Stereo question

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dvan

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I need to install a stereo in the boat (28' flybridge). I want to get one with a remote and my question is, if I install the stereo in the salon, can I use the remote in the cockpit and flybridge? I will be installing two speakers inside and two outside.
Advise on distance of remote and brand of stereo is welcome.
Looking for unit with remote, CD, input for ipod, USB port(do I really need that).
I was given an Ipod with 600+ tunes so looking to use the stereo for that and my XM devise.
As you may see, I'm not a stereo expert (hell I'm still trying to get my 8 track tape out of the player) and that was my best CCR tape!!!!!!!
 
Many, if not most, remotes use infra-red to signal the mother ship. Unless you have a clear line of sight from helm to stereo (or rig a series of mirrors if you like Rube Goldberg), you will be hard-pressed to do what you want. Not ruling it out, though. I'd ask your stereo salesperson to confirm.
 
You need a RF remote. I have an alpine system and have a handheld remote that uses rf, not infra-red and will work from any where within a certain distance.
 
Many marine stereos offer optional wired remote that you can't lose or drop in the water.
 
I have a Sony radio/cd player on my boat. I plug my ipod into the aux jack but volume and song selection are controlled by the ipod, not the radio. A remote may not be much use in this case.
 
Check out the FUSION units. They are top notch and offer an internal mount for the iPod, also offer very nice remotes that show the iPod menu on the remote.
 
Stereo was the first thing I put on my boat. If you ain't got tunes, then all you got is a boat. If you intend to drive & or hang out on the flybridge (with speakers mounted there) then you need a remote. Having said that I will also tell you a hand held remote will never be where you want it when you need it. I have a remote for my spotlight and seems like it is always somwhere where I am not. That's why I also have a fixed, dash mounted remote. I ALWAYS know where it is. Same with a stereo. You can always go to the head unit to make adjustments, but not if you're on the flybridge and need to turn it down. So I recommend you get a unit with a mounted waterproof remote for the flybridge. If you need a hand held remote, leave it down in the cockpit.
You could also mount a mute (on off) switch topside,for those speakers, that way you can kill them at the flick of a switch. No remote needed.
Lots of options and everybody likes to personalize their boat to suite themselves. And lastly, if you don't do anything else before you part with you $$$. Go to a stereo store and actually play around with the buttons and knobs. They need to be intuitive. You don't want to have to read the instruction manual every time you want to change input or stations or volume. Some of these units are borderline comical with the multi-multi function arrows and pull knobs and doo dads that you'll probably never use.
Now I am going to go make som DeCaf coffee for myself, this got wayyy to long :)
 
Most marine stereos, such as Clarion and Sony, have wired, weather proof remotes. I'd post links, but that is verboten here. Do a search on "Sony marine remote commander" or "Clarion marine remote" . Alpine has wireless versions. Standard car stereo remotes will not stand up.

You can also check out the Jensen line here at BoatFix

http://www.boatfix.com/shop4/store/listitems.asp?idCategory=392
 
Jvc has a really nice sirius ready cd stereo with a wired LCD remote
 
I would go with what I did. My boat used to have the stereo in the salon that controlled the whole boat interior and exterior.

I basically separated them into 2 zones. I installed a dedicated stereo on the bridge and aft deck with 4 speakers and still have the stereo below to control the cabin. I never listen to them both at the same time. Let me tell you wiring will be a whole lot easier if you mount the whole stereo system on the bridge with its own dedicated speakers, then you can mount the wired remote to the cockpit or another location on the bridge.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

Jvc has a really nice sirius ready cd stereo with a wired LCD remote

Click to expand...


They don't make those anymore. I was a JVC distributor in a prior life. I prefer the Sonys (also distro'd them, Alpine, Dual, Jensen and others), but any of the names are OK. Alpine recently got into the marine business, if you are looking for high end product.

I agree that for the price of a remote, you might as well just get a second unit if you have a place for it. The remotes are nice for express style boats and sailboats that are basically one level and often have limited dash space.
 
I agree with the others that a wired dash-mounted exterior marine remote is the way to go. I installed a Sony CDX-H910UI in my boat and it's great for CD, radio, iPod, and I also use it to run the audio for the computer, TV and Blu-Ray disc player. Great sound, nice design.

Having said that, you CAN extend the range of an infrared remote by using an IR extender. Most extenders are designed to permit you to control electronic devices stored in cabinets so they're made for indoor use, but they're small and discreet and can be placed in convenient locations. Could work for a command bridge application. Logitech makes one. There are others. Google "IR extender".
 
Thanks for all replies. I had seen the one that has the internal mount for the ipod. I thought that one would work, if you could control the ipod from the remote.
I also thought about mounting the stereo on the bridge, thats were I would be using it while traveling but would like a remote to work it from the cockpit so I didnt have to climb each time I wanted to change it.
Again thanks for the advise, it will help making my choice.
 
quote:
Originally posted by caltexfla

quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

Jvc has a really nice sirius ready cd stereo with a wired LCD remote

Click to expand...


They don't make those anymore. I was a JVC distributor in a prior life. I prefer the Sonys (also distro'd them, Alpine, Dual, Jensen and others), but any of the names are OK. Alpine recently got into the marine business, if you are looking for high end product.

I agree that for the price of a remote, you might as well just get a second unit if you have a place for it. The remotes are nice for express style boats and sailboats that are basically one level and often have limited dash space.

Click to expand...


My bad. I meant JBL. Good ones available for about $150
 
Dennis,

I have an older Sony model (2008) mounted in the salon with an ipod interface and a wired remote on the flybridge. I also have an IR remote for the salon. I find that the IR remote range stinks. If I get more that 10-15 feet away, it doesn't work. I love the wired remote on the FB.

My ipod interface is awkward and has limited functions. It is controllable via IR or wired remote, but it's not very user friendly. I reverted to using an FM transmitter and have found that 107.5 works well in the delta with minimal interference. It's the type that plugs into a 12V power plug. I have a plug next to each helm and find that it works best for our uses.
 
Al, I'm looking into the wired remote. Hopefully I can find one that does all that I want it to.
OHB, I see the ones with the USB port. Is there any other purpose for them except to hook up the ipod?
 
FWIW, I have a SONY wired remote. There was a remote at the helm when I bought the boat. I added two speakers to the open cockpit area near the transom (fly bridge boat). I also added a second wired remote. The wired remote is a standard 1/4" plug (ear phones jack) so I bought a "Y" splitter....it works fine!

Summary: put one wired remote at the helm and another where you lounge about.
 
Originally posted by dvan

Al, I'm looking into the wired remote. Hopefully I can find one that does all that I want it to.
OHB, I see the ones with the USB port. Is there any other purpose for them except to hook up the ipod?
[/quote

Yes, some cell phones can charge from USB.
Click to expand...
 
quote:
Originally posted by bobalong

a hand held remote will never be where you want it when you need it.
Click to expand...


I had a wireless remote for one trip. Then my wife "cleaned". Never saw it since.

That being said, I also have a wired remote that I never installed because I could not find an acceptable route to run the wire.
 
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