XM radio AUX volume problem solved. (FREE)

cer2225 · 11-14-2004, 04:09 PM

I just finished my XM radio install and have to say I am extremly satisfied. I did however have a concern using the AUX input like so many others with regard to the volume issue.

I found the unit I wanted (the new SkyFi2 by Delphi) and decided that I would see how bad the volume really was. As I sat in the parking lot ripping the packages open while on my cell phone getting it activated (yes, I am crazy like the rest of you), my friend was playing with the unit using the demo channel and discovered somethying very pleasing. The mew SkyFi2 has a built in FM modulator, but I want a little better sound quality so I ran a line to my AUX input, he then turned on the FM modulator at the same time as the wire ran to the AUX input and low and behold the volume jumped tremendously. There is now need to buy any line level amplifiers if using this unit. I would be very surprised if anyone was not happy with the volume. Besides, if you really want to crank it, just use the FM modulator which works very well. The quality is alomst as good as the AUX input but not quite. If you use this, make sure you go into the menu and turn the modulator volume all the way up.

I was very surprised that the AUX worked with the modulator on, but it does and you will love it.

Now to my install:

Ran the antenna through the 3rd brake light like so many others (works great and very easy)

I wanted a little better sound quality so I took the casette adapter apart and soldered the the now loose leads directly to the wires going to the AUX input. Just don't use your aux input when you have your XM turned on.

Tied the positive power to the purple power lead going to the back of the head unit. (power only goes through that wire when the ignition is turned on). Ran the ground around a screw holding the deck in.

Drilled a small hole beneath the rubber mat in the small dash tray and mounted the unit in the center of that using the supplied mounting system with two sided adhesive tape. It really does look awsome. There are no wires visible at all and the unit looks and works great.

One thing to think about with this unit as opposed to others is the color of the display. The unit is kind of a light blue/gray (very soothing I think compared to the orange). I thought about getting an orange display, but the contrast and little different color look real sharp. Besides, who says everything needs to match.

I would post a pic, but my camera is broke. Hope this helps someone.

Earthdog · 11-14-2004, 07:56 PM

I am picking mine up tomorrow.

What was the wiring layout for soddering in the AUX.

billaku · 11-14-2004, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cer2225

...
I wanted a little better sound quality so I took the casette adapter apart and soldered the the now loose leads directly to the wires going to the AUX input. Just don't use your aux input when you have your XM turned on.
...
Hope this helps someone.

Some smart thinking there!

cer2225 · 11-15-2004, 04:42 AM

First, when you take apart the adapter, unsolder the wires from a small PC board. There are actually 4 wires. A single for each channel (don't remember the colors but that does not matter) and one that is doubled up for the ground. I then unsoldered the red, white and black from the PC board that run to the casette head and soldered those small wires to the leads from the now loose wire. Black to the doubled up ground and red and white for each channel. (just because the wires from the casette adapter are VERY small and fragile). Carefully taped them up and now you have a very useable lead.

Once you remove the radio face plate you will see three wires going to the AUX jack. I just take my soldering iron and melt away some of the plastic around each wires to get to bare wire below then wrap the new jack leads around each, solder and tape. (no cutting is better).

The center wire will be your ground and the ones on the side are for each channel. Just test everything each step of the way so you don't have to pull things back apart. It is actually very easy.

Good luck and let me know if you need any more info. Maybe I will get some pics later today and post the finished product.

BTW, I used the new road kit for the SkyFi2 not the older version. Although I think it will work the newer antenna is tiny and not noticible at all.

PHX_TITAN · 11-15-2004, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Drilled a small hole beneath the rubber mat in the small dash tray and mounted the unit in the center of that using the supplied mounting system with two sided adhesive tape. It really does look awsome. There are no wires visible at all and the unit looks and works great.

I originally tried this approach too with my SIRIUS install... It does loook great... however, here in Phoenix, the unit heated to such a point that I finally had to have the unit replaced becuase it would lock up and just stop working. I finally had to move the unit to a lower, cooler position (just to the right side of the AUX input connector).

BiXLL · 11-17-2004, 10:11 AM

CER225, I also have the Skyfi2, and I don't understand what you are saying!

Quote:

he then turned on the FM modulator at the same time as the wire ran to the AUX input and low and behold the volume jumped tremendously.

The FM modulater is built into the cradle, and there is no on/off to it. To power the radio, you have to power the cradle, as that is where the radio gets its power from. Also, to use the FM modulater, you have to be tuned to a particular fm station. How can you be getting signal from an fm station, and use the aux at the same time? I don't see how it is possible! Can you explain for me?

cer2225 · 11-20-2004, 10:32 PM

First I am not really using both the AUX and the FM modulator. That would be impossible. I am using the AUX stritly; however, for what ever reason when you turn on the FM modulator when you have the line out pluged into the unit and in my case soldered to the AUX input, the volume being sent to the AUX input is dramatically increased. Remember that the signal is really coming out of the cassette adapter that I soldered directly to the AUX input.

You absolutly can turn the FM modulator on and off with the unit. You either set it to a station or select off.

Hope this answers your questions.

Stingray · 11-21-2004, 05:25 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthdog

I am picking mine up tomorrow.

What was the wiring layout for soddering in the AUX.

Nice looking truck. Mine is coming in Dec.. I like the wheels, are they stock?

GA-matt · 11-22-2004, 02:34 PM

cer2225,

Just got the Skyfi2 also and have a question. My unit has a power adapter that converts the 12v to 6v. You mentioned connecting your unit to the purple power lead going to the head unit. Did you use a converter somewhere?

You are correct, with the FM modulator turned on there is a significant increase in volume whild using the AUX input. However, I think it's still short of CD quality. I'll be getting a line amplifier for the input.

cer2225 · 11-23-2004, 08:37 PM

A line amplifier will not change the audio quality, just make whats there a little louder. Remember though as you amplify the music, you also amplify any other noises. The real issue with the quality has to do with what XM radio is sending us. As the signal is digital there is really nothing anyone can do to improve that on that.

Volume level is a preference, but I believe that for most the volume level with this approach should be plenty for everyday use. I love loud music, and theres no doubt that at times I wish it would go even louder; however, 90% of the time I am not cranking it, nor do I want to. Just my 2 cents......

I didn't convert power at all. the unit came with a cigarette adapter that does not reduce voltage. I just cut the part that plugs into the lighter off and tied that wire to the power for the head unit.

Titanman · 12-07-2004, 07:12 AM

I noticed the same thing with this xm unit. Using the AUX line, the sound was so quiet. this was with the FM modulation turned off on the SkyFi2. However, as I scrolled it from OFF to one of the lower FM modulation channels, the sound level increased, so this is where it stays.

How hard is it to pull off the Titan's faceplate to get to the back of the AUX input?
MIke

GA-matt · 12-07-2004, 04:25 PM

Not difficult, just pull evenly from the top at each side and don't be afraid to use some force... it'll just pop right off. I used a wide blade putting knife (with cloth to prevent scratches).

Here's a link for my install description if you're interested in hard wiring...

My Overhead Console XM Satellite Radio Install