XM & Sirius Satellite Radio

blitzen1

If you like the NFL then Sirius is the only way to go. They broadcast every game and you can choose either teams broadcast.

dklanecky

Or if your a baseball fan, go with XM who'll have all the major league games next year! Choices are great!

stever

XM is going walk-about according to some news stories this week - a satellite Walkman/iPod if you will. Sirius probably won't be far behind.

Steve, Host

art_vandelay

Sirius' is already out... the Xact, with its "pod". A little bulky but not too bad.

stever

Thanks Art - learn something new around here everyday.

XTR1 SIRIUS Satellite Plug and Play Receiver

XM seen unveiling wearable satellite radio (MSNBC)

Steve, Host

mtngal

A Walk about version of XM is a bit much for me.

I just got the Alpine unit with the XM tuner built into the head installed today. It is SO nice not to have to depend on the FM modulator! The Roady gets moved into the house with the house kit, so now I have the best of everything.

jake5

Thinking of getting Sirius for my '03 Sequoia. I'm not a high tech person, so I'd appreciate any help with the following issues:

I have the JBL premium 6-CD system that I want to keep. Dealer said I can run Sirius through that with an RF modulator. Will that affect the signal or sound quality in any way?

Do I need an antenna and, if so, does it have to be mounted on the outside of the car?

I travel in mid-Atlantic and New England, mostly DE, PA, NJ, CT, MA, VT and NH. Is there adequate signal coverage in those areas?

Thanks.

erickpl

can be mounted up on top, where they really can't be seen on today's SUV's.

Coverage is generally better in southern states, but it should work just fine up there (maybe a few more cutouts due to the area (at least that is what happens with XM - better in the south).

-Paul

rscott77x

I just bought a Solara and wanted the XM option. Dealer wanted $330 for the tuner kit. Yikes! Found the Toyota XM kit at info@4toyotaparts.com for$271.15 with free shipping. Dealer wanted $330 * $200 for installation. So my savings of $58 bucks will go towards the install.

edwmd

I have a 2004 C240 Sedan with factory radio and 6 disc cd changer in glove box. I want to install XM Satellite radio. I keep being told that you can't install a tuner that plugs into the factory receiver because mercedes uses optical connections in it's receivers and I would have to use a unit with a wireless modulator. I realy don't have a place for an extra head nor do I want to tie up my cigarette lighter connection as I charge my cell phone many times on it. I was looking at the XM commander unit marketed by Terk. Does anyone know, if anyone makes an adapter that would allow the use of this unit or is there another option to get XM in this car, other then a wireless modulator. The car does not have navigation or tellaide installed. Help

erickpl

at the input for the antenna, so while it is modulated, there is no wireless about it. No cigarette lighter plugs are used. I have the (no longer made) Alpine XM tuner and I installed the display unit for it in my ashtray since I don't smoke. The tuner was installed under the passenger seat and the display unit/modulator was actually installed behind the dash. It was a tight fit, but it did work quite well.

I have pictures of my install up at webshots (under the BMW section):
community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_

No wires displayed at all. This kind of installation may be an option since I seriously doubt Mercedes uses optical connections for their antennas.

-Paul

mtngal

When I had my Alpine head installed a couple of weeks ago I got talking to the guy at the install shop (Paul - that shop did do a great job, by the way). He said that Mercedes does use fiber optic connections with its factory receivers. Very expensive to add XM because you would essentially have to re-do your entire wiring.

From what I read (and I'm certainly no expert in this matter!) the Roady 2 has a built in wireless modulator, which is the main difference I saw between it and the original Roady, like I have (I did read about it when I was considering whether to get the Alpine head or a second Roady for my new car). I would think (but again, don't know because I haven't done it) that you could easily hard wire the Roady 2 into your electrical system and not have to tie up your cigarette lighter. Of course, that still limits you to using FM stations. If that is what you are trying to avoid (like I was), then I don't know. I never considered the Commander and don't know anything about it.

erickpl

Who did your install there? I'm truly impressed with their work. When I install the XM unit in my Wrangler, I'll be doing it myself since I already have an Alpine unit, the swap will be easy - all I'll have to do is wire the antenna.

BTW, where did you mount your antenna? I've heard conflicting stories about reception and the antenna location on a convertible. Some say it is fine under the soft top, others say no.

