Upgrading older e97 Raymarine Console for stereo controls

[krafty81]

It has been an interesting journey on this project. I want to have SXM and volume controls for my stereo at my older Raymarine console at the helm. Current head units don't work (too many updates) so I needed one that was recently discontinued, along with SXM antenna. After many calls and emails with Raymarine, I am going with a Fusion MD750 head unit which requires an older SR150 XM antenna. Neither are in production but I found them on ebay, supposedly all in working condition. I have a good installer who can help with the cabling. This should allow control at the helm instead of me fiddling with my phone on BT. Any other experience/insights welcome.

[waughoo]

I have a Fusion Apollo RA670 and a Raymarine e127 MFD.  It was a simple plug into the seatalk ng network and maybe a firmware update to the MFD to get it working.  The controls via the MFD are rather rudimentary, but it is nice to have the feature.  I am not sure why you would need to use older tech.  They do sell SXM as an option for the RA670 as far as I know.

https://www.thegpsstore.com/Brands/Fusion-Marine-Stereos/Fusion-RA-670-Apollo-Stereo-Sirius-XM-Bundle?srsltid=AfmBOoqiIOHj6ZbAX6tFCMpRmJrFRLFk7oTx_L_FODFSCnaBbLqRv1sn

[krafty81]

Sounds good Alex. Problem with my console is that it is on Lighthouse 2 software, so Apollo does not talk to it. Sneaky ways to make people upgrade!

[waughoo]

Mine is also on LH 2.  The e97 is just the 9" version of what I have (12")

Here is what Raymarine has to say about it...

https://forum.raymarine.com/showthread.php?tid=465

[Ted Pounds]

How about you just buy an old phone, install the app, and use it as your control head?  Or maybe you have an old phone in a drawer somewhere?  Just a thought....

[krafty81]

That Raymarine link is great. Gave it to my installer. I want to control at the helm because, sometimes, I need the volume down or mute to get people's attention. I don't like fiddling with a phone at the helm. Getting closer on this MS-AV750 (Fusion) coming on Saturday. It can do BT, USB etc. on the AV750 plus CD and DVD. I am old school.

[waughoo]

Krafty...

Do those older units you're looking at have a nmea 2k connection?  I can't recall how the old head units connected up.

[krafty81]

Krafty...

Do those older units you're looking at have a nmea 2k connection?  I can't recall how the old head units connected up.

Yes the MS-AV750 has NMEA 2000 connection.

[waughoo]

You SHOULD be good to go then!

[krafty81]

Now have the Fusion unit, SR150 and all connectors. Will post how this retro setup works!

[krafty81]

So I gave up on getting radio controls  displayed on my e97 MFD. Would have had to use the SR150 older SXM antenna and wire with ethernet all the way up my pedestal. Tons of work. NMEA 2000 link does not do that the AV750.  Going with a Fusion RA670 tuner and RX70 wireless remote I can stick anywhere in the cockpit. Can't play CDs but I wife says I need to move on from that! Will post pics of new set up.

[waughoo]

My RA670 does the stereo controls via n2k.  I don't have an ethernet connection hooked up to my RA670.  If you are now committing to the newer stereo, you may still be able to get what you were after.  I also wen't through my CD collection a few years back and digitized it.  I went with FLAC as my codec.  It is a lossless conversion to digital meaning the quality of CD is maintained vs mp3 which has a high compression rate that reduces audio quality.

[krafty81]

Thanks for the tip on ripping CDs on FLAC. I don't think controls will show up on my old e97 on n2K network. Will try though. The BT remote disc looks pretty cool and easy to mount anywhere. Install day is tomorrow! The one good thing about going with a newer stereo is that, someday, when I upgrade my MFD it should be able to display on there.

[waughoo]

I am not sure how else to tell you... I have the same version of plotter as you do and it just works.  You may need to download the latest software version for your e97, but it was easy to do. 

That said, the round remotes are slick and with them being able to be zone specific, having the disc remote dedicated to the cockpit zone would be nifty and elegant.

[krafty81]

Alex - Do the controls show up under Fusion Link on your e97? I can't even find the app on my plotter, just one for SXM. We will certainly try that today! I do have the latest e97 software.

Do you have the e97 touchscreen or the non-touch?

Thanks.