What is the best way to get the signal from xm plug and play ( I bought a Delphi Skyfi 2 ) to my 6 disk player: aux connection, FM modulator, XM direct connect through radio antenna, or ??? I'm looking for a pretty clean install, and have the bracket coming from Qtec to mount the XM next to the stereo. Also plan on running power wire behind the dash.

Thanks for helping.

 

I use a Garmin 7200 (gps, nav, traffic, weather and XM) and connect via the aux inputs. The FM transmitter has some static and a loss of clarity that doesn't appear through the aux input.

I've been trying different mounting locations and am now down to 2 - one above the mirror and the other below the steering wheel. The dash is probably illegal somewhere and definitely restricts the view (this is a larger unit). Have tried several locations but none have been good across the board yet.

The wiring is not pretty yet either as I am more worried about sound - removability - stability - safety - usability - not necessarily in that order but I would believe (hope) that the wiring will be easily hidden once I can make up my mind on locations.

The Garmin unit spends time in the RV getting us to where we are headed and then gets moved over to the JK for both in town and off road play.

Worked great on the beach in Mexico too!

I'll let you know as I expect to take some of the dash apart this next week time permitting.

 

anything on this yet? been about a month... :toung:

 

Sorry - hope to get back to this one sometime this week (so probably next). Since it is working where I have it now (just between the seats), I have been distracted by a couple of other little issues (crack/leak in our pool, chlorinator shutdown, broken fridge - temperature switch then freezer - compressor, 2 major shindigs at the house so the wife decided it was time to redo several rooms). Then there is Little League - all this past month - no wonder I haven't gotten to play much!

But then again, I have also been considering a "slide out / flip down / fold over" motorized design where the 7200 would actually sit right in front of the existing radio. This will probably consume (aka waste) a day or so trying to make it really neat with the end result being the same - keep it simple!

Which means the mount will probably go above the mirror as I am going to also put in a backup camera and the 7200 has a video input. I have also been reading the write ups on installation of the dvd monitor and this might be very similar.

I haven't been able to take the upper bar plastic apart to best determine how to fabricate the bracket but the unit already has a base that I will need to attach. I think a 3 inch wide 1/8 inch thick metal bracket with appropriate bends will provide a secure enough brace during use as well as a little deterrent (probably not enough) for quick snatch and grabs. Just not certain yet whether to attach just through the plastic or whether to attach to the

Also the 90 degree bends for connectors will be employed but I think I'll use some heat shrink tubing to clean up the appearance a bit.

I'll take lots of pics once I get the time to dive back in. Started designing a back cage for our dogs as the raingler netting won't cut it. Our mutts have all chewed through that webbing material so I have to go metal. That needs to be completed by the beginning of June.

Plus the sister called and has a water leak that needs fixing, some welding is required on their grill, some electrical problems - mostly lights not working, and their oven just flaked on them - so it looks like tomorrow is shot now too!

I guess it has been a month - man how time flies when you're having fun! May not sound like it but I actually am having a bit too much but wish I could stick to my new baby rather than all these other things.

 

Had a few minutes to put together a crude prototype for 7200 above the mirror - at this point - it isn't going to work. The screen size will block too much of the mirror for my seating height and reattaching the mirror will only work if I do the rear seat headrest removal mod!

Going to move on to the flip down over the radio option prototype and hope that works a bit better - looks like that is my better bet at this point.I'll take photos of whichever option I put in. Still like the large screen way too much to be too concerned. Just want to make it semi-secure and functional while looking clean.

 

As far as sound quality goes, I think the order (best to worst) would be...

1. Out from the XM unit in to the back of your head unit... not sure how easy that would be.

2. Out from the XM unit to the aux in. Very easy too.

3. FM Direct. A bit of an installation (more than the first two) plus you need the FM Direct box. Also some people (I work at XM) get interference with FM Direct. Probably a bad install... but I figured I'd mention it.

4. FM mod. Not great but it depends on what you're used to listening to. If you live in an area with a crowded FM dial you'll get poor reception and will probably need to switch channels a lot. I couldn't go a mile without having to switch FM mod channels. I'm in Washington DC and there aren't many open stations.

I used the cassette adapter in my Audi A4 and it was okay... except for the wire. Now that I have the JK I use the aux in and like it... but it seems like I loose some volume.

Hope that helps.