Upgrading to the Kenwood 107MR Question

[E4NASH]

I am thinking about upgrading the remote on my dash to the Kenwood 107MR. I was wondering if anyone has managed to fit the larger remote in the factory location on the dash. I know a section would have to be cut out in order for it to fit and it definitely has the potential to not look very good if its not done right. On the newer boats the remote is located on the side which from what I've seen is easier to replace. If I was to put mine on the side I would still have the factory remote on the dash. That there is a deal breaker to me.

I suppose I could have something made the same size as the factory remote to place in that hole if I chose to remove it...hmmm....stainless etched Moomba logo maybe??

Any suggestions?

Also, can two of these remotes be used on the KMR440U?

[EarmarkMarine]

The outside to outside of the holes for the mounting studs of the factory remote should be about 2.25". So the rectangular display remote should cover all that and its just a matter of whether there is enough flat surface area to install the display remote.
A photo or two with dimensions might stir an idea or two.
There is an adapter to allow two display remotes.

David
Earmark Marine

[E4NASH]

Unfortunately, in my boat where the factory remote is on the dash, it is not flat...it is somewhat recessed in. I can't take a picture as the boat is in back in storage and won't be back out until probably the first weekend in July. I don't think I would feel comfortable cutting that area out either. I don't think it would maintain the continuity of the dash and probably couldn't even be done.

I will probably see about placing it on the side and removing the remote on the dash and relocating it to the bow. Then getting something made the same dimensions to cover the hole.

Not going to do anything right away just kinda thinking out loud but the more I use the boat I realize how limited the standard remote is and how much nicer it would be to be able to control all features of the radio from the helm instead of having to walk someone through navigating the radio as I am driving.

[mmandley]

E4NSH, i have that remote and flush mounted it at the factory location. Me and Newty both did it on our boats.

Its not to hard, there is just enough room and you just heat the plastic frame up on the curner with a heat gun and it will form to the panel perfectly. Then you slide the remote in and bolt her up.

I can get you some pictures of you like.

I used to have a thread that had all those pictures till it was deleted by someone.

[E4NASH]

Mike,

Pictures would be great! But isn't the '05 Dash different from your '08? I think the mounting position is a little different. Shoot me the pics and I'll take a look.

-Erik

[mmandley]

Yes sorry i didnt see your boat year, i think the side panels are pretty simular but not positive. Ill get some pics later today and post them.

[E4NASH]

The 440u is discontinued and the 550u is the replacement. According to crutchfield and the manual it should support the remotes. I researched it quite a bit cause they are pricey and I had to make sure it would work. Hopefully my research wasn't wrong if so I'll have a radio for sale.

*edit* Page 72 of the manual suggests that it will work and allows up to 2 remote IDs. The 440U would work with 2. I can't imagine that it's replacement wouldn't...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[E4NASH]

Excellent write up that will help me a lot thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[E4NASH]

FYI -Today, we installed the Kenwood 550U head unit and replaced the MB Quart remote with a KCA-RC107MR and then added a second one at the transom. So I have confirmed that the 550U will work with 2 107 remotes. Also if anyone want to upgrade from the MB Quart radio, it's not easy. Had to cut out an opening for the new DIN size Kenwood. The MB Quart is mounted like a remote and the 'brain' unit is actually mounted in the observer's compartment. Fun times I tell ya...fun times! But happy with how it turned out and the system is one more step closer to sounding as it should.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[harmsway]

Great to know about 2 107 remotes working with the 550u, I might have to upgrade from the 440u. Did you take any pics would like to see the final install.