What did you do?

-Paul

mtngal

The young guy who does the front end (don't know his name!) did much of it. I was really impressed with them and how they did the install.

I had been using the Roady's antenna on the roll bar (under the soft top) for a month without problems. When I talked to the shop guy, he said that some convertables use metal in the top lining, but I never had a problem with the Roady's antenna at all. They just tucked the antenna further under the padding on the roll bar than I had put it (there's a ton of padding - my '98 Sport has very little). They did route the wire under the padding on the top bar and then down the windshield. I probably wouldn't have done it that way - I would have gone down the roll bar and then under the carpet, but it doesn't really matter. I'm not planning on folding down my windshield any time soon! The antenna wires are invisible and there's no antenna on the outside of the vehicle.

Putting an XM antenna on a roll bar works very well with either the soft or the hard top!

erickpl

Since my top is the same material as your Unlimited, it shouldn't be a problem. Man, have those antennas gotten small!

I figure I'll try it there first. If I have a problem, THEN I'll move it. It is easy to do in a Wrangler!

-Paul

edwmd

Paul,

Thanks for the info on your install. Is that a BMW or Mercedes it was installed on, going thru the Antenna input. The commander unit has a combination Tuner/Modulator, but I'm not sure of the antenna input? I tried to access your web site adress to see pictures but the adress wasn't valid or I did type it in right. Could you give it to me again so I could try again.
Also, does anyone have any experience with the Roady 2 and the sound quality using the built in wireless modulator?

Ed

erickpl

That was with a 2002 BMW. The site address is:
http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_

Just look for the BMW link once you get there.

-Paul

Kirstie_H

I am approximately 98% technology-disabled, so forgive this novice question.

I have XM radio in my car (XMCommander), and mr. kirstie_h has coveted it since day 1. His birthday is approaching, and I'd like to get him XM as a gift. The problem is that the car is leased, so replacing the radio is out of the question and I don't really want to do something that will be difficult to remove at the end of the lease, or get us in trouble. It also doesn't have a casette player, so I can't go that route.

Some of the new products, like the SkyFi2, state that they've got a "built-in, wireless FM modulator," yet the car adaptor photo shows a casette thingy. So, I don't know if this means you have to have a casette player or not!!

I'm going to a mass-market electronics store this week, but sometimes one encounters less-than-fully-product-educated sales personnel, so I was hoping other members might be able to give me ideas first.

Thanks!!
kirstie_h
Not the host of this board, just asking as a member
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

mlm4

The cassette thingy is still an option if you have a cassette adapter, but I think the Delphi units now come with the FM modulator. I have one that I travel with. When I'm in my own car, I use the cassette adapter because it sounds far better than the FM. But in most rental cars now, there are no cassettes so I use the modulator. It works but not well, lots of interference from local stations. As you travel around you may have to change the frequency, but that is a pain and it is getting hard (unless you are in the middle of nowhere) to find some clear air that doesn't induce static. Another problem I've encountered with the modulator is that it interferes with the reception of my hand-held GPS, which I suction-cup to the windshield. (Sorry, just some personal observations but no advice...)

Kirstie_H

Thanks a bunch! The modulator sounds like exactly what I DON'T want, so I'll check out the other options.

pao

the skyfi2 and I believe the roady2 have the fm modular built in..so all you have to do is power the unit and connect the antenna lead....a great source for information on XM..to include installation questions..help...adaptors etc...is
http://www.xm411.com

mtngal

I used the FM wireless modulator with my Roady for a while and wasn't totally unhappy - it worked great driving between Las Vegas and L.A., and most of the time around my mountain home. However, I did have static once I got close to Los Angeles and all the Roady's frequencies were taken by broadcast stations.

The Roady2 (and I guess the skyfi2, though I've never looked at them) does have a built-in FM modulator as well as coming with the cassette adaptor, so people have the option of using either one (reason for the picture having the cassette attachment shown in the photo).

I understand that you can get adaptors that allow the Delphi (either SkyFi or Roady) systems to be plugged directly into the back of (many) car radios. If the radio has the ability to play an optional CD changer or other device, then you can go this route. It sounds like an install that would be easy to reverse when the lease is up.

