XM Install

[WaterMan]

I finally did it. I need to thank RichP for the scoop on the XMFanStore sale. I ordered it on Saturday and got it in today. Took me about three hours to install. The whole thing cost me about $130 with shipping and zipties.
I am including pictures of the install in multiple posts. I was going nuts trying to figure out a better way to run the antenna. Mainly, if something were to happen to it I wanted to be better able to replace it in the future. But I have to say...I optested it in my garage, with the door closed and the sound was perfect. Next time I am just running the damned thing up on the dashboard. That thing is so fragile looking.

Here is the kit..It came with everything needed for $99.00

And use the instructions by Rando at for getting into the dashboard to remove the headunit at http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviaccess/

 

[WaterMan]

Here is the kit attached to the Scion T1807 HU. (Another good scoop from this forum.)

The XM Direct Adapter plugs in here:

 

[WaterMan]

Here is the entire thing hooked up prior to install:

 

[WaterMan]

I decided to run the antenna outside up above the driver's side windshield. I had read in too many places that external placement is so much better. I do use my roof rack with a Load Warrior and didn;t want interference on one of my road trips. I tell you what though. I optested the whole thing in the garage with the doors closed. Reception was perfect. So much for the external mount. Next time the damn thing goes up on the dash.
I ran the wire in the channel under the windshield raingutter, down under the windshield wiper cladding, in the firewall alongside where my amplifier power cable runs. No sweat...took about 30 minutes. I used a rubber mallet to re-seat the gutter stripping. It's pretty heavy duty and weather tight.

 

[WaterMan]

This was my initial test setup to make sure all of the connections were sat. I left the XM direct adapter where you see it, but moved the tuner box to the space above the glove box.

 

[WaterMan]

I placed the tuner box in here. My rationale for this place versus anywhere else was:
- the cabling from the XMdirect adapter to the tuner is only ~2ft.
- the tuner box needs space around it because it does get warm (it's an amplifier)
- that fragile antenna cable is just begging to get broken.

I drilled a 1" hole in the left side of the box , mounted the tuner box to a sheet of 1/4" plastic for stability and then mounted it in the upper glove box compartment. It is rock solid and gets plenty of air.

 

[WaterMan]

The finished product.
Reception, like I said earlier, is perfect...even in a closed garage.
The station information works just like the CD/MP3 info...you have to use the "text" button to see more info about what is playing.
But who cares...I actually don't mind watching the road while I drive...unlike some I have seen lately.

 

[RichP]

Great write-up!!!

I'm jealous! If I didn't already have Sirius in my wifes car I would order this XM kit as you can't beat it for the money.
The Sirius kit is going to run me about $230 by the time I'm done with it.

 

[MAC4Runner]

Thanks for the write-up and Pics. I'm hoping to install this weekend. :beer:

 

[caadoptees]

Another decent place for the antenna is under the plastic cowling by the windshield wipers. That is where I put it on my F-250. It is outside but the plastic doesn't stop any signal and you can't see it.

 

[DarksideSurf]

Does this mean you won't be able to hook up an iPod to your Scion headunit as well ? That would suck if you had to sacrifice one for the other.

 

[WaterMan]

I don't think so. If you'll take a look at the plug setup on the adapter cable, there is an additional connection available. It specifically states in the install guide that the cable is designed for that.

 

[WaterMan]

Sorry 'bout the last post...wrong photo. In this photo you more clearly see the plug.

 

[WaterMan]

Maybe this would help better explain the cable and setup.

 

[DarksideSurf]

Oh OK so I guess you can just press the SAT button one more to switch to the other source.

Now all I need is a 2007 JBL radio...anyone interested in selling theirs ??

 

[MAC4Runner]

Did my install last night. Thanks again for the detailed post waterman. Took about 1.5 hours. FWIW I left my antennae inside my 4Runner and have zero reception problems. Great product, great price, and easy install. I love this forum! :beer:

 

[WaterMan]

I know...I have saved hundreds of dollars from all of the information I have read on this forum.

I am sorta wishing I had tried the antenna inside to check on reception first...but I had read too many conflicting reports from folks on the xmfan forum to try it.
I am someone who deals with electronics and RF issues on a daily basis...and I am inclined to think that those who have issues with the antennas have kinked them in some way. That tiny lead wire is not forgiving if there is a kink.
But as it is...that antenna is very secure and I get solid reception regardless of where I am (except in the tunnels).

 

[darktiger]

Where did you all buy these?

 

[WaterMan]

I assume you are talking about the XM Direct Kit for Toyota. It works on the satellite ready head units, including the Scion head units. and it is still $99+shipping
http://store.xmfanstore.com/texmfortovex.html

 

[MAC4Runner]

:iagree:

Works like a charm :bigok: