Just added XM

Jeremy · 07-14-2003, 07:49 AM

My birthday present came last week from Crutchfield and I had a couple hours on Saturday to put it in. I opted for the Alpine XMA-T200RF XM Radio package (FM Modulator and XM Receiver).

Installation was a piece of cake. Crutchfield even sent me the GM to standard antenna adapters (free). Install took about an hour. The RF Modulator and XM receiver are mounted behind and to the right of the glove box. There's pleanty of room (I'll get a picture when I have a 7mm socket handy) behind the glove box. I originally had the Terk XM3 antenna in the rear deck, but after a quick test drive, my satellite receptions was shakey at best. I was going to put it on the trunk lid, but didn't think I would have enough cable to get back to the receiver. Sure I could have mounted the receiver somewhere else, but it was handy to have it all in the same spot. I opted to mount the antenna just infront of the sunroof (centered, unlike the GM ones..hehe). The antenna's a real low profile one so it doesn't stick out that much, plus my car's dark and you hardly notice it anywhere.

The cable is routed through the sunroof and above the headliner, then down the passenger side a pillar to the XM receiver.

The control unit is mounted to a custom bracket just above the rear view mirror (along with my radar detector, Intake Air Temp sensor, and IPASS). From the outside, you don't even see it.

So far I'm really happy with the service. Got a few favorites programmed already (channel 150 and 151 are nice when stuck in traffic).

Here's some pictures:

Antenna outside the car

Jeremy · 07-14-2003, 07:53 AM

Antenna coming into car. No it doesn't get pinched by the sunroof. The weather seal around the sunroof cushion's it. After installing the antenna I washed,clayed and waxed the car and there was no water inside due to the antenna.

Jeremy · 07-14-2003, 07:55 AM

Control unit. It came with a remote, but I doubt I'll ever use it.

silentalero · 07-14-2003, 08:40 AM

Nice jeremy, but you do know (I have the same antenna and modeule, luv it) but you can put that antenna on top of your back deck lid and it will work the same, I have it on my roof for a while to untill I started hearing how my car looked jewish.

but yea, I luv xm n i have a feeling u are to. and yea I luv the comedy stations, some funny stuff on there.....if your into dance/techno at all 80/81/82 are good.

20/21/25/28(somtimes) usually play good songs to.

Jeremy · 07-14-2003, 09:00 AM

I had it in the rear deck when I had to run to the bank. Anytime I was near trees or buildings I lost the signal. Once I moved it up top, I haven't lost it since. I'm going to think about it more and see if I can find a different spot to put the antenna that won't make it too obvious.

I'm not all that keen on advertising that I have XM in the car (besides to you guys). If I'm ever in an area where I'm concerned about leaving the car, I can always just move the antenna into the car real quick (magnetic antenna).

silentalero · 07-14-2003, 09:05 AM

yea I luv the magnet deal..and thats suprising because I know there is another member here who actually showed me about the back deck lid, I tryed it and havent lost a signal yet (except in the mountains at carlisle a lil bit) but other than that locally around the chicago area, unless i go under a bridge or sumthin it stays good to me

cavingman · 07-14-2003, 09:32 AM

whoa i didnt know the antenna was magnetic. that totally changes my opinion.

looks good!

the ability to take it off the roof whenever totally sold me

MagiLLa · 07-14-2003, 01:13 PM

Jer, thast a LOT of gizmo's hangin near the rear view mirror..

GregFarz78 · 07-15-2003, 12:58 PM

Hmm that will work perfectly with my Alpine head unit...dont forget to lock your car at GAP

oakley · 07-15-2003, 09:04 PM

Just had xm installed in my ga with the same antenna on my trunk lid works great and have never lost a signal.

RAZE · 07-16-2003, 09:23 AM

I'm assuming you hooked it up to your stock headunit if you bought the fm modulator? I had that setup for awhile until I plugged it into an aftermarket headunit. It's much louder and clearer now.

athomas · 07-19-2003, 03:19 PM

XM Comedy....channel 150...UP YOURS!!

