Sirius/XM Radio Questions
#42
hey i would like to know just what i need for sat radio. i found a connector in the trunk next to what i believe is the amp. its silver and has cooling fins. the connector is blue. what do i need to complete the install. i have a pioneer sirius tuner. but it only has like a round connector that says to head unit. and to changer. pleas help
#45
Originally Posted by spoon787
hey i would like to know just what i need for sat radio. i found a connector in the trunk next to what i believe is the amp. its silver and has cooling fins. the connector is blue. what do i need to complete the install. i have a pioneer sirius tuner. but it only has like a round connector that says to head unit. and to changer. pleas help
here:
http://www.grubbsperformance.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc
and that splitter that they are talking about on this thread I guess..
#52
Originally Posted by NismoMax80
^^you sure he didn't say new tuners? 06 would be new Maxima. my unit is out of an 05, which he has. you have an 04.....
If your box only has one input, then why didn't you just try to connect it?
If your box only has one input, then why didn't you just try to connect it?
#54
Wired FM Modulator Relay Install
I did a lot of research on how to install Satellite radio in my pre-wired 2004 Maxima but I still ended up learning a lot on my own. Hope this helps others.
Options I considered
Built-in Option:
1) Upgrade to factory radio ("grubbs option"). I agree this is the best if money is no object. I eliminated this based on cost and the thought I might like to have a portable unit so that I could use one subscription for both cars, home, and work.
Portable Options:
I bought ST2 Starmate Replay for $75 after rebate.
1)Built-in FM Modulator. I installed radio and it sounded great in my driveway. Ran a 20mi erand and came back totaly disappointed. I got a lot of static. I live in Southern California and it does not seem like there is an unused station for the entire region. I tried a few stations that were only unused during part of my trip. I was not going to constantly change the FM channel I was going to use so this option seems only good within a residence or at the beach.
2) PAC aai-nis - approx $80. I should have used this option. This uses radio's audio out connector and goes directly to receiver without going to fm. It has 2 Aux inputs can support both SAT and IPOD. These were all sold out in my area and I did not want to wait. I was told they are not easily available at this time as it is being re-engineered. PAC is only a few miles away but they were shut-down over the Christmas break. I was on my Chrismas break and wanted to complete my install while nothing else was going on. I will probably change to this in the future.
3) Wired FM Modulator Relay - approx $20 + $22 for antenna adapters. I purchased the Sirius Satellite Radio Wired FM Modulaotr Relay that is compatible with my sat radio (P/N 14110 Directed Electronics). My radio has an FM out that goes to this box. This is then placed between the car's antenna and radio, and will switch to the Sat input when the sat radio is turned on. When I bought this at Circuit City I asked if anything else was needed and they said that no adapters were needed(wrong). I then followed Dash Removal instructions on this site. I thought I would just reach back and un-connect antenna plug and insert Wired FM Modulator box, but I did not feel anthing that felt like standard antenna plug, I did unplug something that seemed like it could be an antenna but I thought it also could be power as it had two pins. Searched on-line some more and found I needed adapter cables to convert Nissan antenna to standard antenna. Went to Al-Eds and bought adapters. Put everything back together.
I took pics but do not have access rights to post them or start a new thread.
Options I considered
Built-in Option:
1) Upgrade to factory radio ("grubbs option"). I agree this is the best if money is no object. I eliminated this based on cost and the thought I might like to have a portable unit so that I could use one subscription for both cars, home, and work.
Portable Options:
I bought ST2 Starmate Replay for $75 after rebate.
1)Built-in FM Modulator. I installed radio and it sounded great in my driveway. Ran a 20mi erand and came back totaly disappointed. I got a lot of static. I live in Southern California and it does not seem like there is an unused station for the entire region. I tried a few stations that were only unused during part of my trip. I was not going to constantly change the FM channel I was going to use so this option seems only good within a residence or at the beach.
2) PAC aai-nis - approx $80. I should have used this option. This uses radio's audio out connector and goes directly to receiver without going to fm. It has 2 Aux inputs can support both SAT and IPOD. These were all sold out in my area and I did not want to wait. I was told they are not easily available at this time as it is being re-engineered. PAC is only a few miles away but they were shut-down over the Christmas break. I was on my Chrismas break and wanted to complete my install while nothing else was going on. I will probably change to this in the future.
