Hi all. I'm about to receive an XM unit (portable one, not a new head unit) as a gift. I've seen a few threads about mounting the antenna but nothing about the install of the unit itself. How will I go about getting the sound from the unit to come through my stock Bose speakers without using one of those crappy FM transmitters? Is this an install I can do myself (not an electrical genius, here)? I'm kind of leery of letting some "electronics giant" hack go poking around in there.

thanks

 

The easiest way to do it is using the FM Modulator feature of the XM. Before I installed my carPC I had a RoadyXT installed in my car. I just used the FM modulator built into the unit. On occasion I might drive into a location where a station tried to come in on that channel, but it takes all of like 15 seconds to swap to another unused station.

Which XM unit you getting? Where/how you going to mount it?

 

I've used this type of thing before with my ipod (not in this vehicle) and was not at all impressed with the clarity. Lots of static and cutting in and out and noise overlap. Maybe the type they offer is better but I'd sure like to have it hardwired into the system.

Funny you should ask. Not sure which I'm getting. I told my wife that I was thinking of buying an XM system for the car. She was then forced to admit that XM is what she bought me for our anniversary in 3 days. She was not pleased.

As far as mounting, I've seen a few pics on here but until I know what exactly I'm getting I can't really decide.

 

You did not mention which year you have, your profile indicates a 1993?

I am not sure there is an aux in adapter for that radio, I know there is for many GM radios. If it is a 1994, you might want to ask Crutchfields or similar if they have an aux in adapter for that year.

If you have to go FM modulator, I would suggest that you use an in-line type vice the transmitters that portable XMs have. These plug into the antenna cable between the antenna itself and the radio. When they sense a signal from a source, they cut off the path to the car antenna. Using this approach, you would not have the cutting in/out and interference issues you mention. An example source can be found at the link below.

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/audvoxfmmod.html

This type of FM modulator will be very close in quality with the XM itself, given that they compress the heck out of the XM signal. It will not be CD quality, but then neither is the XM

 

Not too concerned withi "CD quality". Just want to listen to some tunes without being aggravated by a really lousy sound.

 

I just installed XM in my '85 yesterday. I used the FM modulator and plugged it into the antenna cable as referrenced above. Sounds much better "hard wired" like this versus the FM modulator built into some XM receivers. I'm no electronics expert, the install took me about 4 hours. But am pleased with the results. I placed the XM antenna on the dash, in the corner of the passenger side as far down as I could slide it. So far, so good!

 

OK. Just so I'm clear here. You used the Logjam Audiovox FM modulator rather than what came with the XM unit? I have this unit:
http://www.amazon.com/Audiovox-XMCK-...0547438&sr=8-1

Seems it also comes with this thing. Which doesn't appear as though it will work with the retractable antenna I have:
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm...-and-info.html

Did this require ripping apart the dash to get to the back of the head unit for the antenna cable? Apparently this is a pretty involved job on a 94 also.

 

I have a Delphi "SkyFi" unit that I've had for 2 1/2 years. It's portable, I have it installed for my Explorer Sport Trac as well as for my '85 Vette. I used the Delphi XM Modulator, hard wired, and plugged into the antenna as referenced. Yes, I did have to take the head unit out and plug it in to the antenna in back, but that was one of the easier parts of the install. All in all, the install wasn't too difficult, I just had to sit down and figure out the best way to go about it. I'd already done it once for my Sport Trac, so at least I had a clue. My "SkiFi" does not have a built in FM modulator, so I didn't have a lot of options for the install. Doesn't sound like your XM unit is similar to mine at all, sorry.....

 

Sorry I did not get back earlier, vacation and work travel. I am not sure on teh XM sureconnect you mention. It looks like all it does is bump up the signal strength, which will help---but you still likely have some crosstalk and interference.

I refernced teh logjams audiovox unit as one example, but there are several makers. The key is a unit that plugs in between the antenna and the radio, so you will have to access the radio back, and will have to wire it with power. The advantage of the in-line is that they sense the input from the xM (connected through cable just like a a set of headphones etc), and they cut off the signal from the antenna. This effectively ensures a strong gain from the XM unit, and signifigantly lowers the external radio (nearly to 0). Circuit city etc should sell the in-line units as well, though they will likely be cheaper on-line. Once again, the key is a "hard wire" into the antenna cable.

I have never messed with an 1994 dash, but from looking at the externals I do not think it would be too bad.....and I am sure there are step by step instructions on this site to pull teh console trim etc. The wiring is easy, one red wire to a SWITCHED power when key is on, and one ground to any good ground site. The antennas are staright plugs, but I think you would need a simpole antenna adapter for a GM (Circuit City carries for cheap, as do other sites). Should be no more than an hour or two project

 

Fantastic. Great information. Thanks guys.