(It's the advertisement for the station)

Good gift!!!

ohiograndam · 07-20-2003, 03:29 AM

From everything I have head you have to mount the XM att at the highest point...The only time I lose a signal on my factory installed one is when I am right next to a building...Even then it is still searching for that signal.

XM144---

Vintalage · 07-20-2003, 08:18 AM

I'm waiting for GM/Delphi to release their factory xm reciever. They are taking forever while most of the other car manufacturers are releasing theirs. GM sucks.

tshboy · 08-02-2003, 10:24 AM

nice work jer.

might move mine off the rear deck and try it

ohiograndam · 08-02-2003, 03:22 PM

I would...you will get better reception if you put the roof

MattBatt · 08-03-2003, 07:07 AM

I was using a friends suburban to move last weekend and she had XM I got hooked now I want it real bad.

blackwidow · 08-07-2003, 12:24 AM

i am very happy with mine, ive had it about 8 months or so. i agree with all of those channels, but i wanna add 90s on 9. its cool to hear vanilla ice on a real quality system. LOL

grandGTR · 08-08-2003, 11:31 AM

The install looks good. I like the joint and Unsigned, and those comedy stations rule!

Good choice in service.

There are a lot of different antenna options, but the magnetic one is awsome! makes it easy to install. The glass mount is also nice.

BTW for those of you interested in XM, but do not have an XM ready unit you can pick up the SkiFi and it can be used in the car and home.

(FM mod in car and RCA for home).

Anyone get the premium channel?

grandGTR · 08-08-2003, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ohiograndam
I would...you will get better reception if you put the roof

The best location is the top of the car since the signals are from the southern sky and if you are driving south it could cause some signal issues, but normall no problems at all. Basically if it is mounted in clear view to the sky you are ok.

07-14-2003, 07:49 AM	#1
Jeremy Unpimped my Mazda AKA: Jeremy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 'Burb of Chicago Age: 45 Posts: 1,828 Vehicle: 07 Tahoe LTZ ,12 Jetta	Just added XM My birthday present came last week from Crutchfield and I had a couple hours on Saturday to put it in. I opted for the Alpine XMA-T200RF XM Radio package (FM Modulator and XM Receiver). Installation was a piece of cake. Crutchfield even sent me the GM to standard antenna adapters (free). Install took about an hour. The RF Modulator and XM receiver are mounted behind and to the right of the glove box. There's pleanty of room (I'll get a picture when I have a 7mm socket handy) behind the glove box. I originally had the Terk XM3 antenna in the rear deck, but after a quick test drive, my satellite receptions was shakey at best. I was going to put it on the trunk lid, but didn't think I would have enough cable to get back to the receiver. Sure I could have mounted the receiver somewhere else, but it was handy to have it all in the same spot. I opted to mount the antenna just infront of the sunroof (centered, unlike the GM ones..hehe). The antenna's a real low profile one so it doesn't stick out that much, plus my car's dark and you hardly notice it anywhere. The cable is routed through the sunroof and above the headliner, then down the passenger side a pillar to the XM receiver. The control unit is mounted to a custom bracket just above the rear view mirror (along with my radar detector, Intake Air Temp sensor, and IPASS). From the outside, you don't even see it. So far I'm really happy with the service. Got a few favorites programmed already (channel 150 and 151 are nice when stuck in traffic). Here's some pictures: Antenna outside the car Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jeremy 12 VW Jetta 07 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 Over the firewall, out the antenna, into the router, shot to the modem, out the transponder, bounce into space, off the satellite, over their firewall, into the forums .... nothing but NET

07-14-2003, 07:53 AM	#2
Jeremy Unpimped my Mazda AKA: Jeremy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 'Burb of Chicago Age: 45 Posts: 1,828 Vehicle: 07 Tahoe LTZ ,12 Jetta	Antenna coming into car. No it doesn't get pinched by the sunroof. The weather seal around the sunroof cushion's it. After installing the antenna I washed,clayed and waxed the car and there was no water inside due to the antenna. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jeremy 12 VW Jetta 07 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 Over the firewall, out the antenna, into the router, shot to the modem, out the transponder, bounce into space, off the satellite, over their firewall, into the forums .... nothing but NET

