XM Commander install complete
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,959
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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XM Commander install complete
I origionally poster this in C6 General but got to thinking maybe some
of the other generation guys may be interested, so here it is..
I passed on the factory XM because of the fugly antenna and decided to go with the
XM Commander. The Commander uses an FM Modulator but is wired between the antenna and head unit, when turned on it disconnects the antenna which eliminates ALL the interference problems that wireless modulators have. The biggest challenges was installing the fm mod box, since it must plug into the HU you have to remove the HU
From the dash, it’s a pain in the a$$ but not a big deal. The receiver module is mounted
In the passenger foot well next to the fuse block. I mounted the XM antenna behind the passenger seat with 2 sided tape, works great top up or down, no fade or dropouts. I compared sound quality to a friends C6 and my son’s Chevy PU, both with factory XM. They both agree that the XM Commander sounds a little better then the factory, and better volume output. And the best part NO fugly antenna wart on the trunk.
of the other generation guys may be interested, so here it is..
I passed on the factory XM because of the fugly antenna and decided to go with the
XM Commander. The Commander uses an FM Modulator but is wired between the antenna and head unit, when turned on it disconnects the antenna which eliminates ALL the interference problems that wireless modulators have. The biggest challenges was installing the fm mod box, since it must plug into the HU you have to remove the HU
From the dash, it’s a pain in the a$$ but not a big deal. The receiver module is mounted
In the passenger foot well next to the fuse block. I mounted the XM antenna behind the passenger seat with 2 sided tape, works great top up or down, no fade or dropouts. I compared sound quality to a friends C6 and my son’s Chevy PU, both with factory XM. They both agree that the XM Commander sounds a little better then the factory, and better volume output. And the best part NO fugly antenna wart on the trunk.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
very nice clean install! 
the only thing that I would have done differently would be to hide the XM antenna.
the only thing that I would have done differently would be to hide the XM antenna.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I mounted my sirius antenna under the rear fascia, on top of the right outside tailight opening. that's what I meant by hidden.
I really love how the XM head unit just looks Sooooooo clean mounted there!
I'm going to keep that in mind when I "eventually" get a C6!
I really love how the XM head unit just looks Sooooooo clean mounted there!
I'm going to keep that in mind when I "eventually" get a C6!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 101
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From: Long Beach NY
How hard was it to get to the factory radio antenna. Did you have to remove the console. If so any instruction you could post? I would like to know if you think the XM commander would fit in the C6 ash tray and have the door closed?
Nice Job
Nice Job
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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Originally Posted by Europa
How hard was it to get to the factory radio antenna. Did you have to remove the console. If so any instruction you could post? I would like to know if you think the XM commander would fit in the C6 ash tray and have the door closed?
Nice Job
Nice Job
You have to remove the console and radio HU to get acess to the antenna connection in back of the radio HU and there is plenty of room to mount the FM Modulator behind the radio HU
If you mean put the tuner inside and close the door, I don't think so. You might be able to remove the door and flush mount the tuner unit but its a lot easier to just use 2sided tape to the ashtray door and as you can see it looks pretty good if I do say so myself. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any more questions
Last edited by FastMover; Mar 21, 2005 at 11:15 PM.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,959
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Originally Posted by ICULUKN-C5
very clean install. Looks stock.. How is the signal if you were to mount the antenea in the waterfall...
By the way I am very impressed with the quality of the received signal,
it almost never drops out or fades, it even plays in my garage
Last edited by FastMover; Mar 22, 2005 at 08:15 AM.
