[Deep Blue]

spdrcr5 - nice job. Especially like the holder.

I'll throw an alternate way of installing the antenna in for people to consider - that doesn't have anywhere near the amount of work!

I used the Car Kit that came with my Starmate Replay to install the antenna on the rear of the Element....and I think it looks nice and clean. The kit has a little plastic housing that tucks the wire in and 3M's onto the roof, and curves right into the crease in the back hath. No wires visible. I put it on the rear driver's side, in line with the terrestrial radio antenna (Yes, I'm a stern fan too )

I then ran the wire in through the rear hatch, and into the roof lining. I then threaded it along the top seam, all the way to the front passenger side windshield, and then used the old suction cup to hold it there. I then use the remote to control it.

I didn't install the radio where you put it because as you can see below I already have a Pro Clip there for my Ipod, and don't want to make it look too ridiculous.

I do however, need to tear the dash off on the passenger side to hide all of the wiring, as that's a bit of a mess presently. I also need to come up with a solution to have both my iPod and Sirius plugged into my AUX jack simultaneously and be able to flip between them without fumbling and changing jacks. Anyone know if an incoming splitter exists to do this?

Anyhow, here's some pics...the truck is SUPER DIRTY, so all of that white crap is salt from the roads up here in Toronto. When clean, I promise, it looks real nice.

Here you go:

My Element (side bars being installed this weekend):

Shots of the rear antenna:

Shot of both antennas lining up - looks stock to me!:

Interior shot of Starmate - again, wires need to be hidden:

 

[Shmee]

Hey guys,
I've been watching this thread quite closely. I got a Starmate for xmas from Mrs. Shmee. We do love it! We also love our Garmin i3 GPS nav unit for getting lost in strange places. To see my Nighthawk black -E- driving down the road with both of these units rigged up ontop of my dashboard, wires hanging everyplace, makes my car looklike some rejected movie prop from "Back To the Future" or something.
Whoever had mentioned earlier about seeing an -E- going down the road with the satellite antenna and wiring hanging down, was probably looking at my Frankenstien's creation. The black paint does hide the antenna beautifully, so i'm happy with the exterior look. It's the interior that's a Radio Shack nightmare. I currently have the Sirius factory suction-cup mount sitting as low as possible and it STILL lookslike a freakish thing.

I have two major questions involved with doing something like this:

(1) Can you still easily remove the Starmate and take it with you when you park the car?

(2) How many hours (as a complete stereophonic/electronic idiot that I am) am I looking at investing start to finish?

I have a week off from work approaching and I'm debating making this a project (or not). The wires do drape over the gearshift nicely if all else fails.

Thanks in advance for the help....

-Shmee

P.S. That is absolutely beautiful workmanship on integrating that Starmate with the dashboard!!!

 

[spdrcr5]

Thanks shmee.

I can take the Starmate Replay with me, but I don't since there aren't any home kits anywhere.

I took my time installing this, but I also have had my dash apart before and know how to get it apart easily. Without the hidden antenna trick start to finish I could do this install in 1.5-2 hours would be my guess. The hidden antenna install requires much warmer weather than I did this in, otherwise I could have done that in a single day in about 30-60 minutes including running the cable to the radio.

Now, if you're going to put your Startmate in the same location as I have mine, then I highly recommend putting the antenna on the drivers side of the roof, my cable almost wasn't long enough! lol You would have more than enough cable with it on the drivers side.

Does that help? Good luck with the install.

 

[tenchi71]

Great Mod!! Just got my Starmate today and am looking for mounting options. I saw this post by Deep Blue:

I also need to come up with a solution to have both my iPod and Sirius plugged into my AUX jack simultaneously and be able to flip between them without fumbling and changing jacks. Anyone know if an incoming splitter exists to do this?

spdrcr5:
I noticed you have an '03 EX. How does the sound come into the radio? I currently use my AUX connector by the passenger side for my iPod. With the way you have this set up, do you have to swap audio connectors, do you loose the stock EX AUX connection?

 

[spdrcr5]

No, I only use my AUX jack for my iPod. My Sirius is connected through the back of the stock radio using a PIE adapter. In the first post in this thread I give the part number and there should be a picture along with it. (I can't see the pictures while at work)

PIE HON03/PC-SON

HTH

 

[tenchi71]

Thanks for the quick reply... I guess I'm just not understading how the radio works once the install is done. What button do you press to get the sound from the Starmate. I current hit AUX to listen to my iPod, AM/FM for radio, and CD for the CD...

No, I only use my AUX jack for my iPod. My Sirius is connected through the back of the stock radio using a PIE adapter. In the first post in this thread I give the part number and there should be a picture along with it. (I can't see the pictures while at work)

PIE HON03/PC-SON

HTH

 

[spdrcr5]

This is how it works.