07-14-2003, 07:55 AM	#3
Jeremy Unpimped my Mazda AKA: Jeremy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 'Burb of Chicago Age: 45 Posts: 1,828 Vehicle: 07 Tahoe LTZ ,12 Jetta	Control unit. It came with a remote, but I doubt I'll ever use it. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jeremy 12 VW Jetta 07 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 Over the firewall, out the antenna, into the router, shot to the modem, out the transponder, bounce into space, off the satellite, over their firewall, into the forums .... nothing but NET

07-14-2003, 08:40 AM	#4
silentalero 2 wheel motion now! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chicago Age: 40 Posts: 889 Vehicle: 2000 Alero GX	Nice jeremy, but you do know (I have the same antenna and modeule, luv it) but you can put that antenna on top of your back deck lid and it will work the same, I have it on my roof for a while to untill I started hearing how my car looked jewish. but yea, I luv xm n i have a feeling u are to. and yea I luv the comedy stations, some funny stuff on there.....if your into dance/techno at all 80/81/82 are good. 20/21/25/28(somtimes) usually play good songs to. __________________ 07 Acura MDX Sport * 00 Olds Alero * 00 Suzuki GSXR 750 * 06 cbr 600RR Silentedition.com

07-14-2003, 09:00 AM	#5
Jeremy Unpimped my Mazda AKA: Jeremy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 'Burb of Chicago Age: 45 Posts: 1,828 Vehicle: 07 Tahoe LTZ ,12 Jetta	I had it in the rear deck when I had to run to the bank. Anytime I was near trees or buildings I lost the signal. Once I moved it up top, I haven't lost it since. I'm going to think about it more and see if I can find a different spot to put the antenna that won't make it too obvious. I'm not all that keen on advertising that I have XM in the car (besides to you guys). If I'm ever in an area where I'm concerned about leaving the car, I can always just move the antenna into the car real quick (magnetic antenna). __________________ Jeremy 12 VW Jetta 07 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 Over the firewall, out the antenna, into the router, shot to the modem, out the transponder, bounce into space, off the satellite, over their firewall, into the forums .... nothing but NET

07-14-2003, 09:05 AM	#6
silentalero 2 wheel motion now! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chicago Age: 40 Posts: 889 Vehicle: 2000 Alero GX	yea I luv the magnet deal..and thats suprising because I know there is another member here who actually showed me about the back deck lid, I tryed it and havent lost a signal yet (except in the mountains at carlisle a lil bit) but other than that locally around the chicago area, unless i go under a bridge or sumthin it stays good to me __________________ 07 Acura MDX Sport * 00 Olds Alero * 00 Suzuki GSXR 750 * 06 cbr 600RR Silentedition.com

07-14-2003, 09:32 AM	#7
cavingman Moderator AKA: Brendan Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA Age: 40 Posts: 3,772 Vehicle: 04 Saturn Ion Redline	whoa i didnt know the antenna was magnetic. that totally changes my opinion. looks good! the ability to take it off the roof whenever totally sold me __________________ bleeehh....

07-14-2003, 01:13 PM	#8
MagiLLa Team S.M owns Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Winnipeg Age: 35 Posts: 711 Vehicle: '00 GASE	Jer, thast a LOT of gizmo's hangin near the rear view mirror.. __________________ See My Body I have Kanji letters on the hood that release special dragon power above 3700 RPM's

07-15-2003, 12:58 PM	#9
GregFarz78 GAGT - Junkie AKA: See Above Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Philly, PA Age: 43 Posts: 4,413 Vehicle: 04 Honda S2000	Hmm that will work perfectly with my Alpine head unit...dont forget to lock your car at GAP __________________ My Pics

