Fusion Apollo MS-RA800 Installation Guide

Important Safety Information

Failure to follow these warnings and precautions may result in personal injury, damage to the vessel, or product performance degradation.

Refer to the Important Safety and Product Information Guide included in the product box for product warnings and other important information.

This unit must be installed according to the following instructions:

Caution

To prevent injury, always wear safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding.

When drilling or cutting holes, always check the opposite side of the surface to prevent damage to the vessel.

Drilling mounting holes using the stereo as a template may cause the glass screen to break and void your warranty. Use the supplied template to drill the mounting holes correctly.

Read all installation instructions before beginning installation. If you encounter any difficulties during installation, contact Garmin® product support.

Box Contents

Required Tools

Mounting Considerations

Caution

The rear of the unit may become hot when used for extended periods in high ambient temperatures. To prevent potential injury, install the unit in a location where only the front of the unit is accessible, and the rear is not touched during operation.

Caution

This unit must be mounted in a location that is not exposed to extreme temperatures or conditions. The temperature range for this unit is listed in the product specifications. Extended exposure to temperatures above the specified temperature range, either in storage or during operation, can cause the unit to malfunction. Damage due to extreme temperatures and the resulting consequences are not covered by the warranty.

Mounting the Stereo

Caution

Drilling mounting holes using the stereo as a template may cause the screen to break and void your warranty. Use the supplied template to drill the mounting holes correctly.

Be careful not to enlarge the mounting holes when cutting the holes for the stereo. The clearance between the unit and the mounting hole is minimal, so if the hole is too large, the stereo may not be stable after installation.

Do not apply grease or lubricant to the screws when fastening the stereo to the mounting surface. Grease and lubricants can damage the stereo housing.

Before mounting the stereo to a new location on the mounting surface, select a location that takes into account the mounting considerations.

  1. Attach the template to the mounting surface.
  2. Drill pilot holes inside the dotted lines on the template.
  3. Cut the mounting surface along the inside of the dotted lines on the template.
  4. Align the mounting holes on the stereo with the pilot holes and template.
  5. Drill pilot holes using a drill bit sized appropriately for the mounting surface and screw type.
  6. Remove the template from the mounting surface.
  7. Complete the installation as follows:
    • If installing the stereo in a dry location, install the supplied mounting gasket on the rear of the stereo.
    • If installing the stereo in a location exposed to water, apply marine sealant around the cut edge on the mounting surface.
    Caution

    If you apply sealant to the mounting surface, do not install the supplied mounting gasket. Using both the sealant and the mounting gasket may reduce water resistance.

  8. If you will not have access to the rear of the stereo after installation, connect the necessary wiring.
  9. Secure the unit to the mounting surface using the screws supplied with the stereo.
  10. Hand-tighten the screws when securing the stereo to the mounting surface to prevent over-tightening.
  11. Snap the screw covers into place.

Connection Considerations

For the stereo to operate correctly, it must be connected to power, speakers, and audio sources. Before connecting, carefully plan the layout of the stereo, speakers, and any optional NMEA 2000 networks, Fusion PartyBus™ networks, Garmin BlueNet™ networks, or existing Garmin marine networks.

Port Identification

Diagram showing the rear ports of the stereo with labels 1, 2, and 3.

Item Description

Wiring Harness Wire and Connector Identification

Diagram showing wiring harness connections.

Wire or RCA Connector Function

Wire or RCA ConnectorNameWire Color or RCA LabelFunction
Ground (-)BlackConnects to power (see page 8 for power connection).
Power (+)YellowConnects to power (see page 8 for power connection).
IgnitionRedConnects to power (see page 8 for power connection).
Amplifier Turn-OnBlueConnects to an optional external amplifier to turn on the power when the stereo is turned on.
Remote MuteBrownCaution

This signal wire must use the same ground (-) as the stereo for proper operation.

DimmerOrangeConnects to the boat's lighting wire to dim the stereo display when the lights are on. The gauge of the lighting wire must be appropriate for the fuse supplying the circuit. Caution

For the Dim wire to function correctly, the stereo and the vessel must be connected to the same ground (-).

