Just picked up a portable XM unit that will work in the Mini, the house, the motorcycle, etc. It came with several cradles and other do-dads but does require an antenna installation in the Mini. Any ideas about routing the antenna wire? Thinking of putting the antenna on the back near the factory antenna and mounting the cradle in/on the ashtray, coin-holder, whatever it is. The unit talks to the car on an unused FM freq but I may just hardwire it since I plan to leave the cradle in the car. Anyone with a similar set-up? Does the FM transmitter option work OK? TIA

tony

 

Yep, I've got the same rig. I used the sticky backed dash mount and stuck it to the top of the coin holder. It works pretty well, you can still flip the thing up to reach the coins.

I've got my antenna behind the radio antenna. Works just fine. You can route it at the edge of the headliner/window trim all the day to the dash.

Hard wiring is a good idea. I've heard that you'll get much better reception.

I got the home unit too and transfer the XM on weekends.

 

I'm expecting my Cabrio next weekend ( ) and will need to run my XM antenna somewhere / somehow. Anyone topless with an XM setup? How'd you do it, have any pics? I'm planning on getting the MyFi so I can lock it in the glovebox / boot.

In my hardtop I have my antenna (used with my SkyFi) run to my dash, inside. But I want something a little better looking and harder to steal (since I may at times leave my top down away from the car).

 

I just installed my XM today. XM antenna behind the FM antenna. Run the wire throught the grommet, then along the headliner like Johnna said, It's not diffucult.

I used the aux. input. My dealer wanted $125 to install. I did it myself, 5 minute job! Works great!

 

>> Run the wire throught the grommet, <<

Would that be the rubber grommets at the top corners of the open boot? Where do they come out on the inside? How did you secure the wire along the top of the boot opening? I'm thinking, now, that perhaps I will put the XM antenna right above one of the grommets. Left or Right?
Thanks for everyone's input.

tm

 

You've got to center the XM antenna directly behind the radio antenna. You don't want to look lopsided now. Do you?

 

 

have yet to figure out a good location to keep my Roady 2 Antenna on my Cabrio. I refuse to try to thread it under anything for fear of leaking. As for now I just have the wires hidding under the glovebox going up the side panel by the passenger door and the Antenna sits in the far right corner of the front window. Only problem is that gives me 1 to 2 bars and sometimes when its cloudy I end up losing the signal very often.

Howard

 

I know this sounds silly but, make sure the antenna isn't right up against the windshield. Keep it back an inch to an inch and a half... Believe it or not but the windshield wiper arms can partially upstruct the signal if you have the antenna up against the windshield.

Took a rainy day for me to figure that out in the Cooper!

 

Mark,
Thanks a bunch for the info, especially the pics. Very helpful! Will try and get started this week between bouts of work. (Must have $ for more upgrades!) The MyFi is a little different than your control head. Should sit nicely in the space formerly known as the ashtray. I will probably have to build some sort of attachment/base for the cradle but will cross that hurdle after the antenna. thanks again.

tony

 

I see how this is done... but I have a Clubby with barn doors - any suggestions?

Thank you and happy holidays

dorkdog

 

Mine's on the dashboard with the wire down between glass and dash then down the rubber around the door...it's been there for 7 years and works as well as my son's roof mounted antenna.
Philip