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

jtimbck2

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.

mmjames

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

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.

jtimbck2

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

mmjames

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

synthtk

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

jtimbck2

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.

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.

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.

jtimbck2

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.

jtimbck2

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.)

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.

synthtk

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

-Chris

BLUE PHI RX-8

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:

http://www.sirius.com/servlet/Conten...=1019257316845

Rob

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.

PlanMan

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.

RotorMotor

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....

PlanMan

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

drphill

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?

jtimbck2

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

nf9648

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.

LambertRX8

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.

drphill

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.

drphill

The SkyFi cradle tucked in the console.