RGHR45: Setup, Inputs, Outputs & Controls

Introduction

The Rockville RGH-R45 is a four-zone marine receiver designed for boats and marine environments, offering multiple speaker outputs, video playback, and Bluetooth connectivity. This guide will walk you through how to set up and use your unit, ensuring you get the best performance out of your marine audio system.

What’s Included

• Rockville RGH-R45 Marine Receiver
• Wired Remote Control with Extension Cable
• USB Extension Cable
• Wiring Harness
• Antenna Cable
• RCA Inputs and Outputs
• Subwoofer Output

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Powering the Receiver

Before wiring your marine receiver, it’s essential to understand your boat’s battery setup. Most boats have two batteries wired in series for 24V, so you must avoid using the battery that supplies the boat's 24V system.

1. Identify the battery with the ground line (the one NOT supplying the 24V to the boat).
2. Use this battery to power the RGH-R45.

Wiring the Receiver:

• Black Wire → Connect to the negative terminal of the battery (ground).
• Yellow Wire → Connect to the positive terminal of the battery (constant 12V power).
• Red Wire → Connect to the starter or remote switch of the boat.
• Blue Wire → Remote turn-on for an external amplifier.

2. Understanding the Outputs

The RGH-R45 is a multi-zone receiver with multiple powered speaker outputs and line outputs for amplifiers or powered speakers.

High-Level Speaker Outputs (Powered Outputs)

The unit has 8 powered speaker outputs:

• Purple & Purple/Black → Right Rear Speaker
• Green & Green/Black → Left Rear Speaker
• Gray & Gray/Black → Right Front Speaker
• White & White/Black → Left Front Speaker
• Striped wires → Negative (-)
• Non-striped wires → Positive (+)

These can power up to four marine speakers directly without an external amplifier.

Low-Level RCA Outputs (External Amplifier Outputs)

The receiver also includes RCA outputs for additional zones:

• Zone 2 RCA Output → For an external amplifier or powered speakers.
• Zone 3 RCA Output → Another independent zone for an amplifier or powered speakers.
• Subwoofer RCA Output → Connects to a powered subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier.

Camera & Video Inputs

• Camera Control Wire (Brown) → Triggers a docking or backup camera when activated.
• Camera RCA Input → Connects a rearview camera.
• Video RCA Input → For an external video source (DVD player, etc.).
• Video RCA Output → Sends video to additional screens on the boat.

3. Connecting Audio Sources

The RGH-R45 supports multiple audio input options:

AUX Input (3.5mm or RCA)

• Use an RCA to 3.5mm cable to connect a smartphone, tablet, or audio player.
• Select AUX Mode on the receiver.

Bluetooth Streaming

1. Go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
2. Look for RGH-R45 and select it.
3. Once connected, the display will show your device’s name.
4. Play music and adjust volume using the receiver or remote.

USB Playback

• Insert a USB drive with music or video files.
• Use the included USB extension cable for easy access.
• To switch between USB music mode and USB video mode, press the Band button.

4. Controlling Speaker Zones

With the RGH-R45’s multi-zone capability, you can assign speakers to different areas of the boat and control their volume independently.

Using the Wired Remote

The included wired remote allows you to:

• Switch between AUX, USB, Bluetooth, and Radio modes.
• Control playback (Play/Pause, Next/Previous Song).
• Adjust volume for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, and Subwoofer.
• Control the master volume.

Adjusting Zone Volumes

1. Press the zone button (Zone 1, Zone 2, or Zone 3).
2. Adjust the volume up or down for that specific zone.
3. Press the subwoofer button to adjust the subwoofer level.
4. If no zone is selected, the master volume will adjust all speakers.

5. Using an External Amplifier

If you need more power or additional speakers, you can connect an external amplifier using the RCA outputs:

1. Zone 2 & Zone 3 RCA Outputs → Connect to an amplifier’s RCA inputs.
2. Subwoofer RCA Output → Connect to a powered subwoofer or subwoofer amplifier.
3. Remote Wire (Blue) → Connect to the amplifier’s remote turn-on to activate it when the receiver is powered on.

6. Using the Display & Menu Controls

The RGH-R45 has a full menu system that allows you to customize your settings:

• Press the Menu button to access various audio and system settings.
• Press the EQ button to adjust audio frequencies.
• Loudness Button boosts low and high frequencies.
• APS Button scans and saves radio stations.
• Mono Button sums stereo audio into mono output (for FM radio mode).

7. Playing Video on Additional Screens

The receiver supports video playback via USB or RCA inputs.

Switching Between Music and Video Modes

1. Press the Mode button to enter USB mode.
2. Press the Band button to switch between music and video playback.

Using RCA Video Inputs & Outputs

• Connect an RCA video source (e.g., DVD player) to the Video In RCA.
• Connect additional screens to the Video Out RCA.

8. Demonstrating Zone Control

1. Play music via Bluetooth.
2. Raise Zone 1 volume (main area speakers).
3. Raise Zone 2 volume (galley/dining area).
4. Raise Zone 3 volume (captain’s cabin).
5. Adjust Subwoofer volume independently.

Conclusion

The Rockville RGH-R45 is a versatile, multi-zone marine receiver that allows for independent audio control in different areas of your boat. With built-in powered outputs, RCA expansion options, and subwoofer integration, it delivers a customizable marine audio experience.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to:

• Properly wire your receiver
• Connect and control multiple speaker zones
• Use Bluetooth, AUX, and USB for audio and video playback
• Integrate external amplifiers and subwoofers
• Utilize the wired remote for convenient control

Enjoy your Rockville RGH-R45 marine receiver and take your boat’s audio experience to the next level.