• This site contains eBay affiliate links for which Sea-Doo Forum may be compensated.

Adding bluetooth to your marine radio?

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mike_tyler

New Member
Anyone done this? I bought two of the Millenia MIL-BRETC 12v units, one for my coat and one for my classic Mustang. While they work ok they both get a lot of buzz noise in either application. Following several threads it seems this has to do with shared ground source with the radio. The buzzing is non-existent if powered by a separate 12V power source. Anyone been there, done that? I am buying a couple of ground loop noise isolators to see they reduce these annoying noise levels.
 
Even tho its still the same ground, getting one from a different spot can help some times, some times make it worse, or even worse make the buzz go with the rpms. Easy to test with a long jumper to different places in the boat. I hate a buzz in the stereo
 
Yes, I played with different ground points and only made it worse. One other thing, the noise only starts when the bluetooth is connected. The radio can be in aux mode with power applied to the adapter but the noise doesn't start until its streaming the audio from my phone.

The dealer I bought the adapters from was very nice, refunded my money for both and didnt want me to bother with shipping them back. ($40 purchase) I have a Sonos Connect amp and when i connect the adapter to it using a separate 12v power supply there is no noise at all. Hoping the ground isloators are the key
 
I love sonos stuff, would be great if it was marine rated :willy_nilly: Wonder if a diode in the ground might help?
Side note, this is one of the coolest racks we have done with alot of sonos, and crown amps:drool5:
20160616_155525.jpg
 

Attachments

Have you considered replacing your stereo with one that is bluetooth capable? I have an Alpine.........only $100, no noise on Bluetooth, stereo sounds great.
 
Wow, that is a serious investment in Sonos equipment. I have a ZR6 Niles setup with six wired zones and touchscreen displays. I added a Sonos Connect as one of my audio sources and now have Sonos throughout the house.

Good point on the low cost of replacing the equipment. I had a very lame marine cassette model radio made by Standard Communication in my boat. I found a DUAL 200watt Marine CD radio with wired remote on eBay for $20 and now I have upgraded it to bluetooth for free. The ground noise isolator came in yesterday ($5) and knocks down 90% of the noise. I guess if I used the boat more I probably would just spend the $$ and replace it but for now this is a decent (and cheap) upgrade.

And mods - sorry for placing this in the Sport Boat forums. This is probably more fitting for general chat, move it if you see fit.
 
Hey Sam - I saw the Fusion adapters as well and reviews indicate there is great support for them. Did you have any of the noise issues I described?
 
I never had any static or noise issues with them. I didn't see that the problem was mostly resolved that's why I changed the message lol. Yeah it worked well and was quick to connect. I liked it but now we sold that boat and put in a regular Bluetooth stereo.
 
Good to hear. I think I am ok with the reduced noise levels using the ground isolator. I am less tolerant of the noise in an enclosed area like my classic cars. My 70 Mach 1 has an original AM/FM that has been internally modified for power antenna, aux input, pre outs for sub, etc and the add-on bluetooth adapter makes great sense where original looks are to be maintained.

Appreciate that feedback. Knowing they have better ground circuitry I will probably buy one of the Fusion units to use in my Mustang. Thanks!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top