SkyFi 2 Install Problem or not?

pilot4net · 03-22-2005, 02:33 AM

I installed my Skyfi2 just like many others have done before by running the antenna wire through the third brake light. I mounted the unit on the little cover that is to the right of the ignition and to the left of the HVAC controls which I think is where the 4WD selector goes if equipped. The mounting bracket that came with the unit came with a square base so I used my dremel tool and shaved enough of the base away so that the adhesive would bond flatly against the flat portion of the cover and not be hindered by the raised edges. I also wanted to hide all the wiring so I drilled a hole in the cover under the mounting bracket and ran the wires through that hole. But then is when I showed my "dumbassedness" by hooking up the power supply wires directly to the swithched power outlet on the dash. As I do electrical work everyday, I should know to check to see whether the unit ran on 6VDC or 12VDC, but I didn't'. I hooked everything up and it worked great. That night we were heading to an outing and noticed that the display seemed brighter than before and then it hit me. I pulled the power plug out of the unit and noticed that it was marked very clearly 6VDC. I was going to dig the adapter out of the trash and then take it apart and then use the little IC board and wire it inline to step the voltage down, but the trash was picked up before I returned home. It is going on about 4 days now of use like this and it is still working fine. I think I have read on this site that others have also done this and I am wondering if they've had their unit fail. If it seems like it may be a problem, I guess I'll be going to radio shack for some components to step the power down to the 6VDC. If anyone has hooked this up like I have, please let me know if you've had any problems with your install. Thanks.

*Beast305* · 03-22-2005, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilot4net

I installed my Skyfi2 just like many others have done before by running the antenna wire through the third brake light. I mounted the unit on the little cover that is to the right of the ignition and to the left of the HVAC controls which I think is where the 4WD selector goes if equipped. The mounting bracket that came with the unit came with a square base so I used my dremel tool and shaved enough of the base away so that the adhesive would bond flatly against the flat portion of the cover and not be hindered by the raised edges. I also wanted to hide all the wiring so I drilled a hole in the cover under the mounting bracket and ran the wires through that hole. But then is when I showed my "dumbassedness" by hooking up the power supply wires directly to the swithched power outlet on the dash. As I do electrical work everyday, I should know to check to see whether the unit ran on 6VDC or 12VDC, but I didn't'. I hooked everything up and it worked great. That night we were heading to an outing and noticed that the display seemed brighter than before and then it hit me. I pulled the power plug out of the unit and noticed that it was marked very clearly 6VDC. I was going to dig the adapter out of the trash and then take it apart and then use the little IC board and wire it inline to step the voltage down, but the trash was picked up before I returned home. It is going on about 4 days now of use like this and it is still working fine. I think I have read on this site that others have also done this and I am wondering if they've had their unit fail. If it seems like it may be a problem, I guess I'll be going to radio shack for some components to step the power down to the 6VDC. If anyone has hooked this up like I have, please let me know if you've had any problems with your install. Thanks.

Okay since I don't have the Skifi2, I have a Roady2 and a Sportster. Both installed. The Roady2 wiring works with the skyfi2 s well I been told. All you have to do is plug it into your cig lighter and you have 12 volts going in. If this is the way it connects standard then you need to hook it up directly to a 12v source.

pilot4net · 03-22-2005, 12:03 PM

No, I know it's supposed to be running on 6VDC because I looked at my wife's cigarette lighter adapter for her SkyFi2 and it shows 12VDC input and 6VDC output. I guess I'll just leave it as is and see what happens. Hopefully the tolerance of this unit will allow it to accept 12 volts and not fry on me.

*Beast305* · 03-22-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilot4net

No, I know it's supposed to be running on 6VDC because I looked at my wife's cigarette lighter adapter for her SkyFi2 and it shows 12VDC input and 6VDC output. I guess I'll just leave it as is and see what happens. Hopefully the tolerance of this unit will allow it to accept 12 volts and not fry on me.

Instead of taking a chance, go to www.xmfan.com or www.xm411.com and ask those guys.