Stereo Location 2014 R5

[billk2632]

No reason you can't add the speakers now and run them off the rear channel on the RFX5000 and add the amp and subwoofer later.

[billk2632]

So thought I would continue here with my latest stereo question.

Finally got my Bluetooth working, but have noticed the volume fades in and out. Not terrible, but noticeable. It does not do this on the radio or when plugged into the aux jack. I am using an iPhone with Spotify.

[LakeLife77]

I had this exact same problem with mine. Did not matter who was connected to it, or if I tried moving the Dongle. I don't know if it was older Bluetooth technology or what? I also read on other boat forums people having the same problems with those older RF Systems with the Dongle Bluetooth. That was what finally made me decide to upgrade to the newer RF. The new one connects super quick and Spotify streams very clear. Now I just need to figure out how to get the other remote to clear the engine hatch at the rear.

[billk2632]

Lakelife - Sounds like this might just be an inherent problem with these older units's bluetooth, like I said, sounds fine on Aux or Radio, not have bluetooth is not the end of the world for me right now. So when you upgraded your unit did you buy a new hidaway box (PMX-8BB) and the remote for the dash (PMX-1R)? Also, do you have a subwoofer connected? And where did you get a new dash panel, I don't think the holes from the old unit match up enough to use it?

Thanks

[Krob1114]

So thought I would continue here with my latest stereo question.

Finally got my Bluetooth working, but have noticed the volume fades in and out. Not terrible, but noticeable. It does not do this on the radio or when plugged into the aux jack. I am using an iPhone with Spotify.

We use Apple Music. Sometimes when we have problems, it's because the song wasn't downloaded. I download, but my wife doesn't always.

[billk2632]

So thought I would continue here with my latest stereo question.

Finally got my Bluetooth working, but have noticed the volume fades in and out. Not terrible, but noticeable. It does not do this on the radio or when plugged into the aux jack. I am using an iPhone with Spotify.

We use Apple Music. Sometimes when we have problems, it's because the song wasn't downloaded. I download, but my wife doesn't always.

I'll have to check that out, I use Spotify and download most, but sometimes I just let it randomly play, so not sure if it happens only on steaming music.

[LakeLife77]

So I did buy the PMX-8BB and I bought 2 of the PMX-1R's. One for the dash and one for the transom/rear area. I also had to buy the Y-Cable and extension cables since the old RF cables are not compatible. I then went to Lake Norman Marina and asked if it was possible to get the Dash Panel from a 2016 R5 that came with the PMX-1R from the factory. They contacted Cobalt to make sure it would fit and got the OK and placed the order. I think the Panel was like $120. But I wanted it to look factory. I also like having a volume Knob and the subwoofer control right there and not that haptic touch screen for Volume. I do have the Subwoofer and the Transom Speakers.
If you decide to go this route let me know. I did have to make a bracket to secure the remote to the dash from the back-side. Templated it over the off season and used Lexan to secure it. I have some pictures of that if you want and I think I still have the carboard cut-out I used to template it.

Next project is figuring out how to install the PMX-1R in the old RF remote location at the rear. The volume knob is larger, and the engine hatch will not clear it. But that is going to be an off-season project.

[billk2632]

Thanks for the info, probably look to upgrade mine at some point - I don't have transom speakers or a subwoofer. Didn't realize you were on LKN, I keep my boat in dry storage at Lake Norman Marina.

[LakeLife77]

Actually I am on Wylie, but Lake Norman Marina is the closest Cobalt dealer for us. When/If you upgrade and have any questions, let me know. I will probably have new wiring (speaker wire, power wire and RCA amp cables) re-run this year as I putter with the boat.

[brooksmsu]

Yes that is the panel were i found mine (and yes it took me a long time to find it as well). I also have the RFX5000. When i was trying to hook up bluetooth as you are. I found that the dongle was already there. I think the connection was never tight. The original owner told me that there was no bluetooth. If you need the dongle look up RFX- btd3 or https://www.ebay.ca/itm/294159692150
Good luck let me know how you make out
PS Great Boat!!

Hello! How do you get that panel off? Are those circles screws, or can you pry it off? They didn't seem to turn easy on mine, and I was concerned about prying too hard. I need to get back there to check a connection to one of the speakers. Thanks!

[billk2632]

The little circles are covers that are pressed onto a nylon washer and cover the screws. They are on tight but will pry off, just be careful with a screwdriver - I used a nylon pry tool for taking apart car interiors.

[AsLan7]

Yes that is the panel were i found mine (and yes it took me a long time to find it as well). I also have the RFX5000. When i was trying to hook up bluetooth as you are. I found that the dongle was already there. I think the connection was never tight. The original owner told me that there was no bluetooth. If you need the dongle look up RFX- btd3 or https://www.ebay.ca/itm/294159692150
Good luck let me know how you make out
PS Great Boat!!

Hello! How do you get that panel off? Are those circles screws, or can you pry it off? They didn't seem to turn easy on mine, and I was concerned about prying too hard. I need to get back there to check a connection to one of the speakers. Thanks!

.

So glad you found us bmu…

Yes the nylon pry tool is invaluable for interior trim and radios. Pry those little pieces off to reveal screws.

And welcome aboard mate!

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