IntroductionThe main
satellite radio services (2006) are Sirius
and XM. Both cost about $13 per
month for a subscription, and offer 150-200 channels (mostly
commercial-free). Their respective websites describe a range of options
for hardware. Adam decided on the XM service, and used the Terk XM
Commander Satellite Radio tuner/receiver. The unit (photos at right and
above) is available at most electronics stores and costs about $170. (I
found it for $133 at Buy.com --
search for XM Commande on their site). The receiver has a slim 2-line
display and a separate tuner.FM modulator and antenna that can be
hidden out of sight. Like most similar systems for adding iPod or
Satellite radio capability to an existing sound system, the FM
modulator creates a signal on an unused FM frequency that is picked up
by the vehicle's standard radio.  |
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| All trim
pieces pop off. Adam ran a wire between the trim covers and to the
bottom of
the center armrest unit. (Cover in rear where upgraded video plugs in comes off) |
Range
Rover Antenna unit (Phone / FM / Sat). Top screw-on wire is FM from
left rear window to antenna block. This is where you tie into with the XM Commander's FM modulator. Note that the better quality FM modulators cut out the factory FM antenna completely, so two wires are needed -- one to turn on and off the modulator, and the other a mini plug wire that would run from the front back to the FM modulator for the audio. Adam used two wires (made for older VW's) that he found at Crutchfield). |
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| XM Direct unit in place in left rear loadspace behind the cover panel. Adam mounted the XM tuner/modulator on an existing metal plate. Ground shown by arrow. | Detail of
power connections on right rear fuse panel (behind cover in loadspace).
One wire for 12V on all times, other 12V on while radio is on. The first uses a spade connector in an unused relay socket; the second is married to the fuse. (All wires have their own in-line fuses) |
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| To mount
the antenna, Adam took off the top rear spoiler where the 3rd brake
light is. Top is plastic and bottom
is metal...great for the XM antenna. 3 bolts removed, then unit slides
to rear
2 inches then lift. (Picture does not show actual antenna). The XM antenna wire is so thin that Adam did not want to break it by putting it near a weld seam, so he ran it over weather strip. |