[zcruiser]

Hey y'all. Wifey got me a vehicle mounting system for my RoadyXT. Already have one in the Z but want to be able to move it around. Finally had some time this afternoon while the gals were out doing some post-Christmas exchange/etc.

This is my 3rd vehicle for XM install, the other two have the antenna on the roof but after looking at my window seals I decided it would be best if I left them alone. So after some deliberation I found a spot on the cowl, dead center.



Next step was to thread the antenna lead along the same path as the hood switch for the security system and through the firewall.



Had to slice the grommet at the firewall to get the head of the antenna through...


Ran the antenna up around the TDI security box, then over to the space below the stereo. I brought it out through the gap where the dash meets the console, which is also a good place to take up all the extra slack in the antenna lead.

Mounted the RoadyXT to the right of the rear heater switch and left of the cig lighter, which obviously is a good place to grab power. I prefer to have my power embedded for a cleaner install, plus the connection in the cig lighter socket is a little touchy but that will have to come later.



The vehicle unit comes with a stick-on mount or one you can clip into a vent, plus a nice little remote control. I use the FM transmitter which seems to work fine, though in my wife's Odyssey I had to add a direct connection to the radio antenna as it could not hold the FM signal for some reason.

Anyone else mount a satellite radio in their 80?

[fuelgeddes]

yea and love it. I have mine mounted in the ash tray using the clip to hold it in place. Right now I am using all the connectors which looks funny. Yours looks really clean. Good job ! I really like getting good music no matter how far in the sticks I go. Now if I could just get my truck running again.

[drsales]

I have 3 units. 2/LC's and my LS400. Never ever going back.

[DanKunz]

I have one as well...I like that mounting point. I have cracked or destroyed the antenna at least two times on the roof. I may be stealing this idea for sure

[Erratic]

I like that. I'm gonna use it. With your permission of course

[brittan]

I installed one in my wife's (soon to be mine) 80 today. I took advantage of the free roxy for $6 per month. Made a good Christmas present...

[Ted44]

Just put a Sirius Starmate 4 in my truck. I've been playing with antenna position, yours is a good one. I'm gonna try it. Did the direct FM connection through the antenna jack in the stock head unit, works really well. Power from Cig lighter 'till I have more time to fiddle with the direct connection. Used a bracket provided with a kit from Crutchfield to mount the unit. Removed the ash tray and screwed the bracket into the metel plate above the ashtray inside the dash. Looks pretty clean and the wires wil all come through the opening directly into the back of the dock.

[phishtaco]

This is exactly how I was going to install mine. Same unit and everything. I've had it since july, I guess I better install it finally.

[Yossarian]

Nice location for the antenna! The "why didn't I think of that" light bulb came on, damn. Mine is just above the rear hatch centered on the body, had to run the cable all the way to the head unit, sheez.

[Bluetribal]

Too bad it's XM, Sirius is the BIG DOG on the block now.
I went even easier I just ran it out the door jam and below the windshield like you but just off center on the driver side. So only 2" of the wire is visible.
Now I am trying it out with the antenna just laying on my dash. The reception actually isn't bad at all. I have had it there since Friday.

[zcruiser]

Yeah, XM v Sirius is always a big choice. Sirius actually has a fantastic Christian rock station (used to be on 54) that I listened to in a rental on a drive up to Lynchburg. At the time I chose, XM subscription and the receivers were a much better price and more portable than Sirius and I got a package deal. I'm satisfied with XM's channels, others may not be. (Can't stand the commercials that have crept in on some, however.)

Generally speaking though, I wouldn't dis anyone's personal choice in sat radio, tires, shampoo, or color they paint their dog. No use in making someone feel badly or inferior about their choices, it's all up to the individual and their own perceived value.

[Bluetribal]

Originally Posted by zcruiser

Generally speaking though, I wouldn't dis anyone's personal choice in sat radio, tires, shampoo, or color they paint their dog. No use in making someone feel badly or inferior about their choices, it's all up to the individual and their own perceived value.

Yeah, but if you had just bought it you could return it and switch over to Sirius after looking into some of the facts, such as Sirius does not have comercials on there music channels, independant research shows that the music channels are better on Sirius, and technology with sirius is at a higher level. So I could be helping you out.
And the best advice I can give anyone is don't take anything to heart on mesg boards. You don't have any idea where the author is coming from. Ask the person questions........ And once you know where they are coming from and disagree :shotts:

[zcruiser]

So.... I've had my XM over a year, this is my 3rd vehicle install (as I stated in my first post), I've got two docking stations in my house, so fairly invested in XM. Don't plan to do any more research and/or switching, XM works for me, thanks. No offense taken, I like my XM and if you like Sirius, I'm happy for you.

