Satellite Radio

Reid,



I talked with the folks at PIE (Precision Interface Electronics) and the FRDN-AUX will give me an auxiliary port. I am wondering though if this is worth the extra expense and effort? I am by no means an audiophile. Will I notice the difference between FM modulation through a direct connection through the antenna vs the direct connection through the AUX port?



Here is the FRDN-AUX

http://www.pie.net/index-2-details.cfm?recordID=FRDN-AUX

frdn-aux_m.jpg




Here is a link to a 3.5mm-RCA cable that they say is needed to go from the SkyFi2 to the RCA on the FRDN-AUX

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2009&sku=03180

03180.jpg




I also found a possible solution for your '04 Mach 460 dilema though. Here is another company that is marketing a similar product for the '04 Mach 460 head unit. Here is a thread from their forum.



http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=2&TopicID=287&PagePosition=1
 
Reid,



I talked with the folks at PIE (Precision Interface Electronics) and the FRDN-AUX will give me an auxiliary port. I am wondering though if this is worth the extra expense and effort? I am by no means an audiophile. Will I notice the difference between FM modulation through a direct connection through the antenna vs the direct connection through the AUX port?



Here is the FRDN-AUX

http://www.pie.net/index-2-details.cfm?recordID=FRDN-AUX

frdn-aux_m.jpg




Here is a link to a 3.5mm-RCA cable that they say is needed to go from the SkyFi2 to the RCA on the FRDN-AUX

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2009&sku=03180

03180.jpg




I also found a possible solution for your '04 Mach 460 dilema though. Here is another company that is marketing a similar product for the '04 Mach 460 head unit. Here is a thread from their forum.



http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=2&TopicID=287&PagePosition=1
 
Reid,



I talked with the folks at PIE (Precision Interface Electronics) and the FRDN-AUX will give me an auxiliary port. I am wondering though if this is worth the extra expense and effort? I am by no means an audiophile. Will I notice the difference between FM modulation through a direct connection through the antenna vs the direct connection through the AUX port?



Here is the FRDN-AUX

http://www.pie.net/index-2-details.cfm?recordID=FRDN-AUX

frdn-aux_m.jpg




Here is a site that carries the FRDN-AUX

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=430



Here is a link to a 3.5mm-RCA cable that they say is needed to go from the SkyFi2 to the RCA on the FRDN-AUX

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2009&sku=03180

03180.jpg




I also found a possible solution for your '04 Mach 460 dilema though. It would appear that PIE is working on a solution for the '04 Mach 460. Here is another company that is marketing a similar product for the '04 Mach 460 head unit. Here is a thread from their forum.



http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=2&TopicID=287&PagePosition=1
 
Reid,



I talked with the folks at PIE (Precision Interface Electronics) and the FRDN-AUX will give me an auxiliary port. I am wondering though if this is worth the extra expense and effort? I am by no means an audiophile. Will I notice the difference between FM modulation through a direct connection through the antenna vs the direct connection through the AUX port?



Here is the FRDN-AUX

http://www.pie.net/index-2-details.cfm?recordID=FRDN-AUX

frdn-aux_m.jpg




Here is a site that carries the FRDN-AUX

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=430



Here is a link to a 3.5mm-RCA cable that they say is needed to go from the SkyFi2 to the RCA on the FRDN-AUX

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2009&sku=03180

03180.jpg




I also found a possible solution for your '04 Mach 460 dilema though. It would appear that PIE is working on a solution for the '04 Mach 460. Here is another company that is marketing a similar product for the '04 Mach 460 head unit. Here is a thread from their forum.



http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=2&TopicID=287&PagePosition=1
 
i think it is possible for you to notice the difference. for one thing, using a FM modulator, even a wired one, is still like listening to FM radio. but directly wiring your XM radio to your car radio would be like listening to it through headphones. did you read blkz28conv's post asking for other member's opinions on XM radio? if not, HERE it is. it seems like opinions vary from people liking it to people disliking it.



gnahc79 had this to say about his XM radio:

