Suggestions for Marine radio IPOD ready

[rdunning]

Happy New year all

I need your help....web links are appreciated

I have a 2006 Rinker 262 BR. I would like to replace my existing old outdated Clarion radio. I am looking for a marine radio that has the following

same size and dimensions as original (very important)
IPOD /USB compatible
I like the IPOD trays where you put the IPOD in the tray and it asks like a CD is inserted into unit
think it is called (Smart-fit iPod DMP/USB compartment for safe storage)
Price range should not exceed $260.
Saltwater- and corrosion-resistant conformal-coated board
Detachable face
Playback of CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA, and AAC
Satellite capable (not as important)
Prefer Sony brand but not a must

One problem that I am finding is that some of the radios do not have  connections for the boats (2) existing built in remotes( on the dash or on the swim platform).

[mvn]

You will find that you will most likely have to replace all of your remotes, even if you stick with Clarion.  They all seem to change how they do things every so often rendering certain system components incompatible.

Having said that, I would highly recommend the Clarion M309.  Have a look on the Clarion website.  It does not have the drop-in iPod tray but here is a link for iPod compatibility....

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/support/compatibility/ipod/2009_Marine/index.html

If you look around on ebay, you can find some pretty good deals.  That's where I got mine.

Happy shopping.

Mark

[rdunning]

You will find that you will most likely have to replace all of your remotes, even if you stick with Clarion.  They all seem to change how they do things every so often rendering certain system components incompatible.

Having said that, I would highly recommend the Clarion M309.  Have a look on the Clarion website.  It does not have the drop-in iPod tray but here is a link for iPod compatibility....

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/support/compatibility/ipod/2009_Marine/index.html

If you look around on ebay, you can find some pretty good deals.  That's where I got mine.

Happy shopping.

Mark


Thanks

I would never have know this...that is why this forum is here

[DZ]

Does your current unit work okay otherwise, but just doesn't have iPod connectivity? If so, there may be a cheaper option, since it sounds like you don't want to spend a ton on a whole new install of amps and speakers and such.

Our 2006 246BR had a decent Clarion system in it, probably similar to yours, but didn't have an ipod jack. If you pull the unit out, you'll likely find there are RCA plugs on the back for AUX input, which will work for an iPod just fine. I drilled a hole and installed a 1/8" audio outlet attached to these, and can just plug an iPod straight in to that. At the same time, I also put in another 12-volt outlet nearby, for charging an iPod/iPhone or anything else at the same time.

Lots of people here are installed all kinds of amazing audio systems, but if you're just looking to plug in your iPod and still use your existing setup, speakers and remotes, this is the cheap option. Works fine for us!

[Le Meez]

Does your current unit work okay otherwise, but just doesn't have iPod connectivity? If so, there may be a cheaper option, since it sounds like you don't want to spend a ton on a whole new install of amps and speakers and such.

Our 2006 246BR had a decent Clarion system in it, probably similar to yours, but didn't have an ipod jack. If you pull the unit out, you'll likely find there are RCA plugs on the back for AUX input, which will work for an iPod just fine. I drilled a hole and installed a 1/8" audio outlet attached to these, and can just plug an iPod straight in to that. At the same time, I also put in another 12-volt outlet nearby, for charging an iPod/iPhone or anything else at the same time.

Lots of people here are installed all kinds of amazing audio systems, but if you're just looking to plug in your iPod and still use your existing setup, speakers and remotes, this is the cheap option. Works fine for us!

Our 340 came with these 1/8" audio outlets both at the helm and in the salon. It functions fine but isn't as convenient as a true iPod head unit that has the controls right on the faceplate and the iPod can be hidden away. Depends how far you want to go with replacing remotes, etc.

[rdunning]

Does your current unit work okay otherwise, but just doesn't have iPod connectivity? If so, there may be a cheaper option, since it sounds like you don't want to spend a ton on a whole new install of amps and speakers and such.

Our 2006 246BR had a decent Clarion system in it, probably similar to yours, but didn't have an ipod jack. If you pull the unit out, you'll likely find there are RCA plugs on the back for AUX input, which will work for an iPod just fine. I drilled a hole and installed a 1/8" audio outlet attached to these, and can just plug an iPod straight in to that. At the same time, I also put in another 12-volt outlet nearby, for charging an iPod/iPhone or anything else at the same time.

Lots of people here are installed all kinds of amazing audio systems, but if you're just looking to plug in your iPod and still use your existing setup, speakers and remotes, this is the cheap option. Works fine for us!

My clarion unit is about shot. Thanks for the heads up. I think I like the idea of having an IPOD tray (where the IPOD goes in like a CD) where it is protected from the elements. Although I have seen reviews of some players saying the IPOD overheats inside the unit ( I don't think Clarion makes one like this). I don't think I like the fact of having an IPOD tethered to a jack. But I also dont a unit where I have to change out the existing remotes on the dash and swim platform.

Thanks again for all the help