Stupid Question... I want a XM radio for my E. Can I buy one and run it off of the Aux plug? I don't want to lose the stock radio and sounds. I just want to be able to connect it to to the existing plug and go. Possible? Help! I'd like to know brands and models if possible too...

Yes, there are several threads with very good pictures on this site. The model that would probably suit you the best is the Delphi Sky-Fi.

Is Best Buy and Circuit City any good at these things?

Theyre good at selling them, but I wouldn't even send someone I hated there for an install, I have too much respect for cars. :wink:

[quote:094e3de6e9="vegasbaby"]Is Best Buy and Circuit City any good at these things?[/quote:094e3de6e9]

i used to work there... the worst days of my life.

whatever you do, don't give in to their "accessory" pressure or any of the "buy our product service plan" (aka, extended warranty)!!!

My experience has been different. I've bought XM radios at Circuit City and had them do the installs multiple times (my husband's truck, my dad's, my old car, and now my E). I have had excellent service and they have done a good job on the installations.

With my E, I bought the Delphi, so the install was really just running the antenna wire and fabricating a bracket for the receiver. I've got that mounted just in front of the AUX input, and I've just got it plugged in to the power there too, no hard wiring.

I will have to interject my 2 cents here....my husband (a full time MBA student) works part time at Circuit City....first off the discount is incredible! Second off, the guys in the back who do the installs are worshipers of their cars....and when I brought my E in for them to totally upgrade my stereo syatem and get a Viper alarm installed....man did they ever go crazy over the E....they truly babied my baby!

One of the guys even thinks his next car will be an E!

I am not saying that all Best Buys and Circuit City's have excellent installers, but in all honesty neither do all Honda Dealerships.....I seem to remeber some posts about jagged cuts, but I may be mistaken. Either way who ever does the install is fully liable for any damage.

Also, on a side note as far as the extended warranty goes....I didn't buy it for my car components, but we did just purchase a new $600 digital camera, and you better believe we bought the extended warranty on that.....but then again I am one of the few who bought it in the E as well, if a few extra bucks can save me a major headache or two down the line then I am in.

Just my 2 cents of course!

So say NO to extra none needed accesories and be careful if they do the install. Is the Delphi the way to go? There is also a small Pioneer out, I want to check out. Any word?

I haven't seen a new Pioneer, but my husband has a Pioneer that's over a year old. He wants a Delphi like mine. The main reason is the nice big bright display, which gives entire song names, etc. The Pioneer truncates the names. Plus, I like the versatility of the Delphi...I hope I'm getting the boom box for my Delphi for my birthday this weekend. (I've hinted enough.) :D

I haven't seen a new Pioneer, but my husband has a Pioneer that's over a year old. He wants a Delphi like mine. The main reason is the nice big bright display, which gives entire song names, etc. The Pioneer truncates the names. Plus, I like the versatility of the Delphi...I hope I'm getting the boom box for my Delphi for my birthday this weekend. (I've hinted enough.) :D

I just came back from Circuit City and Best Buy. They both say I can't use my AUX plug and need to install it using an FM modulator ($50). There has to be a way to do it. I would think. Best Buy $220 and Circuit City $230 total incl. install.

I would look at the new Sirius portable units, I prefer the commercial free music stations in my bros car with Sirius. The XM service does not have as many commercial free stations, if I'm paying money for the music I don't want to hear commercials. I don't have sattelite radio yet, but that my two cents.

Vegas, they are absolutely wrong. Many of us are using the AUX without a FM modulator for XM. I bought the connecting cable from Radio Shack for a couple of dollars. It's just an audio cable that connects two 1/8" miniplugs. The only problem I had was finding a short one so I didn't have wire all over the place.

Kristi

Think I'm getting the Delphi system and wire into the aux for both power and audio. I want to be able to move into my other vehicle easily. Think I may also get the portable delphi boom box too. Anyone have suggestions for easy mounting on on delphi unit wired to the aux?

:)

Thats what I thought. Goes to show you what they know... I'm going to go to an audio place up the street from me and see what they say. I can find the whole package on Ebay for about $150 or so. Maybe I can have someone install it.

