Satellite Radio Questions

[jbings4]

I own a 2005 Saab 9-3 Linear model. I do not have an auxillary input on my vehicle.
I was wondering if there was a simple way to install satellite radio without too much work. I am not a techie by any means so I am looking for something simple. Any advice?

[robhurlburt]

-simplest way would be to use your satelite radios included FM transmitter
-2nd easiest would be to purchase a wired FM modulator and adaptor for the saab antenna and install that. requires removing radio
-3rd easiest is have AUX-IN enabled by the dealer and install the AUX-IN cable yourself

ordered from worst sound quality to best

[Krieg]

Are you buying a new radio or using one you already have?

XM has some new radios that use the car's internal wiring to transmit the FM signal. One of these radios would be very easy to install. You just plug it into the 12V plug and go.

If you have an existing radio with the "Sureconnect", that's pretty easy to install as well. You run a wire to the antenna on the back window and doublestick tape an "injector" to it. This is the system I use. It works fairly well.

Final easy option is to get an older radio off of Ebay. Old XM radios have very powerful FM transmitters, so much so that the FCC made them recall them.

Old XM radios actually transmit the FM signal back up through the satellite antenna, broadcasting it from the sat antenna to the FM antenna. It would overpower any radio signal on the frequency you set it to, it was that powerful.

It would also overpower the signals of cars around you, which pissed off the NPR crowd who were constantly hearing XM in traffic.

[jbings4]

How bad is the sound quality through an FM radio station?

[Krieg]

I've used both Aux-in and the FM transmitter. You can't even tell the difference, sound wise.

I've got the 150W stereo, which sux, and XM is very compressed and has awful SQ to begin with, so it really makes absolutely no difference.

The only advantage to the Aux-in is that it doesn't have burn through like FM has when you drive near the transmitters on the frequency you are using.

But in my case, an '07, the aux-in is on the face of the stereo, so I'd have a wire out on the dash. The Sureconnect is a cleaner install, all the lines are run underneath the trim.

[SpoolinUpBlue]

I prefer the AUX in over the FM transmitter. I live in Houston and it seems that with the FM transmitter that the XM radio would fade out due to the radio station.

[Krieg]

That can be a problem.

XM has a product called "FM Direct" that plugs into the back of the radio where the antenna plugs in. The antenna then plugs into it.

With the FM direct, when the XM is on, the antenna is disconnected.

This isn't a project for someone who isn't handy and knowledgible, but it could be done at Best Buy.

[robhurlburt]

i am about to change my connection from the AUX-IN to a FM transmitter. I am so sick of pushing the SRC button twice when i get in my car.

[SpoolinUpBlue]

Originally Posted by robhurlburt

i am about to change my connection from the AUX-IN to a FM transmitter. I am so sick of pushing the SRC button twice when i get in my car.

I do this everyday..lol

[arls544]

Originally Posted by robhurlburt

i am about to change my connection from the AUX-IN to a FM transmitter. I am so sick of pushing the SRC button twice when i get in my car.

drives me batty...
couldn't it just stay on the last mode selected!??!?!

[robhurlburt]

Originally Posted by SpoolinUpBlue

I do this everyday..lol

drives me bonkers!