Fusion Radio & iPhone 5

[Gin]

Our Fushion came with ample adaptors for the old iPhone connectors. But we recently upgraded to the 5, which has the smaller lightning adaptor. Has anyone figured out how to hook up an iPhone 5? Are there new adaptors that let them plug into the radio itself? Or is the best option the Bluetooth 200 gizmo?

Gini

 

[knotflying]

We actually now use the ear plug receptacle on the phone and plug into the auxiliary jack on the fusion. Granted you can't use the fusion controls, but I get the same sound. They do make conversion jacks. I have just been too lazy to get one and try it out.

 

[Barry Cohen]

Just ordered the Fusion MS-BT100 Blue Tooth Adapter from West Marine. Looks like a pretty straightforward install.

 

[Gin]

Barry, am I right that the difference between the BT100 and 200 modules is data display on the Fusion itself? That might not be important to me. Have you already upgraded the software on the Fusion, or will you need to? I haven't done that yet . . .

I'll be interested in how your installation goes and what you think of the bluetooth functionality. Please post a report! Thanks.

Gini

 

[Barry Cohen]

As I understand it, the MS-BT100 module is for the MS-IP600 stereo that was installed in my 2011 R27. It will only get me bluetooth. And I do not believe you can upgrade the software in the MS-IP600.

The MS-BT200 module is for the MS-700 series and it will give you bluetooth and access to satellite radio. You can upgrade the software in the MS-700 series.

 

[Gin]

Thanks for that info Barry!

 

[Barry Cohen]

Installed the Fusion Bluetooth module tonight. Works as advertised.

 

[Gin]

Barry, I now have the BT200 to install (since I have the Fusion 700 radio). I plan to install this weekend. Curious about where you mounted it. In the glove box area? Wondering if it needs to be more exposed for good reception throughout the boat (especially out in the cockpit) or if the reception is plenty strong with it inside the glovebox area. Thanks!

Gini

 

[coreychamness]

I have used the common adaptor available from apple for the iPhone 5 that allows old style plug to connect to the new style. It works fine but of course you can't close the door on the front of the unit. when you pull out your phone, the adaptor usually remains behind, "stuck" in the fusion player. It takes some rocking back and forth on the adaptor to pull it out. Usually I just leave it in there because I only ever plug the iPhone 5 back it to it. I have considered purchasing the BT200 that plugs into the satellite input because our Garmin satellite radio (weather and XM) is already plugged into the aux input by the Ranger factory. What I really want to try is to put a bluetooth transmitter into the TV output and have it xmit the TV sound to the radio too. That way I can have any bluetooth device be able to send sound to the stereo - including the TV. It remains to be seen if the TV sound delay will be unacceptable or not.

Corey

 

[Barry Cohen]

Gini:

I installed it on the back wall of the glove box.

I closed the gloved box door and sat on the stern seat in the cockpit and all the controls from the iPhone 5S worked fine.

 

[Gin]

Barry - Just the info I was hoping for. Thanks!

Gini