Does anyone know if its possible to install an XM unit into an RX8 with the Bose system? Id normally just take apart the dash and check myself but it seems to be fit together rather nicely so was wondering if anyone else has. With my existing XM unit I can either go through an FM modulator, stereo jack or RCA jacks to get sound from the unit/controler to the stereo. Does this thing have an Aux input somewhere?

I currently have the Delphi SkyFi unit

I would have used search but you cant search for XM since its under 3 characters :(

-Chris

Originally posted by synthtk
Does anyone know if its possible to install an XM unit into an RX8 with the Bose system? Id normally just take apart the dash and check myself but it seems to be fit together rather nicely so was wondering if anyone else has. With my existing XM unit I can either go through an FM modulator, stereo jack or RCA jacks to get sound from the unit/controler to the stereo. Does this thing have an Aux input somewhere?

I currently have the Delphi SkyFi unit

I would have used search but you cant search for XM since its under 3 characters :(

-Chris

There is no aux input, so FM modulator is the only option with the standard or Bose system (the Bose is just a different amp and more speakers, the head unit is the same). One guy here did do a mod where he hacked a 1/8" line input jack onto the factory cassette player, but that's not for the faint of soldering iron!

I plan to buy a Delphi Roady when they become available later this month, install an FM modulator behind the console, and run the wires up through the ashtray so they won't show (then velcro the Roady to the ashtray lid). Should be a pretty clean install, I'll post pics when I do it.

I have been waiting for the same thing. It should be available in mid september.

Is there anything notable about the XM Roady other than it being smaller and having multi-color face plates/backlight colors?

Thanks,

Claude H.

Originally posted by claude4
Is there anything notable about the XM Roady other than it being smaller and having multi-color face plates/backlight colors?

Thanks,

Claude H.

Smaller (as well as no more need for that big ugly docking cradle) is my main consideration.

I don't give a rat's a** about the multicolor faceplates, but the changeable backlighting looks pretty nice (i'll probably use red to match the 8's red clock/audio/temp display). The new micro antenna is nice too.

Here's a link to a great review of the Roady:

http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=10420

It has a more powerful lower profile micro-antenna, that is the feature I most desire. I don't want a large antenna on the car.


Check it out at here (http://www.xmradio.com/roady/)

whoa, the roady is way nicer than the skyfi, i hate the dumb bases it requires esp the car one, its really hard to place usually i just run the cables and lay it in the seat next to me since it doesnt seem to fit or mount anywhere in my cars :-/

To bad you cant transfer your XM subscription (or can you?)

-Chris

Originally posted by synthtk
To bad you cant transfer your XM subscription (or can you?)

Sure you can transfer it from one receiver to another, just call XM customer service. Or if you can use both (in two different vehicles, perhaps?) you can activate the second one and they'll give you a discount with their "family plan" -- one receiver is $9.99/month (what you're paying now), each additional receiver is $6.99/month.

Just heard back from dealership and XM radio RF Modulator can not be installed in this car. They say that the electronics control the display etc differently and that when they installed the XM Modulator it messed up the electronics. Apparently the electronics are controlled by a CPU unit unlike previous cars. Other cars are going to this idea which may make after market stereos obsolete.

I do not have the Roadie, but I ordered the tape player just so I could use xm radio. It sounds great, and no advertising.

Originally posted by LambertRX8
Just heard back from dealership and XM radio RF Modulator can not be installed in this car. They say that the electronics control the display etc differetly and that when they installed the XM Modulator it messed up the electronics.

I can't think of any possible way that could be true, unless the display is wireless (it isn't) over an FM frequency. They're feeding you a load of bull, though I can't imagine why.
:confused:

Originally posted by brownchiro
I do not have the Roadie, but I ordered the tape player just so I could use xm radio. It sounds great, and no advertising.

XM actually does have small numbers of ads on a few of their stations...but it's nothing like the 35 minutes of ads per hour you get on regular FM broadcast (ClearChannel et al.)
:cool:

Originally posted by LambertRX8
Just heard back from dealership and XM radio RF Modulator can not be installed in this car. They say that the electronics control the display etc differently and that when they installed the XM Modulator it messed up the electronics. Apparently the electronics are controlled by a CPU unit unlike previous cars. Other cars are going to this idea which may make after market stereos obsolete.
not true!! i have the delphi skyfi system in my 8 i have the boombox in my office and the car unit i my car. works great i listen to it all day long. i was able to mount the craddle next to the glavebox, there is a little spot yuo can see a round insert in the panel, i just used the glue pad and stuck it there, works great, looks great. sorrry no camera yet so i cant take pics.

