OK, here is the deal. Now that I have bought my MCS convertible, I know that I can get a Blitzsafe unit and still be able to use my controls on the steering wheel and have everything hidden. Problem: Not as good a display and cost.

OR

I can get a Roady XT or SkiFi2 and figure out how to hide the wires and do a good mount for the cradle. That gets me more lines on the display and the sports ticker. But I have to use the FM modulator, not that big a deal I don't think since I can find so many empty FM slots now.

The biggest problem is the wires with the external unit.

Opinions anyone?

Oh, I was thinking of one of the lighter stalks, but it won't fit in the car as it is too close to the dashboard, unless I hard wire the receiver in and get the goose neck type.

 

Add the MINI Aux jack to your equation. Should be about $40 and easy to install yourself. With the Aux jack you can run a patch cable from the headphone output on the roady or SciFi car cradle into the Aux Jack... This way you never have to worry about interference from other FM stations.

You should be able to pick up the needed male to male patch cable from your local Radio Shack for I believe less than $10.

 

Are you set on XM? Take a look at the new Sirius Starmate replay.

http://shop.sirius.com/edealinv/serv...7870&scId=7875

 

I just did mine last week. I used a Kuda mount which replaces the OEM cupholder in combo with the AUX port. I was able to hide the wires pretty well. I have the RoadyXT and almost find it too small (replaced a Roady) my other half has the SkiFi2 and I think that was is too big.

I hardwired the power to free up the lighter socket. Take a look in my gallery for pics of the finished install.

 

Where are you all putting the antenna and running the wires.

I'm set with XM, I got it for MLB and ACC sports.

Where did you get the Kuda mount? That looks pretty good!!! I like cup holder but I like the idea of an XM better. I use the remote with my Roady 2. So I would do the same thing with the XT.

 

I have a Roady 2 with the aux input (much better sound quality than FM modulator). For now it is plugged into the lighter socket but I'd like to hardwire it soon. I mounted the cradle on top of the ashtray lid and configured it so that I can still flip it up too access the loose change within. Works pretty well for me.

The long term plan for the antenna is to mount it up inside the base of the radio antenna but for now it sits on the dash next to the A pillar. Seems to work pretty well.

 

i use the skifi unit. it's mounted in front of the two cup holders well hidden from on-lookers. i'm not sure where the fm modulator is, i didn't do it. i wouldn't let them put the anteana on the paint so it sits on the dash on a non-skid pad.

 

The easiest place is the dash, however I'd suggest not putting it right up against the windshield or you'll discover that the wiper actually interferes with the signal...

However your absolute best reception will probably be on the roof...

 

It's funny but I've tried several places on the dash and the reception comes and goes. BUT by accident the thing attached itself to the cup holder and I get pretty good reception there, even with the top up.

I just don't want those wires running everywhere!!!! There has GOT to be a better way.

 

From the cupholder area, it's pretty easy to tuck wires behind the dash and route them all over the place. A good place to start is tilting down the knee bolster for easy access. Just grab it below the steering wheel and tug. It should pop out of the top clips and tilt down.

 

The install depends on your comfort level with digging into the trim panels. I'm not Captain Install by any means, but I went to the trouble to mount the XM antenna at the rear of the car above (and just forward of) the hatch opening, then ran the wiring to the front of the car. Since you have no hatch, would it work to mount it to the top of the trunklid, and then run the wiring as I've describled?

I mounted the cradle for the SkyFi on the inside of the glove box door, so that it stands vertical when the door is open. The wires were then run behind the dash, and under the carpet where needed.

The only downside of this approach is that you have to have the glovebox door open when changing channels. For me, that downside is more than offset by the big upside: the cradle is not visible from outside the car except when you are using it. I wanted to leave the interior untouched visually, so that was my higher priority.