I never really looked at the Commander, since I wanted something portable (move it between cars and house). However, I was under the impression that this was another add-on unit and while it required more for installation than the Roady, it would be another one that would be easy to reverse.

Kirstie_H

The car does come available with an optional CD changer, I believe, so this may be the best route. I don't mind having to do a little work when the lease is up; I just don't want to be tearing up the dash to get it out!

Pao, I'm seriously technically deficient, so unless I went the adapter route, I sure wouldn't be doing any install myself. Thanks all!

pao

there are connectors you can use if you have the CD changer..go over to the XM411 site...it is user friendly..has a list of anything and everything to do with XM...you can get the adapter...and have a install done...had two cars done at my local Cur City or best buy...it is called a PIE adaptor....just post in the install forum if in doubt...Ziggy is the master XM guy there

dondon

To answer your question as to why would XM wish to carry Limbaugh when it is so readily available locally, let me explain. I spent this day driving across GA. The local AM reception really desired quality. The majority of the time I spent in my vehicle I could not get Limbaugh at all. So I took my laptop and connected to an audio stream over the internet provided by my local AM station. The darthvader sound was quite annoying but much better a choice than the AM hetrodyne. 80 bux a month for a wireless internet connection is a pour choice when I could get decent talk radio on XM. But for now it is the only option I have. I watch the XM site and message boards closely to see when the programming will hook me. But as of this time, no thanks.

Don in Atlanta Ga.

mlm4

Wow. I had to go way back to find when I asked that silly question. April 2002. Never had to wait two years for a silly answer before...

dklanecky

I have a 2000 Maxima SE that had an FM modulated unit installed in it by the local Circuit City Store a couple of years ago (as a Father's Day give from my boys).

I found out later that as part of the installation charge, they will also remove the unit when your lease is up (or you just want it out of the car) for no additional fee.

I thought that was a pretty decent deal.

Your mileage may vary, of course.

Kirstie_H

That's a great deal for those of us afraid of doing damage to the vehicle. Now all I've gotta do is pry my husband's car away from him for a few hours without arousing suspicion

erickpl

make a problem with your car .

-Paul

fdthird

What was your impression of the FM modulator instalation?? Thinking of doing that so I can move it between my 2 cars.

stevenh

I just found your message and I know it is from June but I just bought a cable from Hi Fi Buys - PIE HONDA/AUX and installed it in one hour with no cutting of wires. Check google for PIE adaptors for your make and model car. You may have to take part of dash apart. I had to take out the lower half, easy. Seach google for "ben blog honda civic" also. I have a 2001 Honda Civic. I will use this for my ipod and xmradio. You just hook up the two rca cables that hang out.

stever

"Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. on Tuesday said it has passed the 800,000 subscriber mark and is on track to have 1 million subscribers by the end of the year."

Yahoo News

Steve, Host

marylizus

I'm considering Sirius or XM radio for my husband for xmas. Before I go the store and get confused, can anyone tell me what BASICS we'd need for the car? We don't car about a fancy system, we do alot of travelling and I thought it would be fun for the family. Is the Sirius plug and play really simply a matter of plugging it into a power source in the car? Are there things I'd have to have professionally installed? Can we move it btw vehicles? We have an 04 Focus and an 04 Mazda MPV.

I'm also having a hard time deciding btw systems. Like Sirius better over all, but we love MLB. Guess that's a decision I have to make.

Thanks!

erickpl

You will need:
a receiver piece (like the XM Roady 2)
a tuner piece
an antenna

In portable systems like the Roady or Roady 2, the receiver and tuner are one piece. An antenna may be built in, it may not be. But the portable setups usually have all you need. These will usually 'connect' to your sterro by tuning your stereo to one of a few possible radio frequencies. Once that is set you can change your channels on your satellite radio tuner to whatever you like (but leaving your car radio on a particular frequency).

My unit uses RF modulation (as described above), but it is a permanent installation. This to me beats having any cables visible. This will definitely cost more in terms of equipment and labor to install, but the result is very professional and many times factory looking.

There is an option to get an XM ready unit like the Alpine CDA9280XM unit that mtngal has. All you need besides installing that is a satellite antenna, everything else is built in.

