I got an XM MyFi , which basically a portable "Walkman" type XM radio. It has cradles and antennas for the home and truck as well as being portable.

Has anyone installed one of these into their truck yet ? You need to put a hide away power port, an XM to FM convertor and hang a cradle somewhere to receive the main unit and wiring.

BTW the XM antenna install thread is an awesome start...thanks B-man...

If anyone has any ideas , it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance....

 

I've kind of been waiting as well.

I have a MyFi too.

Right now, it's in my cup holder in the car cradle with the antenna run downward and up the a-pillar to the dashboard. The antenna sits over in the driver's side corner of the windshield and a-pillar. Very very unnoticable.

But, like you, I'm pulling power off of the cig cord and, naturally, that looks pretty rough.

Further, I'm hesitant to use the 'sticky' mount as I just don't think it's going to hold... maybe it will. I still don't like the way it looks.

RP

 

Hey RP,
I have been hesitant about the sticky mount as well. I think I will put mine between the ash tray and the power port ( cigarette lighter). It seems to the only way to me

I have some issue with FM modulator making noise with charger plugged in, home or truck, the headset works fine. I called Delphi and of course they have no solution except change FM stations. Other than that they told me I could buy the FM antenna adaptor for the truck. It plugs in line of the FM antenna.

So my plan is to install XM antenna as shown by B-man, under the cowl. Install the FM adaptor and a new power point behind the dash for the charger. Cut a "U" for the wires where the dash meets the airbox (I think that's what it is) it's the blackbox that runs from the floor to the dash. There should only be about 6-8 inches of wire exposed. I don't really like that but I also don't want a 1/2 inch hole in the middle of the dash either.

BTW ... I love this thing. I hooked it up directly to the home stereo and it's awesome. I want to get my truck mount sorted out so it can be truly portable.

My wife got me this for Xmas in lieu of the Ipod because they were out of stock on the Ipod. She kinda felt bad about it but I would rather have the MyFi than the Ipod. I don't want to be a slave to the Ipod by having to download music and transferring it over. I like the variety XM has to offer. I'd like to see the Ipod track stocks, give real time weather and sports. My wife's self conceived shortcoming was her best choice. Gotta love her for that.

Anyway enjoy it. Keep me posted if you have any other Ideas.

 

I'm a slave to my MyFi lately. It seems that I have stations in the area with decent reception just about everywhere I am on each of the FM Transmitting stations. Thus, I am probably going to have to go with the little FM Modulator unit unless I can figure out a way to utilize an FM Modulator that I already have... (which probably won't work because I think I'd have to go through the headphone jack and thus, loose capabilities of the remote (which is a necessity)). I'm always trying to find a good station to utilize and hate that I'm always looking down to try to figure it out. I always feel like I'm going to rear-end someone.

Have you ordered your modulator for your MyFi yet? It'll just go 'inline' from the antenna right?

For now, I think I'm going to leave my antenna on the dash. To date, I've only dropped reception once (today in fact). The weather was MEGA-HEAVY rain and I was travelling due north (XM antennas orbit more in the south as I understand it) so, I figure I had a double whammy. The reception drop was only for about 5-10 seconds but, obviously, I noticed it considering I was jamming to Bluesville.

I might buy another antenna if or when I buy the modulator. In that case, I'll permanently mount one of them under the cowl and keep the other one for my travels as I plan to take this thing with me all over the US with my job.

I'm still struggling on the mount. I'd almost like to mount it on my ash tray as I think it'd be a cheap replacement if I couldn't get all the 'goo' off when I trade/upgrade but, it's just so low and I think I'll have the same problem that I have now -- looking down to see the station etc and ultimately have a rear-end wreck. Right now, I just have it in the auto cradle in the cup holder with the power cord going up on the dash (which looks horrid) and the antenna cable running down the side of my flow-thru console, to the floorboard, beneath the driver's seat, to the e-brake pedal area, up a interior trim line panel and then up the A-pillar to the dash corner.

I might just break down and do it on the my fake wood grain trim but, I really don't want to... I've been trolling the XM forums here and there and haven't seen a single new body style (or old for that case) MyFi perm install. It's frustrating!

RP

 

hey guys, have you considered any thing like this??

Pro-Fit

Check out the "Legend VSM" (Vehicle Specific Mount)

I have used these before, and they are pretty slick. (Well, I have used the VSM before, haven't needed a "Legend" yet...)

The VSM is specific to your truck, and mounts using existing factory hardware...

I figured the Legend would let you have a little more flexibility for the rather large MYFi...

04-05 install pics here

looks like the only thing it will block is the 12V socket that you will use for the MyFi anyway...

EDIT: Oh yeah, all the new "into OEM" adapters for CAN bussed radios should be released SOON!! All the aftermarket manufacturers were probably holding them to release at CES...
Blitz-Safe, PAC, Peripheral, SoundGate...

I would't mess with the modulators for a little while, until I saw what these guys release!!

Matt

 

Thanks Matt. I'm going to keep my finger on the pulse...

 

Hey RP,
The FM adaptor is an "inline" setup. The guy a Delphi said it was a self powered unit that uses the MyFi signal to operate.

I am going to try to find one today and will keep you posted.

Thanks Mattman for the link but I am still not sure which way to go.

Later

 

Keep me in the loop! Thanks man!

 

Hey CS...

Have you found that modulator unit? With the inherent static on my FM transmitting stations, I've decided it's either go this route or sell my MyFi and get a Roadie or similar.

RP

 

Yes, I found it at Best Buy. About $30.00

It comes with a hide away power port for the charger. I haven't installed it yet because of all the rain we've had here. I am going to try for tomorrow but the Mrs. may have other ideas for me.

I will keep you posted

 

Beast has it instock? Nice. I'll have to check that out tonight on the way home.

Thanks for the heads up Canyon.

RP

 

UPDATE:

I picked one up as well ($30). I don't think I'll have time this weekend but, I might give it a stab sometime this week if you're successful... hehehehe

(you can read that as I'm going to let you be the guinea pig if you want. LOL!)

RP

 

The more I look at this mount, the more I like it. The only major problem that I can forsee is running the wires.

Once the trim bezel is back on the radio, there's no room to go anywhere with the two cords (power and antenna). Where could I go with those?

RP

 

Here's another interesting mount...

Belkin TuneDOK



This one would work and work well but, I just don't want to be looking 'downward' in an effort to see station or song titles. It's the worst feeling in the world to be looking down and catch a glimpse of brake lights in front of you...

RP

 

Hey RP,

It looks like it fits the cup holder. Not the way I want to go.

I'm going to try the adhesive base. I am going to put it between the ashtray and cigarette lighter.

True to form my wife has other things for me to do but I am going to try make the time anyway to do the install.

I don't like the looking down part either. I just can't figure out any other place except the windshield but that's not a viable option.

I am not sure where you have room in the 05 F150.

Anyway, nice addition to the boards for the audio stuff.