Delphi RF-tuned XM satellite radio

[RiceCzechs]

Just installed XM in my '02 today... had some serious difficulty finding a surface by which to attach the display, what with the unconvential IP and all...

Narrowed down the choice to being on the left side of the steering column, but I would've lost the nifty left cupholder and my passengers wouldn't have been able to use it...

I debated trying to place it in/near the left side of the dashboard airbag in the otherwise useless detent in front of the passenger.

My #1 choice was easy, and actually worked out, but with one major drawback. I removed the lower part of the center panel that houses the aux. power outlet, and angled the display in there. It is easy to operate, right in my line of sight (albeit a touch low), and it is innocuous, which will hopefully help with theft concerns. Of course, that means I lost the power outlet, which isn't the end of the world, as I'll just hardwire the radar detector at a future date, but I can't charge my cell phone now, which sort of sucks...

If anyone is interested, I'll post photos soon.

I've only had an hour or so to mess with XM, but my gut reaction is this is a damned nifty product that'll be a boon on long drives or boring commutes.

The Delphi unit which I picked matches nicely with the Si's dashboard lighting, and even the silver finish worked out. Considered swapping the headunit out for an XM ready unit, but dismissed that as being too spendy and theft-prone (I've had nice systems before, with alarms, and still gotten jacked a couple of times). Plus, I liked the large display of this unit.

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/hires/dpi/EC.DPI.SA10000.JPG

Has anyone else gone XM? How did you manage your installs?

[HgSi]

Why not move your power outlet to the blank circle next to the shift knob, like in European Civics?

[Surprise]

I also installed a skyfi in my vehicle. I would STRONGLY encourage you to by a Blitzsafe or PIE aux. in adapter over the fm mod 100% better.

Here is my install, hope ity gives you some more ideas, I relocated the accesory outlet, and used a bolt to mount the Skyfi to the structure behind the Accesory outlet location. NOtice that the only place that you can only see about 1 inch of antenna wire.

http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/509/9271/p/259375_6319678658940470420_vl.jpg

http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/509/9271/p/218776_6822437704500428673_v.jpg

http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/509/9271/p/259368_120649382867123309_v.jpg


http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/509/9271/p/259369_29496
02558179270915_t.jpg

What the head unit looks like when set to aux input.
http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/509/9271/p/259370_912230719637659956_vl.jpg

Sorry for the sideway pick but you can see where the new location for the cig lighter is.
http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/509/9271/p/259367_7087119759883284823_v.jpg

I hope you like the skyfi unit, I sure do. Did you get in on the friends and family deal? Can't beat less than 1.25 bills on tuner and car kit.

http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/509/9271/p/259369_2949602558179270915_vl.jpg

[RiceCzechs]

That looks excellent, and more or less the same as mine did. Q: were you able to just use the existing aux power outlet out of the lower fascia (the one displaced by the Delphi) and snap it into the blank on the main plate next to the hazard switch?

Color me ignorant, but what is a Blitzsafe or PIE aux (I think I understand its operation, but how do you put it in the system and get the factory headunit to recognize it?). It definitely sounds like a good idea, because the reception as-is could be cleaner. How much are they, and where can I get one? Thanks for the suggestions!!!! :)

[Surprise]

No, I had to buy a new outlet that would fit. You can look at this thread (http://ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=9480) , also note it required a little sanding to fit.

The adapters simply plug into the back of the radio where the cd changer would normally plug into, you then hit the cd/tape button and it switches to the rca inputs.

The lowest price I could find is from this (http://www.installer.com/aux/index.html) company. Look down the page it is called HON-AUX. I bought the Blitzsafe version from a local dealer due to lack of time and paid a bit more. It is a bit expensive but considering the improvement in sound and ability to allow me to plug in my MP3 player as well.

How did you install the antenna?

[JLannoo]

For my Sirius setup I just velcroed the antenna on the rear deck. I didnt want to have it outside the car.

It works perfect with only momentary dropouts while going under bridges. Not sure if I'm getting any sat signal or if its all repeater. It works great though :)

[ghollett1]

Dose the PIE Aux and the Blitzsafe attach to the Stereo and the Delphi unit the same, which cable offers the easiest installation??

[Surprise]

Originally posted by ghollett1
Dose the PIE Aux and the Blitzsafe attach to the Stereo and the Delphi unit the same, which cable offers the easiest installation??

As far as I could tell the installation of both units should be the same. They both have RCA inputs. So you will have to buy a headphone to RCA adapter from Radio Shack and use that with the Delphi. If you are considering buying the Skyfi see if the friends and family deal is still going on.

[Ocelaris]

There is a deal where you can get a Skyfi and either a home or car kit for 100$ when you prepay 3 months of service... i.e. what would cost 100+70+10+10+10=200 costs only 130$ I paid... kinda sketchy, but I JUST did it...

http://tweak.us/xmradio.html#delphideal

[Surprise]

That is how I got my unit. I got in on the deal before they required that the sponsor verify that you qualify for the "friends and family" deal. It is through XM so I dont think you will get ripped off if you meet all of the qualifications. I hope you enjoy your XM!