If you want to use this in multiple cars, the portable option is probably the best. There are all kinds of mounting systems you can use to keep the unit from sliding around your dash or in your center console. The drawback to this is that with RF modulation, you won't have as clear of a signal (though my RF is soldered into the antenna on the back of the radio so it is clear), and if you live in an area with a lot of radio stations, finding a clear one to tune your car to for satellite reception may be difficult.

For example, if you have to tune your satellite to 88.7 but you have a massive rock station putting out lots of power on that frequency, you may have problems.

You may want to look for portable units that have selectable frequencies. This is pretty common and should not be too tough to find.

As for Sirius vs XM, only you can answer that. I have XM and personally love it. For sports, I like watching football, but listening to baseball, so XM makes sense for me. Choices are wide on both services. I believe Sirius is associated with Ford/Mazda, so you might be able to find factory units that could be installed in either or both of your cars for a very nice and clean look.

Hope this helps.

-Paul

Kirstie_H

I just did the same thing for my husband's birthday. We wanted it portable, so we went with the XM SkyFi2 (we already had an XM account, and add'l radio subscriptions are cheaper than the first). If you live in a big metro area, then this is probably not for you because the FM modulated radio stations will probably be in use, and you'll get a lot of static. I live in St. Louis, not huge, and was able to find a station OK.

As Ericpl noted, you can get a box that hard-wires the satellite radio to your existing radio, but it will be a more expensive install. It does improve sound quality dramatically.

I am also a total non-techie, and whatever you get, you'll want to have it professionally installed. It'll take them a whole lot less time, and look professional.

I'm not sure about the Sirius plug-and-play, but I suspect an antenna still needs to be installed for vehicle use. I've now had it done in 2 cars, and it hasn't taken over an hour either time.

There's not a huge lot of difference between the two services, so I don't think you can go really wrong either way. Once you have it in one vehicle, you'll want it in the other and in the house, so beware!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

Kirstie_H

I believe that Sirius is currently running a $30 rebate, so it might be slightly cheaper. I have Dishnetwork for my TV at home, and they're somehow affiliated with Sirius, and they've got a promotion running right now:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/products/receivers/sirius/prom- os/index.shtml
$99 for the receiver + car kit... but it doesn't say anything about install. You'd have to call.

from the cheapest host on the block,
kirstie_h

flasvt

Last weekend I bought a Mercury Mariner Premier with a Mach 300 sound system. The manual states that this system is Satellite "ready" (it has SAT and TEXT buttons in it) as opposed to the other systems available for the Mariner which are all satellite "compatible". At the dealer they weren't so informative about this (otherwise GREAT service, though) and just gave my a $395 number to make this satellite ready radio able to receive and play the Sirius signal. I was hoping that someone here can tell me what is this all about and if the dealer is actually quoting the right equipment (I fear that they may be giving me the price to make the Satellite compatible radio compliant with Sirius)

Thanks

Kirstie_H

I believe this is the difference.
Sirius-ready: You need to add the tuner (~$49) and the antenna (~$49), then you're ready to subscribe & listen. You might check to see if the tuner is included.

Sirius-compatible: Well, aren't we all? Most modern radios are Sirius and XM compatible. This means you can buy a Sirius radio, the antenna, car kit, and any other equipment you might need and have it hooked up to your existing radio.

$395 additional for Sirius-ready? Depends on how much you like the particular radio they sell. Depends on whether this $395 means the tuner & antenna and install are included.

There are a number of aftermarket headunits ranging from $120-$2300 on Sirius' website. So if you're not sure what to do, you can always purchase later.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

erickpl

I used to live in St. Louis (Ballwin) love the area... too bad the Cardinals blew it though.

Next year we can hear em on XM!

-Paul

Kirstie_H

Well isn't that cool! That's right about the area I live in as well.

One of our main reasons for going XM was to hear the Cards games - we do a LOT of driving, so it'll come in handy.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

mtngal

Paul pretty well covered the basics. The XM Roady is really easy to do yourself, if you don't mind wires hanging around or are good at putting them out of sight. What little I saw of the Sirius plug and play unit, it looked like it would be about same. When I "installed" mine, I put the antenna on the dash (not a great location, but it worked more or less), plugged in the cigarette lighter power cord, plugged everything into the Roady, chose an FM channel, turned it on and called XM for activation. I did it in the Circuit City's parking lot.

