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It must be a Bose (Clarion) issue then that is limiting Nissan and Infiniti owners with factory XM receivers.
Now I wonder if anyone else's Bose factory head units are scrolling.
That would help determine if it's a Bose issue or the Clarion XM tuner that is the problem design.
My XM ready Alpine stereo will scroll. I think it is more a question of the newer, XM ready units, not some kind of 'adapter' that can scroll the title/artist.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure how the car manufacturer factory units work. Sorry, can't help there.
-Paul
XM has commercials..that defeats the purpose doesn't it?
I've had Sirius for a year and i love it
I'm buying a new Grand Am and that Monsoon stereo is coming out for a new Sirius ready one.
And, if you go to Crutchfield you can get the tuner for free with purchase of the antenna.
They'll also show you how to install it yourself.
I did..i made a hole in my car...but it works just fine.
XM has done a one-up on Sirius by removing commercials and not raising prices. Why pay more for Sirius for very similar content?
If you like Sirius, go for it. But XM does have the stability of a larger base. A comforting thought for me at least. Also, XM is also factory available from a LOT of vendors, like GM, Honda, and others. Some like the factory look.
I'm putting XM in my Wrangler but going aftermarket for security and sound quality.
-Paul
I am calling them tomorrow to see how we are doing on that.
I'm currently getting terrible engine noise with the Roady using stereo aux-in in my 96 Accord with a crappy stereo (even direct wired the Roady power in the dash, not thru cig adapter; this car would be traded in for the MINI). No engine noise in my 99 Gr Cherokee with a good stereo and a cassette adapter.
Any way to predict if I'll have problems in the Cooper? Would upgrading to the available HK system possibly help? And will the volume part of the wheel radio controls still work?
Also, from what I saw in the literature, the wireless FM Modulator is also the power source for the Roady, correct? One of my vehicles has a cassette deck but the other one does not, so I was thinking of leaving the FM Modulator in one and the cassette attachment in the other, but wasn't quite sure about the power connection since it is separate with the cassette attachment (the store was out of the FM Modulators so they are sending me one from another store - I haven't seen it yet).
I'm sure these seem like very basic questions, but I'm not much of an audio person at all!
Thanks!
http://www.xmradio.com/roady/
The Roady should be the FM Modulator power source, not the other way around. But basically, all you want to do is move the Roady and have the antenna and power sources wired/stored in each of the cars.
-Paul
I found out something last night about XM. The traffic and weather channels were the main reason I chose XM over Sirius. However, last night I found a fallicy in my system - I got stuck behind an accident because I was enjoying the music so much! Lesson learned - turn to the traffic station before starting the trip...
Another beginner question. I have 2 power outlets and a cigarette lighter in one of my vehicles. I also have a 300 watt inverter (probably overkill) that I use for my computer on long trips. If I use the inverter in one of the power outlets and the Roady's power supply in the other, will that be too much for the electrical system? On Saturday we're taking one of the trips where I'd probably want to use both.
Thanks!
Shouldn't be a problem.
IF you had to use two cigarette lighter adapters, you can get a splitter from Radio Shack that gives you two adapter outlets after plugging one end into the cigarette lighter. I use this in my Wrangler actually (though I spliced it behind the dashboard). This allows me the two outlets for stuff like my GPS to be hardwired but hidden. I now have one adapter plug available after using one of the adapter plugs for the GPS.
So there are ways to work around it if you did need multiple cigarette adapters.
Now in my BMW, the FM modulator is hidden back in the dash to keep it hidden. I honestly don't know how it is powered (whether by something off the stereo or directly from the battery). Now it is a different kind of unit from what the Roady uses, but I suspect those that designed the Roady allowed for minimal adapters to be required for power to make it as easy as possible to move between cars.
When I mount XM in my Wrangler, I plan on adding Alpine's XM ready unit that has the XM tuner built into it, unlike the older models that required an external box. It will be a simple swap from the Alpine currently in there (my daughter will get the old head unit) and I'll mount the XM antenna mentioned in the Wrangler forum.
-Paul
It would replace your stock radio, just as you would if you did a regular aftermarket install.
If you opt for a soundbar and such, I would recommend going with an amp. You will get MUCH better sound as the amp allows more power to get to the speakers, reducing distortion (I know, it sounds backwards, but it is true.) I'd also recommend a subwoofer if your factory unit didn't have one. It makes a WORLD of difference and makes it easier to hear with the top off or windows down.
I still have to recommend High Voltage in Bakersfield for the work. Their work is top notch. You could do it yourself, but they can do a great job if you are not comfortable with it. I'd also recommend 5.25 speakers in the front over the 4x6's defaulting in it. (This may be be better suited back on the Wrangler forum).
You have my email if you have any other questions specific to the TJ you'd like to ask.
-Paul
I'm really looking forward to getting the home kit for the Roady - I've very much enjoyed having it in the Taco. I might have been a bit luke-warm about this (though I was the one that wanted it enough to go out and buy one), but it is SO nice to have all those choices to listen to on our way home. I'm now a complete convert!
http://www.xm411.com
-Steven-
I don't want an aftermarket receiver messing up the look of my interior, so I want to get a an original equipment receiver installed. How much should I expect to pay for parts & labor? Thanks!
Mazda may offer factory head units that will fit in your car. They may offer then for new ones only. You can always go the RF modulator route. The sound isn't quite as clear, but compared to the static I get on regular radio, it is crystal clear. It is soldered into the back of my factory head unit and I installed the Alpine unit. The display is hidden. (My install was for XM, but Sirius would be similar I suspect).
-Paul
I'm new to this group so please excuse if this has been talked about before but the trunk on my Mustang is fiberglass. The Sirius antenna needs to "mount" on a metal surface and would not (I assume) work given my trunk lid. As I don't have a roof to use, what are my alternatives??
