NEED HELP with Polk Audio on 242 Limited S

[tadmcmichael]

I have a new to me 2016 Limited S. I knew the boat had some stereo issues when I bought it and priced accordingly. Thought it was the low quality amp that had been added for the tower speakers and subs. I put in new Wet Sounds yesterday and still didn't solve my problem. The helm Connext can't get into any stereo menus, but I can control the volume and media source using the joystick controls. I tried to check the "Commander" at the swim platform and it is completely locked up. It says "LD" on the screen and the sound is barely audible. I have found some great info in other threads, but still have a few questions:

1. Can I control everything that I need from Connext at the helm if I just disconnect the rear Commander? Are the "brains" for the Polk system at the helm with the amp or back at the Commander?
2. If I upgrade to another unit, what improvement in sound quality could I expect? Sounds like Bluetooth is a major complaint with the Polk.
3. I see from another thread that I can get another head unit, I see that NMEA 2000 compatible head units should work with Connext. However, would I need to run new wiring to all of the speakers?

 

[Mainah]

Yeah lots of threads out there that deserve some consolidation or a single FAQ. With the PA4A the remote is just a remote with a screen. Try disconnecting the remote first. If that solves everything just leave it disconnected or replace the remote.

Direct n2k compatibility with Connext was added in later model years. If you don’t care about connext then swap what you want.

 

[tadmcmichael]

Thanks for the help!

Got out here to lake and removed the “wired remote”. Got a Stereo Comm error and warning buzzer kept beeping. Guess it does need the remote to function?

 

[tadmcmichael]

Actually, it looks like there is a Y and the stern remote and Connext feed to the same line. Need to find that Y (unless I can take it loose at the stern)?

 

[Marvin willis]

You do not need the remote. I’ve been boating without it while mine was being replaced under warranty. Radio worked fine without it.

 

[Mainah]

Only unplug the remote at the remote (must remove remote). The faceplate comes off to expose screws but be gentle. Unplugging elsewhere will cause errors.

 

[tadmcmichael]

Thanks for the advice guys. So better to unplug at remote vs. finding where it comes into the Y (assuming that there is a Y)? There is another 4 pin connector at the back of the remote?

 

[tadmcmichael]

Looks like ASA is going to warranty. Even though it is a 2016 boat, I was still within 3 years.

 

[anmut]

Looks like ASA is going to warranty. Even though it is a 2016 boat, I was still within 3 years.

Well done, and that's great that ASA is standing behind their product.

 

[tadmcmichael]

Pulled the damaged Polk commander yesterday. Talk about suck! Those bolts are almost impossible to get to. I have skinny long arms (165 lbs), so figured I would have as easy time as anyone going through the cup holder. I'm just going to put the new one in place with silicone and not bolt it back up.

The 4 pin connector pulled loose pretty easy. How do I reconnect it? Looks like it is about under the deck speaker?

The RCAs to the battery compartment from the previous install are terrible and only one appears to be transmitting voltage. Going to have to run new RCAs to the battery compartment where I was going to install the amp. However, now wondering about just installing amp at the helm and running new power wires instead? I see a ton of threads for amp install at the helm, but couldn't find any with a single amp? Can anyone point me to a single amp install? I don't want to use a mounting board if I don't have to.

In my old AR230, the JL was screwed into the forward part of the helm compartment directly behind the bow seat. I could do the same thing on the 242 Limited? I didn't install it and it would suck to crawl in there, but after install it wasn't too bad to make adjustments. Also frees up valuable storage in front of the batteries in the port side seat compartment.