OK, I have been looking and searching for the last hour to find out about the install of Sirius system. I may be looking at it but do not understand the terms and don't realize it.

1. I have an 04 that can't be converted, this I know.
2. I purchased a radio from an 08 vehicle that has the SAT button on it (I know does not mean anything)
3. I am told that the radio has to have a part in it to work with SAT
4. I am told that I also need another part installed from Sirius
4. How do I check this radio I purchased to see if it already has the part in it to accept the Sirius unit?

I expect to be flamed but dammit I don't understand the terms. I have no idea what firmware is but assume that it is the "memory" of any unit.

 

The Siruis unit is a combination of a satellite receiver and a sat antenna.

The receiver, generally mounted in the trunk, cables to the 'head unit port' of your dash mounted radio (radio requiring the sat button. which you now have). The sat antenna typically mounts on the trunk lid and cables to the trunk mounted sat receiver.

Yes, firmware is software that's retained on a chip (EEPROM) in your radio and provides the 'memory' that tells your radio that you have satellite radio reception capability.

Of course you also need a Sirius account to activate the service.

 

Phil, you should have just called me.

Here's what you need: http://www.finishlineperformance.com...cat=267&page=5

 

Ok, now what is the sirius part that Best Buy says I have to have to make it work? I am confused.

I am wondering where the satillite receiver mounts as this radio had satillite when in the other car. Does it mount on the radio somewhere? I hate to buy another part and find I did not need it (again).

 

alright, here's how I THINK it works.
you buy the adaptor I linked, mount the antenna / receiver portion of it to your tunk. The wire runs in the trunk, to the "box", then that runs all the way to your new head unit. Easiest way to do that is probably to take out the center console and run it underneath. (that's what I did with my audio cables for the subwoofers)

I think the part that best buy wants to sell you is one of those Satellite receivers with the display on it. I don't think you'll need that since your radio will do all that for you.

 

That sounds right to me. I've got satellite, and when I've had my trunk apart, theres a box that looks much like the finishline performance box that's ziptied to the body. one cable runs from it up to the reciever on the trunk, and another cable runs to the front of the car and plugs into a port on the back of the head unit.

 

This is getting to serious for me

 

OMG, I would have expected a corny *** joke like that from flashwong, but YOU???

 

I'm lowering my standards today.

 

The thing at best buy is a box of sorts with a cable (no idea of what it does) and is not one of those add on exterior units. When I asked the Best Buy installer if that is what I needed he told me that I also needed the unit from Mazda. I assumed that he meant the radio unit but wtf do I know.

God it's unbearable to be this dumb about electronics . OK I will get have to get the part from Mazda or that alternate source that Jedi showed me.

 

Your standards have been rock botton for a long time , look at your choice of friends . Thank you all for helping.

 

don't worry Phil, that's what friends are for.
I don't think you'll need anything from Best Buy, the adapter I linked you + your new head unit shoudl do the trick.

 

The unit doesn't have to be mounted in the trunk. Mount it wherever you wish. You don't even have to put the antenna on the exterior of the vehicle. In fact, I'd try not to. I've replaced more antennas then I can count due to water damage or theft. What a thief is going to do with a cut sat radio antenna, I have no clue. I'd stick it in the corner of the front or rear dash.

Oh and best buy is trying to sell you the Sirius SC-C1 correct? Friggin idiots. I'd avoid them from now on.

 

good idea fire!
the back left corner might be a good place to put it. It'll be out of the reach of stupid kids looking to steal something and you can always run it under the center console from there.

 

My satellite radio looses signal when I open the trunk or drive under trees. I'd hate to think what kind of reception I'd get if i put it inside the car

 

Every vehicle with every tuner is different. Can't say I have a ton of experience with the Mazda OEM Sirius tuner. But I've installed many-o-antennas on the interior of many-o-vehicles with a very large, but not perfect, success rate.

I have the Pioneer Sirius tuner in my 8. The antenna is installed actually IN the dash where the center channel speaker would normally bolt in. Reception is fair. I think I'm going to move it from inside the dash and just have it setting on top of the dash. Should help a bit.

On that note, I also have my GPS antenna mounted in that dash location and it works 100% beautifully.

 

Phil.

I'm not talking down to you (I hope).


There are two way of doing Sirius:

The OEM Way:

Buy a Mazda Factory Sirius Kit:


http://www.finishlineperformance.com...cat=267&page=5

Pros:
Nothing visible.
Uses existing LCD Display
Cons:
Expensive.
Doesn't have the bells & whistles of the better Sirius offerings.
Can't use in your home.


The aftermarket way:

Buy a Grom (or audiolink) (or whatever) R.C.A. Adapter.


~$50

Buy a Sirius radio from Best Buy.


Pros
Cheaper
Can use at home
Separate display / 30 minute buffer / colour screen
Cons
Mounting External Display
Grom adapter compatibility with radio


Hope this helps...

 

You can't talk down to me when it come to electronics, thank you very much. What you ended up telling me is what I expected. I have the little unit with the face but when you travel you have to find a new dead area on the radio receiver and reprogram the Sirius unit. Not my cup of tea. Again, thank you all.

 

That is why he recommended the Grom (or Audiolink) in addition to the stand alone unit. This will hardwire the audio into your headunit. No more wireless FM searching.