Satellite Radio?

[Pens]

Anyone have Satellite radio in their VX's? If so what rig did you go with and how do you like it? I am moving up north and they don't have any good radio channels so that seems to be the best fix.

[VehiX]

I went with the XM / Delphi Sky Fi kit. Did the install myself. It's a very stealth install with NO wires showing anywhere!

I hid the FM Modulator behind the dash next to the glove box and routed the antenna wire out through the roof where the stock antenna is so only about a qauter inch of wire can be seen. Still using the stock radio though :(

I enjoy XM a lot, ever since I installed it I have not touched the AM/FM or the CD changer!!

I got the home kit and the car kit. I like this setup better then the permanant in car ones as I can swap the Sky Fi from my VX to my home stereo (or to anyones house!!!) and have satelite radio all day long!!! Great for parties and such :cool:

Cost was $100 for the hard ware and the install was free because I did it myself. Cost is $9.99 a month and WELL worth it!

Commercials with XM are minimal!!! You pay more for Sirius because there are no commercials but I find I never even hear them on XM and if I do it's for like 2 seconds and then music resumes! The commercials are really just for the station you are listening to, no annoying ones at all. I have a remote control for this unit as well but forgot to snap a pic of it.

Here are some pics of my install. Don't mind my dirty azz VX as I have not cleaned it in weeks but I figured I'd snap some pics for this thread so you can see :)

Any questions feel free to ask.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/31picture_005.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/31picture_004.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/31picture_003.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/31picture_002.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/31picture_001.jpg

[Pens]

Thanks for the reply and pics. How do you get the sound to your speakers? Do you have that cassette adaptor or does it hook into your stock set somewhere?

[VehiX]

My radio is all stock and I use the FM modulator to get sound to the head unit. The FM modulator connects between the stock antenna wire. the signal is then transmited from XM to FM and I need to use one of three radio stations to get the signal.

There is NO static at all with this set up as long as your ground is good! The only time I lose signal is when I am in a tunnel. I occasionally lose signal around thickly settles trees. Sometimes the signal gets blocked but this is minimal and only lasts a few seconds. ALL sattelite radios will experience this though so don't be discouraged.

Here is a pic of the FM modulator that sits behind my dash and conencts to the antenna wire:

http://www.dishidaho.com/xmradio/inthecar/skyfi_fm_modulator_lg.jpg

[RalphDog]

Just to put in my two cents.

I have the Delphi with car adapter and cassette and cigarette lighter kit (got both pieces for $100 as part of some promo). The wires are all hidden fairly well, but I will admit the FM modulator looks better. Also I used an Antenna Specialists on-glass antenna (highly recommended).

One more thing, Pro Fit mount makes a mount kit for the Rodeo that fits the VX perfect. If you go with the Delphi Unit I would really recommend it for an extra $30.00 (You can but it at xmfan.com).

I also am very happy with XM, it's a great toy for less than $10 a month.

I think I remember JoeBlack posting that he has Sirius in his VX so he could probably give you a comparison.

[bliptrip]

I put the antenna for my Sirius radio right on top of the dash. The reception is still great, and it keeps the roof line looking normal.

If you're choosing between Sirius and XM, XM does sound a little bet better because they don't compress the signal as much as Sirius. But you do get a lot more commercial-free channel options with Sirius.

-Phil

[ScottinMA]

I put a sony CD XM receiver in place of the stock system. Didn't care for XM modulated systems and decided to go for the best quality sound. Haven't played my FM radio since.

Scott

[Pens]

Ok, I bought my radio and all the goodies to mount it in my truck, including the FM modulator. I looked at the pro fit mount but it looks like that will be in the way of the glove box once the radio is installed and with my boy riding shotgun, I should keep it away from his kicking feet!

