XM Xpress Radio Install Question

[TomBoy]

Was looking back at the archives on install. I just bought a Xm Xpress unit. We have run the antenna wire with the kit through from the radio area to the header/roof and out the back hatch area on to the roof. The unit's power cord is also hard wired through the cigarette lighter to turn on and off with the ignition. It seems I donot get good reception to any frequency at all and have allot of background staticy noise. Both wires come out right at the ashtray where the unit sits. I have allot of background noise and terrible frequency reception. Wondered what I can do to install differently. Moving the antenna on the dash does not really seem to help. When I move the actual unit around, I can get it to come in a litlle better. But nothing really great. Is it possible this way of running the wires affects my reception. Any suggestions would be appreciate.
Laurie

[dirtymagnum]

Maybe fm modulator station needs changed. Does your xpress show antenna signal?

[TomBoy]

Maybe fm modulator station needs changed. Does your xpress show antenna signal?

Thanks for the help. I have changed to other frequencies but just cannot find one to really do well. I just checked in my manual and yes my unit does show signal strength. I seem to have the song showing and playing but now I will check signal strenth too. My regular radio is clear as day, and when turned to XM, just deteriotes badly. It looks like a weekend of checking connections and playing around with the antenna. Just can't think what else it could be.
Laurie

[Todd RT]

I got your email and replied. Try an auxiliary input from PAC or Peripheral, or a hard wired FM Mod.

[TomBoy]

I got your email and replied. Try an auxiliary input from PAC or Peripheral, or a hard wired FM Mod.

Thanks for the email Todd. Your info was very helpful. My husband wonders if our radios have a Audio Cable type connection on the back. If you know, let me know. Otherwise the FM Direct Adapter sold from XM would be a option. What FM modulator did you use to that hard wires to the back of your radio and where do you get that? Thanks again.
Laurie

[Todd RT]

Instead, go for one of these:

Pac Audio AAI-CHY:
http://www.pac-audio.com/products/pr...iliary%20Input

Scroll down to AAI-CHY

or @ Peripheral Electronics the CHYX:
http://peripheralelectronics.com/pro...rProductID=511

Better than FM Mod.

Later!

[Cdn_Magnum]

Agreed, I would avoid an FM modulator if at all possible. You have this nice frequency spectrum that XM is offering you and you want to limit it to the same as FM reception, not a good idea. Part of the problem is that your FM antenna is at the back of your vehicle and your FM modulator is bein transmitted from the front of the vehicle. This explains why it gets better when you move the unit as opposed to the antenna.

Keep us posted on your results... btw was your antenna strength ok?

[pir8magnum]

I have a Pioneer inno and I had nothing but trouble trying to get static-free reception. If at all possible, try to get some sort of direct line-in. FM modulators suck.

[greggmendel]

I don't recall just where, but I remember someone noting issues with noise on the lighter power supply. That may be something you can test.

I did have really good luck with a professional install of a SkyFi on a different car, where the wired FM modulator was the only choice. Obviously, it was limited to FM fidelity, but still sounded better than the factory Sirius with the Kicker system on my SRT.

[Todd RT]

I have the wired FM mod, and it's great! They just didn't have aux. inputs at the time.

Later.

[TomBoy]

Thank you all for your input. My solution to my problem was completely taken care of by purchasing a DELPHI FM Direct Adaptor kit # SA10112. The unit splits the antenna at the back of the radio and makes a direct connection from the back of the radio to the XM unit. Around a $30 kit. Signal good, sound good, no noise. Very happy to have it up and running correctly. Thanks again all. Now have to figure out my Vette's connection situation so that my Xpress will work in it.
Laurie