XM + iPod + hardwire...

Oye folks.

So my lady-friend is getting me an XM radio for my birfday. Psyched to be able to listen to MLB! Yuh!

So this is what I want:
-not to have to tune into a station to get it - can they be hardwired?
-removable and hookable to an indoor receiver
-have an input so I can plug my iPod into it and then listen to my iPod in my rig through it
-mounted in my car, etc.
-willing to pay more for better reception in remote areas. I remember a while back there was satellite and satellite modular, satellite being what was true satellite. Does that distinction still exist?

Anyone have any idea what model I should get? Any tips on where I should get it installed, etc?

Danka danka danka...

not sure about XM, but with Sirius there is a type of receiver that will download the digital signal and play it directly into the stereo.

Not sure about the other things you want.

But as a nice perk, if your ipod records FM, then you can record any satellite content you want, just tune the ipod to the same FM station that the XM is tuned to.

I've had the same model for about 3yrs now, so I may be behind the times.

I've got a Delphi, which can move from the car to the house, but you have to buy a special kit for your house. I don't know how integrated the car installation can get with out using the radio, but I've got a tape deck receiver which I also plug my IPOD into.

They do make a couple of portable units. The lower end model comes with both car and home connections and mounts to your AC vents.

I wouldn't worry about reception. I've done quite a few round the country road trips with minimal problems. The only time you may lose reception is in urban areas because the repeaters just can't cover everything. When this does happen, it is only for half a block, so not a big deal. I can really only think of two places in Chicago this has happened.

Having had it for this long, I don't think I could ever go back to using just FM. Enjoy.

Thanks man. That is good to know about the signal.

I think my preference would be for hardwire installation over portability. I have a tape deck rig for my iPod now and hate it - the tape makes tons of noise in the deck. I would love to get an XM hardwired in with my iPod. I may even opt to take out my in-dash system and put in a deck/system that is XM compatible and can take a hardwire iPod cable.

Any suggestions on where I can go to get good recommendations & installation on this? Best Buy sounds pretty shwag - I guess I should track down a car audio specialist? I am in Chicago if anyone has any recommendations...

Most car decks, including factory stuff, have an "audio network" connector on the back. Originally it was meant for CD changers but with my 2005 Dodge (for example) I could hook up CD changers, sat radio, iPod, etc if I had the cables and adaptors. www.logjamelectronics.com/ has a huge collection of cables and adaptors so you can figure out if you can do what you want. At the least you can get a generic AUX input with A/B switch for multiple inputs. With the fancier stuff you control the iPod/sat radio throught the car deck itself.

With my iPod Nano I got a little car dock to charge and bring out the line-out signal and have a AUX-IN cable to the back of my Pioneer deck.

At home, a home kit is common. Getting good reception is probably the biggest issue.

This is the unit that I bought: http://www.cartoys.com/Default.cfm/p...WMA_DReceiver/

It have the Sirius satellite hardwired in as well as hard wired the ipod into the dash. Only problem is that the in dash controls for the ipod only work w/ 4th generation or younger. I had to replace the 2G ipod to control the ipod from the dash.

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Originally Posted by gonzo

Thanks man. That is good to know about the signal.

I think my preference would be for hardwire installation over portability. I have a tape deck rig for my iPod now and hate it - the tape makes tons of noise in the deck. I would love to get an XM hardwired in with my iPod. I may even opt to take out my in-dash system and put in a deck/system that is XM compatible and can take a hardwire iPod cable.

Any suggestions on where I can go to get good recommendations & installation on this? Best Buy sounds pretty shwag - I guess I should track down a car audio specialist? I am in Chicago if anyone has any recommendations...

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Sorry no recommendations.

If you are getting a XM compatible in-dash receiver, make sure it displays the song title and artist. That is one of the best things about satelite, especially while searching for music. But again, it's been years since I looked into this stuff so this may have become standard.

www.crutchfield.com

Look up your vehicle.

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Originally Posted by alpinedad

www.crutchfield.com

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That site is the SHIT!!!

Holy hell their on-phone customer service is even better. Scooter just pimped me out and answered all of my questions.

Thanks alpinedad!

Think I am going with the in-dash Alpine CDA 9857 + Alpine full speed iPod cable + Alpine 700 XM package. Saweeeeet! The in-dash rig controls the XM and the iPod at full speed w/2 lines of text for channel/artist & song display.

Everyone I have ever talked to at Crutchfield is fucking awesome.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gonzo

Holy hell their on-phone customer service is even better. Scooter just pimped me out and answered all of my questions.

Thanks alpinedad!

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Not a problem.

FYI, one of the great things about them is that they actually supply human-comprehensible directions on how to install it yourself.