Hi there,

I have an aftermarket Sirius Sat Rdio (Sportster) and I want to instal it in my RX8. I have the NAV system and heated seats and there are very few options for mounting the reciever. I am going to have it installed proffesionally, but I would like some suggestions, photos if possible of other members who have installed after market Sat Radios.

I was going to get the Mazda Sat radio, but I have a 2004 and would have to change head units etc (cost over $700.00)

Thanks for you help.

 

I installed my Sirius receiver in the drink holder area. I used the P.I.E adapter and can use my Ipod as well. The center console cover closes to show no signs of any install. I don't allow drinking in my RX8 so the drink holders are not missed.

 

I was in the exact same boat as you! I really wanted to just get the new head unit, but all the quotes I got were right around $1000. I got the aftermarket Sirius....I dont use my cigarette lighter, so I had them mount it to the swinging door of the cigarette lighter thingy. You cant open it anymore, but that's all good. Plus, it is in a perfect spot directly in front of the shifter....I can change my channels with my fingers and the palm of my hand resting on the shifter.
Also, I had them put the antenna on the passenger side corner of my dashboard becuase I didn't want an ugly bump on the outside of my car....and my reception is perfect.

 

What is a P.I. E. adapter?

 

A P.I.E. adapter is a device that allows you to use your Mazda head unit with an auxiliary RCA input. It attaches to an input on the back of your head unit.

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=445

 

I have the sportster, It's cradle is mounted to the inside of the ashtray/cig lighter. At a certan angle there is a really bad glare which makes the display hard to read during the day. And it can probably be dangerous to take my eyes so far off the road to read what's playing or to switch channels, but I've tried and can't figure out a better place to put it.

I also had it hooked up to the engine so I can keep the cig lighter free to charge other things.

Hope this helps!

 

It does help. Is there any way you can post a picture of you install??

 

Does the PIE adapter work only with specific RX-8 radios?

 

I mounted the Sirius Starmate with the included suction-cup/arm to the windscreen in left bottom corner, so the Starmate is just above the dashboard on the Left. The display is very near the line of sight and easy to read while keeping your eyes on the road. Most of the buttons can be pushed without taking your hand off the steering ! The wires are in sight and I am working to make them disappear somehow........I will take some pics & post tomorrow.

Yes, the PIE adapter only works with ver 9.55 and above. My car was pre-order, so I had to get the HU version updated thru mazdaparts.

 

sorry about the picture quality (cell-phone cam)

 

GO TO WWW.PROCLIPUSA.COM AND YOU CAN ORDER 2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOUNTS FOR IT. ONE COVERS UP THE AC VENT AND THE OTHER IS LOW ON THE RIGHT DASH JUST FORWARD OF THE E-BRAKE. THEY ARE ABOUT $30, CUSTOM MADE FOR THE 8 AND DO NOT REQUIRE DRILLING/CUTTING ETC. MUCH BETTER THAN THAT WORTHLESS GARBAGE SUCTION THINGY THAT COMES W/ THE SIRIUS IN MY OPINION. THERE'S ANOTHER THREAD ON HERE SOMEWHERE ABOUT THIS.....

 

thanks for the info, dude, but I tried that out already. It's too far away from view while driving. So far the suction cup has been holding for 4 months in the heat.

 

Thank you for the photos. Good idea, I may go with that.

 

Ended up taking the car to "Tweaters" here in Las Vegas and they did a superb job of installing the Sportster Sat Radio. It is as though it came with the car. Great sound and I recommend them to anyone here in Las Vegas. Very good outfit and very proffessional. Cost $120 for install including a fab bracket. No holes cutting or patching.

EXCELLENT!!

I will post some photos tommorow..

 

Looking forward to some pictures, I'm in the same situation with a starmate i just bought on sale at radioshack. Thanks.

 

How do you know what version do you have? I have a fully loaded 04

 

Tamas wrote earlier

"With the radio on - press and hold the "TEXT" and "1" button (at the same time), the display will show the firmware version".

You need at least 9.55 for PIE to work. You can check mazdaparts.com on how to upgrade your firmware, I did and it worked !!!

 

Here are the pictures of my Sat Radio installation. Sorry about the dusty dash, I took them before I cleaned the car. Sounds great easy to use and I can still open the ashtray and adjust the heating **** with no problems.

Sotty it ttok so long to post these.

 

thanks

 

Thead revival. Hey guys I have a portable JVC Sirius Satellite Radio unit that is connected wirelessly via the FM stations. The sound quality is getting worse since there seem to be no more unused stations in my area anymore. I went to Circuit City and bought a Sirius FM Direct Adapter, which says it works for all Sirius units. By looking at the unit, it looks like the cable won't fit where the antenna is plugged it because they are different sizes. Does anyone know if it will work though? Otherwise what do I need to buy so my Satellite Radio is direct connect? I have an Ipod adapter plugged in the back of my radio and definately don't want to loose the function of it. Do I need a P.I.E adapter to be able to use the Sirius Direct connect cable, or does the P.I.E. adapter act as a direct connect cable? If so, should I just return the Sirius direct connect cable and then buy the P.I.E. Adapter? Where can I get the P.I.E. Adapter since Mazdaparts website isn't working correctly? Thanks.

 

Someone please help me I would like to know the answer A.S.A.P. Thanks.