You just have to find a place that someone you know has had good luck with. I like to do it myself if it is a small custom job only because I know I will be extra careful about not scratching or maring anything. I had a bad experience with The Wiz years ago when I bought a Kenwood deck and had them install it into my Celica I had at the time. The guy wired 2 of the friken speakers out of phase. I did'nt even bother to bring it back, I just fixed it my self. Yes like any place though I'm sure there are some Circuit City's with good guys there doing installs but unlike the small shops that speacialize in car audio, most chain stores get you in and out quickly and leaves more room for error as far as I'm concerned.

I think where the biggest misconception here is how the XM connects to the stereo itself.

With the 'E' having an AUX plug-in and power supply located in a prime area, there is no need for a modulator. What you need is the vehicle adapter kit. This kit includes a power adapter and a cassette adapter. The only thing you really need to do is plug in the power and use an auxiliary jack (male-to-male) wire instead of the cassette adapter.

The only wiring I see this sort of install requiring is the antenna itself. Otherwise, we 'E' owners have it made in the shade with an almost professional looking install at a very low cost.

If anyone is doing it different than this, please correct me. I have not done it yet, but after reading how easy it was, I am very much concidering it.

Delphi is coming out with the "Roady", similar to the Skyfi, but it doesn't require a car kit and comes with a very small antenna. http://www.xmradio.com/roady/ The Skyfi is better if you plan to use it at home but the Roady is cheaper about $120 for the whole thing.

Also the XM commander is coming out:http://www.xmfan.com/download.php?id=1806

After reading the posted page, I think it is best to assume that the Roady would fit most 'E' owners needs for a non permanent install. The Road Commander states very plainly that it is a modulator unit.

However, it is nice to see that Delphi is thinking of us and producing more products. I am thinking that I will buy a Roady now, as opposed to the SkiFi. I love the new antenna :D

I'm holding out til this comes out!!! The Roady is exactly want I've been looking for. I hope the reception is the same as the SKYFi. No dates on when its coming out?

Everywhere I looked, it says mid-September. Seeing as how that is really soon, I have no problems waiting.

Though it may no longer be relevant, if everyone waits for the Roady, but here are pics of how my Delphi is installed. The Circuit City guys made the bracket on which I've got the receiver mounted. I've got it angled so I can see it easily, and I keep the remote in a reachable cubbyhole.

As I mentioned yesterday, the SkiFi does have the advantage that the receiver can be moved from car to boom box, etc. Mine is now inside in my new boom box. :)

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/1352282/1062393576537_Delphi.jpeg
http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/1352282/1061855333373_bracket.jpeg

Kristi

Nice pics!

Happy Birthday Kristi!

I am glad your hubbie got the hint :wink:

The antenna on the Roady is so tiny. It's about a third the size of the Delphi. You can find more info about the Roady at: http://www.xmfan.com/index.php. There's a real long thread on it. "Ziggy" of XM fan.com will annouce the day the Roady comes out soon as he finds out. He has said he will take preorders at his site XMfanstore.com as soon as he can. They also have the accesories/replacement parts at that site for the Delphi.

Nifty idea for the bracket - what is it made from?

The bracket is made of some sort of stiff plastic that they could bend (using heat, I assume) to make the angles. There is adhesive under the bracket, but it will actually stay in place without it, as it's sort of wedged in the spot.

So, the bracket is not actually screwed down? Meaning, no screw holes?

If he wants to make more brackets, I would consider purchasing one.

No screw holes. It has adhesive on the bottom, but I pulled it loose to reposition the bracket (so it faces the driver's seat), so I don't know how much the adhesive is still holding. The bracket stays in position just fine.

I can ask when I'm next at Circuit City if they'll make more, but I don't know when I'll be there.

I assume that the material is something used for this purpose in most install shops, so maybe eMass might know more about it.

Kristi

It's most likely just .125" ABS plastic with some double sided adhesive tape on it. Very commonly used stuff. Just heat it with a heat gun as you bend it over the edge of a workbench. Keep a piece of flat wood on top of it as you bend for a sharper edge (maybe even clamp it down) and don't use the wood if you want a softer (rolled) edge.

