bub
Serius Install
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,180
Likes: 297
From: Sarasota Florida
Not to steal your thread... Just heard today, on my Sirius, that they're about to release a converter for all GM cars back thru '03. Tuning will be thru existing GM radio. In the mean time, I like your solution.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,294
Likes: 612
From: I love the Big Butt Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by lukeee
Not to steal your thread... Just heard today, on my Sirius, that they're about to release a converter for all GM cars back thru '03. Tuning will be thru existing GM radio. In the mean time, I like your solution.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by ytwokc5
Everything I have read indicates the antenna essentially uses the metal structure underneath to amplify the signal. The location I have chosen has no metal underneath so the signal is OK but not great. I was considering putting foil underneath the antenna when I get it under the carpet to help amplify the signal.
the satellite antenna does not need a ground plane, so there is no need to mount it on metal. The antenna has a magnet mount to make it easy to put onto metal cars.
I have my starmate replay mounted exactly like that, except mine is just velcro'd in the ashtray area because I also use it in my work truck.
My antenna is mounted inside the right rear tailight opening, on TOP of the tailight opening with double sided tape, reception is perfect!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by BigButtLover
Not to steal your thread... Just heard today, on my Sirius, that they're about to release a converter for all GM cars back thru '03. Tuning will be thru existing GM radio. In the mean time, I like your solution.
isn't that just for cars that came with satellite radio from the factory?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Sherrills Ford NC
Originally Posted by lukeee
Not to steal your thread... Just heard today, on my Sirius, that they're about to release a converter for all GM cars back thru '03. Tuning will be thru existing GM radio. In the mean time, I like your solution.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c...am_1900_195000
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by BigButtLover
ytwokc5
hope all this helps.
hope all this helps.
Thanks for keeping me in mind
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by ytwokc5
I'm keeping an eye on the thread. I'm in pretty good shape, Starmate is tucked away in ashtray, power is hardwired to accessory outlet, antenna is tucked away in cargo area on top of driver's side tire. I'm really just looking for the best way to hardwire the FM to my stock radio... I know I saw a post somewhere about another location to tap into the antenna besides pulling the radio. I def would like to improve my reception. I had this Starmate and antenna in another vehicle prior to installing it in the Vette and the reception was far superior with the antenna mounted on my dash. I really don't want the antenna visible in my vette, so I'm living with the mediocre reception for now until I find a better solution.
Thanks for keeping me in mind
Thanks for keeping me in mind
the best solution for audio is to use a GM10-AUX interface and plug the audio out from the starmate replay into it, the GM10-AUX uses the factory CD changer cable to plug into the radio, no interference problems, mine works GREAT
why not just mount your satellite antenna under the rear fascia? the urethane fascia is transparent to the satellite signal, you're half way there already!
Last edited by RPOZ4Z; Jun 10, 2006 at 09:33 AM.
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lakeside Park KY
I have my Starmate installed in the center console with leads long enough to take it out and position it below the shifter. I have a convertible and I wanted to be able to tuck it away when parked. I think your idea of the antenna in the rear area is better than where I have mine in the dash. I also have my Starmate hard wired through the aux button in the existing GM stock radio. Sounds great even with the top down, no noise on the channels at all.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 796
Likes: 4
You guys like satellite radio? Makes me wonder if my unit was defective. I had the same guys that installed my Vette audio system put Serious Satellite radio in my Avalanche and it sounded like crap. Very tinny. Almost like a 48kbps MP3 file. And that was on the music stations. Voice was even worse. I could not stand listening to Strern over Sat radio. Had it removed.
Do you notice a significant reduction in quality compared to CD? Personally I think FM sounds much, much better, based on my experience with it.
Do you think my unit was defective or are my expectations too high?
Shan
Do you notice a significant reduction in quality compared to CD? Personally I think FM sounds much, much better, based on my experience with it.
Do you think my unit was defective or are my expectations too high?
Shan
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,294
Likes: 612
From: I love the Big Butt Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '08
I think your unit was defective. My Sirius starmate sounds great.
It sounds as good if not better than FM and I get to listen at the
type of music I want to hear without the d@!#@ commercial interruptions. By the way, I don't listen to Stern either.
They can take him off the radio as far as I'm concerned, but I have 104 other stations I can choose from.
It sounds as good if not better than FM and I get to listen at the
type of music I want to hear without the d@!#@ commercial interruptions. By the way, I don't listen to Stern either.
