2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Satellite Radio Install in a 2G - Sirius

[Eric Lee]

I was following a thread over on the 3G side about Satellite Radio and was going to post in it, but realized I should be over here -



Here's a nice upgrade to our factory sound systems. I am tickled as a pig in scat with this set up.



The system was installed by Circuit City (I just wasn't in the mood for installing it) I had them hardwire the power into protected side of stock radio fuse, as opposed to cig plug. The stickum on the antenna is going to need attention soon enough - I'll probably pull it up a little farther on cab to a flatter spot when I do that.



I definitely suggest to also install an optional 'little black box with the long cable thing' to hardwire antenna to radio. (This requires that the radio be pulled out of dash) This 'black box' sidesteps the satellite receiver's (Xact Visor) FM transmitter that it normally uses to transmit signal to stock radio over a selected frequency (an unused frequency in your area). I guess that transfer process is where 'noise' can fuzz up the sound.



Installation aside - the music and entrainment content and variety on this system will really blow your mind. The sound quality is digital and flawless. I haven't traveled since install so I am not sure how it varies, but here in Kalamazoo it's perfect everywhere without exception. And NO commercials. Feel like the hardest dry lung metal - or Latin - Disco -whatever. Not that it really adds to quality but the regulations are different on satellite also. If they can put Howard on, they can say and do anything on there.



And it plugs into my shop stereo sytem when I get to work- Nice Oo.



-Eric

 

[Jack in Alaska]

I bought a Sirius radio at Radio Shack when down in Az. last month. It works great but you are right about the roof receiver. I had mine between two of the roof lights and it would occasinally cut out. I moved it almost to the center on the roof and it is much better.

The radio worked from Az. all the way up through BC & Yukon and into Alaska but when I got near Anchorage it cut out and seldom works. We are too far north and west to get total coverage. Sirius says they are working to correct that. It has something to do with US Sirius covering into Canada and vice versa. A licensing thing. I hope they get it worked out because there is great music and sports on it. Oo.

 

[nutter3]

Jack, I had the exact same thing coming north. My XM started getting spotty after Whitehorse, and quit working altogether around Eureka.

Keep us informed if XM or Sirrus ever gets working up here.



Andre

 

[TowPro]

I have my sirius antenna same place as you, only over on the passanger side.



I mounted my receiver with 2 screws into that plastic piece below the cup holder. Only problem is you have to bend the receiver down to lower the cub holder

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Only problem is you have to bend the receiver down to lower the cub holder

Get one of the cup holders that mounts to the center counsel from Genos, much better and problem solved.

 

[Eric Lee]

I didn't have the opportunity to suggest a location as I dropped it of and let them deal with it. The unit I bought is meant to go on the Visor but the install guys at CC decided this was a better spot?? I will try it on the visor and see for myself one of these days.



What I do like about where it is - is that I can see the readout easily while driving. This system scrolls the station number, band's name and the song name so there is alot of information available if you can see it. The readout is also flippable for adaptability to different mounting locations. With 120+ stations and 36 presets it does take a little attention to change channels and being new to it I ussually wait for a stop to do it.



- Eric

 

[MErickson1]

I've had Sirius for almost two years. It Rocks... !



I have it in my work truck. Mine isn't the portable unit, the satellite receiver is directly wired to a Kenwood stereo. The sound isn't run through a FM modulator like most, with it being directly wired the sound quality is incredible, as good as CD if not better. I have the larger antenna and it sits on the middle of my dash where the windshield meets the dash.



I also have a 8" self powered Bazooka tube hooked up to it. The sound quality of it all is amazing. When I crank up the volume on "the beat 36", it sounds like your in a night club.



Once you have satellite radio you will never go back !

 

[TowPro]

Get one of the cup holders that mounts to the center counsel from Genos, much better and problem solved.

Better yet, I wanted it built into the truck so bad I ordered an 06



then the sportster I have in the truck will go into my office in Phila. don't worry about reception, they have a ground transmitter in Phila so you don't need to see the satellites.

 

[biggy238]

Funny you mentioned the terrestrial antennas... The only time mine cuts out is on one mountain down here... The asscrack of the earth...



