XM or Sirius satellite radio installed?

jtimbck2 · 08-10-2003, 08:09 PM

Has anyone yet installed a satellite radio system in their RX-8? I pulled my Pioneer FM-modulated XM receiver system out of my truck (in preparation for selling the truck), but I don't want to install it until I get my MP3 player unit so I can install both at the same time...I don't want to have to take the center dash apart more than once!

If you've installed any satellite radio in your 8, please post some pix of your installation -- I'm trying to get ideas about where to put the controller (I'm leaning towards velcroing it to the ashtray cover since I don't smoke), where to put the antenna, how to mount the receiver in the trunk, etc.

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on RX8Club.com!

TomsterRX8 · 08-12-2003, 12:40 PM

As a stock owner in both of these two fine Satellite radio services, I wholeheartedly recommend that each and every one of the members of this forum purchase satellite radio service for their RX8.

My early retirement is counting on you!

ibfubar2000 · 08-14-2003, 11:36 PM

purchased a xm delphi system with the removable faceplate that i put in a boombox at work. i have it mounted next to the glovebox. fits perfect. does not interfere with glovebox or airbag. when faceplate removed looks like a cell phone holder. tried placing by ashtray but my hands kept hitting it when shifting. also tried placing above rear veiw mirror, and also tried on "A" pillar. only good place was next to glovebox. i have no idea where the rf unit is at, i did not install it or even watch them install it. the antenna is on the trunk could not hide the wire good enough to put on roof. imo it looks great the way it is. sorry no pics though i do not have a camera.

PlanMan · 08-15-2003, 12:04 AM

Just curious, is there anyway of tapping into or using the existing GPS/NAV antenna instead of installing another antenna for the XM?

jtimbck2 · 08-15-2003, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PlanMan
Just curious, is there anyway of tapping into or using the existing GPS/NAV antenna instead of installing another antenna for the XM?

No, XM and Sirius antennas are unique, proprietary, and powered, though there are many different types out there, from the familiar "mouse" type (resembles a PC mouse) to the "shark-fin" type, to the through-the-glass mount type, and even specialized antennas for long distance truckers.

What I hope to see in the future, though, is auto manufacturers start to do things like integrating the antenna into the rear brake light on sedans/coupes, or into the roof racks on SUVs/trucks. I think this will happen eventually.

brownchiro · 08-15-2003, 03:15 PM

I just have my antenna on the dash. Works great there and did in my other vehicles. I live in the Dallas area so there may be more repeaters here. I never get drop outs; except for going under bridges of course. I have the Delphi and bought a cell phone holder from Walmart which fits into the vents. I am just using the casseette adaptor. No hidden wires.

Superfan · 08-15-2003, 07:43 PM

It would be cool if Mazda had an XM tuner that would fit in the MD / Tape slot.

claude4 · 08-17-2003, 03:30 PM

How does one connect the audio signal to the existing Bose system?

How many wires are are externally exposed? Please don't tell me one has to use a cassteet adapter?

And lastly, how does it sound as I suspect there is no digital signal input to connect to.

Thanks,

Claude H.

jtimbck2 · 08-17-2003, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by claude4
How does one connect the audio signal to the existing Bose system?

How many wires are are externally exposed? Please don't tell me one has to use a cassteet adapter?

And lastly, how does it sound as I suspect there is no digital signal input to connect to.

Thanks,

Claude H.

In a car in which the factory stereo system does not have a satellite radio option (like the RX-8), you have three options:

1. Replace the factory head unit with something that does support satellite. Obviously, this is undesireable.

2. Use a cassette adapter. Yuck -- too many wires hanging around everywhere. Besides, I don't have a cassette player and I don't want one.

3. Use an FM modulator. You just tune your radio to an unused frequency and the satellite radio plays through that. The modulator is very small and can be mounted in the dash behind the head unit.

So in the RX-8 option 3 is the best one. I wouldn't want to use FM modulation for a CD player (been there done that) because FM doesn't carry the bandwidth range that is present in CD's. But satellite radio (both XM and Sirius) are approximately the same sound quality as 128k MP3, which "fits" pretty well in the FM bandwidth, so there's little signal loss.