I just bought an XM radio, a plug-n-play unit. I was hoping to use the FM broadcast option but it seems this is the worse reception/quality. Is there a way to hook the XM unit to the base/standard audio system in the MINI (not the HK)? I'd be interested in any experiences with any simple PnP setup.

thanks,

 

You know you've got 6 different freq's you can try for the fm mod option, right?

I recently changed from a roady to the roady II and thought the fm mod worked well! I did have to search for a freq that wasn't near a station in my local area.

But to answer your question: yes you can get the aux adapter, do a search there are all kinds of threads that cover it.

 

Since you already bought the XM unit, I agree with what Smokey (Hey, how ya' doing my friend?) said. I have heard a Roady with the FM link and it sounds fine.

Purists will want to directly connect their XM receiver to the CD Changer bus. That option requires purchasing an XM Direct receiver and connecting it to the bus using a Blitzsafe adapter. The receiver goes in the boot behind the trim panel on the right side (where the CD Changer would go) and connects to the bus cable tucked in there. The antenna (magnetically) mounts directly behind the radio antenna with the wire entering the body through the rubber grommit at the top of the hatch frame. The wire runs down the c-pillar to the XM Direct unit.

I am extremely happy with this setup. It provides the best connectivity option, is hidden from view (except the antenna), uses the head unit for channel/artist/song info, and allows the MFSW to control changing among your XM presets. The one negative it that the HU can only display a limited number of characters for the channel/artist/song. I believe the XM Direct will work with both the base and H/K satellite-ready units.

More info on the XM Direct product for MINIs can be found HERE.

Theo
(Thep is missing, again!)

 

Thanks to you both for the reply posts. I'll try the Roady2 to check out the service, then maybe spring for the XM Direct in the boot if all goes well (and maybe my wife will want the Roady for her car...)

cheers,

 

I've been using the Roady II for a while now and don't have any problems with the FM modulator except around bigger cities. Another alternative if you don't want to use the direct FM connection is the Roady XT. With that one you get to use 100 different spots to try and connect to your FM, instead of the six on the 2.

 

you can use the Aux input which is about $40 and while it will not allow you to control the XM with the Head Unit, it will provide better sound than the FM mod.

 

I've got a Roady in my truck and used to use the FM modulator. I switched to the cassette adaptor (yes, my truck has a cassette deck), the improvement in sound quality was incredible.

I was originally going to to with the Aux adaptor, but then opted for the Blitzsafe setup now that the XM Direct unit can be obtained for free (see other posts in this category).

Harry

 

I'd recommend the AUX port (with ground loop isolator). I have a Roady XT - though have not tried the FM frequency options. I can say the XT has a ton more options than my old Roady did. My fiance has the SKIFI 2 and he says the FM frequency works really well, though he uses the cassette adapter (old Doge van) I was thinking of the Blitzsafe, but I wanted more of a display and I am used to using the XM a certain way (direct entry) and it did not seem the same with the blitzsafe. Though I think there was a thread on here to get the direct unit free after rebate - I would have probably done it.