Speaker Zone 1 Left (+)White
Speaker Zone 1 Left (-)White/Black
Speaker Zone 1 Right (+)Gray
Speaker Zone 1 Right (-)Gray/Black
Speaker Zone 2 Left (+)Green
Speaker Zone 2 Left (-)Green/Black
Speaker Zone 2 Right (+)Purple
Speaker Zone 2 Right (-)Purple/Black
Zone 1 Line Out (Left)ZONE 1Provides output to an external amplifier and is associated with the volume control for Zone 1.
Zone 1 Line Out (Right)ZONE 1 SUB OUTEach subwoofer cable provides a single mono output to a subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier.
Zone 1 Subwoofer Out
Zone 2 Line Out (Left)ZONE 2Provides output to an external amplifier and is associated with the volume control for Zone 2.
Zone 2 Line Out (Right)ZONE 2 SUB OUTEach subwoofer cable provides a single mono output to a subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier.
Zone 2 Subwoofer Out
Left Auxiliary Input 1AUX IN 1Provides RCA stereo line input for audio sources such as a CD or MP3 player.
Right Auxiliary Input 1
Zone 3 Line Out (Left)ZONE 3Provides output to an external amplifier and is associated with the volume control for Zone 3.
Zone 3 Line Out (Right)
Zone 3 Subwoofer OutZONE 3 SUB OUTEach subwoofer cable provides a single mono output to a subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier.
Zone 4 Line Out (Left)ZONE 4Provides output to an external amplifier and is associated with the volume control for Zone 4.
Zone 4 Line Out (Right)ZONE 4 SUB OUTEach subwoofer cable provides a single mono output to a subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier.
Zone 4 Subwoofer Out
Left Auxiliary Input 2AUX IN 2Provides RCA stereo line input for audio sources such as a CD or MP3 player.
Right Auxiliary Input 2

Power Connection

When connecting the stereo to power, you must connect the yellow, red, and black wires to the power source. The yellow and red wires have different functions and the method of connecting them to the power source depends on how you use the stereo on your vessel.

Power Cable Gauge Guide

The wire gauge needed to connect the stereo to power and ground depends on the length of the cable running from the power source to the stereo. Refer to this table to determine the appropriate wire gauge for your installation. This table describes the terminal connection resistance.

NOTE: If using aluminum wire, you must use a wire gauge that is two gauges larger than that listed below to compensate for voltage drop due to wire material.

PowerUp to 1m (3.5ft.)1m to 5m (3.5ft. to 16ft.)Over 5m (16ft.)
24VDC14AWG (2~3mm²)12AWG (3~4mm²)8AWG (8~10mm²)
12Vdc12AWG (3~4mm²)8AWG (8~10mm²)4AWG (21~25mm²)

Connecting to Power Without Ignition Switch

This connection method is most often used on larger vessels and vessels with multiple stereos and other marine equipment connected to the network. For these installations, the need for quick standby and quick start-up is less important, and it is more effective to turn the stereo off using a breaker or dedicated switch on the electrical panel.

  1. Refer to this diagram to plan your wire connections.
  2. Item Description
    • 1 Yellow Wire: Before connecting this wire and the red wire to a switch or circuit breaker, you must connect this wire to the red wire.
    • 2 Red Wire: This wire should be connected to the yellow wire to prevent it from acting as a physical standby switch.
    • 3 1A Fuse (not included): Install this fuse in the red wire before connecting the red wire to the yellow wire.
    • 4 Manual Switch (optional): This switch is needed if a circuit breaker cannot be used or if you prefer a more convenient way to turn off the stereo power.
    • 5 Black Wire: Ground (-). Connect this wire to the same ground or common ground as the power source.
    • 6 25A Fuse (not included): This fuse is required if you cannot connect to power through a 25A circuit breaker 7.
    • 7 25 A Circuit Breaker or Manual Switch: If a circuit breaker is not available, connect a 25A fuse 6 to the yellow wire. You must also connect the yellow wire to power using a manual switch to remove power to the stereo when the vessel is not in use.
  3. Wire all wires as needed to the stereo wiring harness, circuit breaker or switch, and power source. Do not connect the wiring harness to the stereo until all wire connections are complete.
  4. Install all necessary fuses in the red and yellow wires.
  5. Connect the wiring harness to the stereo.

Caution

If the vessel is not in use, you must disconnect the stereo power using a circuit breaker or manual switch to prevent battery drain.

Connecting to Power via Ignition Switch

This connection method is primarily used on ski boats, wake boats, and similar recreational vessels where the power supplied to the engine is switched on and off frequently. For these installations, quick standby and quick start-up times allow you to resume playing music as soon as possible after restarting the engine. In standby mode, the stereo uses up to 350 mA, and the power wire must be connected through a circuit breaker or manual switch to prevent battery drain when the boat is not in use.

  1. Refer to this diagram to plan your wire connections.
  2. Item Description
    • 1 Yellow Wire: This wire must be connected to the same power source as the ignition or ACC switch.
    • 2 Red Wire: This wire must be connected to the ignition or ACC switch, and then connected to the same power source as the yellow wire.
    • 3 1A Fuse (not included): You must install this fuse in the red wire before connecting the red wire to the ignition or ACC switch.
    • 4 Ignition or ACC Switch: Connecting this wire to the ignition or ACC switch puts the stereo into a low-power standby mode when the engine is turned off, allowing for a faster start-up when the engine is turned back on.
    • 5 Black Wire: Ground (-).
    • 6 25 A Fuse (not included): This fuse is required if you cannot connect to power through a 25 A circuit breaker 7.
    • 7 25 A Circuit Breaker or Manual Switch: If a circuit breaker is not available, you must connect a 25A fuse to the yellow wire. You must also connect the yellow wire to power using a manual switch to remove power to the stereo when the boat is not in use.
  3. Wire all wires as needed to the stereo wiring harness, ignition or ACC switch, circuit breaker, and power source. Do not connect the wiring harness to the stereo until all wire connections are complete.
  4. Install all necessary fuses in the red and yellow wires.
  5. Connect the wiring harness to the stereo.

Caution

If the vessel is not in use for an extended period, you must disconnect the stereo power using a circuit breaker or other manual switch on the yellow wire to prevent battery drain.

Speaker Zones

You can group speakers in a zone to control the audio level in each zone independently. For example, you can have quieter audio in the cabin and louder audio on the deck.

The speaker wires in the wiring harness for Zone 1 and Zone 2 supply power to the onboard amplifier. If you want to use the RCA line outputs and RCA subwoofer outputs for Zone 1 and Zone 2, you must connect an external amplifier.

Zone 3 and Zone 4 are only available as line-level outputs. If you want to use the RCA line outputs and RCA subwoofer outputs for Zone 3 and Zone 4, you must connect an external amplifier.

You can set the balance, volume limit, tone, subwoofer frequency, and name for each zone, and configure other zone-specific settings.

NOTE: You cannot adjust the subwoofer frequency if it is managed by the DSP.

Example of a Single Zone System Wiring

Diagram showing single zone speaker wiring.
  1. Speakers
  2. Waterproof connection

Speaker System Wiring Using Line Outputs

This diagram shows a system installation with an external amplifier and subwoofer connected using line outputs for two zones on the stereo. You can connect amplifiers and subwoofers to all available zones on the stereo. NOTE: For Zone 1 and Zone 2, you can connect speakers to the internal stereo amplifier while using the line outputs. However, adjusting the volume will affect both the internal amplifier and the speakers connected to the line outputs. This may result in uneven volume levels.

Diagram showing speaker system wiring using line outputs.
  1. Zone 1 Speaker
  2. Waterproof connection
  3. Zone 2 Speaker
  4. Amplifier Turn-On Signal Wire: You must connect this wiring to each amplifier connected to the line outputs. This signal wire must use the same ground (-) as the amplifier it is connected to for proper operation.
  5. Zone 2 Line Out to Powered Amplifier
  6. Zone 2 Line Out and Subwoofer Output: Each subwoofer cable provides a single mono output to a subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier. You may need to use an RCA splitter to connect these cables to the amplifier.
  7. Subwoofer

NMEA 2000 System Wiring Diagram

Diagram showing NMEA 2000 system wiring.
  1. Stereo
  2. Supported chartplotter MFD or compatible Fusion® NMEA 2000 remote control
  3. NMEA 2000 GPS antenna, speed sensor, or transducer. If your stereo is connected to the same NMEA 2000 network as a GPS antenna, a chartplotter with a built-in GPS antenna, a transducer, or a speed sensor, you can configure it to automatically adjust the volume based on engine RPM, ground speed, wind speed, or water speed. For more information, refer to the stereo owner's manual.
  4. Inline switch
  5. NMEA 2000 power cable
  6. NMEA 2000 drop cable, up to 6m (20ft.)
  7. 9–16Vdc power supply
  8. NMEA 2000 terminators or backbone cable
  9. NMEA 2000 T-connector
  10. NMEA 2000 terminators or backbone cable

ARC (Audio Return Channel)

ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows you to play digital audio from a TV or other source with HDMI technology through the stereo system speakers. HDMI version 1.4 or higher cables support ARC. When planning your stereo installation, verify that the devices and cables support ARC. Most devices that support ARC have an ARC or eARC label on the HDMI connector that supports ARC. You may need to configure your TV or other source to output audio via ARC. This stereo supports ARC (excluding eARC), CEC 1.4, and PCM stereo audio. Refer to your source device's manual for configuration instructions, if necessary.