I like my XM, I've had it for over 2 yrs. It cuts out under bridges (~2 sec), under heavy tree cover, and occasionally when I'm in San Francisco. My antenna is mounted on the roof and everything too. Not a big deal for me really. Sound quality using the FM modulator is inbetween CD and FM. With an aux in I think it should be much better. The FM modulator is finicky and the FM signal, if strong enough, does override the XM signal.



that's one thing i noticed with FM modulators (i have one for my iPod). sometimes the signal gets junk. like the other day, i started getting static from my cell phone. but whether you go with the wired FM modulator or an auxilary input adaptor, it's probably better than regular ol' FM radio. :)



and thanks for the info about blitzsafe. i saw that post when i was looking for an iPod adaptor. it's been a while for them to post anything new. hopefully PIE does come out with one for my Mach 460 soon, i think logjamselectronics had something there, so i don't have to go with the aftermarket radio route. i don't mind, Alpine has a nice headunit, but like you said, that is a whole 'nother can of worms. :) btw, if you have an iPod and want to hook it up to your Stang, i have a PIE iPod adaptor you can have if you want it.
 
i think it is possible for you to notice the difference. for one thing, using a FM modulator, even a wired one, is still like listening to FM radio. but directly wiring your XM radio to your car radio would be like listening to it through headphones. did you read blkz28conv's post asking for other member's opinions on XM radio? if not, HERE it is. it seems like opinions vary from people liking it to people disliking it.



gnahc79 had this to say about his XM radio:

I like my XM, I've had it for over 2 yrs. It cuts out under bridges (~2 sec), under heavy tree cover, and occasionally when I'm in San Francisco. My antenna is mounted on the roof and everything too. Not a big deal for me really. Sound quality using the FM modulator is inbetween CD and FM. With an aux in I think it should be much better. The FM modulator is finicky and the FM signal, if strong enough, does override the XM signal.



that's one thing i noticed with FM modulators (i have one for my iPod). sometimes the signal gets junk. like the other day, i started getting static from my cell phone. but whether you go with the wired FM modulator or an auxilary input adaptor, it's probably better than regular ol' FM radio. :)



and thanks for the info about blitzsafe. i saw that post when i was looking for an iPod adaptor. it's been a while for them to post anything new. hopefully PIE does come out with one for my Mach 460 soon, i think logjamselectronics had something there, so i don't have to go with the aftermarket radio route. i don't mind, Alpine has a nice headunit, but like you said, that is a whole 'nother can of worms. :) btw, if you have an iPod and want to hook it up to your Stang, i have a PIE iPod adaptor you can have if you want it.
 
I got XM free for 3 months with my new H2 purchase. I must say I love it. I never thought I would want to pay for radio music. :chuckle:

But I think I amgoing to continue after the free period runs out. The H2 has a Bose package and the sound is wonderful!
 
I got XM free for 3 months with my new H2 purchase. I must say I love it. I never thought I would want to pay for radio music. :chuckle:

But I think I amgoing to continue after the free period runs out. The H2 has a Bose package and the sound is wonderful!
 
Thanks for the info Reid, I think I am gonna go with the PIE FRDN-AUX. I would have to pull the head unit either way and the FRDN-AUX is only $40 over the price of the FM modulator. The consensus seems to be that the sound is going to be much better.



Also, PIE does have a forum and there was a thread there on the '04 Mach 460. Supposedly there is going to be a part available the end of this month that will allow you to use the "SAT" button as an auxiliary button for audio input.



Here is the thread from the PIE forum

http://www.pie.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135&highlight=mustang
 
Thanks for the info Reid, I think I am gonna go with the PIE FRDN-AUX. I would have to pull the head unit either way and the FRDN-AUX is only $40 over the price of the FM modulator. The consensus seems to be that the sound is going to be much better.



Also, PIE does have a forum and there was a thread there on the '04 Mach 460. Supposedly there is going to be a part available the end of this month that will allow you to use the "SAT" button as an auxiliary button for audio input.



