Has anyone installed XM radio in their Expy yet?
I am looking for a system that will be compatible with the stock headunit.
I really dont want to have a second deck in the truck. I am looking for a "behind the scenes" XM receiver but dont know if it exists.
My goal is to retain all the functionality of the factory system (AM, FM, CD changer controls, Tape) and add the XM to it.
Or can anyone recommend a double DIN replacement head unit that will A: fix in the stock location (I think that the adaptors are UGLY!) and B: be able to handle the controls (not FM modulated) factory CD changer?
Thanks.

 

you can get the XM Radio harware that is FM modulated that will work with the stock head unit, IF you go this way you will not lose any of the stock units functionality

 

cool thanks!
Although I was trying to stay away from the FM modulated type (because of FM's inability to reproduce true digital frequencies)
it looks like I am stuck.
Does anyone know how true is it that fm does not carry true digital quality, I recall reading something about the limitation in Popular Science a couple of years ago re: FM modulated CD changers.
Or is the difference negligible?

 

I haven't personally heard XM, but a friend of mine was in a vehicle equipped with it and he said the reception was horrific...don't know if it was FM modulated or "direct" though.

 

Morning guys. Might be able to shed some light on this (I installed XM radio in my wife’s Honda.) My wife was on the same opinion. She did not want to lose her Honda setup. So, we added a XM radio that required tuning the radio to an FM frequency. THIS WAS A REALLY BAD IDEA!

As mentioned before, you do lose the DIGITAL sound. For my wife, no biggie, for me (the tech nut) it did not sound any were near what it did in the store. As well, the channels would cut in and out. It was horrible.

So, I took her car in (without her knowledge) and had installed a Kenwood head unit (played MP3s as well as being XM capable). I had the XM receiver that we purchased installed to that. WHAT A DIFFERECE! This thing is really cool now. Channels come in clear as a bell (much better than any radio ever thought about). As well, you cannot lose a channel unless you really try (there is a tunnel here in Dallas that goes under one of the airports. It is about a half mile in length. You will lose the signal there).

I have been debating with mine what to do. I have the factory-installed unit as well. With the rear controls, and a TV /VCR /DVD /Xbox installed in the truck. I really would hate to lose all of the functionality that I have now. However, the improved quality in sound and all the options for channels, it is tough. I am not sure what I am going to do yet.

If you are going to get the XM, get the entire unit and go digital!

Hope this helps,

Boxter


P.S. the wife loves the new unit. Sounds better and she can play MP3s!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Jun-02 AT 01:15 PM (EST)]>As well, you cannot
>lose a channel unless you really try

I have a friend that has it in his d*dge, waste of $$ in my mind, loses signal in downtown areas (tall bldgs), loses signal in fowl weather, loses signal in parking structures and tunnels. All this and you get to 'pay' for the programing, of course this after paying for the head unit/reciever and extra cost antena (not including install)

I instead put a 6 disk indash head unit from a new '03 Expy (owner just had to have upgrade with hugh amps and woofers) in mine. It also plays CD-R, mp3 and controls my existing 6 disk changer. I don't have to fight to see and/or operate a head unit with many tiny buttons while bumping down the road at slightly illegal speeds.

 

Petrol,

Thank you for the correction. I had forgotten about the bad weather. She does lose the signal in really heavy rain. Sorry, issue with brain farts this morning

Boxter

 

Thanks for the info, I will hold off a bit until some of the bugs are worked out.
I do have my factory changer in the truck, and a CD burner on the PC, they work great.

 

I'd hold off on that XM radio. It looks like the FCC is going to force them to regulate their transmit power due to interferance with cell carriers. Means more dead zones until they build out a land based infastructure.

Plus... there are MP3 players for the car now that resemble a changer, but with a 20-80gig drive inside starting at $399. A 20 gig drive will hold 500 songs easily. Thats a lot of music to come up with.

-d

 

I had an all Alpine XM system that also plays mp3s. I think its awesome. I can leave from my house and ride almost all day without to much interferance. I did notice that since ive been using the XM radio for a month and I dont play cds that much anymore.

 

I just got XM, I bought the Sony "plug and play" I paid $209 (open box) at Circuit City. I wanted a unit I could play in the car and house. I also bought the home kit for $150. Well after two weeks I can say the following things. I have not listened to FM or CDs at all since I got it. The Sony plays trough the cassette or RCA jacks. It does not sound too bad, but it could be a little better. It sounds great at home into the RCA inputs of the stereo. I have over 7000 MP3s and over 300 "bought" CDs as well as hundreds or "burned" CDs and I still think that XM is the way to go. I am now adding the Pioneer DEH-P6400 XM ready head unit and adding the Pioneer XM radio this week. My family wants the Sony to stay home ALL DAY. My father wants XM and a few of my friends are buying it this week. Since I have so much music I was asked to bring the music for mu summer office party, I brought the XM radio and everyone loved it. I do not have any problems with drop outs or loss of signal at all.

Also there is a $50 rebate for all XM radios now. Info: http://www.clubxm.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=1394&forum=2&7 or at http://www.xmradio.com/cc/summer02.html Mor info 1. Visit your local consumer electronics store and purchase an XM Radio. 2. Log onto www.rebateshq.com. 3. Select "Get Your Rebate". 4. Select "XM Radio" from the manufacturer list. 5. Select "Online Rebate".

http://www.clubxm.com/phpBB/index.php for much more XM INFO.