On my hard top Wrangler, I just put the antenna inside on the roll bar - the fiberglass top doesn't interfere with reception at all.
I have been searching the past couple of days on the web and I see no mention of what to do when you have a convertible with a non-metal trunk lid. I don't know how many cars fall into this category but with at least the Corvette, your T-Bird and my Mustang, you'd think they'd have some mention about what to do in this situation!
Now....have heard both, and probably would prefer XM if.....it had sports deals.
I love the fact that Sirius has the NFL, basketball, and hockey.
Is this exclusive, or does XM have a shot at these things? The key for me would be a baseball package. Any word on that potential?
-Paul
I personally thought there wasn't enough difference between the 2 to have a clear choice based on quality. Go with the programming you want today, and not with the hope that the other system will someday carry it.
Claimed excellent reception and very easy to install and also to remove if the time ever arrived.
I suppose you could use practically any size screen, as long as you could figure out how to suspend it.
Just an idea!
I doubt that the exsisting major leagues that are already on Sirius would also end up on XM. Such programming is usually provided under exclusive rights (you know, that legal stuff the read at the end of the games on TV) and huge sums of money are paid to secure these rights.
Of course, these contracts do expire and at this time it doesn't appear that MLB has signed with either Sirius or XM. It's probably only a matter of time before MLB signs with XM or Sirius, but who knows which one will win the rights at this time?
I'd go with Sirius at this time and just stay away from a long term contact.
The arguments used by the NAB are always exaggerated and dubious claims that such services (which would compete with the big broadcasters) would ultimately provide a disservice to the general public by drawing listeners away from the traditional stations -- which are best at providing information of local interest -- toward national radio services that do not provide such important and valuable information (they could but can't because of the NAB). In fact, the NAB and the Florida Association of Broadcasters have sent a letter (<http://www.nab.org/Newsroom/PressRel/Filings/081704jointlettertoPowell.pdf>) to the FCC chairman not-so-gently reminding him how critically important their services were during the recent hurricane. Having myself been directly in the path of the storm, I can attest to the value the local TV and radio stations have been to the community -- something that satellite radio could not provide -- but totally scoff at the notion that these local stations are at all threatened by competition with the satellite providers. It's been proven over and again: competition is good! The NAB is anti-competitive, and powerful enough to sway the government into actually sustaining an anti-competitive environment. It's kinda scary.
Credit XM and Sirius with exploiting the shortsightedness of the NAB in not forseeing the possiblity of broadcasting local traffic and weather information on a nation-wide basis, thereby circumventing the regulations prohibiting satellite radio from broadcasting such information locally. Mark one up for satellite radio, but the battle goes on -- the NAB is busy regrouping from that brain lapse by promoting new legislation banning all "locally differentiated" content altogether. It looks like if satellite radio does not become profitable soon, it may soon die as we know it. (But we still have to look forward to: digital-quality commercial radio!) From the office of Congressman Gene Green of Texas:
March 24, 2004 - Two Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Representatives Chip Pickering (R-MS) and Gene Green (D-TX), today introduced legislation aimed at protecting local radio broadcasting and more strictly enforcing the licenses of satellite radio companies.
The "Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act," would clarify that Digital Audio Satellite Radio licensees could not circumvent their obligation to provide national audio programming by inserting local content into their network of ground based repeaters.
NewsFactor
Steve, Host
I bought a new '04 Mustang about a month ago... could have gotten one already equipped with Sirius-ready in-dash, but got an AWESOME deal on this particular car without the Sirius unit, and it definitely wasn't worth the price difference it would have cost me to get the other car that wasn't eligible for my particular deal. Anyway, I'm reading with great interest some previous posts about antenna installation and fiberglass trunk lids!
My main question to begin with is this: I'd rather install an in-dash unit so as to not ruin the look of my interior with a plug-&-play (plus I don't really have a lot of room for one)... BUT, a co-worker told me that installing a satellite or ANY aftermarket unit in-dash would void every part of my factory warranty dealing with ANYTHING electrical on my car. Is there any truth to this?? I understand it voids the radio's warranty since it'd no longer be there, but I find it hard to believe that if the wiring for some other electrical part like headlights or door locks or seat gets buggered somehow down the road, that they wouldn't cover it based on my having installed an aftermarket stereo! Please tell me this ain't so!
Thanks
If you live in the southern half of the US, you can probably get away with mounting it on the trunk lid, and maybe even on the very rear part of your package shelf, inside the car, with a view to the sky.
The further south you live, the less critical the antenna location will be for good reception.
My comments are based off a couple of years experience with two different vehicles with XM installed. One OEM and one aftermarket with an FM modulation connection.
I am not certain if Sirius has as many terrestial repeaters as XM does, but my comments are accurate regarding XM's service. I'm not bashing on Sirius, just haven't been following their expansion program since I already made my decision.
Under no circumstances do they need to cut a hole in any sheet metal to install the antenna. It's designed to be a magnetic connection (with a little adhesive for security).
I'd press the dealer for just how many installations they've done where they've cut the sheet metal.
Nice car by the way!
As to the antenna location, I have a T-Bird and so it is easy to install in the trunk (it is fiberglass) and well hidden. Many of the guys on the T-Bird site have just put the antenna on their dashboard or just laying inside the back window on the rear deck and it works just fine. I get excellent reception in the basement garage of my office so Sirius must have lots of repeaters in my area (Miami). Try it loose like that and see if it works. You can always have it installed more permanently if your reception doesn't meet your expectations.
Ford to Offer Sirius Radio as an Option in More Cars (NY Times)
Steve, Host
Have a skyfi in a VSM mount in an 02 Explorer..and have XM option in my Malibu Maxx.