NOTE: There are limitations on HDMI cable length when using ARC functionality. If your source is more than 5m (16ft.) away from the stereo, check with the cable manufacturer to ensure ARC is supported for that length.

TIP: On compatible TVs, you can control the stereo volume using the TV remote when using an ARC source.

Configuring Antenna Ports for DAB and FM Antennas

NOTE: These instructions apply only to European models. DAB stations are broadcast only in certain European regions, so some models do not support this feature.

The stereo has two antenna ports, and you can connect either a DAB antenna or an FM antenna to one of them, depending on the type of connector on the antenna. After connecting the antenna, you must configure the stereo to use the antenna correctly.

  1. Select Setup > Source > DAB.
  2. Select an option as follows:
    • To configure the antenna port for a DAB antenna, select DAB Antenna:.
    • To configure the antenna port for an FM antenna, select FM Antenna.
  3. Select the antenna port to which you connected the antenna.
  4. Repeat these steps for any other antennas as needed.
  5. If the stereo needs to power the connected antenna, select Setup > Source > DAB and then select Antenna 1 Power or Antenna 2 Power, depending on which port you connected the antenna to (optional).

Fusion PartyBus Networking

The Fusion PartyBus networking feature allows you to connect multiple compatible stereos together on a network, utilizing both wired and wireless connections. NOTE: When connecting Fusion stereos to a Garmin BlueNet network or a Garmin marine network, only Garmin and Fusion devices can be used. Third-party routers, storage devices, or other network products may not be directly compatible with this stereo. TIP: If your stereo is connected to a Garmin BlueNet network or a Garmin marine network, you can connect your mobile device to the wireless access point of the connected Garmin chartplotter and control the stereo using the Fusion Audio app. Wi-Fi networking is not available when the stereo is connected to a Garmin network. You can group compatible stereos, such as the Fusion Apollo RA800 stereo, with other compatible stereos on the Fusion PartyBus network. Grouped stereos can share available sources and control media playback across all stereos in the group, allowing you to synchronize the audio experience throughout your vessel. You can quickly create, edit, and ungroup groups from compatible stereos or remotes on the network as needed. NOTE: Zone stereos, such as the Fusion Apollo SRX400, can create or join groups to control and play sources from other stereos, but they cannot share their sources with the group. Refer to the owner's manual for additional considerations regarding source sharing. You can adjust the volume for available speaker zones on all stereos on the network, regardless of whether they are grouped, using compatible stereos and remotes. You can wirelessly connect up to eight Fusion PartyBus stereos to the network.

Wired Network Considerations

When preparing for a network installation, pay attention to the following considerations for all wired connections:

Example of a Direct Wired Network Connection

When connecting two devices directly, you do not need to change network settings, but you must configure one device as the DHCP server for best results (see page 20 for configuring a Fusion PartyBus device as a DHCP server).

Diagram showing direct wired network connection.
  1. Fusion PartyBus stereo
  2. Fusion PartyBus zone stereo or remote control

Example of a Wired Network with a Switch or Router

To connect three or more devices, you may need to connect both a wired network switch and a wired network router. If you have three or more devices using Garmin BlueNet network technology, you can connect them using a Garmin BlueNet 20 switch.

If you do not install a router and there is no other DHCP server on the network, you must configure one Fusion PartyBus stereo as the DHCP server (see page 20 for configuring a Fusion PartyBus device as a DHCP server). If you install a router, you may need to configure it as the DHCP server. Refer to your router's instructions for more information.

