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NMEA port on radio?

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jcr159

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Once again proving that the more I learn, the more I don't know...

I started looking into a radio upgrade, and noticed that some head units have an NMEA port/compatibility. What the heck is it for? I thought NMEA was to tie together GPS, engine data, radar, etc. to a display (glass pane). I'm guessing that it isn't that the radio will start displaying engine data, right?

if it matters, I was looking at this unit (among many). I have no idea what to select, but I think I want an external amp. What head unit to have seems to be a head scratcher...

www.crutchfield.com

Kicker KMC5

Marine digital media receiver (does not play CDs)
www.crutchfield.com www.crutchfield.com
 
jcr159 said:
Once again proving that the more I learn, the more I don't know...

I started looking into a radio upgrade, and noticed that some head units have an NMEA port/compatibility. What the heck is it for? I thought NMEA was to tie together GPS, engine data, radar, etc. to a display (glass pane). I'm guessing that it isn't that the radio will start displaying engine data, right?

if it matters, I was looking at this unit (among many). I have no idea what to select, but I think I want an external amp. What head unit to have seems to be a head scratcher...

www.crutchfield.com

Kicker KMC5

Marine digital media receiver (does not play CDs)
www.crutchfield.com www.crutchfield.com
Click to expand...
What do you currently have?
 
jcr159 said:
I’ll take a look when I’m out next, but I wanna say it’s the KMC1?
Click to expand...
If it’s round, it probably is. I was just wondering because the KMC5 is not really much of an upgrade over the discontinued KMC10.
 
Michiman said:
If it’s round, it probably is. I was just wondering because the KMC5 is not really much of an upgrade over the discontinued KMC10.
Click to expand...

good to know. it is so hard with marine stuff to figure out what might actually be an upgrade vs. a different faceplate...
 
jcr159 said:
good to know. it is so hard with marine stuff to figure out what might actually be an upgrade vs. a different faceplate...
Click to expand...
And just to be clear, the KMC1 (round) is different than a KMC5 or 10. A 5 would be an upgrade over the 1.

A definite improvement would be to install a subwoofer and/or an amplifier. A sub can usually be added without the hassle of running a line from the battery to the helm.
 
Michiman said:
And just to be clear, the KMC1 (round) is different than a KMC5 or 10. A 5 would be an upgrade over the 1.

A definite improvement would be to install a subwoofer and/or an amplifier. A sub can usually be added without the hassle of running a line from the battery to the helm.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that sounds like my path of thinking…. Remembering back to my car audio days, a new head unit and dedicated amp at a minimum was on the docket.. not sure I can give up the space to a sub…. The better half has managed to fill all the nooks and crannies over the last year, lol
 
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