3) Wired FM Modulator Relay - approx $20 + $22 for antenna adapters. I purchased the Sirius Satellite Radio Wired FM Modulaotr Relay that is compatible with my sat radio (P/N 14110 Directed Electronics). My radio has an FM out that goes to this box. This is then placed between the car's antenna and radio, and will switch to the Sat input when the sat radio is turned on. When I bought this at Circuit City I asked if anything else was needed and they said that no adapters were needed(wrong). I then followed Dash Removal instructions on this site. I thought I would just reach back and un-connect antenna plug and insert Wired FM Modulator box, but I did not feel anthing that felt like standard antenna plug, I did unplug something that seemed like it could be an antenna but I thought it also could be power as it had two pins. Searched on-line some more and found I needed adapter cables to convert Nissan antenna to standard antenna. Went to Al-Eds and bought adapters. Put everything back together.
I took pics but do not have access rights to post them or start a new thread.
#55
Im familiar with both sirius and xm and i do prefer sirius only because of howard coming on the 9th but i have a pioneer avh-p5700dvd in my wifes sentra with sirius and love it plus antenna is inside mounted also i have a xact visor sirius portable with fm receiver built in and both are awesome as far as stations compared to xm plus reception cant be beat only signal loss on either is in a tunnel or a long overpass/underpass thats it so screw factory radios plus my xact was $39.00 at circuit city 2 weeks ago also being a subscriber has its privilages too online listening again its a two wire hook up(power and antenna) and away we go good luck to all and may the king of all media shine through 1-09-06 woo hoo
#56
Sirius came on my new car purchase. I'm in the 3-month free demo right now. But I'm not ready to subscribe yet. The radio cuts out if I'm under something, like parked under a tree, driving under a bridge, or in the garage. It's like the antenna is optical or something! I don't know if this is the usual behaviour, but it has me wondering if subscription is worth it. And if it is, I'd probably go for the lifetime. (Lifetime pays off if you plan to have it for more than 3 years.)
I hear some digital artificats or distortion from digital compression when I listen to some stations or on some songs. And instead of the static hiss that I get from FM, Sirius may drop silent for a second while I'm listening. It's intermittant and only happens once in like 30 songs. Are these problems typical, or related to So-Cal driving?
It would be sweet if Sirius used some sort of SD card that I could pop-out and insert in a reciever at work or at home. Otherwise I would feel like I was paying for something that I couldn't use to it's full potential.
I hear some digital artificats or distortion from digital compression when I listen to some stations or on some songs. And instead of the static hiss that I get from FM, Sirius may drop silent for a second while I'm listening. It's intermittant and only happens once in like 30 songs. Are these problems typical, or related to So-Cal driving?
It would be sweet if Sirius used some sort of SD card that I could pop-out and insert in a reciever at work or at home. Otherwise I would feel like I was paying for something that I couldn't use to it's full potential.
#57
^^mine has seldom "skips" when I'm under heavy tree canopies or pass under bridges or gassing up. yet while in a parking garage (open sides): full signal. also my rear window was covered with snow: perfect signal.
I blame it on the fact my antenna is inside my car, not on the roof. so I live with it. Call the dealer to see if they say anything and also call Sirius. They would just tell me to place it on the roof. I know Sat TV you have to place the dish outside and bad weather would interrupt it. (well atleast when I had it a while ago)
Better than an SD card, you can just sign online anywhere and listen to the music channels. I have my PC connected to my stereo, so I just log on for Sat. music for my home. Of course it depends on your Internet connection.
I blame it on the fact my antenna is inside my car, not on the roof. so I live with it. Call the dealer to see if they say anything and also call Sirius. They would just tell me to place it on the roof. I know Sat TV you have to place the dish outside and bad weather would interrupt it. (well atleast when I had it a while ago)
Better than an SD card, you can just sign online anywhere and listen to the music channels. I have my PC connected to my stereo, so I just log on for Sat. music for my home. Of course it depends on your Internet connection.