Diagram showing wired network with switch or router.
  1. Fusion PartyBus stereo
  2. Wired network switch, wired network router, or Garmin BlueNet 20 switch
  3. Fusion PartyBus zone stereo or remote control

Wireless Network Considerations

When preparing for a network installation, pay attention to the following considerations for all wireless connections:

Example of a Wireless Access Point

Diagram showing wireless access point example.
  1. Fusion PartyBus stereo
  2. Fusion PartyBus zone stereo
  3. Mobile device using the Fusion Audio app

Example of a Wireless Network with a Wireless Switch or Router

Diagram showing wireless network with switch or router.
  1. Fusion PartyBus stereo
  2. Wired network switch or wired network router
  3. Fusion PartyBus zone stereo or remote control
  4. Fusion PartyBus zone stereo
  5. Mobile device using the Fusion Audio app

Example of a Wireless Network with a Router or Access Point

Diagram showing wireless network with router or access point.
  1. Fusion PartyBus stereo
  2. Wireless network router or wireless access point
  3. Fusion PartyBus zone stereo or remote control
  4. Fusion PartyBus zone stereo
  5. Mobile device using the Fusion Audio app

Connecting a Fusion PartyBus Device to a Wireless Access Point

You can connect this unit to a router or a compatible Fusion PartyBus device's wireless access point. This unit can connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) if supported by the access point. You can connect using Apple Accessory Configuration (WAC) through a supported Apple device.

  1. Select Setup > Network > Wi-Fi Client > SSID. A list of wireless access points within range appears.
  2. Select the Fusion PartyBus wireless access point.
  3. If necessary, select the password and enter the password, then select ✓.
  4. Select Save. NOTE: After connecting the stereo to a wireless access point, you cannot use a wired network connection.

Resetting Network Settings

You can reset all network settings on this stereo to the factory default values.

  1. Select Setup.
  2. Select Network > Advanced > Reset > Yes.

Advanced Network Configuration

You can perform advanced networking tasks, such as defining the DHCP range and setting static IP addresses for your Fusion PartyBus device. For more information, refer to the owner's manual.

NOTE: If connected to a Garmin marine network via Ethernet and configured as a DHCP client, the stereo automatically detects and connects to the Garmin marine network.

Troubleshooting Network Issues

If your Fusion Apollo device does not appear on the network or cannot connect, follow these steps:

Stereo Specifications

SpecificationDetails
General
Weight750g (26.5 oz)
Water ResistanceIEC 60529 IPX7 (front of stereo only, when properly installed)
IEC 60529 IPX2 (rear of stereo only, when properly installed)
Operating Temperature Range0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F)
Storage Temperature Range-20° to 70°C (-4° to 158°F)
Input Voltage10.8–32 Vdc
Current (Maximum)25 A
Current (Mute)Less than 900 mA
Current (Off)Less than 350 mA
Fuse25 A Mini-blade type
NMEA 2000 LEN @ 9Vdc2 (100mA)
Bluetooth Wireless RangeUp to 10m (30ft.)
ANT® Wireless RangeUp to 3m (10ft.)
Wireless Frequency and ProtocolWi-Fi 2.4GHz @ +19.49dBm
Bluetooth 2.4GHz @ +15.11dBm
ANT 2.4GHz @ 3.22dBm
Compass Safe Distance40cm (15.75in.)
Internal Class D Amplifier
Power Output per Channel4 x 80W into 4 ohm
Total Output Maximum Power320W
Power Output per Channel4 x 40W RMS with 1% THD+N, 4 ohm (CTA-2006-D)
Line Output Level (Maximum)5.6V (maximum)
Aux Input Level (Typical)1V RMS typical, 2V RMS maximum
Tuner Frequency
Tuner
FM Radio Frequency RangeEurope & Australasia: 87.5–108MHz
USA: 87.5–107.9MHz
Japan: 76–95MHz
FM Frequency Step50kHz
AM Radio Frequency Range522–1620kHz
AM Frequency Step9kHz
DAB Frequency174–240MHz (Band III)

1 The stereo may limit output to prevent amplifier overheating and maintain audio dynamics.

Stereo Dimension Drawings

Side Dimensions

Diagram showing side dimensions.
  1. 20.4mm (0.8in.)
  2. 99mm (3.9in.)
  3. 50mm (1.97in.)

Top Dimensions

Diagram showing top dimensions.
  1. 164mm (6.5in.)
  2. 20.4mm (0.8in.)
  3. 10mm (0.39in.)
  4. 192mm (7.56in.)

Software Update

To find software updates and information for your device, go to support.garmin.com.

© 2025 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Garmin®, the Garmin logo, Garmin BlueNet™, ANT, Fusion®, and the Fusion logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries registered in the USA and other countries. Fusion Apollo™, Fusion® Audio, and Fusion PartyBus™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without Garmin's permission. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android™ and Google Play™ are trademarks of Google Inc. The BLUETOOTH® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license. HDMI® is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC. NMEA 2000® is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. M/N: A04580/B04580 IC: 1792A-A04580 船用音响主機 © 2025 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries support.garmin.com

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