I tried putting that bad boy everywhere on that truck and nothing worked as well as in between the seats like Vehi-x's mount. I did have to remove my cup holder that was utilizing that space but sacrafices must be made. The only other place was on the right of the steering wheel tight against the dash but due to the angle of the dash the bracket I have won't give me the correct angle.

Anyway, I will have it wired in on Monday, paying an installer to do it is far better than me screwing it up. Thanks for the help guys.

[RalphDog]

I understand your concerns about your son, but just so you know the Pro Fit Mount places the unit right next to the radio and nowhere near the glove compartment.

It's good because it makes for a very clean install, as well as allowing you to tune your radio while keeping youe eyes on the road. Also, you don't have to worry about spilling something on it as you do if you put it between the seats.

[Heraclid]

JoeBlack does have Sirious in his VX. Niv and I were in Daytona for a beach meet with Joe yesterday, and Joe was hanging out a while longer (and left for there on Friday), otherwise I'm sure he'd have thrown in his two cents by now. He seems very happy with his.

[Joe_Black]

SIRIUS ROCKS! No commercials, NPR Radio streams, awesome, awesome, AWESOME! Got the Kenwood setup FREE when purchased at Best Buy courtesy of rebates. Had to only pay for antenna which sits near the center of hood insert which allowed routing of cables through existing firewall opening. Really adds to the VX look! Tuner is under the seat and FM modulator under center console. Controller is mounted under the CD changer in the ECU cover. Simple install that almost looks OEM, with FANTASTIC programming!

[Heraclid]

Like I said, the man kinda likes it. :-)

[Pens]

Ralph, Doesn't it mount off of the right side of the radio? Depending on where it sits, it will either be in the way of the airbag or the glove box. Maybe I am looking at the wrong rodeo model, what year did you use?

I did set it up as kind of a trial today and I wasn't pleased with the wash out from the sun when I put it down between the seats. I also didn't like having to look down when driving, so I see what you are saying.

It would be nice to mount it under the six disc changer but I don't see an easy way to get that done.

[Joe_Black]

Here's a few SIRIUS installation shots for you, hopefully some ideas may come to mind.

Controller mounted on ECU cover...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3054/234sirius_02.jpg

Antenna on hood insert...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3054/234sirius_01.jpg

Tuner under drivers seat...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3054/234sirius_05.jpg

FM Modulator under center console...
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3054/234sirius_07.jpg

[Amack76]

everyone did excellent installs,worthy of applause, but am i the only one who sees sattalite radio is a rip off, and let me tell you why.

1. you either pay 9.99(xm) or 12.99(sirius) for radio, um hello yes it may sound alot better, and yes you see the title of the song be displayed, but its still radio, and you can't control it.

2. unless its being controlled by an in dash player it should be out of the question because is hard to find a place to put the control box. the guy who has it mounted in the middle of the console WILL BE TAKING HIS EYES OFF THE ROAD!! and the other who has it mounted on the hump under the cd changer cant see it anyway and defeats the whole purpose of having a display.

3 looks can be decieving, depending on your set up, you could need 3 or even four parts to hook it up inyour car (antena ($60) rf modulator kit ($40) Satilite reciever ($120) and satilite controller ($80 to 150 or a new radio). thats alot of money.

alternate choice to sat radio is an mp3 changer. i have the kenwood music keg http://www.kenwoodusa.com/excelon/excelonKeg.jsp that hold 40 gigs of mp3s that plugs right into my after market radio ( most kenwoods it will work on) or an rf adapter controll box kit can be purchaced for $119. besides the tons of music i have you can make up to 999 playlists that are 999 songs long so the music never stops i paid 385 for the top of the line one but the smaller one should be about $280 and has ten gigs

[Pens]

I get your point but I am moving from the city to the end of the earth in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan and the music selection is only a small portion of what satellite radio brings to the table. I didn't want to get stuck listening to the one country channel up there, now I have about ten good rock channels, all my sports radio channels, Fox news, and three comedy channels. A small price to pay when you drive 30 minutes to an hour to work everyday depending on the weather. Oh, and I get the weather channel, but I can't see listening to that.

