XM Install done, Plus a few questions

Wookie · #1 03-26-2005, 07:50 PM

Well I finally have my XM radio completly installed. So far I have added a Bracketron custom mount, PIE ALP/Ai-Aux, Radio Shack Ground Loop Isolater, several chunks of skin, blood spots and a few cuss fits. So far I like it. I already had an Alpine head unit and 12 changer installed, so I found the PIE interface unit to splice into the Alpine Ai Net. This nifty little box goes in line in the cable that runs from the CD changer to the head unit. It interupts the signal from the changer with the XM signal, when the XM is on. Turn off (or mute) the XM and the changer comes back. This gave me noticeable sound quality gains over the FM modulator, plus it eliminated the static that I was picking up. HOWEVER, it gave me a nasty buzz whenever the key was in the ON position. The buzz was worse with the engine running and would change pitch with the engine speed. Because of this I added the Ground Loop Isolator (P/N 270-054 of Radio Shack). This removed the buzz. I also mounted the antenna above the third brake light. I picked up that tip from someone here but I forget who, thanks anyway. Now I am left with one more thing to finish. I want to hardwire the power supply so that I can get rid of all that wire in the middle of the dash. What have you folks done. The big issue is the voltage, the truck supplies 12-14.4VDC the SkyFi 2 needs 6.0VDC. Is there a voltage converter out there that is small enough to fit under the dash, that does not cost beau coup bucks?

Here is a pic of the final install, minus the voltage converter. What do ya'll think?

There are more pics in my gallery.

Joe

Patsfan05488 · #2 03-26-2005, 07:59 PM

WoW the way you mounted that looks Sweeet . I wish I would have thought of the bracket idea when I put mine on my dash ( around the same spot ) I know if I ever take my mount off it will peel the dash ( 3m mount that came with mine ).

I like that ALOT

,

PatsFan

Wookie · #3 03-26-2005, 08:39 PM

Those 3M mounts are a pain to get off. Your best bet is to use a hair dryer. Get it real hot, then it will just peel off. Be careful, that was one of my cuss fits. I burned my fingers, because the plastic was so hot.

Joe

DNGrumpy · #4 03-27-2005, 10:15 AM

I haven't put a mount in my F150 yet but have it in mine and my wifes Explorers. I bought adjustable cellphone brackets from Walmart that have the same mount as the XM base. The bracket allows you to swivel the face to just about any postion you could want. I use the seperate modulator that you have to wire inline with the antenna, no engine noise or buzz here. I run the sat antenna up inside the rubber door gasket on the passenger side and put the magnet over the windshield about 3 inches over. I have all ove my wires zip tied to the mount and the mount sit near the body line in the dash, I pulled the wires between the panels, you don't really see them unless you are looking for them. I have had XM in my last 5 or 6 vehicles all set up the same way.

Spargo2 · #5 03-27-2005, 04:59 PM

For your power problem, get a 12V socket (cig lighter) from Radio Shack. I used one with a socket & about 5ft of wire on it. I tapped into the the radio power wire & tucked everything in behind the dash. Now all the wires are tucked away & the sat comes on with the key. Hope this helps.