Here is the thread from the PIE forum

http://www.pie.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135&highlight=mustang
 
I have the XM Commander in my 2003 Ford Explorer with a PIE adaptor to plug it into my factory in dash 6 disc changer. I LOVE IT!!!!! I did have one problem. When the installer installed the PIE cable at first the sound was bad. It had distortion like I was blasting the music and the speakers couldn't handle it even when it was at low volume. They had to install a piece that normally is used to balance subwoofers (not sure of the name). It turns down the the output from the XM to the head unit and it totally cleared up the distortion. The output set at the factory is set for FM mod and when you use FM mod there is a lot of signal loss so you have to crank up the output. If you get direct connect you will never be able to go back to the FM modulator. The difference is night and day. FM mod is pretty poor sound especially if you are paying every month to listen.

The nice thing about the XM Commander is that it is small enough to conceal. I had it put in the sunglasses holder in my Explorer. When it is closed everything looks factory and there are no wires showing (and the thiefs don't know its there). I also have a XM MyFi that I take to work and everywhere else. Now I can get XM all the time! You can't go wrong with XM.
 
I have the XM Commander in my 2003 Ford Explorer with a PIE adaptor to plug it into my factory in dash 6 disc changer. I LOVE IT!!!!! I did have one problem. When the installer installed the PIE cable at first the sound was bad. It had distortion like I was blasting the music and the speakers couldn't handle it even when it was at low volume. They had to install a piece that normally is used to balance subwoofers (not sure of the name). It turns down the the output from the XM to the head unit and it totally cleared up the distortion. The output set at the factory is set for FM mod and when you use FM mod there is a lot of signal loss so you have to crank up the output. If you get direct connect you will never be able to go back to the FM modulator. The difference is night and day. FM mod is pretty poor sound especially if you are paying every month to listen.

The nice thing about the XM Commander is that it is small enough to conceal. I had it put in the sunglasses holder in my Explorer. When it is closed everything looks factory and there are no wires showing (and the thiefs don't know its there). I also have a XM MyFi that I take to work and everywhere else. Now I can get XM all the time! You can't go wrong with XM.
 
By the way the my antenna is under my dash. I was worried about it when they told me they put it there but it gets just as good reception as on my old car when it was on the roof (both in the city and country).
 
By the way the my antenna is under my dash. I was worried about it when they told me they put it there but it gets just as good reception as on my old car when it was on the roof (both in the city and country).
 
Bob,



Thanks for the info! now i don't have to spend a lot of money for an aftermarket car stereo system and can spend more money on waxes and polishes! :buffing:



*UPDATE* i just ordered it. i'll most likely get it next week some time. :clap:
 
Bob,



Thanks for the info! now i don't have to spend a lot of money for an aftermarket car stereo system and can spend more money on waxes and polishes! :buffing:



*UPDATE* i just ordered it. i'll most likely get it next week some time. :clap:
 
boehljed said:
I have the XM Commander in my 2003 Ford Explorer with a PIE adaptor to plug it into my factory in dash 6 disc changer. I LOVE IT!!!!! I did have one problem. When the installer installed the PIE cable at first the sound was bad. It had distortion like I was blasting the music and the speakers couldn't handle it even when it was at low volume. They had to install a piece that normally is used to balance subwoofers (not sure of the name). It turns down the the output from the XM to the head unit and it totally cleared up the distortion. The output set at the factory is set for FM mod and when you use FM mod there is a lot of signal loss so you have to crank up the output. If you get direct connect you will never be able to go back to the FM modulator. The difference is night and day. FM mod is pretty poor sound especially if you are paying every month to listen.

The nice thing about the XM Commander is that it is small enough to conceal. I had it put in the sunglasses holder in my Explorer. When it is closed everything looks factory and there are no wires showing (and the thiefs don't know its there). I also have a XM MyFi that I take to work and everywhere else. Now I can get XM all the time! You can't go wrong with XM.
Click to expand...



I did some searching around on the output problem you mention. I just found out that the Delphi SkyFi2 has the ability to adjust the ouput for situations just as you mention. You can adjust the output through the software on the unit so this shouldn't be a problem for me.



Here is the section from the SkyFi user manual.



Adjusting the Audio Level



The factory default setting should work well in most situations. However, if you hear distortion, you should decrease the audio level. If the XM audio level is too low compared to other sources such as CD, cassette, or other FM stations, you may want to increase the audio level.



