Hey jperea and Tun2One, I am looking into installing satellite radio into my truck. I had originally looked into the XM Commander, but I want the Sirius satellite, so this looks like the way to go for me. My question is this, I see that you purchase the FM modulator unit. I was looking in Crutchfield, and I am under the impression I need to purchase the controller, tuner, and antenna separately. Is this correct? I also want to be able to hook this into the stock Audiophile HU when the aux input thingies become available. Do I have to purchase all this, and will this controller be able to do what I am looking to do? Thanks!

 

the kenwood unit these guys are using is a add-on control unit. you can use it to control, sat radio, cd changer or a music keg or all 3. yes you will need to purchase the tuner and antenna. it also looks like the controller has rca outputs, so you could run it thru the aux of your audiophile if and when the adapter becomes available.

 

Roboots21- May I ask why Sirius and not XM? I am just doing research and would like all opinions!

Thanks Frank

 

I am going to go with the Sirius due to more musical programs, and more sports packages, especially NFL, that is mostly the reason for me.

 

That is correct. You have to purchase the tuner and the antenna seperately. I also like Sirius as oppose to XM. That's why I went this route. I am not using the FM modulator because the tuner does have RCA outputs and my Alpine deck has an AUX input. But if you have the stock Audiophile you will need to use FM modulation until you can get the AUX input cable required to hook in to the OEM deck. I am just not real happy with the display on the controller. I almost got the Clarion unit that is available out there (DSC920S) but the Kenwood unit was available locally. I am still considering the Clarion unit but I am a little concerned about fitment into the ashtray. JP

 

Well said.

I do agree with the display issue, although I think any unit would have the same issue unless you install it at an angle, which I've seen some of the XM people do. I, for one, tend to pick my most favorite channels and put the into memory - which means I typically do not use or read the display. Any option you pick will fall short of a stereo that comes standard with sat radio. But the ash tray install option IMHO is the next best thing.

 

Just to clarify: My dissatisfaction with the display is because it is difficult to read, number one (always leaning forward). Secondly, song info is not always displayed. I like the PNP units that show channel, song title, artist, etc. The Clarion would do this but it does not have preset buttons. It has up/dwon buttons for presets. I would be happy if I could find an XM commander "like" controller that was made for Sirius. JP

 

jperea, do you know how large the Clarion unit is? I did some searches on it, but was unable to find any dimension information on this unit. I was hoping to find the best controller that I can before March (b-day time) so that I might be able to get one at that point.

Also, how did you install everything in your truck? I saw I think it was your truck with the antenna mounted under the hood? I was wondering where you placed everything inside the truck behind the radio, where you ran the antenna wire to the outside of the truck, etc. Let me know. Thanks!

 

Also, while browsing the net, I came across another Sirius XM like controller, the Panasonic CD-SRF100 controller and tuner. Has anyone seen this one before or had any experience with this tuner? It looks as though it will fit in the ashtray with some minor mods to it due to the depth, but has anyone used this one or considered this one before? Lemme know!

 

The clarion unit is 160mmx39mm. Preliminary measurements shows it will fit with not much room for error. I have the install manual so email me at jperea@qwest.net if you want it. I placed everything in the huge gaping space behind the radio. There is plenty of room back there. I ran the antenna wire through the rubber boot wiring harness in the passenger side firewall. It was not easy but I did it. I had to poke a hole in the boot to get the antenna wire through. JP

 

just my opinion on this one......but, satelite radio sounds 10x better without being modulated. If it requires an after market head unit, it is worth it. You get CD quality on all your stations. I have Sirius now hardwired in my car, and will be putting it in the truck. NFL package is great though. Good luck.

Jason