Satellite Radio install options

[TimmyD]

I've searched and found quite a few posts about installing Sirius receivers and antennas. I have a few specific questions, and am hoping someone has the answers.

I have a 2003 4-Runner with factory stereo. I have a Sirius Stratus with car mounting kit. I'd like to wire the Stratus into the fuse box. So:

1) What do I use to wire the Sirius receiver to the fuse box? I've seen mention of a part from Radio Shack or something, but does anyone know what it is called?

2) What the easiest way to gain access to the rear of the radio to install the FM Modulator?

3) Any preference on whether the antenna should be mounted in the rear or front, and the best way to go about it?

If there are other posts that might answer these, please include a link. I searched and read a number of posts, but may have missed some.

Thanks all.

 

[sbbamafan]

I'll give a few ideas in order of your questions.

Wiring - I got something called (I believe) 'Add a Circuit' from local parts place. It is basically a fuse with antoher one piggybacked onto it. Best to find a blank circuit using a test light and then check to see if it is 'switched' or not. Some of the blank circuits are, some are not. Use whichever you prefer. I chose switched. fYI - I then mounted the receiver to the unused dash buttons to the left of the steering wheel. This way wiring was easy and short and I can remove the unit if/when i sell without any scars.

FM Modulator - you dont do anything to the rear of the radio, not sure what you are talking about...

Antenna Location - I don't think it will make any difference in performance. I ran mine beneath the panels and mounted it on the roof at the center/rear of the T4R. Looks good.

 

[atomic punk]

Check out my Sirius install in my sig file.

 

[TimmyD]

Thanks sbbamafan. As far as the FM Modulator goes, from what I undertand, that connects to the back of the radio where the antenna connects. I'm just wondering how the heck I get to that connector.

 

[atomic punk]

The FM antenna on the sat unit will allow you to NOT have to access the rear of the radio. You program the sat unit to a certain frequency, and then tune to that frequency on your head unit.

 

[TimmyD]

I understand the FM Frequency thing. But I have a problem finding unused stations and getting bleed over. The FM Modulator allows the Sat receiver to plug in directly to the radio where the antenna plugs in, allowing the receiver to play through the radio. I belive that's how it works anyway.

 

[nserpa9248]

An FM modulator has three connections (well the sirius one atleast, XM is diff)

The sirius FM modulator, has an antenna output which will plug right into the back of your facotory radio.
The plug that goes into your factory radio will plug into a silmilar socket on the FM mod.
The FM mod also has an input wire that plugs into the car-dock of the sat unit.

unit still broadcasts on any station, just hit menu on your unit
FM SETTINGS
FM FREQUENCY
set it to 88.1
tune your radio to 88.1
Youll hear clear signal through your radio

NOW if you wanted to hear what was coming through, say 88.1 to like 89.9...youd be best off shutting off the sirius unit, as the FM mod wil also shut off with the unit, and wont try to overlay those channels

 

[sbbamafan]

You're welcome.

I will tell you first that with the FM modulator there was no need to get to the radio. It is simply a matter of finding a dead frequency and setting the modulator to broadcast there. I don't know where you are but we have what seems like a million stations in and around metro atlanta but I had no trouble finding a frequency to broadcast on. Mine sounds great in this manner. The only potential propblem is when you travel you might go to an area that has a station where you set your unit. If so it takes aobut 30 seconds to reprgram.

Second, I am not sure about your particular starmate unit but most (including mine) has a headphoe output. You could easily connec that to your auxillary input in the console where an MP3 player is to plug in.