The Kicker KMC2 is a marine-grade radio receiver designed for use in boats and other watercraft. It offers AM/FM radio tuning, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB playback capabilities. The unit is built to withstand harsh marine environments, including saltwater corrosion and UV exposure. Installation involves securing the unit with threaded bolts and a mounting bracket, and requires a power source and optional connections for remote control and amplification. The KMC2 supports FAT16 and FAT32 formatted USB drives for audio playback.
Installation Procedures
Installation of the KMC2 requires several steps, beginning with physical mounting. Threaded bolts are to be attached to the back of the unit. A mounting bracket is then positioned over these bolts, secured with washers and nuts. Depending on the size of the mounting baffle, metal tabs on the bracket may need to be snapped off to accommodate installation.
The KMC2 requires several connections for operation. These include a +12V battery connection (positive and negative), a connection to a switched +12V source (ignition), a ground connection, an antenna connection, and optional connections for a wired remote control (PXiRCX, sold separately), auxiliary input, and RCA outputs. A 15A ATM fuse is also required for the installation. Rear and front RCA outputs are present, as are illumination/dimmer wires for day/night mode.
Operational Features and Controls
The KMC2 features a user-friendly interface with a digital display and a backlit keypad for visibility in low-light conditions. Controls allow users to adjust volume, tuning, and equalization settings. The unit operates using both short and long presses of the buttons, with some functions varying depending on the input source.
The primary controls include a multi-function button used for volume/value adjustment, scrolling, selecting menu options, entering audio settings, seeking stations, and controlling track playback. A separate SOURCE button powers the unit on and off and cycles through available input sources.
Connectivity and Audio Playback
The KMC2 offers multiple connectivity options for audio playback. It includes AM/FM radio tuning with the ability to scan for and program stations. Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless streaming from compatible devices. When a Bluetooth device is paired, the Bluetooth icon on the display will become solid after flashing during the pairing process.
USB playback is supported via a USB input. The unit automatically switches to USB input when a compatible device is connected and detected, displaying a USB icon on the screen. Supported file systems for USB drives are FAT16 and FAT32. Compatible audio file types include MP3, WMA, FLAC, and WAV. For optimal performance, KICKER recommends using SANDISK brand USB drives. While the documentation notes the KMC2 has been shown to work with some HDD’s, this is not officially supported by KICKER.
Marine Environment Considerations
The KMC2 is specifically designed for marine applications and is built to withstand the challenges of the boating environment. It features a waterproof design to ensure reliable performance when exposed to water and moisture. The unit is also constructed with high-quality materials to resist corrosion and damage over time.
Factory Reset Procedure
The KMC2 can be reset to its factory default settings by pressing and holding the MODE button for eight seconds. This can be useful for troubleshooting or preparing the unit for a new user.
Technical Specifications
The documentation provides limited technical specifications. The input sensitivity is listed as 500mV. The Bluetooth range is not explicitly stated, but is implied to be sufficient for typical use. The unit requires a 5V, 1A USB power supply for charging.
Troubleshooting and Support
If users encounter issues with installation or operation, KICKER recommends consulting the authorized KICKER dealer where the product was purchased. Support is also available via email at [email protected] or by calling the Technical Services department at (405) 624-8583.
Compatibility Notes
The KMC2 is designed to be used with KICKER amplifiers (KXM series) and speakers (KM series) for a complete system upgrade. However, the documentation explicitly states that compatibility with hard disk drives (HDDs) is not supported, despite some functionality being observed in testing. The documentation also notes that some input sources may not support all functions.
Additional Features
The KMC2 includes a wired remote input for use with the PXiRCX remote control (sold separately). It also features front and rear RCA outputs for connecting to external amplifiers or audio systems. An auxiliary input is available for connecting external audio sources. The unit also includes an auto-turn-on feature and an illumination/dimmer output for integration with the boat’s lighting system.
Band Selection
The KMC2 allows users to cycle through five available radio tuner bands: FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2, using the BND button.
Conclusion
The Kicker KMC2 is a robust marine radio receiver offering a combination of features suitable for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Its durable construction, coupled with connectivity options like Bluetooth and USB playback, provides a versatile audio solution for marine environments. Proper installation, following the provided guidelines, is crucial for optimal performance and longevity.