They can take him off the radio as far as I'm concerned, but I have 104 other stations I can choose from.
Last edited by BigButtLover; Jun 10, 2006 at 07:29 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by Shangreer
You guys like satellite radio? Makes me wonder if my unit was defective. I had the same guys that installed my Vette audio system put Serious Satellite radio in my Avalanche and it sounded like crap. Very tinny. Almost like a 48kbps MP3 file. And that was on the music stations. Voice was even worse. I could not stand listening to Strern over Sat radio. Had it removed.
Do you notice a significant reduction in quality compared to CD? Personally I think FM sounds much, much better, based on my experience with it.
Do you think my unit was defective or are my expectations too high?
Shan
Do you notice a significant reduction in quality compared to CD? Personally I think FM sounds much, much better, based on my experience with it.
Do you think my unit was defective or are my expectations too high?
Shan
you must have had some kind of problem with the receiver.
mine sounds just as good as CD quality to me, and I love listening to Howard!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
the best solution for audio is to use a GM10-AUX interface and plug the audio out from the starmate replay into it, the GM10-AUX uses the factory CD changer cable to plug into the radio, no interference problems, mine works GREAT
why not just mount your satellite antenna under the rear fascia? the urethane fascia is transparent to the satellite signal, you're half way there already!
why not just mount your satellite antenna under the rear fascia? the urethane fascia is transparent to the satellite signal, you're half way there already!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by RPOZ4Z
the best solution for audio is to use a GM10-AUX interface and plug the audio out from the starmate replay into it, the GM10-AUX uses the factory CD changer cable to plug into the radio, no interference problems, mine works GREAT
why not just mount your satellite antenna under the rear fascia? the urethane fascia is transparent to the satellite signal, you're half way there already!
why not just mount your satellite antenna under the rear fascia? the urethane fascia is transparent to the satellite signal, you're half way there already!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,439
Likes: 3
From: MN
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by ytwokc5
My only hesitation with putting it under the rear fascia is the hole I have to drill to get it back there...
It's a 1/4" hole - big deal
I decided to silicone the hole after, but really, it's virtually impossible for water to get from the bumber area to the inside of the compartment.
Good luck.
Chris
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by ytwokc5
My only hesitation with putting it under the rear fascia is the hole I have to drill to get it back there...
it's a very small hole. and you can fill it with silicone sealer.
LA Heat
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: LA Calif
Satellite Radio
Your install looks sharp! Good luck! I have a 04-C5-Z06 and after debating whether to spend the money on a GM-CD changer I decided to add Satellite radio and get rid of the factory radio COMPLETELY - as expensive as the CD changer but worth the price. I purchased a Kenwood Satellite Radio with AM-FM-CD that when you pull the key out of the ignition, the face plate folds down giving you the opportunity to remove it and secure it OR after a few seconds it folds into the radio and looks "blank." Pretty cool! I added the amp and bass and it sounds great! You can't go wrong!
Apparently Kenwood contracts with Sirus radio but I am an XM customer on two previous cars (another Vette as well). They installed a digital adapter that allows the Kenwood to connect to XM. I also had the IPOD-MP3 player plug installed in the center console box (whatever you call it).
I would post pics but have no idea how. (If someone would e-mail I would appreciate it as to postng pics).
Enjoy your satellite radio - only way to go whether its Sirus or XM!
Apparently Kenwood contracts with Sirus radio but I am an XM customer on two previous cars (another Vette as well). They installed a digital adapter that allows the Kenwood to connect to XM. I also had the IPOD-MP3 player plug installed in the center console box (whatever you call it).
I would post pics but have no idea how. (If someone would e-mail I would appreciate it as to postng pics).
Enjoy your satellite radio - only way to go whether its Sirus or XM!
Originally Posted by BigButtLover
Just got my serius satellite radio installed and it looks and sounds great. Removed the ashtray and cigarette lighter and installed the serius cover plate. Door can still be closed to hide radio. Hardwired the sirius stereo to an accessory lead and plugged in the antenna adapter to get better reception and sound. Routed the antenna wire to the taillight where I placed the antenna. Sounds good but in the next few days, I'll be adding a sub and an amp which should make it sound even better.
with door closed
with door open and radio off
with door open and radio on
with door closed
with door open and radio off
with door open and radio on