07-15-2003, 09:04 PM	#10
oakley 350Z Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Wisconsin Rapids Age: 48 Posts: 58 Vehicle: 2004 Nissan 350Z	Just had xm installed in my ga with the same antenna on my trunk lid works great and have never lost a signal. __________________ 2004 Daytona Blue 350Z

07-16-2003, 09:23 AM	#11
RAZE GAGT oldtimer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NYC - Manhattan Age: 39 Posts: 2,965 Vehicle: 2004 GTO	I'm assuming you hooked it up to your stock headunit if you bought the fm modulator? I had that setup for awhile until I plugged it into an aftermarket headunit. It's much louder and clearer now. __________________ Past: 2001 GT1 Coupe 75th Anniversary Edition 8/18/01 - 11/25/03 2000 Supercharged GA: 12/24/03-9/22/05 2004 Impulse Blue GTO 99 Grand Prix GT Coupe - 10/10/08-1/9/10 2010 Black Audi S5 Coupe Current: 2009 Corolla S - Commuter car 2013 Jetta Hybrid - Commuter Car 2005 Metallic Black Pontiac GTO 2014 BMW 650iX M Sport convertible 1987 Fox Body Mustang GT

07-19-2003, 03:19 PM	#12
athomas GAGT - Member AKA: Adam Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lake Orion MI Age: 41 Posts: 711 Vehicle: 2004 Pontiac GTO	XM Comedy....channel 150...UP YOURS!! (It's the advertisement for the station) Good gift!!!

07-20-2003, 03:29 AM	#13
ohiograndam Green means Go! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lorain OH Age: 51 Posts: 166 Vehicle: 2003 Grand Am GT Coupe	From everything I have head you have to mount the XM att at the highest point...The only time I lose a signal on my factory installed one is when I am right next to a building...Even then it is still searching for that signal. XM144--- __________________ 2003 GA GT w/XM Radio Best Run:16.605 @ 81.38 mph 1988 Chevy S-10 3.4 V6

07-20-2003, 08:18 AM	#14
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	I'm waiting for GM/Delphi to release their factory xm reciever. They are taking forever while most of the other car manufacturers are releasing theirs. GM sucks. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

08-02-2003, 10:24 AM	#15
tshboy GAGT...no more Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: IL Age: 44 Posts: 179 Vehicle: 2004 G35 Coupe	nice work jer. might move mine off the rear deck and try it __________________ ~tshboy~ www.thfx.com

08-02-2003, 03:22 PM	#16
ohiograndam Green means Go! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lorain OH Age: 51 Posts: 166 Vehicle: 2003 Grand Am GT Coupe	I would...you will get better reception if you put the roof __________________ 2003 GA GT w/XM Radio Best Run:16.605 @ 81.38 mph 1988 Chevy S-10 3.4 V6

08-03-2003, 07:07 AM	#17
MattBatt I'm An Audio Monkey AKA: Matt Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Orlando FL Age: 41 Posts: 1,015 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE Coupe	I was using a friends suburban to move last weekend and she had XM I got hooked now I want it real bad. __________________ My car is dieing My Website "Life's big problems include the words 'Indictment' or 'Inoperable'. Everything else is small stuff."

08-07-2003, 12:24 AM	#18
blackwidow GAGT - Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: orange county, CA Posts: 100 Vehicle: 1999 black SE2 sedan	i am very happy with mine, ive had it about 8 months or so. i agree with all of those channels, but i wanna add 90s on 9. its cool to hear vanilla ice on a real quality system. LOL __________________ 99 black grand am

08-08-2003, 11:31 AM	#19
grandGTR GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: FL Age: 46 Posts: 676 Vehicle: 2000 GThunder	The install looks good. I like the joint and Unsigned, and those comedy stations rule! Good choice in service. There are a lot of different antenna options, but the magnetic one is awsome! makes it easy to install. The glass mount is also nice. BTW for those of you interested in XM, but do not have an XM ready unit you can pick up the SkiFi and it can be used in the car and home. (FM mod in car and RCA for home). Anyone get the premium channel? __________________ "Light travels faster than sound, that is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak."

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