Yamaha Connext manufacturer? Possible to jailbreak?

[GTBRMC]

Yamaha's new Connext system is decidedly a step forward.

However, the lack of chart plotting capability is hugely disappointing and a major mistake for Yamaha.

Anyone know the actual Connext unit manufacturer and is it possible to jailbreak it?

 

[txav8r]

It is worse than not being able to add chattplotting/fishfinder...changing the head unit may not be possible without just abandoning the connext as well.

 

[GiddYupJoe]

I have spent the afternoon looking for the manufacture or any information on the system while watching Super Bowl pregame and have had no luck. Most information leads to it being proprietary to Yamaha, and seeing how they manufacture all sorts of electronics this would make sense. The trademark of connext is also registered to Yamaha.
I'm no electronics guru but can't anything like that be broken with the right technical/computer knowledge?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I have not seen the physical cabling of the Connex system. Does it have video input(s) for something onboard like a tower camera? Without an input I don't see how you would be able to feed video even if someone was able to write code to add functions.

I'm sure the manufacturer of the Connex system is under contract with Yamaha and promised not to tamper with the system for aftermarket upgrades. With that said, this leaves a lot of room yamaha to sell upgrades.

I think @JetBoatPilot named who makes the Connex after its debut at the boat show. Isn't it the same company who makes the Mastercraft screens?

 

[txav8r]

This was taken from another thread...Murphy Instruments makes Connext I guess.

Besides being so much quieter the Connext is next best thing I like. Connext is made by Murphy instruments and they have outstanding reliability. There are redundant switches below the display. They will supposedly still work if the screen goes out. I took my dash out to install my amps and you could change out the connext in less than a half hour. I guess those hinged seats rank right up there to though.

 

[GiddYupJoe]

@txav8r = 1 @GiddYupJoe = 0 Well played sir!

 

[txav8r]

Not so fast @GiddYupJoe , I am only repeating what I read. They may only make the screen and the software may be totally Yamaha, I don't know!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

That's it, Murphy! What a good name!

They do sell customizable systems that you might be able to plug and play with video inputs.

 

[dancathy]

My friend bought a new Pontoon right after I bought my boat from the same dealer. River Valley Motorsports. He has a touch screen made by Murphy also
and they added mapping to his unit with just a software upgrade. I called the dealer he said the Yamaha rep told him they have had a lot of inquiries about
adding mapping and they are considering some possible options. Oh yeah the upgrade for my buddies boat was over $700 which is to high for me to pay.
My smartphone works pretty good for the small lakes we have around here.

 

[Bruce]

As someone who has been involved in reverse engineering software, if sufficient demand is there it can be done.

The Connext market is small enough that I do not expect to see any jailbreaks.

I would really like it see more manufacturers coming out with displays driven by Andriod or other extendable operating systems. The core functionality needs to be protected but it would be great if you could install Navionics or a fish finder app.

 

[Bruce]

When I say "more manufacturers" I do not mean strictly marine. It would be awesome to able to buy all kinds vehicles with industry standard, expandable tablets nested in the dashes. It would provide much greater flexibility to the consumer and lower costs to the manufacturer. Although these customizable displays should not control anything related to the operation or safety of the vehicle.

 

[Mauimike]

Hello, I sent a email to Yamaha requesting the capability of Connexts regrading displaying GPS feeds and or upgrades for navagtion. I commented on what a massive missed marketing opportunity not to include GPS into Connexts.

 

[Jackew]

Watching for updates on this thread

 

[subysti]

Im not sure if its just for Yamaha. The Malibu boats use the exact same joystick except the buttons control the wake gate and ballast pumps.

 

[Mauimike]

Hello, I sent a email to Yamaha requesting the capability of Connexts regrading displaying GPS feeds and or upgrades for navagtion. I commented on what a massive missed marketing opportunity not to include GPS into Connexts.

I found out today from the dealer a Connext upgrade for a GPS Chart plotter in June.

 

[subysti]

OK More details!! Will new purchases this year get it free or will we have to buy it? What will it do? Map? Tracking? Navonics?

 

[Mauimike]

The dealer said he is getting a 2016 demo boat that will have the GPS Nav as standard next year. He did not much more than he would get the boat this June, and that 2015 Connext could be upgraded to support GPS Nav.

 

[subysti]

Well that makes things different now. I haven't signed any papers yet on my new boat. It shows up in 3 weeks. I may need to negotiate some kind of deal for that upgrade if yamaha is going to charge for it.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Has anyone seen a Nav system in the Murphy setup on another brand of boat?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I only ask because I have not seen it I'm my research but that doesn't mean it's not out there or possible. Murphy Instruments looks to only interact with a boats systems and gauges. It does have possible video feeds for engine room cams and the like.

So, if Connext would offer a Nav system that would be a revolutionary event by Murphy and Yamaha. I'm not thinking it's very likely we will see this integration.

http://www.fwmurphy.com/