I just recently bought the new XM Roady. It's smaller than the SkiFi unit and you can see it a lot better during the daytime. The new antenna is super small as well. Supposed to provide a better range too.

Anyway, about the install. I was really stumped as to where to place the unit. I originally thought of the parcel shelf. This wouldn't work because you can't see the unit. This unit also doesn't come with a remote either...not that that would've mattered. The remotes are IR not RF. Which means that they also have to have line of sight.

Next idea was the old install behind the cig lighter. I personally didn't want this because of the lighter being in front of the unit.

Next thought about a phone mount. This would work, but I didn't want to drill holes in the floor. I did run across a cool phone mount that fits in your cup holder. I thought that this would be it. PERFECT! I went to some stores and they had no clue what one of the devices was. My next option would be to order one from the net. ($33.00). I then looked at the ashtray and popped it out of the cup holder, turned it upside-down and then thought, "If I pop the lid off, it might work".

So I call the parts dept. and ask how much one costs (22.00) and order one. I pop the lid off, sand and file down the rough spots and try to install it in the driver-side cup holder. No fit. I have to file down the top half because of the narrowing shape. File it down and WAH-LAH! Fit like a glove. Here are some pics of the final install. Hope you like...








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Nice job! I need to ask a favor though. Can you post the EXACT dimensions of that antenna? And how's the reception? Many dropouts?

 

I've been wondering where to put one myself. Great idea!!! I do have a couple of questions though. How did you attach the Roady to the converted ashtray? Is it easily removed? Are you getting any drop-outs by having the antenna inside?

Thanks

 

Thanks, I will get the measurements for you later today when I break for lunch. Take my word for it....it's small. Very unobtrusive. As you can tell it fits directly in front of the sensor. The other unit's antenna (for SkiFi) was unable to do this. There is also another antenna available from Blitzsafe that's even smaller. HOWEVER, it doesn't have a 90 degree connector and would stick out (like the aux connector does currently....check the pic.). I have solved the aux connector by going to radio shack and buying a 90 degree adapter (cat # 274-372). This will offer the cleanest look for the wires. I have also thought about a cubby organizer...maybe the pocket or something, but I will have to try someone else's before I purchase one. This would hide almost all wires. I guess I am just **** about installs. Currently I can only see 2- The antenna and aux. coming from center. Not a big deal....but still could be better.

For other info on sat. radio go to http://www.xmfan.com. It has a ton of useful info. :smile:

 

>>I've been wondering where to put one myself. Great idea!!! I do have a couple of questions though. How did you attach the Roady to the converted ashtray? Is it easily removed? Are you getting any drop-outs by having the antenna inside?
>>
>>Thanks

The roady comes with a mount. The bottom of the mount has adhesive (big time 3M stuff). Once you have fitted the ashtray in (upside down), it's time to attach the mount. Here's a clue- take the mount apart until there is just the part that has the adhesive on it. This way you can get a good push to seal it. As far as removing it, I haven't tried to remove it yet. The ashtray fit so snuggly that it would probably take quite a pull to get it out. I could have filed it down more, but I wanted a solid feel. If you're worried about theft, you can take the roady out of the mount very easily. Just pry one side and tada- it's off.

Drop outs. I have had a couple for a second or two. They both have happened when I was very close to a building. Pulling up to my apartment (3 story building) and dropping my daughter off at school (I pull right to the front). These were only for a couple seconds and that's it. Heck I was getting out of the vehicle at these times anyway. Other than that, I drove all over town this morning and no drop-outs

 

>>Drop outs. I have had a couple for a second or two. They both have happened when I was very close to a building. Pulling up to my apartment (3 story building) and dropping my daughter off at school (I pull right to the front). These were only for a couple seconds and that's it. Heck I was getting out of the vehicle at these times anyway. Other than that, I drove all over town this morning and no drop-outs

That's good to hear. My XM antenna (looks like this one) is in the same place yours is, but just to the side of the sensor because it's bigger. I get fairly frequent dropouts unless I'm on the highway. I originally wanted to mount it right behind the antenna on the roof but it was just a little too big. If the reception of yours is better, I'll get one and leave it on the dash.

EDIT: after researching this unit more on the web, it seems I can't use this antenna anyway. It has a single connector, where my Alpine XM tuner needs a double connector antenna. Thanks anyway!

EDIT#2: Found an adapter on crutchfield that will let me use the new Blitzsafe antenna (smallest one out there). I'm ordering that one.

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Congrats. That antenna looks real good. I'd love to have one, but I'll survive with the one I have for now.

 

Good job on installing the XM Roady brgmojo

So how much is that hold project cost you?

 

>>Good job on installing the XM Roady brgmojo
>>
>>So how much is that hold project cost you?

120 for the Roady
4.26 for the 90 degree adapter (aux imput)
roughly 30 for the aux imput.
22.00 for the ash tray
roughly 6.00 for the 1/8 to 1/8 cable.

Approx. 190, give or take a few. Very clean install and cheaper than SkiFi.

 

I'd love to be able to hardwire the DC input rather than use the cig. lighter adapter. Has anyone done this?

A bit off the subject, has anyone used the Roady out of the car - i.e. on a home stereo? They don't have a home dock like the SkyFi.

 

>>
>>EDIT#2: Found an adapter on crutchfield that will let me use the new Blitzsafe antenna (smallest one out there). I'm ordering that one.

Just a follow-up. I got the micro antenna and adapter and it works fantastic. Much better reception than before. I also moved it to the roof since it easily fits behing the FM antenna:

 

Approx. 190, give or take a few. Very clean install and cheaper than SkiFi.
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I went to Best Buy today to look at the Roady and SkyFi and was told that the Roady does not as yet have a FM transmitter (which is available for the SkyFi). So how do you make it work with your existing radio/CD? Is the salesman giving me a bit of bull?

BTW, it's nice to know that the Roady comes w ith different color faceplates, although I think that the SkyFi's orange lights are a better visual match for the MINI's lights.