www.iFourWinns.com

This is one for all of you radio experts out there.

I started to take the head unit out of my new V288 today, and it didn't take long to figure out this wasn't a good idea. I was planning to add the Sony unit I bought that would charge and play my ipod thru the head unit. Well it took a while to get the screws out, and then once the unit came out I could see that 4 of the RCA connection didn't have enough extra to plug them back in easily.

It seemed like there were no open connection for the new interface. Well I gave up on the new install and decided to try to put it back together. This is where my trouble started. I needed to gain enough slack to hook the 4 RCA connections and the thing that looked like the antenna wire. I gently pulled on the wires and the antenna wire was in my hand. It doesn’t look like a normal antenna wire. It has a (orange wire) ring clamp on one end. It looks more like a ground.

OK I need your help. Where and what was it hooked to? There is no space in behind it and I was unable to see where it was hooked up to. I hate the idea that I am going to have to call the dealer with my tail between my legs. The unit does work now after a long time and very carefully making sure the connections were put back correctly. I don’t see a way to get behind it without removing the electrical panel and I don’t like the idea of doing that.

I usually don’t have this type of results with these jobs.
What a pain.

Thanks in advance Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

Although I have the Clarion unit I'm nearly positive that orange wire is the antenna wire. You can probably check by looking at the documents for the headunit online or in the materials you have. Assuming it is, I know mine is simply about 2 feet of wire that ends just by being screwed to a place inside the hull. Its not attached to anything further for reception like an actual antenna from what I can tell. Its just the wire itselff that serves as the antenna. If you can't reattach it, I would just secure it with a zip tie to something so its stays somewhat fixed and not in contact with other wires which may subject it to interference. If its working, leave it alone!! I hope that helps.

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Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

Oh yeah, if you're having trouble because of the lack of length for the RCA's, I would go to radio shack and get some female adapters along with an extra 2 foot rca cord o extend them. Don't give up on the new install!

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Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

Thanks for the advice Cincy Aquaholic. I am going to do both things you recommended.

I don't know why I didn't think of that with the extension. I can tell you the cuts all over may hands thank you. Next weekend I will give it another crack.

Thanks Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

I know all to well how your hands can get tore up! Looked like I got in a fight with a bunch of cats. Good luck.

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Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

You may lose some fidelity the more extension/connectors you add.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks

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2001 Sundowner 235