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.
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
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!
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
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....
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.
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.
Quote from: waughoo on March 20, 2025, 03:54:54 PMKrafty...
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.
You SHOULD be good to go then!
Now have the Fusion unit, SR150 and all connectors. Will post how this retro setup works!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'll be at the boat tomorrow (Sunday). I'll see if I can get you some more specific info. I read somewhere that you need to modify the home page to get the fusion app on there. I don't recall doing that, but it was a lomg time ago. I'll report back.
Okay... here are the steps. Go to the home screen and slide to the end where you see empty space for new icons and select "customize" up in the top banner. Then select "homescreen" in the slide out menu. Then select "edit page". Select an empty icon on the home screen. Scroll down the "app list" on the right hand side and look for the "Fusion Link" option. Mime was near the bottom of the scroll menu. Pres the "Fusion link" icon till it fills the screen to the left of the selection pane. Then scroll back up to the top and select "Finish" from the side bar menu. You can then adjust the name if you'd like or leave it as named and choose save.
That should be it!
And the last two pictures to complete the process.
Alex thanks so much for the detailed info. I will try these steps on my plotter today. The install is tomorrow. I also picked up an RX70 BT remote I can mount anywhere. That is the backup.
Looking forward to the full report. Do make sure to come back and tell us.
It worked! I followed your instructions and, once the install was complete at connected to N2K, it showed up under the Fusion app. Now linked with my MFD, RX70 remote, cell phone and Garmin watch. So cool that this older MFD can do this - and Raymarine said it could not be done! Let me know if you are in San Diego for payback sometime!
Great news!! I'm glad you tried it. You seemed pretty dead set that it wasn't an option.
I'll certainly let you know if I end up in town. It's always fun to meet the forum members in person.
Quote from: waughoo on April 04, 2025, 07:09:40 PMGreat news!! I'm glad you tried it. You seemed pretty dead set that it wasn't an option.
I'll certainly let you know if I end up in town. It's always fun to meet the forum members in person.
Pleasej do! Perfect day for a sail today and I could not find any takers!
Boy do I know that feeling. I pretty much gave up asking anymore. My boat is set up well for single handing, so I just go when the mood strikes and I can stay out as long or as little as I wish.