Hi Chef -
Did you install your XM Commander in the ash tray? I'm stumped on how to make it look clean. So far, I just have mine sitting in front of the ashtray door. I'm thinking I'll have to Dremel the opening but haven't created a plan for how to hold it in back, how to get it out later, or how to access the third console screw.

I ran my antenna inside my coupe and mounted it inside the rear hatch area. Ended up using velcro to attach it right side up and ran the cord under the carpet. Reception is great here in Temecula.

Any ideas or experiences would be appreciated!

Thanks...Bill

 

Hi Bill,

I got my Commander for Xmas and, with all the rain we've had since then (Pasadena), I haven'thad the opportunity to do the install yet. I hoping for time this weekend, because I really want XM in my Vette!

After reading several threads here, I pretty much have the plan in place - but I would also be interested in the installation specifics for the display in the ashtray. I want a real solid install - no flimsy connection to the ashtray or door. Anyone have the answer?

Barry

 

I mounted my audiovox Sirius control head in the ashtray area, I had to do a little dremel work (but not much) to get it to sit the way that I wanted it (the door still closed without doing the dremel work), I drilled a hole in the plastic in the area above the lighter and used one of the mounting screws for the controller, I also fabricated a bracket to wrap around the existing openings in the area to use the other mounting screws on the controller.
the installation is very secure, I remover the lighter (never had a use for it anyway) and didn't reuse the console screws in that area, the console is still very secure without them.



It's a very clean install and totally hidden, exactly what I was looking for!




Receiver is velcro'd to the side of the center compartment.


the audio is connected to the factory HU with a GM10-aux interface, Audio quality sounds perfect.

I'm now expermenting with antenna placement, right now it's mounted with double faced tape to the top of the right outside tailight opening (under the bumper cover).
reception is good, but I just want to make sure that it's in the best spot.

 

RPO - Great pictures. Your detailed explanation is fantastic and will help me make a better plan.
Thanks...Bill

 

RPO - Thanks for the pics and advice. That looks perfect!

Barry

 

Have a Roady2 XM to install. Just to clarify the electrical path, is the best (only?) method to use the GM10-AUX adapter, and connect to the CD changer cable in the rear compartment? Electrically, is the GM10-AUX just converting the analog line level L/R pins on the CD data cable into RCA plugs, or is there more to it than that?

Seems like a long loop - start about 6 inches from the radio and loop to the back of the car only to get into the CD changer input? Is there a better way?

Thanks!

 

I've got zero wisdom to add to what's inside the GM10-AUX converter. Obviously there's a technical workaround, but I'm clueless what to recommend.

My 2001 Coupe didn't have the CD changer cable so I went from the passenger footwell directly to the console area. You're probably going to want to shorten the cable - you've got about 6 feet extra that has to be tucked away someplace and there's not much room to do it.

My only other add to installation instructions is if you get it all connected and you receive a "time out" condition where the HU is searching for a device (XM receiver) and can't find one, with the XM/Sirius receiver connected to the converter unit, try unplugging and replugging the changer cable to the GM10-AUX converter to reset the connection. Once the handshake is made, you shouldn't have the "time out" problem again.

Good luck...Bill

 

Here is my Commander install. The antenna is on the dash in the extreme right front corner. Not at all distracting

Just my $0.02

.

 

I'm in the middle of my XM commander install as we speak. I put the control box and the adapter in the passenger side cargo hole.

Is there a good place to ground in the rear of the car? The power wires are long enough to run to the fuse box, but the ground wire is only a couple of feet.

I also am doing the ashtray install, but it seam as if I will need to do some cutting if I want the door to close all the way.

 

On the outside lower left side of the center console chassis there's a screw that I used to mount and ground the control unit. Just used one corner of the control unit - worked fine. I aimed the power and RCA connectors facing the shifter and plugged everything in from there.

For the AUX converter, I routed the cable up the passenger footwell sidewall, under the glove box and then stuffed the extra cable and converter box in the gap under the AC controls. I might shorten the cable some day, but for now, it's working.

I haven't made any cuts to the ash tray area yet. I've looked at all of the pics thanks to our Forum members, and haven't decided yet whether to use the mounting bracket like the pic in the last post or maybe a little less cutting and use velcro to make the final attachment and fill in any gaps that might occur. I still want to be able to use the console mouting screw that's right behind the ash tray. We'll see.

One of the things that took the longest time was finding the accessory power. I wish I had seen the post about finding an orange wire in the passenger footwell. The Forum member said that it's the one that goes into the right door bundle that powers the Bose amp and would keep power until the door is opened, just like the radio does. Maybe when I have more time...

Good luck...Hope it helps...Bill

 

One more thing. I ran the antenna back to the top of the left rear interior wheel well. I hid the wire all the way back to where I velcro'd the antenna right side up, over the wheel well, on the underside of the ledge there. I should learn to post pictures...my bad...

Bill

 

Thanks Bill, this does help. I will try that location for the antenna mount too.

I chose to put the "works" in the right rear cargo pit mainly because mounting any electrinics to the tunnel seemed like a bad idea based on the amount of heat it would be exposed to. I will have easy access to all of the equipment too.

Dave

 

i have a question if i was to put it in the back how good is the reception? I have mine mounted in the front of the windsheild and i still get lost of drop outs. If I move it to the back would that help? Also what antenna do yall have? I have the one that came in the Delphi SA50002 kit. But I have the SA10002 kit on my truck in the same spot and have no drop outs.

 

I just activated mine on Monday and I'm trying different antenna locations. Right now it's sitting on the right-rear fender well. I have only had a few drop-outs in areas with heavy trees over the roadway.
I'm sure that will get worse when the leaves come in.

When I move it to the frame ( behind the tail lights ) I will post the effect on reception.

As far as the ash tray area goes, I have not done the "permanent" mount yet, because it looks like if I want it to really fit correctly, there will be cutting involved.

 

Hey Tigger -

Most of the dropouts are a factor of losing a clear view to the satellite. Sure, the antenna location helps - it needs to "see" the satellite. If there's nothing but plastic, glass or air between the antenna and the satellite, you should have a good "view." Dense material (metal, wood or masonry) will shield it and you'll lose signal. Just make sure you mount the antenna piece right side up and horizontal to the ground.

I put velcro on top of the antenna and on the bottom of the plastic over the left rear wheel well. Ran the wires under the carpet to the XM brain box. About the only time I notice drop out is when I enter the garage. Otherwise, full signal in SoCal.

Good luck...Bill

 

Thanks Bill,

My concern with placing it behind the tail lights is based on the "frost king" sound insulation job I did on the rear compartment a while back.

The insulation is covered with aluminum, and the inside rear panel is covered. This will place a vertical aluminum wall about 10" to 12" on front of the antenna.

I think the location you suggested over the wheel well is likely to be the best.

Dave

 

Did you ever locate a power wire that was hot until the radio is off?

 

Hey Ken -
Nah...I haven't tackled it - too much going on...dang that work!!!

I remember that it was an orange wire in a bundle that made it's way into the right door.

I found a cool hot line tester at Autozone for $14 that should make it easier to find, but I need a bigger chunk of time to find the right orange wire and relocate the Commander accessory line.

Good hunting...Bill

 

Thanks.

That time thing is why I was asking and not looking for myself. LOL! Darn that work.

 

Mounted my XM antena on the bumper under the right tail light.

Remove the right inside tail light and stick you hand in there you can feel the bumper. I placed mine right on top. It works great!!