AM = AM
FM = FM
CD = Sirius when it is turned on
CD = CD when Sirius is not turned on
AUX = ipod

Since I have not listened to a CD in at least 18 months I never turn off my Sirius Starmate.

Make sense?

 

[tenchi71]

awsome... thanks for the explanation spdrcr5

 

[spdrcr5]

awsome... thanks for the explanation spdrcr5

You're welcome.

btw... spdrcr5 = Larry

 

[ShaneS]

Larry,

Just picked up a Starmate Replay off Ebay with the home and car kit, so the Home kit is now available.

The Eclipse equipment is comming out, and a (like new) super high end 6 years ago, Sony CDX-C90 with XDP-210eq prossessor are going in next week. Needless to say, the Sony is too old to adapt to the SIR-SNY hidaway box, but the XM box will work with it (not switching to XM). However it may work with the Sirius box, but I actually like the PNP Sirius units better (had a kenwood one), the display will show everything at once, also I will have a home kit now.

So the Starmate was the choice because A) great deal. B)Home and Car kits included.

I bought a refurb Starmete off EBay for $76.00 at the door. Hopefully they are not crap, but he has good feedback so it could be worth it.

Can't wait to hear this Sony setup, was super high end in its day, and is considered to be better than most of the products out there today, it is still in very high demand on Ebay. Just not happy with the new Eclipse, and the resale on the one is crap on Ebay and now I know why. The SQ is not nearly as good as the previous one that I had traded up from.

I am thinking of mounting the Starmate just below the shifter ontop of the stealthbox.

Can the starmate change display color?

 

[outpost4]

The Eclipse equipment is comming out, and a (like new) super high end 6 years ago, Sony CDX-C90 with XDP-210eq prossessor is going in next week.

Shane, you're terminal. :twisted: :razz:

 

[ShaneS]

Shane, you're terminal. :twisted: :razz:

Terminal heh, Yes, I have been labled as "nuts" in the past by a few ex-girlfirends he he

I'm telling you, this 7000 is not as good as the 8455, even the 8454 that I had. Eclipse did something different to this unit and I just can't put my finger on it. Also that freaking huge 60's style knob is really annoying me, I try to do simple functions like change CD tracks, and something else that I don't want to happen, engages. Maybe I am just spoiled from going from 8 volt units to a 5 volt. Even though the sony is ony 4 volt, it is supposed to be comparable to the Pioneer P9 combo, Alpine F1, and Clarion Drz9255 (do I really know what all this means other tahn that these are all $1000 + units) So with the Sony equipment, I'll give it a try, and see what all the hype is on the car audio forums is all about when it comes to this unit. Hey, I got it cheap, and I should make a prophet on the 7000. Like I said in the past, I would not have purchased the 7000, but I figure I would take it because it retails for $699 (with the thought of possibly unloading it), so I would give it a try. All I have to say is, Fleabay is my friend these days lol.

 

[outpost4]

Try the Sony.

You know, I bet I could find you an 8455 if you wanted one.

 

[spdrcr5]

Shane I don't think it can change colors and I purchased the home kit when it was finally back in stock a few months ago.

 

[Genom]

...All I have to say is, Fleabay is my friend these days lol.

Mmmmm...f r i e n d s ...

(Me too, I'm a Fleabay addict as well)

I don't think you'll have any issues with a refurb Starmate...I buy all sorts of refurb electronics and they're all good.

 

[ShaneS]

Try the Sony.

You know, I bet I could find you an 8455 if you wanted one.

I was thinking of getting another 8455, I really enjoyed that unit too. But, I figure, I would give the C90 a try. Believe it or not, the all numbers outspec the eclipse except for the output voltage. Not too much was invested in the new system. Also if I buy another Eclipse, I NEED a warrenty, I am mentally scarred.

Thanks, larry about the lighting info on the starmate.

 

[ShaneS]

Just got my refurb Starmate RP today with home and car kit, the thing is basically brand new in sealed packeging. I'll post pics after I mount the thing in a good place. I only payed like $79.00 with shipping.

 

[spdrcr5]

Just got my refurb Starmate RP today with home and car kit, the thing is basically brand new in sealed packeging. I'll post pics after I mount the thing in a good place. I only payed like $79.00 with shipping.

That's a good price. I paid $99 brand new, or would have if i didn't have a bunch of coupons and gift cards.

 

[Mudshark]

I'm leaning twords this hidden antenna install. I love the idea.

Does anyone have any experiance using the PIE adaptor on the 2006 EX-P factory XM headunit? I have no problem using the AUX input, but I think it will be a cleaner looking install, and leave room for the iPod or PSP to use the AUX in-dash socket if the PIE works in the 2006.

 

[43% burnt]

I did the hidden antenna install today, worked awesome. Great idea, very easy slick way to install the antenna. Thanks for the clear informative instructions.