Aux Jack to Bluetooth Solution

[IN2H2O]

Far from a audio guy but looking for a way to stream music from my phone to the stock radio. What is a good solution for our older boats that only have a Aux jack?

I've seen a few battery powered Aux to Bluetooth adapters on amazon but they are battery powered and kind of afraid they might not be ideal. Much prefer a way to tie into the 12v DC circuit but most powered options I come across are 120v for home stereos. Is there a good solution or does the head unit just need replaced?

 

[Babin Farms]

This is what I used to used before I got a BT radio. It will use minimal power compared to the radio

Amazon.com: Bovon Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter for Car, USB C PD Bluetooth Car Adapter with Dual Mic/2.0" LCD Display/3 USB Ports/9 Color LED Backlit, Wireless Car Kit Music Player Support U Disk/AUX Output: Electronics

Buy Bovon Bluetooth 5.0 FM Transmitter for Car, USB C PD Bluetooth Car Adapter with Dual Mic/2.0" LCD Display/3 USB Ports/9 Color LED Backlit, Wireless Car Kit Music Player Support U Disk/AUX Output: Changers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Or you can hook up through the jack with this cable

Amazon.com: [Apple MFi Certified] AUX Cord for iPhone 11, Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, 3.5mm to Lightning Adapter, Aux Adapter, Headphone Jack Adapter, Compatible for iPhone 11 XS XR X 7 7P 8 8P : Electronics

Amazon.com: [Apple MFi Certified] AUX Cord for iPhone 11, Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, 3.5mm to Lightning Adapter, Aux Adapter, Headphone Jack Adapter, Compatible for iPhone 11 XS XR X 7 7P 8 8P : Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[buckbuck]

I added this to my 2008. Works great.

 

[Dfred]

To put off getting a new head unit... I just went with this Audiopipe from Amazon as recommended from here or somewhere


The “marine” application of this Bluetooth aux adapter sold me, and the customer comments on how to wire it to power on via antenna power so it’s not always on draining battery. It has worked perfectly so far.

Can’t find pics of final install... It was simple crimp and connect for this JBL radio unit, And then just zip tied it to the radio brace:

 

[IN2H2O]

To put off getting a new head unit... I just went with this Audiopipe from Amazon as recommended from here or somewhere

The “marine” application of this Bluetooth aux adapter sold me, and the customer comments on how to wire it to power on via antenna power so it’s not always on draining battery. It has worked perfectly so far.

Can’t find pics of final install... It was simple crimp and connect for this JBL radio unit, And then just zip tied it to the radio brace:

Thanks, Just ordered. Oddly there is not a manual on AP website for this. Audiopipe Manuals
Install looks simple. Did you just plug the Red and White RCA cables into the back of the headunit's aux and wire into 12v Auxiliary/Antenna power that comes on with the key?

Below is the wiring diagram from the stock head unit on a 2008 232 Limited (Sony CDX-HS70MS)

 

[BigT51]

I did the same thing only I used the Fusion bluetooth adapter. It works great and the best part is that you only have to select the AUX input on the radio to get the bluetooth signal. I used the 12V cigarette adapter one before and it was a PITA to tune the radio to the proper channel to get the signal, especially on a bright sunny day and the radio mounted on the lower part of the dash. My boat has the original factory radio. Now if I could figure out what the buttons on the remote back on the transom do - I've never been able to find a manual for it.

 

[Babin Farms]

a PITA to tune the radio to the proper channel to get the signal, especially on a bright sunny day and the radio mounted on the lower part of the dash. My boat has the original factory radio.

Best thing I ever did with the OE radio is swap positions with the No-Wake insert. No more bending over to try to see the radio. Why they didn't do it this way when the designed our boats is beyond me.

 

[Dfred]

..... Did you just plug the Red and White RCA cables into the back of the headunit's aux and wire into 12v Auxiliary/Antenna power that comes on with the key?

Heh, the manuals are quite lacking (sorry), but, yes - simply connect the red&white RCA your Sony AUX, and then the power from the AMP/antenna (I can’t tell exactly which wire from your Sony harness it is?), and ground. But, The power from radio antenna is on from radio on and not key. (and another reason to remove the radio head face-plate when storing the boat, but- I guess you can wire it to any 12v switched on though?).
Ignore and seal shut the blue wire on the Audiopipe Bluetooth in this configuration.

 

[Djc16]

Best thing I ever did with the OE radio is swap positions with the No-Wake insert. No more bending over to try to see the radio. Why they didn't do it this way when the designed our boats is beyond me.

View attachment 151507

How hard was this to do? I am looking into changing out the oem unit and this looks nice

 

[Babin Farms]

Overall it was easy. Just need to find a piece of black plastic to make an insert/trim piece for the top where the radio was put due to the openings in the dash being different sizes for the radio & no-wake panel.