DS18 RKS-BT Bluetooth Rocker Switch Audio Controller | Marine & Powersports Digital Media Receiver

Create a clean, professional audio system without the need for a traditional head unit with the DS18 RKS-BT Bluetooth Rocker Switch Audio Controller.

Designed for marine, powersports, and custom vehicle applications, the RKS-BT combines Bluetooth® audio streaming with a universal rocker switch design, allowing you to add convenient wireless audio control while maintaining a factory-style appearance.

Whether you're building a boat, UTV, motorcycle, golf cart, Jeep, or custom vehicle, the RKS-BT provides an easy way to connect your smartphone directly to your amplifier system while keeping your dash, console, or switch panel clean and organized.

Featuring Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, RCA preamp output, amplifier remote turn-on control, and an IP65 water-resistant design, the RKS-BT is the perfect solution for compact audio systems where simplicity, durability, and appearance matter.

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Why You'll Love It

✔ Bluetooth® 5.0 Audio Streaming

✔ Clean Rocker Switch Panel Installation

✔ Eliminates the Need for a Traditional Head Unit

✔ RCA Preamp Output for Amplifier Systems

✔ Built-In Amplifier Remote Turn-On Output

✔ IP65 Water-Resistant Design

✔ Designed for Marine & Powersports Applications

✔ Long-Range Wireless Connectivity

✔ Professional OEM-Style Appearance

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Perfect For

• Boats

• UTVs and Side-by-Sides

• Golf carts

• Motorcycles

• Jeeps

• ATVs

• Custom vehicles

• Marine audio systems

• Hidden audio installations

• Minimalist Bluetooth audio builds

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Product Overview

The DS18 RKS-BT was created for enthusiasts who want modern Bluetooth convenience without sacrificing the clean appearance of their vehicle or vessel.

Many custom builds don't require a traditional radio. In applications like boats, UTVs, motorcycles, and golf carts, space is limited and simplicity is often preferred. The RKS-BT provides the essential audio control needed for these builds while integrating seamlessly into standard rocker switch panels.

With Bluetooth® 5.0 technology, users can stream music directly from their smartphone while sending audio through RCA outputs to an aftermarket amplifier or powered audio system. The built-in remote turn-on output makes amplifier integration simple by allowing the RKS-BT to control system activation.

Its compact rocker-style design makes it especially popular among builders who want a clean dashboard or console layout without bulky equipment.

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What This Solves

The DS18 RKS-BT is ideal for customers who want:

A Clean Custom Installation

Traditional head units can take up valuable space and may not match the style of custom builds. The rocker switch design keeps the installation simple and professional.

Easy Smartphone Audio

Connect your phone wirelessly and control your music without additional source equipment.

Better Integration

The RCA output and amplifier remote turn-on make it easy to integrate into larger aftermarket audio systems.

A Factory-Style Appearance

The rocker switch format allows the controller to blend naturally into custom switch panels and dashboards.

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Installation Benefits

The RKS-BT was designed with custom builders in mind.

Installation advantages include:

• Compact rocker switch design

• Simple amplifier integration

• Dedicated RCA output

• Remote turn-on capability

• Easy smartphone connectivity

• Minimal dashboard space requirements

For the best results:

• Install in a protected location

• Use proper fuse protection

• Secure all connections against vibration and moisture

• Pair with a quality amplifier and speakers

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Key Features

• Bluetooth® 5.0 Digital Media Receiver

• Rocker Switch Mount Design

• Marine & Powersports Compatible

• RCA Audio Output

• Amplifier Remote Turn-On Output

• IP65 Water-Resistant Rating

• Smartphone Audio Streaming

• Compact Installation Footprint

• Designed for 12V Applications

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Technical Specifications

Brand: DS18

Model: RKS-BT

SKU: RKS-BT

Product Type: Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver

Bluetooth Version: 5.0

Audio Output: RCA Preamp Output

Preamp Output Voltage: 2.5V

Remote Turn-On Output: Yes

Water Resistance Rating: IP65

Wireless Range: Up to 130+ Feet (environment dependent)

Power Supply: 12V DC

Application: Marine / Powersports / Custom Vehicle Audio

What's Included

• (1) DS18 RKS-BT Bluetooth Rocker Switch Audio Controller

• Wiring Harness

• Installation Hardware

• User Documentation

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What This Controller Pairs Best With

The DS18 RKS-BT is designed to work as the audio source for compact custom systems where a traditional head unit is unnecessary or impractical.

