XM Radio Install

jpup · 01-20-2005, 12:01 PM

I have a Skyfi2 receiver that I want to install along with the antenna. Does anyone have a tutorial or anything that I can check out? I really just need an easy way to install the antenna. I just bought this truck last week so I am kind of paranoid of screwing something up. Of course, my '05 came sattelite ready, but I would prefer not paying any more per month to get the in-dash unit working. I think that I would have to install the antenna anyway. Any advice would be great.

GA-matt · 01-20-2005, 12:06 PM

Here's a post for my skyfi2 install

My Overhead Console XM Satellite Radio Install

As far as price goes, you'll be paying the same monthly fee either way. However, I'm glad I went with the skyfi2 over the factory xm unit.

jpup · 01-20-2005, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA-matt

Here's a post for my skyfi2 install

My Overhead Console XM Satellite Radio Install

As far as price goes, you'll be paying the same monthly fee either way. However, I'm glad I went with the skyfi2 over the factory xm unit.

thanks. i have already started my service with the skyfi2. i use it in the house as well, that is why i don't want to get another unit turned on.

eakes · 01-20-2005, 12:12 PM

Simplest install for the antenna is on the dash. I have an XM radio installed in my KC with the antenna installed on the roof with the lead-in routed through the brake light. I recently tried an antenna sitting on the dash (micro-mini). I could tell no difference driving around town between the two antenna locations. When I get some spare time I will move the roof antenna to the dash since it will make swap-out easier when I am ready to trade the Titan.

jpup · 01-20-2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eakes

Simplest install for the antenna is on the dash. I have an XM radio installed in my KC with the antenna installed on the roof with the lead-in routed through the brake light. I recently tried an antenna sitting on the dash (micro-mini). I could tell no difference driving around town between the two antenna locations. When I get some spare time I will move the roof antenna to the dash since it will make swap-out easier when I am ready to trade the Titan.

you got any pics? the install posted above is a little more than I wanted to do.

bestatchess · 01-20-2005, 12:18 PM

1. "sat ready" means it has a signal cable from the head unit that runs under the driver's side dash with an N-Bus connector to connect to a Nissan sat receiver. You would need to buy the receiver and antenna. Satellite ready does not mean that you have an existing in-dash sat receiver. You can use aftermarket sat receivers (non-Nissan) that people typically connect through the AUX jack or using an RF modulator as those receivers are not compatible with Nissan's N-Bus satellite receiver connector. The Nissan sat receiver integrates with steering wheel audio controls and the radio button, while the non-Nissan receivers do not.

2. I think most people use a mini-magnetic roof mount antenna with the antenna wire routed through the third brake light. You pull the two round headliner tabs at the rear of the cab and use a deep well socket (7mm or 8mm??) to remove the third brake light. Then run the wire along under the headliner to the rear corner of the cab, down the plastic trim panel, up along the floor trim panels to your receiver. I used two popsicle sticks: one to pry up the edge of the trim panel, and the other to poke the wire other.

3. Some people have had success with just putting the antenna on the dash.

4. I have also seen mini magnetic roof mount antennas mounted at the front of the roof, just above the windshield, so they must run the antenna wire through the windshield gasket somehow.

Wake County Titan · 01-21-2005, 10:00 AM

I've got mine installed on the front roof above the windshield. The guy who installed it tucked it in through the door jam and up that seam between the windshield and the door. It looks great. I had it on the dash originally and I started to get a weak signal in certain spots. Since it's been on the roof I have had no problems. He did not install it through the windshield gasket.

wrenrj1 · 01-21-2005, 06:37 PM

I have the XM commander installed just aft. of the sunglasses holder in the overhead console, on the angled part.

Here's my .02

It costs $6.99 to add an additional XM radio if you wish to keep your skyfi for home use or in another vehicle. We have three XM's, one of which I used in my old truck and now use in my office with the home kit. It's 8 hours a day of exellent music on the cheap!

If I could do it different, I would have purchased my Titan with the sat ready radio and paid the extra to get a "clean install" without an extra unit.