#59
I have mine on the front dash. Two days now driving to/from work and no drop outs. The quality of reception also depends on if you are near a Terestrial Repeater. The hardwired FM is much beter than using the wireless option. Here is a site that discusses the Repeater locations and how they work.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...48#post6536948
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...48#post6536948
#60
I was under the impression only XM used repeaters.
Hardwired anything is better than FM signal. even cassette option is better. my friend could find no totally free signal in our area. even if you do, you have to constantly find a new one when traveling.
Hardwired anything is better than FM signal. even cassette option is better. my friend could find no totally free signal in our area. even if you do, you have to constantly find a new one when traveling.
#61
Originally Posted by NismoMax80
I was under the impression only XM used repeaters.
Hardwired anything is better than FM signal. even cassette option is better. my friend could find no totally free signal in our area. even if you do, you have to constantly find a new one when traveling.
Hardwired anything is better than FM signal. even cassette option is better. my friend could find no totally free signal in our area. even if you do, you have to constantly find a new one when traveling.
Source: Sirius FAQ
#62
^^^ good find. seems like someone has passed incorrect info.
I've witnessed the buffer. After going under a bridge, it was a few seconds before the skip. So SAT's con seems to continue to be interference and obstructions.
I've witnessed the buffer. After going under a bridge, it was a few seconds before the skip. So SAT's con seems to continue to be interference and obstructions.
#64
When I was researching this it seemed like most people just put the antenna in the interior of their car next to the brake light and then ran the wire into the trunk. They seemed to get good reception and not have the antenna on their roof. Some that did put the antenna on the roof had it painted to match their car before installing.
#65
Originally Posted by salsita
For those that have installed themselves, did you cut the notch that the instructions said to do????
I wanna do the installation myself, But i'm not sure if i'm comfortable doing that part myself.
I wanna do the installation myself, But i'm not sure if i'm comfortable doing that part myself.
#66
I have a 05 max SE and have a sirius sportster.
I mounted the unit to a goose-neck that bolts to the front seat bolt.
As of right now I am using the built in FM transmitter.
Does anyone notice a sound quality difference with the sirius?
No matter how clear the station is I still feel that the regular
local radio and the CD are much better sounding.
It seams like there are less highs with the sirius.
I have the home unit too and feel the same about the sound in the house.
Has anyone one else noticed a sound quality difference?
I plan on getting the PAC connector when they start making them again
unless some knows where I can get one now.
Let me know what you guys think?
Thanks
Ryan
I mounted the unit to a goose-neck that bolts to the front seat bolt.
As of right now I am using the built in FM transmitter.
Does anyone notice a sound quality difference with the sirius?
No matter how clear the station is I still feel that the regular
local radio and the CD are much better sounding.
It seams like there are less highs with the sirius.
I have the home unit too and feel the same about the sound in the house.
Has anyone one else noticed a sound quality difference?
I plan on getting the PAC connector when they start making them again
unless some knows where I can get one now.
Let me know what you guys think?
Thanks
Ryan
#67
I'd like to thank everyone on this strand for laying out all the options that one can do to install satellite radio on their Nissans. My son just bought an Infinity G35 Coupe and was trying to decide what hardware to buy and what service to subscribe to. This group has saved us a lot of time researching this matter and have laid out all the options that are available as well as the possible pitfalls associated with these options. The group knowledge shared among the members is awsome!
#68
My wife got me Sirius S50 for Christmas. Didn't hard wire it as it's a portable unit with a docking station for the car. (can use it like an Ipod, walkman, etc). I'm pleased overall. However I do get interruptions in the signal periodically--kind of like a split second silent spot. This is not when I'm in tunnels, under trees, etc. Any thoughts to the cause?
#69
Originally Posted by m86stanggt
As of right now I am using the built in FM transmitter.
#70
I understand what you are saying but that does not explain why the quality is not that good in the house. That's a direct connection to a RCA jack.
Has any one else noticed this quality issue? Maybe the unit I have is messed up?
Thanks
Has any one else noticed this quality issue? Maybe the unit I have is messed up?