Also, don't bend it too quickly or when the material is not warm enough because you'll end up with a white line across the bend at best or a weak or broken bend at worst. If you take your time and plan properly, you can make fairly complex objects with custom angles so that the component you're mounting will stick out enough and be angled up and at the driver perfectly.

You can buy the plastic sheets here...
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=13693340&St=5816&St2=-37324090&St3=-51839691&DS_ID=3&Product_ID=6727&DID=7

Also, for adhesive, I prefer to use a special tape that is made specifically for the hobby industry by only one manufacturer named Moores Ideal Products (better known as MIP) - I get this stuff through a place called Tower Hobbies. The reason it is so special is that the stuff holds like glue yet can be easily removed in one piece without leaving any residue or discoloration. Find it here...

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAX29&P=7

P.S. If you have applied any Armour All (or similar products) to your dash, make sure to clean it thoroughly and wipe it down with some rubbing alcohol before using this (or any) tape. If you have a nice clean area it will stick like crazy!

Thanks, eMass! :)

I'm concidering purchasing the Delphi XM Roady for my 'E', but am concerned about the addition of another antenna... How have y'all been installing the antennas? Is it possible to leave the antenna on the dash? Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

So all I need is the SkyFi and a car kit, and two headed male cable from Radio Shack. Or the Roady and a two headed thing. Thats It? I don't know if I can wait for the Roady. It better be out soon. I think I'm missing out without XM.

Yup, that's it. I had Circuit City install my antenna (it's right under the E's regular antenna with the wire run in through the upper part of the tailgate, then through some mysterious path to where I've got the Skyfi mounted). It takes about 15 minutes on line (less if you aren't stuck with a 28K modem like I am!) to get activated.

Today Honda announced that XM would be standard on all Accords.

Yup, that's it. I had Circuit City install my antenna (it's right under the E's regular antenna with the wire run in through the upper part of the tailgate, then through some mysterious path to where I've got the Skyfi mounted). It takes about 15 minutes on line (less if you aren't stuck with a 28K modem like I am!) to get activated.

Today Honda announced that XM would be standard on all Accords.

The Roady is at Crutchfield, showing a date of 9/25.
Edited to add:
And there's a comprehensive review of it at: http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=10420

Looks like the Roady is going to be an improvement from the SkyFi. As long as you use it solely in your vehicle. The reviews say alot and all of its GOOD. 3 more weeks of waiting...

Alittle update on the Roady. I went to Sound Advice today and asked about it. They said Mid November or December. :( So I checked out the Roady site on XM and they changed it to Coming Soon. [url]http://www.xmradio.com/roady/
So don't hold your breath and keep your fingers crossed...

Roady is already out in many circuit cities.

The big chains get it first, apparently.

Check out this thread:

http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=10696&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

I think the people at Sound Advice might be a little uninformed. It seems that most of the Circuit City's are starting to see the Roady though most of them don't know what it is or even if they have it. XMfan.com is a great thread dedicated to just this subject. :lol:

You Guys Rock!!! I just got back from my neighborhood Circuit City. Bought their last one!!! Went by Radio Shack bought my double headed cable. Hooked it up in the parking lot and listened to the previews all the way home. Now I just need somebody to install it the right way... Thanks for all the help...

I used pieces of the advice found in this thread and one at hondasuv.com, and ended up installing my XM similarly but not exactly the same as the others.

Once I found out that the exterior plastic trim along the top edge of the vehicle popped off (once you unscrew that bolt underneath the small door located just to the left of my antenna as shown), it was a breeze to run/hide the wires:

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_antenna_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_antenna.jpg)

I'm not quite finished with the aesthetics of the wiring. I will ultimately switch out the audio cable. The only thing I had handy was a mini-to-RCA cable (XM output) and an RCA-to-mini adapter (Element input). So you will see the standard RED and WHITE RCA ends adapted and then plugged into the input on the dash. I also expect that the XM's DC power plug will be in the way; it eliminates the ability to charge my cell phone and listen to XM at the same time. I'm sure I will be hard-wiring the power very shortly... In the mean time, here is a picture of the wiring as neat as I could make it under the circumstances:

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior2_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior2.jpg)

Notice how I was able to tuck the wiring right up underneath that panel. It was removed very easily via the 2 screws visible from the under side, plus the screw that is hidden under the pop-off panel at the side of the dash nearest the door.