Originally posted by ibfubar2000

not true!! i have the delphi skyfi system in my 8 i have the boombox in my office and the car unit i my car. works great i listen to it all day long. i was able to mount the craddle next to the glavebox, there is a little spot yuo can see a round insert in the panel, i just used the glue pad and stuck it there, works great, looks great. sorrry no camera yet so i cant take pics.

Did you use the fm modulator? I need to get mine in there soon

-Chris

Sirius provides the satellite hook up for the Ford Group. That's one of the reasons I went with them over XM as well as it being totally commercial free. (once you have satellite, nothing else even compares.) I don't buy cd's anymore. It does cost $3.00 more per month ($12.95 vs $9.99). However, I prefer a clean look and I'm awaiting Mazda and Sirius to come up with a configuration where everything is in the head unit. Sirius states on their site that it will provide service/hardware for all future models.


For more information visit:

www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/CachedPage&c=Page&cid=1019257316845

FM modulation in the RX-8 has no bearing on the electronic display.

I have the Roady installed, just as above, with wires routed through the ashtray and the Roady secured with velcro.

The antenna receives everything well INSIDE the glass up on the dash as well. I have been running XM for a week with no problems and certainly no electronic interference.

Will post pictures later. This is pretty easy to do, and if you have long enough tools to reach the antenna plug behind the console, you do not even need to remove the radio.

I just saw the new XM Commander on the XMradio website. I'm going with that one instead of the Roady. Just looking for that clean install.

Where/how do you plan on installing the Commander? It looks more like an in-dash installation than the Roady does, but I couldn't find dimensions on their site....

Check out http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=9631

I've got the SKIFI unit, the RF mod, micro antennae....but haven't installed it yet. Any helpful hints from those who have already been there? What's the easiest place to access the radio's antennae line? Besides the note above about a dash mount next to the glovebox, any other options that don't look too odd?

You pretty much have no choice but to pull the head unit out to get at its antenna connector.

Im waiting for a dash kit so I can install my Alpine thats in my ZX2, then I can do my XM in the RX8.

Here is my install. Have a few comments about how techy it looks.

Had FM Modulator installed and routed wire through console to trunk. Have antenna mounted on trunk deck outside.

Loose wire is Radar detetcor. Will have that hardwired this week.

XM wires are routed through center bass speaker. Neat install.

Finished a SkyFi install this past weekend. I tucked the unit into the console, sacrificing the second cup holder...but it's a great fit and the cover slides over to hide the unit and the remote. All wires run thru the center console, and to the back with the antennae inside on the rear deck. I'll post a few pics tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who came before me. This was an easy install...after the INFERNAL hidden bolt was located.

The SkyFi cradle tucked in the console.

A nice fit...even if you do lose a cup holder spot.

Still room for 1 java to go....

The console cover slides nicely over the unit...there's even room for the remote layed across the black rear section of the cradle.

Finished it off with the low profile antennae on the back deck, inside...despite what XM says, I haven't had any trouble with signal loss going for an inside rather than trunk or roof mount. :)

I installed my XM commander about 2 days after buying the car. No colored backlight choice, which kind of sucks, but I can change that. :D What drew me to the Commander is the slim display and control unit. The buttons do not have as good a tactile feel as the SkyFi, but it is much less obtrusive. I ran it to the ashtray for now, and am still deciding where to mount it permanently.

Here's two pics of the display and antenna location. These are pics I had laying around, not taken specifically for this thread, so the control unit is a little obscured by the wheel, but you get the point.

Another:

What's the difference between Delphi and Commander besides the sleekness and size?

I got the Delphi SkyFi so that I could pop it out of the RX and into my 2 other cars, also in home piped into the stereo system and the portable boombox....all one basic unit for the one basic monthly subscription fee. I admit it. I'm an XM addict.

Think I'm going for the small XM commander. I'm not really concerned with moving the unit from one place to another. I think I'm going to mount it in the sunglass holder. The unit has a remote, so when I want to change channels I'll just open the sunglass holder and use the remote.

