Clarion Radio Replacement

Gadgetbubba · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2012 1:58 pm

Currently installed in my 2004 H230 is the Clarion XMD3 and a Sirius external receiver. The radio seems to work well but when accessing the Sirius sat receiver it comes up as invalid Channels on the Clarion display. I've tried re-activating it and replacing the XM antenna but all the same.

My question is, since I'm not extremely happy with the layout of the of the controls of the XMD3 receiver, what does anyone reccomend replacing it with that will still talk to the external remote controls correctly.

Thanks in advance...

Brandon

230 Mike · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2012 2:22 pm

I used to have the same problem, and found that I needed to call Sirius customer service every spring and have them reset the account (not sure exactly what they actually did). Something about sitting in storage all winter would cause it to not work anymore. Someone will be along shortly to give you a different answer. In the meantime, welcome to the forum, tell us more about where and how you boat and your boating experience.

After 3 years I cancelled it anyway and haven't used it since. We're iPods all the time now.

Gadgetbubba · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2012 4:33 pm

I'm actually a newbie to the Four Winns family.. I recently just sold my old boat - a 1988 Celebrity 190BR.. Great boat! I had bought it from my boss who had kept it in in dry storage for 20 years and had it serviced and winterized every season. Only had 240 hours on it when I sold it. Only had it for 1 summer until my wife and kids and I decided that we were going to be boat people and thought we needed a bigger boat. So we went shopping and found our Horizon 230 that we absolutely love.. 5.7Gxi/DP, trim tabs, Monster wakeboard tower with speakers. We've only been out on it twice now. So we are counting the days till next summer...

230 Mike · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2012 5:35 pm

I predict you'll like it a lot; 7 years later and it's still the perfect boat for us. If you have the dual battery option, don't be surprised if you need to move them to the port side. Many/most of these boats list to starboard with dual batteries in the factory mounted position. With tabs it might not be an issue for you, but it might be worthwhile to check it out with the tabs up just so you know what you've got.

You'll find that unless the previous owner has spent a lot of time replacing parts on the trailer, you'll probably need to. It's not a terrible trailer, but it originally didn't have a single piece of stainless hardware anywhere on it. Check the carpeted fender liners especially, they were mounting those with sheet metal screws that rust quickly and then break off. Also check to see that the bunks fully support the transom, I had mine replaced because they were about 1" shorter than they should have been. LED lights on the trailer are a major improvement without too much cash outlay. I can give you a list of part numbers that exactly replace the original fixtures if you ever want them.

If you do any night boating, you'll probably find that the original backlights in the helm are too dim. LED replacement bulbs are the fix.

If you're still on the original tires, they're overdue. :cry:

Now that we've spent all your money...

Gadgetbubba · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2012 7:29 pm

Ha.. Yes the first thing I did was replace the trailer brake lights with LED type. Big difference!! I'll check the fasteners for the trailer skids.. Good info..

Not quite sure what you mean regarding the bunks being too short to support the transom. Do you mean the trailer transom supports? I'll check it, but from memory it looked fairly tight to the hull.

Tires have been replaced. All good!!

Oh and yes, the iPhone/iPod works very well with the Aux in jack of the receiver...

230 Mike · **Posted:** Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:28 pm

Gadgetbubba wrote:

Not quite sure what you mean regarding the bunks being too short to support the transom.

Simply how far back the 4 bunks extend - mine were barely long enough to support the transom, and they only did if I got the boat perfectly up as far as possible on the trailer - which you should always do anyway of course, but it's easy to be all the way up to the bow roller and still have 1/4" variance at the rear from one loading to the next.

90Tiger · **Joined:** Fri Oct 21, 2011 9:23 am **Posts:** 79

I *think* the Clarion CMD5 will work with the same remote units as the XMD3 but nothing newer/higher will (i.e. CMD6 or CMD7). I don't think Clarion produces the CMD5 anymore but you may be able to find one on eBay.

Gadgetbubba · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:13 am

I have heard some chatter about the Fusion brand of Marine radio. Doesn't necesarrily integrate with Sirius but integrates really well with iPod/Phones very well. Also has some nifty remotes.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:38 am

Gadgetbubba wrote:

I have heard some chatter about the Fusion brand of Marine radio. Doesn't necesarrily integrate with Sirius but integrates really well with iPod/Phones very well. Also has some nifty remotes.

The Fusion HU's are awesome. But your Crapion remotes will not work with it.

For Chits and Grins here is a newer HU from Infinity that shows some promise, if you don't need a CD player.

Quote:

Launching its first ever Infinity by Harman marine receiver, Prospec Electronics introduces the Infinity PRV250. This compact receiver is capable of Bluetooth audio streaming and features AM/FM radio. Built to last in the harsh marine environment, the Infinity PRV250 incorporates a waterproof faceplate and a 50W x 4 amplifier. The PRV250 features USB input for USB drive playback, auxiliary input and one pair of RCA output. An RF/Wired Remote Option makes changing songs simple when away from the main receiver. In addition, the media device itself can act as a remote. While in Bluetooth mode, boaters can control volume and track up to 30' away.

http://www.firstchoicemarine.com/p-6970 ... rv250.aspx

JohnnyMarlin · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 10:54 am

Cap'n Morgan wrote:

For Chits and Grins here is a newer HU from Infinity that shows some promise, if you don't need a CD player.

http://www.firstchoicemarine.com/p-6970 ... rv250.aspx

Here is a similar if not the same unit by Milennia...........

http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/html/61987.html

ric · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 11:04 am

Here's my setup:
http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?model ... 139&page=1

Total bluetooth control, and handsfree talking (which is totally awesome on a boat)

And for more punch to the DB651's:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_221 ... ifier.html

Total cost including me making some pretty fancy power wires and speaker wires since they're visible in the cabin.. under $200.

No need for external remotes as I play everything off bluetooth from the phone, which is water proof via:
http://www.dicapacusa.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=4

Paul I. · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 12:56 pm

So far I am very happy with the Fusion. Just beaware of how the remotes are wired to a NEMA2000 backbone.

Tvega · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 1:35 pm

I have not had trouble with the clarion radio the only problem is when switching to satelite radio it takes a while. I have had sirious radio since i got the boat new and have not paid for it. the only thing i do is disconnect the batery every winter and keep it on trickle charger

230 Mike · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 3:04 pm

Tvega wrote:

I have not had trouble with the clarion radio the only problem is when switching to satelite radio it takes a while. I have had sirious radio since i got the boat new and have not paid for it. the only thing i do is disconnect the batery every winter and keep it on trickle charger

Oh, that's right - it was having the batteries disconnected (the Sirius receiver losing power) while in storage that caused the need to reset the account.

Gadgetbubba · **Posted:** Fri Sep 28, 2012 5:50 pm

I think I'll try and reactivate it... and see what happens.. Nice to know there are other options out there.. Technology has come a long way recently...

Thanks...

www.iFourWinns.com

Clarion Radio Replacement

Who is online