2015 Polk PA450UM / UM1 Linc Compatibility

[brhodea]

Hi all -
I've scoured the internet and haven't found any information on this particular issue. I have a 2015 210, and the OEM Polk PA450UM unit seems to have died. I confirmed that I'm getting 12 volts from the boat and that the 2 15Amp fuses are good. The commander in the glove box won't turn on, and the LINC system indicates that the stereo is off. Attempting to power the stereo on via the Commander in the glove box or the LINC does nothing. All of this leads me to believe that the PA450UM / UM1 are just dead.

I've accepted that I need a new head unit, however it seems that the ONLY option that is compatible with the LINC in 2015 is the PA450UM, which was discontinued in 2015. There appear to be some newer versions of the PA450UM from polk - the UM1A and the PA1, however I'm unable to determine if they'll work with the Linc system in the 210. Anybody have any experience with this? It seems certain that changing brands on the head unit is simply not an option.

Fun fact, in all of my research, a number of folks are curious why the G series boats are only being offered a Polk to JL Audio upgrade starting in 2016. Apparently the reason is because 2016 is the year began developing their LINC software in house, so they don't own the rights to make software changes for the pre-2015 boats.

So - am I SOL for having a stereo that integrates to LINC in a 2015 boat, or are there options from Polk that will work? Will a PA4A work in a non-G boat?

Any insight is very much appreciated!

[doubledown]

I just had this same thing happen on our 2014 210. Did you determine if these new units will work? I'm in the same boat and want to try and get it fixed. Need to have some music when surfing.

[brhodea]

Cliff Notes version is that the PA450 UM is the ONLY unit that will function with the ~ 2014 / 2015 non-G boats that came stock with Polk. Nautique outsourced the software through 2015, then brought it in house when they switched to JL Audio for 2016 and beyond. Nautique told me they are working on a solution with JL Audio, however it's not available and no timeline was offered.

I researched and found that Polk Audio is actually manufactured by a company called ASA electronics. I contacted them to ask if there is ANY unit that would still work with the LINC, and was told...not really. The AWESOME part is that Tori from ASA offered to send me a goodwill replacement for free!

I overnighted my head unit/commander to ASA, and received a brand new PA4A 10 days later, free of charge. Call them at 800- 688-3135 and hopefully they'll do the same.

If you get the same offer, make sure you label the wires, when you pull it out. Also, make sure you keep the Deutsch connector. When you get the new one back, take it to a car audio shop and ask them to solder the wires back into the Deutsch connector and plug it back in.

Is the Polk the best unit available? Probably not. However it's the only option you've got, and their customer service is incredible.

Good luck!

[doubledown]

Thanks for the info. I'll give them a call in the morning and we will see what happens.

[charlesml3]

I overnighted my head unit/commander to ASA, and received a brand new PA4A 10 days later, free of charge.

Good luck!

OK, I really don't want to rain on your parade but the PA4A was a pretty terrible headunit. Particularly the Bluetooth integration. This was the standard headunit for 2017 and the dealers ended up replacing a LOT of them under warranty.

-Charles

[doubledown]

Talked with ASA and no luck with a free one. Bought a full new unit on Amazon. Replacement was super easy and everything is functioning as new.

[kylant]

any updates on the head unit compatibility or software update?

[kylant]

I talked to Nautique. They are still working on the software update. No estimated time release. My hunch is that it will never come to fruition

[TimmyT]

Anyone know if this is still accurate? We have a 2015 Sport 200 with this HU. BT doesn't work at all. I've tried disconnecting the battery, charging the battery, turning the battery switch off, deleting old phone/tablets, tried pairing from the linc system and the HU itself....NOTHING. Can't get the HU to show up at all as an available HU to pair with. (I am an iPhone user.)

Is there still no compatible HU for the 2015 and older boats with the older Linc system? Any help is appreciated!

Also, side note...the FTC3 tower speaker mounts (Lower) Is there a JL Audio speaker bracket for this or would it have to be custom made. I found one for Exile speakers but nothing for JL Audio. The Polk Speakers are shot and no longer work.

[FMSKI]

My 2015 system works but sold the boat the new owner has mentioned the Commander display is lit, but blank. I never used the thing, just connected and adjusted via LINC so didn't even think to check.

Called ASA and they said to try reseating the plug (unlikely fix). T
here is no stock of the display unit. I cannot locate one. Any ideas?

Could Y in a PRC200 remote as last resort.