, Looks Great.

Do everyone a favor if you have not yet, post in Virtual Marina.

I just found Virtual Marina and there you can list your boat for viewing and add modifications as they come. Go To Virtual Marina, Add Boat.

Thanks for the photos and description.
 
will do. I already put the boat there, but hadn't started adding modifications yet.
 

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