Recommended system pairings:

• DS18 marine amplifiers

• DS18 powersports amplifiers

• Compact Class D amplifiers

• Marine speakers

• UTV speaker systems

• Motorcycle audio systems

• Golf cart audio systems

• Jeep custom audio builds

A typical system using the RKS-BT includes:

Smartphone → RKS-BT Bluetooth Controller → Amplifier → Speakers

This simple signal path creates a clean, reliable audio system with fewer components and easier installation.

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Popular Build Applications

Boat Audio Systems

The RKS-BT is an excellent solution for boat owners who want modern Bluetooth audio without installing a large stereo receiver.

Popular marine applications include:

• Center console boats

• Pontoons

• Fishing boats

• Wake/sport boats

• Custom marine audio builds

Pair it with marine-rated amplifiers and speakers for a clean, streamlined audio system.

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UTV & Side-by-Side Builds

UTV owners often prioritize durability, space savings, and simplicity.

The RKS-BT works well for:

• Trail builds

• Desert vehicles

• Utility vehicles

• Recreational side-by-sides

Its rocker switch design integrates naturally into many aftermarket switch panels.

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Golf Cart Audio Upgrades

Golf carts are another excellent application because many owners want music without adding a bulky dashboard radio.

Common setups include:

• Bluetooth controller

• Compact amplifier

• Speaker pods

• LED lighting upgrades

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Motorcycle & Custom Vehicle Builds

For motorcycles and specialty vehicles, every inch of space matters.

The RKS-BT allows builders to add Bluetooth audio control while maintaining a clean appearance.

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Installation Notes

For the best results:

• Verify your switch panel opening size before installation

• Mount the controller in a protected location

• Use proper fuse protection

• Use quality RCA cables for amplifier connections

• Confirm amplifier remote turn-on wiring is connected correctly

• Protect connections from vibration and moisture

The RKS-BT is designed for outdoor vehicle environments, but proper installation is important for long-term reliability.

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Pro Audio Center Tip

Many customers building boats, UTVs, and custom vehicles overcomplicate their audio systems by trying to install traditional car stereo equipment where it doesn't really belong.

A dedicated Bluetooth controller like the RKS-BT is often the cleaner solution.

It provides the features most recreational vehicle owners actually use:

• Wireless music streaming

• Simple controls

• Clean installation

• Reliable amplifier integration

For custom builds, simplicity usually leads to a better final product.

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Build Your System

Complete your installation with:

• DS18 marine or powersports speakers

• Compact amplifier

• Amplifier wiring kit

• Marine-grade speaker wire

• Speaker pods

• LED lighting system

• Battery upgrades

• Switch panels

• Sound system accessories

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Expert Recommendation from Pro Audio Center

The DS18 RKS-BT is one of our favorite solutions for customers building compact audio systems where space and appearance matter.

We especially recommend it for boats, UTVs, golf carts, and custom vehicles where a traditional head unit would take away from the clean design of the build.

When paired with a quality amplifier and speakers, the RKS-BT provides everything many recreational vehicle owners need: simple Bluetooth control, clean installation, and dependable performance.

For customers creating a custom build, this is the type of component that helps make the finished system look professionally installed rather than pieced together.

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Why Buy From Pro Audio Center?

At Pro Audio Center, we understand that recreational and custom vehicles require different solutions than traditional automotive audio systems.

A boat, UTV, Jeep, or golf cart often needs equipment that is compact, durable, and designed around the way people actually use their vehicles.

We specialize in helping enthusiasts build complete systems by matching the right source equipment, amplifiers, speakers, and accessories together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the DS18 RKS-BT replace a traditional radio?

In many applications, yes. The RKS-BT allows you to stream audio directly from your smartphone and send the signal to an aftermarket amplifier system without requiring a traditional head unit.

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Does the RKS-BT have built-in amplification?

No. The RKS-BT is a Bluetooth audio controller and signal source. It should be paired with an amplifier and speakers or a powered audio system.

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Can I connect this directly to an amplifier?

Yes. The RKS-BT features RCA audio output designed to connect directly to compatible amplifiers.

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Does the RKS-BT turn my amplifier on and off?

Yes. The built-in remote turn-on output allows the controller to activate a connected amplifier.

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Is the RKS-BT waterproof?

The RKS-BT is rated IP65 water-resistant.

It is designed for marine and powersports applications when properly installed, but it should not be considered submersible or installed in locations where it will experience continuous water exposure.

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Can I use this in a Jeep?

Yes. The RKS-BT can be a great option for Jeep builds where a clean switch-panel installation is preferred over a traditional radio.

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How do I control music with the RKS-BT?

Music is streamed from your Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone, and controlled through your device.

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What amplifier works best with this controller?

The RKS-BT works well with a wide range of amplifiers. Compact Class D amplifiers are especially popular because they provide efficient power while saving installation space.