1. Press the “menu� button.

2. Use the scroll wheel (or remote) to select “Audio Level.� Press the “XM� button to confirm.

3. Use the scroll wheel (or remote) to select the desired level. Press the “XM� button to confirm selection.

4. Press the “menu� button to return to the main menu and then again to return to normal operation.



Note: This is not a volume control. This feature should be used to better match the SKYFi2 audio level with the other audio sources in the receiver. Set the volume using the audio system or FM radio connected to your SKYFi2.
Click to expand...



Thanks for the input though, much appreciated :xyxthumbs
 
boehljed said:
I have the XM Commander in my 2003 Ford Explorer with a PIE adaptor to plug it into my factory in dash 6 disc changer. I LOVE IT!!!!! I did have one problem. When the installer installed the PIE cable at first the sound was bad. It had distortion like I was blasting the music and the speakers couldn't handle it even when it was at low volume. They had to install a piece that normally is used to balance subwoofers (not sure of the name). It turns down the the output from the XM to the head unit and it totally cleared up the distortion. The output set at the factory is set for FM mod and when you use FM mod there is a lot of signal loss so you have to crank up the output. If you get direct connect you will never be able to go back to the FM modulator. The difference is night and day. FM mod is pretty poor sound especially if you are paying every month to listen.

The nice thing about the XM Commander is that it is small enough to conceal. I had it put in the sunglasses holder in my Explorer. When it is closed everything looks factory and there are no wires showing (and the thiefs don't know its there). I also have a XM MyFi that I take to work and everywhere else. Now I can get XM all the time! You can't go wrong with XM.
Click to expand...



I did some searching around on the output problem you mention. I just found out that the Delphi SkyFi2 has the ability to adjust the ouput for situations just as you mention. You can adjust the output through the software on the unit so this shouldn't be a problem for me.



Here is the section from the SkyFi user manual.



Adjusting the Audio Level



The factory default setting should work well in most situations. However, if you hear distortion, you should decrease the audio level. If the XM audio level is too low compared to other sources such as CD, cassette, or other FM stations, you may want to increase the audio level.



1. Press the “menu� button.

2. Use the scroll wheel (or remote) to select “Audio Level.� Press the “XM� button to confirm.

3. Use the scroll wheel (or remote) to select the desired level. Press the “XM� button to confirm selection.

4. Press the “menu� button to return to the main menu and then again to return to normal operation.



Note: This is not a volume control. This feature should be used to better match the SKYFi2 audio level with the other audio sources in the receiver. Set the volume using the audio system or FM radio connected to your SKYFi2.
Click to expand...



Thanks for the input though, much appreciated :xyxthumbs
 
boehljed said:
By the way the my antenna is under my dash. I was worried about it when they told me they put it there but it gets just as good reception as on my old car when it was on the roof (both in the city and country).
Click to expand...



I am going to experiment with antenna placement inside the Mustang. I reaaaaalllllyyyy don't want to place the antenna on the roof. I would appreciate any input others have as to non-conventional antenna placement and how reception is.



The two locations I am considering at this point are inside on the dashboard and outside under the plastic cowling between the bottom of the windshield and the hood on the Mustang. While probably not as good as the roof I have gotten positive feedback from others who have mounted their antenna in these locations.



Found a great XM forum site if anyone is interested.



http://www.xmfan.com/



Thanks
 
boehljed said:
By the way the my antenna is under my dash. I was worried about it when they told me they put it there but it gets just as good reception as on my old car when it was on the roof (both in the city and country).
Click to expand...



I am going to experiment with antenna placement inside the Mustang. I reaaaaalllllyyyy don't want to place the antenna on the roof. I would appreciate any input others have as to non-conventional antenna placement and how reception is.



The two locations I am considering at this point are inside on the dashboard and outside under the plastic cowling between the bottom of the windshield and the hood on the Mustang. While probably not as good as the roof I have gotten positive feedback from others who have mounted their antenna in these locations.



Found a great XM forum site if anyone is interested.



http://www.xmfan.com/



Thanks
 
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