I have since bought the Alpine head that includes the XM tuner and had it professionally installed.

I still use the Roady in one of my vehicles and at home and work (awesome music when played through a Bose Wave Radio!). It takes only seconds to unplug and re-plug it in, and I don't have any desire to go back to broadcast radio.

I was reading on another board about someone who just bought a MyFi - the new XM walkman unit. According to what this person said it comes with everything needed to use it at home, in a car or while out jogging, including headphones, antennas etc. I haven't looked at one (I certainly don't need it), but it might be something to check out for a first unit.

Kirstie_H

A magazine reporter is looking for consumer commentary about satellite radio. Please send your brief thoughts and daytime contact information to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, December 2, 2004.
Thanks!

art_vandelay

The tuner you have to buy from the dealer to receive Sirius on your factory radio IS expensive, far more so than an aftermarket unit. They are quoting you an approximately correct price for their overpriced tuner box, not including installation.

If your Mach 300 system has an AUX input you can wire a "plug & play" unit directly into it for far cheaper and get great sound. If no AUX input, you can still go the more-affordable plug & play route as these units have an FM transmitter and will work with any car stereo. The only difference is that you will get slightly better sound quality if you connect it via an AUX input rather than relying on the FM transmitter.

I recently bought a new Ford and declined the Sirius-ready factory unit in favor of the basic radio for my model. Saved far more in the purchase price of the car than an aftermarket headunit, tuner and antenna will cost me.

erickpl

I used to get KMOX radio on a good night out in California, so why wouldn't that work for you? hehehe Why would you need XM?

-Paul

Kirstie_H

commercials, commercials, and more commercials, man. Even the commentary is one big ad! "And that was our Gillette® Smart Play of the Game™, and if you didn't see that, maybe you need to contact our friends at TiVo - catch all the replay action and more when you sign up at Radio Shack..."

Hopefully, XM will take a slightly different path!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

starusa

I just got the Solara SLE equiped with the JBL satellite option. My dealership installs the extra equipment needed. However, they want an additional $500 for the whole thing. I was astonished at the price. Does anyone know if there is a comparable alternative to Toyota's JBL system upgrade? I agree with Swan898 in that I don't want any dangleing cords or sloppy antennas on the dash or windows. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. ;-)

Kirstie_H

Ouch! That's a heck of a lot of $$. I'm stereo-dumb, so I don't know where on the sound-quality scale JBL lands.

There are several alternatives - if you get the aftermarket offerings from Sirius or XM professionally installed, you can end up having NO dangling anything, and the antenna is mounted on the roof (it's tiny), and the wires completely concealed. Before paying that much, it's definitely worth a visit to a local car audio shop. They'll have a variety of headunits and can talk to you about quality, seamless installation options.

Check around - some offer very cheap or free install. My XM was installed by a local shop that does $1 installation if you purchase there - and the price for the equipment was within a few bucks of the big chains.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

starusa

Thanks Kirstie, I certainly will do my shopping. Others have told me that JBL is a good system and I'm happy with the sound. I guess it's just a matter of finding a compatible receiver to go in the dash. And, find one that doesn't break the bank. I'll let you know how it goes.

flasvt

Thanks Art,

I understood that the $395 quote was including installation. I found the Visteon Ford/Sirius tuner and antena on eBay for $265 and the dealer said that they would be happy to install it for me for $100. If the originall quote does not include installation this eBay deal would look so much better.

mtngal

I'm amazed at the price for the Ford tuner and antennas! I paid something like $500 for my Alpine head/antenna installed (included the installation kit to make it fit into my dash and a fair amount in installation). This was more than just a tuner - it was a new radio/CD player and has the tuner included as part of the radio (Alpine is the only one who makes it this way). I thought I was paying a huge premium because I wanted an all-in-one unit (I couldn't figure out a fail-safe place to mount a tuner, have too many FM channels interfering with the wireless FM modulator, and didn't really want to mount the Roady on the dash).

XM and Sirius don't have static - you either have a signal or not. It seems to me that the quality of sound has more to do with the speakers and radio you are playing through, rather than the tuner itself, so I wouldn't hesitate getting one of the generic tuners to connect to an XM (or Sirius) Ready radio. As I've said before, the quality I get from my little Roady hooked up to a Bose wave radio is outstanding.