I love it. . Mine is Kenwood too. .



I picked up a Starmate from radioshack for mom this summer and the GF got one from me for Christmas. The Ford Focus has some noise issues with the transmitter. . If it keeps up it'll be getting a wired modulator... I've not paying $84 a piece for noise. .



I put the antenna through my 3rd brake light and into the cab... less attractive to theives. (can't see it unless you're my height or in the bed. )



I mounted my reciever in the floor below he driver seat and had more trouble getting the DIN cable down through the dash than anything... I think we have 5 units now...



Me likes

 

[wtfd6]

i got the sirius sportster. and i mounted it above my rearview mirror. bolted it to my upper console. and the antenna is through the third brake light. cant even see it from the ground. never had a reception problem yet.


mark

 

[Eric Lee]

OEM vs Aftermarket

I liked the idea of a factory type set up like whats available for '04 '05s and up?. But as far as I can see it is a permanent install. I really like the versatility of being able to take the receiver into the shop - seeins how thats where I spend most of my time.



The Sirius subscription applies to one serial numbered receiver. So the 3G and up crowd with OEM or permanent setups must get 2 subscriptions if they want to listen somewhere other than in their truck. (Or within a 100ft of it - with the Bazooka)



Side note - Did any of the stock sound system remain when you guys installed the Kenwood deck? From what I understand the 6x9s from the factory are self powered? and of such a shallow design to fit in the doors, that it makes it necessary to replace most everything in the OEM system. And go down to a 5 or 6" aftermarket speaker for the doors. ---- And was the sound quality increased of a magnitude to make it worth the effort? The factory Infinity set up is pretty good.



-Eric

 

[EricBu12]

Heres the XM Delphi Skyfi 2 Radio with built in FM Modulator.



I use this in an over the road truck I drive during the week in another cradle and mini magnetic antenna for it



#ad

 

[biggy238]

Eric, it depends on what model year you are talking about.

Powered speakers are ususally a feature found in the premium sounds systems only. I don't know about the new ones.

Also, unless there are circumstances I don't know about, you can get a line level control to adapt an aftermarket head unit to your premium speakers. . I did this with my girlfriends Bose system in a Mazda Millenia and it worked flawlessly.

 

[DMaddox]

Mounting is our business

And when it comes to Satellite radio's, we are the bomb. Come check us out or feel free to give me a call and I'll send you out a catalog. www.panavise.com or

Darrin 800-759-7535

 

[DPellegrin]

Ugh im sorry but the size of sirius's antennas is just downright unacceptable. I have XM in my ride and i love it. Im a huge opie and anthony fan so that helps I just cant stand howie also sirius's units are as big and heavy as cinder blocks.

 

[KennethS]

My first Sirius raadio was In our Chrysler 300 Hemi

I bought the car for my wife and she drove It most of the time. I did not even know It had the satellite radio until one day I was reading the window sticker. So I called had It turn on and a year free from Chrysler. It was nice and wanted It IN my truck. So one day I went to Best Buy and bought the kit that I put my radio on FM 88. 1 and It works,great. Since I have It In my Chrysler I get the service for half price. If you go on someone else plan half price. I lay the antenna In the center of the dash against the windshield and It works fine so far. When we take the motor home I just do the same with with the antenna putting It In the center of the dash against the windshild. Now this picture of this Ford truck I though I would show you. I not a Ford truck guy but this one I would take a second look. I bet It has a satilite radio?

 

[Eric Lee]

I just noticed something about this reciever/transmitter (Xact Visor) I can tune any radio within a hundred feet into the preset transmission band (89. 7 for mine) and get crystal clear Sirius reception. I have it hardwired to my main shop stereo and was working on the next floor up today with the radio going up there too, and realized it was the Sirius Blues channel I had on downstairs.



I guess that little unit puts out quite a transmission. The building is solid concrete with at least 6" between floors - and it's clear as a bell.



Still very happy ---- Eric

 

[wtfd6]

mine will go about 300 feet. i left my house one day with the reciever on inside the house. i got in my truck. which was still tuned to the frequency. and it was on in my truck. i was three houses away with a clear signal.


mark