Look, you've paid a butt load of money for a nice truck, pay a few bucks more and get your XM running through your factory unit. That's what I would have done. You can sell your other unit if you don't want it. Finally, if you go with the aftermarket unit, I paid Circuit City $60 for a professional install. It looks great, and saved me several hours of figuring out how to do the install myself.

again, just my .02, there are some things worth paying for, and making sure they're done right.

Tiltboy · 01-21-2005, 08:14 PM

Hey Wren, which HU did you have from the factory? A have the SE standard radio w/single cd, and I am gathering information on connecting my Roady 2. Are you using the RF modulator? I would like to wire mine to an aux port for better sound.

Thanks,

eakes · 01-21-2005, 09:15 PM

The 'standard' radio does not have an AUX input. The ONLY way to connect a satellite receiver to this radio is via an FM modulator.

For quality sound your best bet is to replace the existing radio with a new HU of your choice. Since you already have a Roady, get a new HU with an AUX input. I would also replace the existing speakers with better quality speakers.

This will not result is bone jarring bass and ear splitting highs, but at least it will provide comfortable listening.

wrenrj1 · 01-22-2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiltboy

Hey Wren, which HU did you have from the factory? A have the SE standard radio w/single cd, and I am gathering information on connecting my Roady 2. Are you using the RF modulator? I would like to wire mine to an aux port for better sound.

Thanks,

Here's some pics of my radio and XM Commander install. It's the basic, basic radio. The Commander does have a modulator/reciever that goes under the dash which plugs in thru the radio antenna.

On my Roady in my previous vehicle, I went thru the cassette adaptor which to me, sounded really good. The Roady II is nice because it has a seperate volume control apart from the truck radio. With the commander this is not the case.

The Roady II with an modulator and volume control I think would sound very good, within the limits of the vehicle radio...

Tiltboy · 01-22-2005, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the pics Wren. I have the same HU in my truck. I am considering swapping it so I can wire my Roady 2 into an Aux. port or something. The sound quality going through the FM mod. is the worst of the 3 ways to do it.(still not bad) Using the tape deck is better, but using the RCA plug is supposed to be best. I am still debating about the location you used, or the center tray above the dash. I like using mine in my home stereo from time to time.

wrenrj1 · 01-22-2005, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiltboy

Thanks for the pics Wren. I have the same HU in my truck. I am considering swapping it so I can wire my Roady 2 into an Aux. port or something. The sound quality going through the FM mod. is the worst of the 3 ways to do it.(still not bad) Using the tape deck is better, but using the RCA plug is supposed to be best. I am still debating about the location you used, or the center tray above the dash. I like using mine in my home stereo from time to time.

Just my .02

If your're gonna swap the radio, why not spend a bit more swap out with a radio that has the satellite set up? Better yet, there are some good aftermarket radios out there that would probably cost less, however, I'm not sure if installation kits are available as of yet...

My regret is not spending the extra $ up front (since I'm gonna keep my truck a while) to get set up with satellite. While my install is about as clean as it can get with an XM unit, I prefer the stock look if at all possible.

Just a side note on your roady II. I use mine at work with the home kit. I didn't know this, but you can listen to the Roady thru headphones and not have to worry about having an external stereo. We've actually gone on trips with two sat radios, mine in my truck, and my wife's roady II with headphones and an extra antenna we purchased. It's quite the versitile unit...

Tiltboy · 01-22-2005, 07:04 PM

Well, I was having that debate with myself. I don't spend enough time in my truck to justify paying for two units. I only spend about 20 minutes a day driving. I like having the Roady to be able to swap back and forth for trips and such. I have been using an MP3 player that has FM with mine at home some. It seems I am constantly changing channels channels all the time! I can't seem to find a channel that plays the current rock stuff....Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Velvet Revolver etc. I spend quite a bit of time on Bluesville (74) and the classic rock (46). Maybe I will break down and get a new HU with it. I think it's only $7 for additional hook-ups. Decisions Decisions!

Tiltboy · 01-22-2005, 07:08 PM

BTW Wren, where did you run the power to your unit? Thats one reason I was considering mounting it on the tray above the HU.