www.iFourWinns.com

Hi Guys,
I recently bought a 2006 248 Vista and I have a question.

The boat has the factory Sirius dome antenna mounted on the bow and there is a light blue wire connected to it, and runs inside the cabin. The problem is I can't locate that same wire anywhere near the stereo or cabinet. The Clarion M455 deck has a orange wire going to the antenna plug, I have my doubts the wire went from blue to orange but anything is possible I guess..lol

Does anyone know if they bundle up the wire somewhere,or do they run it right to the cabinet and perhaps it's dropped down where I can't see it?
Thanks
Mark

I believe it requires a separate Sirius box. The antenna runs to that. Then there's a thick 'CeNet' cable that goes to the radio. The same cable daisy-chains to a CD changer (if you have one). At least that's how it works on my XMD3 and now CMD5 head unit. The Sirius box is nearby but with CeNet cable it can be up to 25' away.

Be careful with the sat antenna cable, it's a very thin gauge coax cable. It uses a push-fit connector onto the sirius radio. It's possible yours somehow got dislodged. Find the box and the cable is likely to be nearby.

Also note there were some updates this winter for sat radio. I had to physically unplug my sat radio box for a few minutes before it would recognize the service. Damned annoying. Just turning off the radio breaker was not enough.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

I believe it requires a separate Sirius box. The antenna runs to that. Then there's a thick 'CeNet' cable that goes to the radio. The same cable daisy-chains to a CD changer (if you have one). At least that's how it works on my XMD3 and now CMD5 head unit. The Sirius box is nearby but with CeNet cable it can be up to 25' away.

Be careful with the sat antenna cable, it's a very thin gauge coax cable. It uses a push-fit connector onto the sirius radio. It's possible yours somehow got dislodged. Find the box and the cable is likely to be nearby.

Also note there were some updates this winter for sat radio. I had to physically unplug my sat radio box for a few minutes before it would recognize the service. Damned annoying. Just turning off the radio breaker was not enough.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks for the info!
I don't believe there is a Sat tuner anywhere as the stereo is satellite ready only,and the manual suggests it requires the tuner. I want to locate the antenna wire coming from the dome antenna on the bow to the stereo cabinet before buying the tuner,just so I don't have to mess around with mounting another antenna. I might have to remove the small section of liner above the galley and I may be able to see where the wire heads down towards the stereo. There isn't much visability when I remove the stereo to see where that damn wire is...pain!..lol

If the antenna is already mounted then the tuner box was likely already installed too. We just don't know where. Perhaps another 248 owner can chime in?

If not, fire off an e-mail to boating@fourwinns.com and ask them where the factory install location was for the sirius tuner for your model. Include your Hull ID number when you ask (it's the boat equivalent of a VIN, it's serial number). This may help them narrow down what was or wasn't factory installed.

I've never used that model of radio. But does it show 'Sirius' when you switch modes? Or does it say anything like 'Invalid Channel'? If so then it sees the tuner box.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Sorry,no Sirius on my 03 248...

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

Hi Bill,
I agree,you would think if they installed the Sirius antenna on the bow that they would put the tuner in as well.
I don't see anything connected to the rear of the stereo to suggest there is a tuner installed. There is a 6 disc CD changer. Also, I called Sirius to activate it and it didn't work. When I select Satellite mode from the function button and it displays "linking" but it doesn't link. I will email FourWinns for the build sheet.
Thanks!

My box is mounted on the wall behind the fridge on a 268. I'm sure it's the same for you. Four screws and pull the fridge out. If there is no box there, you will almost certainly find your antennae wire.

I will definitely take a look behind the fridge.
Was your tuner hooked up to your stereo deck or did you have to connect it?

Thanks!

It was all hooked up. You may need a new box. Mine shit the bed after a few years.

Hey just bought a 2006 248 and am having the same "linking" problem. Did you figure it out? I called Sirius and activated the unit but radio just says "linking"