[BROKEROB1]

Originally Posted by Bluetribal

Yeah, but if you had just bought it you could return it and switch over to Sirius after looking into some of the facts, such as Sirius does not have comercials on there music channels, independant research shows that the music channels are better on Sirius, and technology with sirius is at a higher level. So I could be helping you out.
And the best advice I can give anyone is don't take anything to heart on mesg boards. You don't have any idea where the author is coming from. Ask the person questions........ And once you know where they are coming from and disagree :shotts:

From a business standpoint, SIRI is bleeding cash so badly right now, I would be surprised if it is still around in a couple of years. They have had one profitable quarter (being the 4th qtr last year and they still missed earnings). I guess from that standpoint, it doesn't matter how good their programming is The same dishonest vice chairman that ran Global Crossing into the ground is still chairman of the board at SIRI.

Anyways, zcruiser, your install looks nice and clean and when SIRI folds or begs XMSR for a merger at $2 per share, you can keep smiling

[619TOY]

After spending years as a high end stereo installer and being someone who will probably never own a sattelite radio here are a couple of observations:

1. Most cars will function great with the antenna underneath (yes underneath) the dash pad in the windshield. Will they perform better in remote areas with the antenna outside? I'm sure they will.

2. At the time XM sounded sustantially better on a good sounding system than Sirius. What I mean is that XM sounded more open and less compressed than Sirius as well as better high frequency detail. This may no longer be the case as I haven't made A-B comparisons for years.

[Pair_of_Eees]

Originally Posted by Bluetribal

Too bad it's XM, Sirius is the BIG DOG on the block now.

Not quite....according to Yahoo Finance, as of December 2006:

"XM is the market leader with more than 7.2 million subscribers, but Sirius has been closing the gap quickly, posting four straight quarters of more net subscriber additions. Sirius finished the third quarter with 5.1 million users."

And from Forbes.com 01/02/07:

"...the broader question of whether Sirius might ever merge with its LARGER rival XM Satellite Radio"

Also, XM has contracts with 60% of new car makers for inclusion of the radios in new cars. Sirius has 40%.

Neither company has been anywhere near profitable yet, but I agree with BROKEROB1, I don't think Sirius will survive long term.

[zcruiser]

Originally Posted by 619TOY

2. At the time XM sounded sustantially better on a good sounding system than Sirius. What I mean is that XM sounded more open and less compressed than Sirius as well as better high frequency detail. This may no longer be the case as I haven't made A-B comparisons for years.

XM fanatics have been complaining about compression, but doubt it's any less of a problem on Sirius. Bandwidth vs. number of channels, money vs. choice & quality. I never expected high quality HD radio from XM, just choices. With my ears, and the rumble of the road, I doubt I'll ever be able to tell the difference anyway.

[Bluetribal]

Yes Sirius is still behind but not for long. They have been playing catch-up and putting lots of money into the product. A new satelite was launched not to long ago and now automakers are adding Sirius to there options. Within a year or two you will be able to get either XM of Sirius from any automaker.
The only thing that XM has on top of XM in my opinion is MLB, Sirius has NBA, NFL, NASCAR, & Howard Stern.
If you think Sirius is going to fail you are in La La land. Yes the two may merge so that they don't waste money battling eachother but Satelite Radio is the future, Face It!!
Anyway sorry to take away from the thread but maybe these few little facts will help future buyers and cause them to look into both companies and choose what is right for them. Just don't count out Sirius because XM almost controlled the market. They are just about even now and in Canada where sells just started last year (I believe) Sirius is the leader.

P.S. I am in no way affiliated with Satelite radio..... Just a fan..... There is nothing better than offroading in the middle of no where and listening to your favorite music.

[zcruiser]

Originally Posted by Bluetribal

Sirius has NBA, NFL, NASCAR, & Howard Stern.

I rest my case. (emphasis mine)

[Pair_of_Eees]

Originally Posted by zcruiser

I rest my case. (emphasis mine)

If you listened to Opie & Anthony on XM for 1 week, you'd NEVER go back to Howard. Trust me....I used to be a huge HS fan.