Does that sound reasonable?

I've got the Commander and, in my experience, the remote is pretty touchy, as far as needing good line of sight.

My Commander is installed in the ashtray (they cut out the plastic piece so that it fits in there and I can close the ashtray lid). It's a really nice place for it - unless, of course, you smoke. Anyway, I used to use the remote all the time, but I've switched to almost exclusively using the buttons on the Commander itself. They're not the nicest, most tactile buttons to use, but once you get used to it, it's fine. I just found that it was awkward trying to find a place to put down the remote when I was shifting. And I found myself getting distracted a bit too much. The only cool thing you can't do on the Commander buttons that you can do with the remote is use the Scan function.

I love my XM Radio, by the way! You can't go wrong whatever you decide.

Having my Commander installed as I type. I opted for putting it in the sunglass holder.

I'll try and post some pics of the finished product.

Bought the commander. Actually having it installed tomorrow morning. It's being mounted in the ashtray which is the most convenient place for me. The tech said he was have to do a little custom work for extra but when he gets finished it will fit nicely and I should be able to keep the lid which I think is really nice. I'll post pics when it's finished.

JVC Sirius (http://www.siriusradio.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/CachedPage&c=ProductAsset&cid=1072114056984)

This unit is a little big comapred to the Delphi. I got it not because of XM vx Sirius. I had XM for a year but the unit was a 1st gen Sony and it looked like crap in the car and it was time for an upgrade. I got this one because it matches well with the interior. Looking for a better spot to mount but for now it on a suction cup of the windshield. 150 with the car unit with FM built in. I didn't know about Mazda and Sirius partnership but I am not disappointed with this unit.

I've seen a SkyFi install that doesn't power up with the stereo, which means that each time the car is started up you have to turn on the unit. Does the Commander power up with the stereo?

The ashtray install looks the cleanest to me. I too have been waiting on a factory/dealer system. What's the status on a factory satillite radio?

My commander comes on when I start the car.

I wish I could post pics of it installed in the sunglasses holder, but I don't have any web space to drop them on.

Originally posted by God of Thunder
My commander comes on when I start the car.

I wish I could post pics of it installed in the sunglasses holder, but I don't have any web space to drop them on.

Can't you just attach the file small as it may be?

OK, here goes:

Originally posted by drphill
Finished it off with the low profile antennae on the back deck, inside...despite what XM says, I haven't had any trouble with signal loss going for an inside rather than trunk or roof mount. :)

Which antenna is that? I'm currently using the micro antenna that came with my commander mounted inside my rear window and was thinking about going with one a little beefier, also mounted in the rear window such as yours, to cut down on fading.

I'm thinking the micro you got with your Commander is what I'm using on the back deck inside. The only fade problems I've had are the occasional tall building blank spots....but in WY we don't HAVE tall buildings, so I don't really care. The antennae is just about 1 1/2 inch square and about 1/4 inch thick....hardly noticable.

anyone have good pics of a commander install? I wanna see the ashtray install

Mazda has hooked up with Sirius not XM for there satillite needs
which I had XM and I switched but I dont have kids to worry about.

The Rx 8 wont be able to have a satillite radio fram Mazda until 2005 and even then it only a factory install :(
I have already bitched.

Silverarrow, i will post the pics tonight.

Silverarrow...here is a pic of my commander installed in the ash tray

http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander/xm_commander_open.jpg

and here is the ashtray closed

http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander/xm_commander_closed.jpg

sorry about the blured picture...need to replace my camera...

hope this helps.

EDIT: Updated links...

Originally posted by liqiud
Silverarrow...here is a pic of my commander installed in the ash tray

http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander_open.jpg

and here is the ashtray closed

http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander_closed.jpg

sorry about the blured picture...need to replace my camera...

hope this helps.

Did you have to cut plastic out or is this install reversible?


does the door shut completely, or just partially?

how does the system sound through the FM modulator?

where did you put your antenna?

looks like you did a really good job, I'm iinterested in doing the same... any advice?

ok...so lets answer one at a time...

1. Yes i cut out some plastic, but the install is fully reversible. That was my intention from the get-go.

2. Yes the door closes completly...again, that was something i wanted from the beginning.

3. Sounds good with the modulator, but i hooked up the PIE Aux in, and love it even more.

3. Antenna is on the driver side right up against the front window...i will post a pic of this tonight / tomorrow when i get home

4. I paid someone to do it, but they did a crappy job, and i had to clean it up...don't make that mistake, it is simple to do, once you get the HU out of the dash...that was the hardest part. The only trick was finding some way to secure the unit in the ashtray...right now i am using a piece of metal screwed into the frame of the ashtray and some velcro to hold it in (will post some pics of this tomorrow as well), other than that, it is pretty easy.

Hope this helps...like i said, i will post some more pics tomorrow.

Pictures as promised...sorry some of them are blurry...need to buy a new camera pretty badly...

XM Antenna from the outside of the car: http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander/antenna_outside.jpg

XM Antenna from the inside of the car: http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander/antenna_inside.jpg

Ashtray without the XM Commander (Question 4): http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander/ashtray_no_commander.jpg

And last but not least, a blurry picture of where i velcroed the remote control: http://www.havenbbs.com/rx8/images/xm_commander/velcroed_remote.jpg

As always, let me know if you have any more questions.

Anyone think it's possible to install the Roady in the ashtray? It's a pretty good deal right now, and I'd like the portability, so it's a question of it fitting I suppose...

liqiud,

thanks for all the info, it helps alot!

Boozehound, it's to big to fit in the ashtray...i checked before going with the commander, and know for a fact it doesn't fit...sorry man...maybe if you cut the whole thing out, and jam it in there, it might fit...

dagnabbit!

Well, I went ahead and picked up a Roady2 yesterday. Its a little smaller (about a 1/2" thinner) than the Roady 1, and it doesn't just fit right in to the ash tray yet, but I think I'm going to perform some surgery on it to mount it either in there or the sunglasses holder.

FWIW, the built in FM modulator is pretty outstanding on the Roady2 and works well enough to completely hijack stations here in Houston. I'm still waiting for the AUX in, but until then, this works pretty well.

Check these pics out, I have the JVC Sirius Unit. It is pretty sweet.
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/641494

by the way, the wires you see are now tucked in. When i moved it from the rear view mirror i did not tuck the wires before i took the pictures

Liqiud, I thought the PIE connection didnt work for the rx 8 yet?
I want satellite radio but i do not want to modulate. I am waiting for the aux in , or I might do the casette mod.
Or I could wait and see if the 2005 sirrus option can be installed in my 8

PIE works fine for me...and i wanted XM not sirius...so i went with the commander, and PIE...i have seen mixed results in the PIE thread...but i think they are all things capable of being worked out...what kind of setup do you have bean?

I just have the factory Bose system with an added 10 inch sub and amp. I am absolutely thrilled with the sound. I have no Nav.
I would like to add a sat radio , xm, or prob sirrus as sirrus has better reception in Canada eh?
But, I would like to avoid fm modulation. Modulation would simply give me an fm station that plays my favs 24/7.
Aux in is the way to go. However the PIE thread has me confused as to what works and what doesnt. Some have it working and some don't. I can not see the correlation. It seems random. I am not sure if it is human error in the instal.
I am not sure how Overload is making out with his aux in project. I emailed him with an offer to help out with the connector, but I havent heard back from him.
The casette hack is probably what I will do.
You seem to have the bose, no Nav working with the PIE set up. Is it because you have an earlier module?
I might even hang on for the 2005 mazda/sirrus to happen. I know it is a factory install, BUT if the HU's and dash stay the same I should be able to buy a unit from Mazda. If people want to buy the sirrus unit from them they would be stupid not to sell it.
Any thoughts Liqiud?

i guess it comes down to wether or not you want to spend about 80 bucks to see if you can add aux in relatviely easily...you can always try it, and if it doesn't work, sell it on here...but if it does work, then you can add whatever satelite you want to use. In fact that is the way i looked at it, i figured it would either work or not work...just my $0.02

Good point. But if I am gonna go to the trouble of doing something I want to know that it will work.
That means the casette hack right now.
What I will probably do is buy a sat radio and make do with the fm modulator.
When something becomes available to add aux input then I can go with that.
Overload hopefully will release his module soon. I also believe that other aftermarket solutions will be available soon as well, including a Mazda factory module that I can install.

Has anyone noticed any difference between the fm module (xm commander) vs. the wireless fm (roady 2)?