Another small pleasure I get with satellite radio, I blocked the NASCAR and country channels today, it is hard to beat that kind of high!

[Joe_Black]

Amack76, you've got some good points which I considered and weighed against my initial plunge into satellite radio. At first blush, I usually think any new technology is cool just on the merits of whatever the new magic does. But I don't run to the local store with cash in hand for the new stuff. I sit back and start looking at the feedback from the inital users, the resellers, servicers, supporters and detractors. Then I start researching my own questions and concerns before deciding for or against jumping in myself. This is how it was with satellite and eventually choosing between the two content providers.

At less than $10 a month for SIRIUS (term discount) I get to CHOOSE from 60 streams of genre specific music, not to mention stuff on the Entertainment streams. Believe me, I was very close to the MP3 option but love the auditory surprises I regulary receive on SIRIUS. The DJ's are very eclectic and know their stuff, plus are very diligent about getting the e-quests on from listeners. Plus I can get my SIRIUS streams through any multimedia PC with a simple account login. I'm wiring my new house with all-over sound that'll be fed by a dedicated music PC piping SIRIUS over the speakers. That's cool!

I agree mounting options are limited in most vehicles and divert the driver's attention from the road. My add-on system was essentially free and afforded me the opportunity to try satellite without a major financial investment. If I didn't like it I wouldn't have any permanent alterations to the VX and could eBay the antenna. $30 to replace the ECU cover and you'd never know I had satellite. While driving I use the remote as I can operate it by feel and don't need to look away from the road. That was an important feature for me as I'm very nervous about traffic distractions. But now that I'm sold on satellite I will be upgrading my sound system and will have a SIRIUS head unit, so at least the controls and display will be where the stock unit is now.

Yes, there are a myriad number of ways to have satellite in your vehicle. A little shopping and research could save 50% or more by taking advantage of rebates and specials in what is still a pretty competitive market. It has started to cool now that both providers have made their initial subscriber targets and have signed additional industry partners. Instead of getting everything but the antenna for free I now will only receive a $25 discount on the tuner with the new system. Quite a change from just a few months ago!

I originally wanted to do the in-dash DVD thing with the idea of putting MP3's on DVD for car use. I have since found that all the car DVD units only play MP3 from CD/CD-R/CD-RW. So that kinda killed that MP3 nirvana idea.

I like clean installs with a minimum of wiring and components, so a good CD/MP3/satellite receiver will keep me plenty happy. Especially with the variety and CHOICE available on SIRIUS.

Just my $.02! :winkg:

[Spike]

I agree.. I love the technology, and the clarity.

And XM is now playing Dr. Demento!

But I don't care for having to pay a monthly fee when you cant listen to what song you want when you want. Reminds me too much of the cable monopoly.

I know these fees are to keep sirius and XM aloft (literally and figuratively) and make a profit.
But we already pay monthly fees for cell phones, phones, cable tv, internet... When is this list going to stop growing? (I am not including rent/mortgage, utilities or insurance - because they arent a necessity)

I am also leaning towards a hard drive based system. I would like to see in dash units that have more than 40gb drives in them. I really like the HD systems with WiFi built in, so you can send music files from your PC directly to your car in the driveway.

[RalphDog]

I am not a wealthy person, but 9.95 a month? I would imagine most of us spend more on a monthly basis on coffee or lunches. Heck, use $2.50 in coupons each week at the grocery store. Believe me if you have one of these sysyems for a month you won't know how you ever lived without.

Additionally, the equipment can be had very cheap. My whole setup was under a hundered dollars (as per my choice I added a new antenna - didn't want to put the original one on the paint), and if you look for rebates you can probably get it for less than than that.

I would imagine there was a time when people made similar comments about cable tv, internet access, and cellphones.

