wicked1044

Please let me know where you put the antenna and where you installed the unit. Also pics would be great. Where does the dealer installed option install it? I have a 04 so I had to get a plug and play unit. It actually matches the piano black interior color. Its the s50. Thanks!

expo1

I now have a Sportster 4 in my 8, I like the AUX IN feature (Ipod use). I use a suction cup on the windshield over by the passenger side. The antenna is on the trunk PHOTO

Big_Mike_4488

Funny I found this thread. (Even though it should prolly be in the interior/audio section) Anyway, I just got the Starmate 4 as well. I have my antenna on the center of the trunk lid right next to the rear window. Doesnt look too bad at all. (I didn't use that tail that came with it, it was much too long.

Anyway, Expo, how do you have your starmate connected to your radio?? Does the stock '04 rx8 have an AUX IN slot? I read somewhere that it didn't. If not I'm definately thinking of hooking it up using the FM direct adapter because the sound quality is sh*t if you are wireless between your reciever and radio.

expo1

True the newer XM / Sirius units have terrible FM Modulator's ( Thanks FCC ). I used a hard wired FM Mod THREAD

wicked1044

what about from the factory?

Wilson

No aux inputs on the factory head unit, but you can get one from sylfex.com and the basic unit is in stock right now.

Wilson

I purchased a cell phone mount to use for my plug and play Sirius radio. You have to take out the radio and the AC Vents to mount it to the screws that hold the top dash panel and the AC vents in place. It sticks out the crack beside the radio. The wires just run right in there below the bracket. Nice in neat. Here is the part number, etc..

751271104 PanaVise InDash Vehicle Specific Device Mount for 2004-05 MAZDA RX-8

I ran out and took a few pics and resized them to post here. Excuse the lighting, or lack there of. It is pretty dark out there right now.

I am still using the Audiovox FM Moudlator till the AuxMod Advanced comes out in January, but actually, the AuxMod Basic would do just as well.

lurch519

my sirius antenna is located under the rear deck plastic pieces. rarely drops out. not visible at all.

Wilson

My antenna is mounted on the trunk, just like Big Mike's. I do get some drops when driving around here, but we have lots of HUGE Live Oaks that hang out over the road. They do not drop their leaves until the new ones are sprouting in the spring.

j67345

I didn't want the antenna anywhere on the outside of my car, so I had them put it in the front right corner of the dashboard inside my car. I never lose reception, and I don't have the ugly bump of an antenna on the outside of my car...

Big_Mike_4488

Its not the most attractive thing in the world, but I wouldnt really say its ugly if it is in a nice symmetrical part of the car. ...

Big_Mike_4488

Anyway, I was reading up on the AUXmod thing from sylfex.com. Damn 60 bucks?? Is it really worth paying 60 bucks for that, and then buying an AUX cord instead of just going to circuit city and buying the 20 dollar FM adapter cord to hook my receiver and my radio? They are both hard wired so is there really a difference in sound???

Wilson

There is a big difference in sound with aux inputs. The FM modulators are ok, if you can find frequency that has no signal. That is not easily done in the small range they give you.

Big_Mike_4488

Well right now I have no hard wired connection between the radio and reciever. I am completely wireless as far as that. Would there be a significant increase in quality by going to the hard wired FM modulator or would I have to get the AUXmod to hear that difference??

Wilson

The FM Modulator would make a big difference, and the Aux In would be the next logical step in quality.

j67345

Also, I heard the other day (not sure if it's true) that you don't get 'true' stereo if you are using the FM modulator...and that you only get this if you hard wire it? I haven't paid enough attention to mine to notice if I have stereo or not. FM modulator works fine for me. I think I use 100.3 for the channel, and it worked great when I lived in California, and works fin out here now that I am in Connecticut.

No offense meant on my comment Big Mike. I just like the curves of my car without the antenna bump on the outside.

wicked1044

Where does the factory sirius kit have the antenna installed? BTW, my s50 unit matches the black piano paint on the dash perfect!

WhiteDealershipRice

OEM mounts it on the front of the trunk lid, right next to the rear glass, routing the wires to the left side. I haven't checked where they put my reciever though. Its all hardwired, and works as a function of the OEM radio

volk

I had the OEM installed and I had the antenna installed on the edge of the dash on the passenger side up by the windshield. Haven't lost the signal once.

BTW, dealer quoted me $400-$500 to install (if you can believe that). Took it to a reputable install co. and it cost me $130 to install.