I found, contrary to previous installs in this thread, that mounting it up the dash a bit not only improved visibility from the driver's side but also let the SkyFi pop out of its cradle MUCH easier when it's time to take it in the house. The XM is completely out of the way yet extremely visible to the passenger as well. I thought it was the best location available in the Element without cutting holes or tearing into my brand new rig:

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior1_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior1.jpg)

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior3_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior3.jpg)

The XM cradle is installed FLUSH to the dash using the included 3M tape. No mounts, holes or any other adaptation. I guess you could attach the swivel to the dash so the XM could tilt to the left and be even more visible to the driver. However, I don't think it would look as nice...

I picked up a Roady from CC and installed it yesterday. Ran the antenna wire under the trim on the roof and mounted it next to the main antenna. The Roady unit is installed above the plugs for the power and the Aux but low enough to avoid the airbag.
$5 mini stereo 1/8" plug from Radio shack completed the parts needed for a nice, clean install. Took the E offroad yesterday and listened to some great tunes from the satellite while climbing dirt mounds and playing in mudholes. Both the E and the Roady performed wonderfully! :lol:

AWD GGM, Home Depot radiator screen, Infinity speakers front and rear, splash guards, Honda all weather mats, Freewayblaster horn, Pilot leather wheel.

I need some help installing my XM SKYFi Car kit. I attempted to install the antenna just as the picture in one of the previous posts. We unscrewed the screws for the plastic trim (roof rack i assume). It would not come off. Is there hidden screws or is there some secret to removing this trim? Once the trim is off, how do you get the antenna wire inside the car?

From there what is the best route to the AUX input area? I even tried taking off the dash cover right above the aux input area and it too wouldnt come off. I unscrewed the two visible screws, does this also have hidden screws or a secret to removing?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! :D

[quote:2b3bf88718=" "]I used pieces of the advice found in this thread and one at hondasuv.com, and ended up installing my XM similarly but not exactly the same as the others.

Once I found out that the exterior plastic trim along the top edge of the vehicle popped off (once you unscrew that bolt underneath the small door located just to the left of my antenna as shown), it was a breeze to run/hide the wires:

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_antenna_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_antenna.jpg)

I'm not quite finished with the aesthetics of the wiring. I will ultimately switch out the audio cable. The only thing I had handy was a mini-to-RCA cable (XM output) and an RCA-to-mini adapter (Element input). So you will see the standard RED and WHITE RCA ends adapted and then plugged into the input on the dash. I also expect that the XM's DC power plug will be in the way; it eliminates the ability to charge my cell phone and listen to XM at the same time. I'm sure I will be hard-wiring the power very shortly... In the mean time, here is a picture of the wiring as neat as I could make it under the circumstances:

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior2_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior2.jpg)

Notice how I was able to tuck the wiring right up underneath that panel. It was removed very easily via the 2 screws visible from the under side, plus the screw that is hidden under the pop-off panel at the side of the dash nearest the door.

I found, contrary to previous installs in this thread, that mounting it up the dash a bit not only improved visibility from the driver's side but also let the SkyFi pop out of its cradle MUCH easier when it's time to take it in the house. The XM is completely out of the way yet extremely visible to the passenger as well. I thought it was the best location available in the Element without cutting holes or tearing into my brand new rig:

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior1_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior1.jpg)

http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior3_small.jpg
(see larger picture here: http://www.fullastuff.com/element/xm/XM_interior3.jpg)

The XM cradle is installed FLUSH to the dash using the included 3M tape. No mounts, holes or any other adaptation. I guess you could attach the swivel to the dash so the XM could tilt to the left and be even more visible to the driver. However, I don't think it would look as nice...[/quote:2b3bf88718]

All those covers pop right off. All you have to do is put a little elbow into them. They have standard clips on them...