BUT, certainly everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however, if you like variety and are in you car this is a great thing. The sound quality with radio stations is terrible and CDs are expensive and you get tired of them. And while I would love a hard drive based stereo as much as the next guy the way the RIAA is going after people, mp3s are just not worth the trouble.

And Pens, if you want, I will email you a pic of where I have my Delphi over the weekend, I'm working out of town right now. You're right it sits next to the radio (not in the way of the glove box), but I think the airbag is not obstructed. I would imagine Pro Fit made sure these things wouldn't interfere with the airbags because if someone was ever killed or injured as a result the lawsuit would put them out of business.

[VehiX]

Originally posted by Spike


But I don't care for having to pay a monthly fee when you cant listen to what song you want when you want. Reminds me too much of the cable monopoly.

I listen to what I want when ever I want. That's why I still have my CD changer and tape deck and AM/FM :) Not that I even use them anymore but I can if I want to. With XM, I am listening to all kinds of new stuff instead of the same old crap OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER again !!!



I know these fees are to keep sirius and XM aloft (literally and figuratively) and make a profit.
But we already pay monthly fees for cell phones, phones, cable tv, internet... When is this list going to stop growing? (I am not including rent/mortgage, utilities or insurance - because they arent a necessity)

I guess I'm a hard core XM fan because I gave up my cell phone and monthly bill for it ! :) I never used it and was paying $30-35 a month!!! Now THAT was a waste!

Besides, they said the SAME things about records, tapes, 8 tracks, CD's & AM/FM back in the day.


I am also leaning towards a hard drive based system. I would like to see in dash units that have more than 40gb drives in them. I really like the HD systems with WiFi built in, so you can send music files from your PC directly to your car in the driveway.

To each his own I guess. I live 5 min. from my work and there is nothing more in the world that I hate then hearing COMERCIALS the ENTIRE way there :(

As far as where I mounted my unit, I have no problems at all as I do not sit there and look at what I am doing with it. who sits there and stairs at the radio as you change the stations :confused:

It's not distracting at all once you know where the buttons are and you know what you are doing. I use my remote most of the time anyway.

The sound quality is GREAT, no static no, crappy music, no commercials.

I am glad to have gone the sattelite route :cool:

[johnnyapollo]

Here's a deal for a Clarion Sirius unit for $50:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-kKjjbGcSreE/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=020SIRFM

-- John

[Dallas4u]

Awww man, I was just about to post that deal!

Nice package! ;)

[Pens]

Thanks Ralph but the unit is in however, I would still like to see how it looks nothing says it can't be moved.

Oh,, and that clarion unit is not being carried anymore. Nice deal though.

[Spike]

I have about 1000 CDs in my diverse and eclectic collection of 17 years, and still going strong.
They are not 'burnt' discs either ... I think the RIAA can keep their mouth's shut about me if I decide to download a handful of songs from time to time.

In any given month, I may only listen to about 2% of them.

If I had a large hard drive based system, I would be able to load like 15 to 20% of the collection and listen to more of it.

Yes.. $10 - $13 in the grand scheme of things isnt much. There is still the initial hardware cost (yes, as there would be for hard drive, or anything else for that matter). And believe me, before XM hit the market, I was looking forward to it.

But as I once explained to a friend of mine who has had XM for about a year, I like the idea.. but I dont like the application of it.

Having 100+ channels is great, but EVERY channel tries to differentiate. Why not have clusters of 3 channels that are exactly the same format, so when you hear something you dont like, you can switch into another channel of the same music sub-genre.

Who knows, I could change my mind at some point. But right now, I don't see it, it doesn't fit my listening style.

[VehiX]

Having 100+ channels is great, but EVERY channel tries to differentiate. Why not have clusters of 3 channels that are exactly the same format, so when you hear something you dont like, you can switch into another channel of the same music sub-genre.


They do have this option :)

Not ALL genres have them but most do like dance (about 5 good stations worth) same for rock , rap , country , comedy etc.