Remote backlight too bright

[shag]

Does anyone have this problem? The blue remote backlight is extremely bright at night, so much so that it affects navigation (so bright when docking). Is there a night and day setting? Maybe I could put a small piece of dark tint on it..... Just wondered if anyone had this problem.
Thanks, Mike

[captainbrad1]

I noticed this the other night. I had to hang a towel over it so I could see.

[shag]

I just called Clarion, they actually liked my tint idea. They said there is no way (at this time) to dim the display. I just need to get a piece of tint that is not too dark, so it can still be sen during the day. wonder if there is any of that removable tint stuff available?

Mike

[EarmarkMarine]

Unless Clarion has some objection I don't see why you can't add a resistor to the line that supplies the voltage to the display. With a double-throw switch you can have a day and night function. Trial and error on the resistive value, plenty of current capacity and a minimal fuse size. I'm assuming that the illumination supply is separate.

David
Earmark Marine

[shag]

I think it is separate. All Clarion said is that I shouldn't open the back. So I would just place a resistor in-line on the power wire? Radio shack? Any guess on size?
Thanks, Mike

[EarmarkMarine]

Like I wrote it would be trial and error on the resistive value. Start by measuring the DCR of the illumination circuit and double that value. Measure the current draw and make sure your amperage is equal to or exceeds that. I'm guessing you can access the illumination circuit external to the remote.

David
Earmark Marine

[shag]

David, Thanks for the advice! I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to this though. How do I measure the DCR (and what is it), and the current draw? There is a separate tab on the remote to hook to the illumination. My dealer said they just tap into the courtesy light circuit for that.
Thanks,
Sincerely, "blinded by the backlight" Mike

[EarmarkMarine]

Any $15 multimeter will have instructions on these functions as well as many others. Its a must-have tool if you are doing your own installs especially when the day comes that you'll
need to do service diagnosis.

David
Earmark Marine

[cedarcreek216]

A little late to this, but yes, this is very distracting. I'm not smart enough to figure the wiring our, David how long will it take you to do this if I brought my boat to you?

[EarmarkMarine]

As we approach 'back to school' later in the summer things will slow down enough to have the available time to play with this. It may require a little trial and error in a dark shop to get it right. So give us a day, two max. I recognize the need now. This is the first time I can recall anyone raising this issue.

David
Earmark Marine

[shag]

Thanks David! I knew I couldn't be the only one with this problem...... It seems so minute, but I am surprised Clarion hasn't done something about it already.
Mike

[cedarcreek216]

As we approach 'back to school' later in the summer things will slow down enough to have the available time to play with this. It may require a little trial and error in a dark shop to get it right. So give us a day, two max. I recognize the need now. This is the first time I can recall anyone raising this issue.

David
Earmark Marine

I think I can make it throught the summer, I'll bring it in during the off season so I won't be on your back about getting it back to me. Who knows, may even do a little stereo work at that time too.

[bubba]

I have a huge problem with the remote brightness. The light is blinding in the darkness I always hang a towel over it. One can dim the display on the main unit located in the glove box but not on the remote. I was going to zip Clarion a question about it three weeks ago and post their reply but never got around to it. Has anyone tried the resistor route; I would really have no idea where to start?

[AZWAKEHOG]

tinted mine it worked great!

[shag]

Bubba, I know what you mean. I really had an issue pulling up to a dock the other night, and i was not really impressed with Clarions response to me. They stated they had no knowledge of the problem - and offered no solution. I just unplugged the illumination circuit for now - until I come up with a way to get a resistor - or Clarion makes a fix (and helps it's customers out with a replacement or fix).
How does the tint affect daytime operation?
Thanks