Thanks
#71
Originally Posted by jc53
My wife got me Sirius S50 for Christmas. Didn't hard wire it as it's a portable unit with a docking station for the car. (can use it like an Ipod, walkman, etc). I'm pleased overall. However I do get interruptions in the signal periodically--kind of like a split second silent spot. This is not when I'm in tunnels, under trees, etc. Any thoughts to the cause?
Someone else described a signal drop on the Sirius, that made it sound slightly worse than FM radio. I've head my signal degrade too. However I'd describe it as what an FM radio station sounds like when the Stereo signal drops. The fidelity is lowered and the sound is slightly muffled or compressed. Again, I can't offer a solution for this problem. But I can testify that it's not just you who notices it. Perhaps we're just going through version 1.0 growing pains with Sat Radio service?
#72
Originally Posted by m86stanggt
I understand what you are saying but that does not explain why the quality is not that good in the house. That's a direct connection to a RCA jack.
Has any one else noticed this quality issue? Maybe the unit I have is messed up?
Thanks
Has any one else noticed this quality issue? Maybe the unit I have is messed up?
Thanks
#74
Sirius Issues
My wife bought me the sportster replay for xmas. I was going to have the dealer install the antenna but I ended up doing it myself. It was easy. However I had to find a different FM channel to get reception. however now sometimes it is very clear then others it isnt. My real problem is my front speakers get a lot of static in them from the sat but not the radio. It is mainly the front left. Is there something wrong from the install or is there a speaker issue? thanks all.
#75
installed
I installed my unit today and got it activated over the internet on a yearly plan. I dont know how come I cant get all the channels, i get like 40,71,80,101,184 and thats about it. WTF......
Help.....
Kam
Help.....
Kam
#76
Originally Posted by kamilkluczewski
I installed my unit today and got it activated over the internet on a yearly plan. I dont know how come I cant get all the channels, i get like 40,71,80,101,184 and thats about it. WTF......
Help.....
Kam
Help.....
Kam
#77
damnit
so that means i have to keep waiting........................................:sq uint:
I went for a half hour drive in the high lands north of here and still i get the same **** channels and no channel 100. :@
So do I just leave it off or on or on channel 000?
Kam
I went for a half hour drive in the high lands north of here and still i get the same **** channels and no channel 100. :@
So do I just leave it off or on or on channel 000?
Kam
#78
I left mine on what I could listen to. I think it loaded the rest of the channels as I drove around.
When I first created my account, I called Sirius to activate my 90 day demo but I was parked in the garage and I didn't get the sync signal from Sirius. So after waiting 30 min's for it, I rolled outside and called them back to send it again. The tech support said the customer support person fubar'ed my account and fixed my account number. The 2nd sync worked and in 10 min's I had a station, not all stations. While playing around with it, sometimes the stupid thing wouldn't change between the two channels that I did get (28 & 33). It kept telling me invalid channel, then tried to switch back to what I was listening to previously. Next I got stuck searching under Genre's that I didn't have loaded and I thought it would never download the station list. I never set it to 000.
After the 30 mins of listening to a station, it had the rest of the channels and I could change between stations quickly. And occasionally I can listen to it while inside the garage. Woot!
If you still don't have all the station by now, call support and have them send you the synchronize signal again.
When I first created my account, I called Sirius to activate my 90 day demo but I was parked in the garage and I didn't get the sync signal from Sirius. So after waiting 30 min's for it, I rolled outside and called them back to send it again. The tech support said the customer support person fubar'ed my account and fixed my account number. The 2nd sync worked and in 10 min's I had a station, not all stations. While playing around with it, sometimes the stupid thing wouldn't change between the two channels that I did get (28 & 33). It kept telling me invalid channel, then tried to switch back to what I was listening to previously. Next I got stuck searching under Genre's that I didn't have loaded and I thought it would never download the station list. I never set it to 000.
After the 30 mins of listening to a station, it had the rest of the channels and I could change between stations quickly. And occasionally I can listen to it while inside the garage. Woot!
If you still don't have all the station by now, call support and have them send you the synchronize signal again.