 

Planning to install the XM direct/blitzsafe route into the head unit of the car. I've been an XM user for years and can't wait to be done with the add on units. Maybe the display won't be as good, but not having clutter will outweight that for me. 2 cents 4WIW

 

I just install my XM radio last weekend. I got a Pioneer xm2go. It is a totaly portable unit. ( DC/AC/battery ). I installed it in my glove box. ( I wish I was home to take pictures of how slick it worked out ). The car mount that came with it is mounted on the left side of the glove box door where it rounds up to the hinge... Now, when you open the glove box door, the xm radio stands streight up at you. when you close the door, it lays down top to back, and out of the way. I then added the AUX plug (oem part from mini 39.95) in the back of the glove box to the left of the A/C vent opening.( there is a plastic pop out peice there that I mounted it to.) Now the radio is connected to the Aux port on the back of the stock radio. I have a sunroof, so I ran the ant through a opening in the sunroof frame, then, removed a little oval cover ( looks like a little vent ) to the right of the sunroom open/close button by just using my fingernail,and pry it down. pulled the ant connector thru the oval opening. Now taped the end of the ant connector to a large cable tie ( zip tie, or what ever people call them) and pushed it thru the head liner till it came out the front at the windshield. Pulled enought slack to reach accross window, down post, around the end of dash board,and into glove box to radio cradle. ( total time to do was 15 min.) then wadded up excess cable hanging thru the oval hole, put a twist tie around and shoved up in the roof liner and replace little cover. The ant wire lies between the pop up wind deflectors, and doesnt get damaged when the roof closes.


The cool thing about this radio, is that it is totaly portable. I pop it out of its glove box mount, and clip it on my belt and listen thru head phones. Or, take it in the house or office, and use the FM modulator and listen to it over my homes intercom system, or any clock radio. It is strong enough to xmit thru out a 2500 sq ft house. It also will buffer 5hrs of music to listen to on airplanes ect....

I will post some picts over the weekend when I get back in town.

 

This weekend I was beginning to think of the same thing. I had the top down so when I went into eat I just popped my Roady2 into the glove box, wires and all. When I came out, I forgot about it, until I turned on the key and the music started. WHAT THE HECK!!!??? I'm going to get me a glove box organizer and then see if I can still fit one of the XMs with a cradle in, either the Roady XT or the SkiFi. Then I'll run all the wires out the back of the box and only worry about opening it when I change channels. No big deal and no one will ever no it's there. I would still rather be able to see the display but that is a small sacrifice to be able to hide all the wires!!!

 

I had a Roady2 using the FM modulator and didn't like it. It seemed difficult to operate while driving and hard to read (placed under the e-brake). The FM modulator was the worst. The sound wasn't good and other stations would interfere with the signal when traveling.


I now have the XM direct w/ Blitzsafe and I love it! I can program in 18 stations using the head unit and if I want more info... I hit the info button The sound quality is excellent. And no wires to hide

 

How long did it take for it to activate, I installed mine last night and did it online, then went out and motored but it never came on, just channel 1 and 252.

 

The online thing sucks. Call XM and chose the option to resend the signal. Make sure your radio is on. Usually takes about 10 minutes.

 

Your unit has to be ON when you activate it!!! I've heard about people finding out about this the hard way. Just go turn on the key and then try to activate.

 

I knew it had to be on, turns out their website didnt add service, just the fee for the activation. Once they did that it worked in 2 minutes!

 

I love XM!!!

 

I wanted the cleanest install so I went with Blitz and the XM tuner. There are no wires visible and the antenna went out on top next to the factory antenna.

Wires for antenna went out the side and up the windshield and are tucked under the rummber molding. Reception is great. See photo below

One drawback is the lack of info on HK display. This is a negative, but the +++ outweigh the display limit.

Fred

 

That looks great. Where did you exit the antenna wire out of the vehicle?

 

Nice job. You should be able to get artist & song info by hitting the info button on the HU

 

Wire goes down the winshield into the car near the door hinge. Behind the plates that say MINI Cooper into the boot where the tuner is located. I don't see any of the wires.

I had Circuit City install everything for $45 and it was complete in less than one hour.

Fred

 

$45!!!! That's a steal!! I'll do that!!


Pir8...What button is the info button?