SIRIUS Sportster Options

[bmacisaa]

I got a Sirius Sportster for my 2004 Limited and was wondering if anyone has hooked one (or something similar) up directly to the stock unit (JBL Synthesis w/ 6 CD Changer). Right now, i am running it through the Sportster FM tramsmitter, and it really does not work well. Can't find a true balnk frequency on the radio. I tried the tape adaptor, but that was even worse. I know an FM modulator would work, but I would rather hook it up directly to the unit.

I did find this aux input converter that may work.

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pietoy03aux.html

If anyone could help, it would be appreciated.

 

[jrs2]

Looks like it should work. I just did the direct hook up of my Sportster to my Pioneer after market head unit. Big difference.

 

[bmacisaa]

Thanks - wasn't sure. I think I also need an RCA adaptor for the DIN plug output from the Sportster.

Did you install the Pioneer yourself? If so, how difficult is to take apart the dash to get to the radio. Just want to know what kind of trouble I may be getting my self into.

 

[jrs2]

My Sportster came with the DIN to RCA cable. Maybe because I got it at Costco and it came with the car and home kit.

I installed the Pioneer head unit myself a couple years ago. Had to take most of the dash apart. It's not really that hard, just a little scary the first time. All I needed was a Philips screwdriver and a 10mm driver. Of course I had to do it all over again just to plug the aux converter in. There was absolutely no way to get to the back of the head unit without removing it. This time I also plugged in two pair of RCA cables into the Pioneer's outputs. Thinking about a subwoofer and I don't want to have to go back in there a third time.

 

[bmacisaa]

Yeah, I figured it wasn't that hard - just looks like you have to take most of it apart.

Got a technical question on the converter - I have read that this would be hooked up the stock unit via the CD changer input (?). How does the head unit know to use the output from the Sportster versus the CD changer? Is the relay default from the Sportster when it is turned on - when it is off, the CD changer is the output?

 

[jrs2]

Got a technical question on the converter - I have read that this would be hooked up the stock unit via the CD changer input (?). How does the head unit know to use the output from the Sportster versus the CD changer? Is the relay default from the Sportster when it is turned on - when it is off, the CD changer is the output?

I think that depends on your head unit. On my Pioneer, there's a Source button, from which I can select CD changer (which I don't have) or AUX, which is my Sportster. My converter is simpler (and cheaper) since I don't have the CD changer. Pioneer does make one for both CD changer and aux.

 

[tarheeltp17]

pioneer uses the p-bus to allow people to hook up external audio sources such as satellite radio, ipods, etc. However, if you were to hook up anything that uses RCAs to output the sound then the unit will interpret as AUX vs. xm, sirius, multi-cd, etc... The only way for it to show up as sirius or xm is to buy the adapters from terk or directly from pioneer.

ANYWAY, with a factory radio basically you have a few companies who make interfaces that can communicate with the factory radio. Basically all these interfaces do is trick the radio into thinking their is a factory CD changer hooked up but the buttons you would use to control a changer are dead. The only button on the radio that is valuable during "Cd-changer" mode would be the volume and eq adjustments.

You can utilize the factory buttons by getting a piece specifically made for your truck such as the VIAS piece and an XM brain, then it shows up on your unit as XM or sirius...whatever you get. But all these Sporters, Commanders, etc.. external portable units act only as an auxilary and you still control what plays through your stereo with the unit and not your main deck.

 

[nserpa9248]

Best bet, have an FM modulator installed at any circuit city / best buy or equvalent place near you. Keeps your factory radio...

Isnt too expensive (usually appx $50 for parts and labor)

 

[tarheeltp17]

It is cheap and for some people it isn't a bad choice... personally I think they sound like shit but if you aren't picky then go for it.

 

[nserpa9248]

It is cheap and for some people it isn't a bad choice... personally I think they sound like shit but if you aren't picky then go for it.

Agreed

If you can find a digital aux-input adapter, that would be best, HOWEVER if you have the CD Changer, it does not have the plug available (or you loose the changer)

 

[tarheeltp17]

More of a reason to get your car with the basic stereo system then go aftermarket. More and more companies are making stereos to look factory, especially with the new Pioneer AVIC-D3. It will be released this spring and has I think around 8 different colors it can light up to match the lighting inside of your car, which is generally what makes a unit stand out as being aftermarket.

 

[RevoRunner]

bmacisaa... keep us posted. I'm interested to see how that piece works out. I recently installed a Sportster 4 and I'm using the FM modulator. It works well but I do notice a slight difference in sound level between a FM station and the satellite radio broadcast. It's clear as a bell, just not as loud. Hopefully that piece you're looking at will eliminate that. Also wondering how it will function using the CD input thing.

Taking the dash apart is pretty easy if you follow these

steps