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So I'm like a giddy schoolboy, having put my Aux-in to good use by introducing it to an XM Commander. I thought yall'd like to see how I installed it. In light of the road trips planned this year, it seemed like a good deal, after finding out my FM only gets maybe 4 stations, none of which classical or NPR, and no possibility for improvement.
The XM is hardwired into a couple of wires in the cable going to the ignition switch.
I needed 3 wires: Ground, Battery & Accesory.
Ground: The nice thick black wire
Battery: a small red wire that is always hot.
Accesory: a blue/red striped wire from the cigarette lighter in the ashtray, only on when engine is on or key is in "On" position (with engine off). I could have used a wire in the same bundle which powers the armrest powerpoint, but I have an Inverter running off that, so I didn't want to overload it, and I wasn't using the ashtray lighter for anything anymore).
I installed the display unit in the ashtray. I made quite a bit of modification to it, but I believe I can still put it together & no one will be the wiser. And yes, the ashtray closes, so it's completely hidden from view.
The antenna is sitting under the rear parcel shelf trim on the metal (thanks tbully!). Works like a charm except going under bridges, but doesn't bother me enough to strap it to the outside. I routed that simply to the RH C-pillar, down the rear seat to the sills, and to the rubber padding that collars the steering column, to the center console.
I routed the RCA->phono cord right through a hole I made in the coin holder.
I got the commander because I didn't want a brick in the vehicle, and since the display fit in the ashtray, it seemed like a logical idea.
Happy happy happy! 8)
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The best part was when I picked up the unit @ Best Buy & he told me I needed an FM Modulator adapter. "Nope, got it covered" I said smugly walking away, him standing there aghast. :cheesy:
The XM is hardwired into a couple of wires in the cable going to the ignition switch.
I needed 3 wires: Ground, Battery & Accesory.
Ground: The nice thick black wire
Battery: a small red wire that is always hot.
Accesory: a blue/red striped wire from the cigarette lighter in the ashtray, only on when engine is on or key is in "On" position (with engine off). I could have used a wire in the same bundle which powers the armrest powerpoint, but I have an Inverter running off that, so I didn't want to overload it, and I wasn't using the ashtray lighter for anything anymore).
I installed the display unit in the ashtray. I made quite a bit of modification to it, but I believe I can still put it together & no one will be the wiser. And yes, the ashtray closes, so it's completely hidden from view.
The antenna is sitting under the rear parcel shelf trim on the metal (thanks tbully!). Works like a charm except going under bridges, but doesn't bother me enough to strap it to the outside. I routed that simply to the RH C-pillar, down the rear seat to the sills, and to the rubber padding that collars the steering column, to the center console.
I routed the RCA->phono cord right through a hole I made in the coin holder.
I got the commander because I didn't want a brick in the vehicle, and since the display fit in the ashtray, it seemed like a logical idea.
Happy happy happy! 8)
The best part was when I picked up the unit @ Best Buy & he told me I needed an FM Modulator adapter. "Nope, got it covered" I said smugly walking away, him standing there aghast. :cheesy:
