Sirius InV Satellite Radio install...

[re.ac.tor]

You can get the radio here:

SIRIUS InV Plug and Play Satellite Radio and Vehicle Kit - MSRP: $39.99 - Shop Sirius=

Now this install isn't nearly as clean as a behind the dash install but, I think it looks pretty good. Plus with the Sirius display on all the time you can always see what is playing and switch over to it if you see a song you like is playing.

I also noticed that the volume on the AUX input is different from AM/FM1/FM2. For example: you can have the volume at 23 on AM and 35 on AUX without turning the VOL knob. Interesting.

After moving the radio around the cockpit I finally decided on the little removable strip of plastic between the gear shift and the cup holders. I am not sure why that strip is there but is perfect for this install. If you ever need to undo your work all you have to do is buy another one of those plastic strips and there will be no evidence left of your install.

First I stuck the mounting bracket onto the plastic strip utilizing the adhesive backing on the mounting bracket.

Next I drilled 4 holes of varying sizes to accomodate the power, audio and antenna wires/cables.

Then I removed the 2 cupholders and drilled another in hole in the bottom of the tray it sits in (top right).

I routed the antenna cable up from the underside of center console through this hole and then routed it up through the hole I made for it in the little plastic piece.

I had to cut the power wire in half with some wire cutters (to keep the holes I drilled as small as possible). Route the wire through the plastic piece and solder it back together on the back side.

I ran my audio into the AUX input and bought the following 3 items from Radio Shack:

274-0372 Right Angle 1/8" mini stereo adapter x 2 = $ 7.98
420-2387 6" 1/8" audio extension cable x 1 = $ 5.99

The right angle pieces keep the audio cable from interfering with the gear shift and also make the exit out of the AUX in the dash much cleaner.

Just connect all the pieces and you are ready to rock and roll. I have the output of the InV turned up from the factory default of -3dB to the MAX. The sound is VERY GOOD.

See the pics and PM me if you have any questions.

[BTIZ]

Great Install!!! I have not decided on Sirius or XM, been waiting for the merge.

You mentioned drilling a hole and running the antenna cable, but did not mention where you put the antenna. Some have mentioned running wires under the fabric and through the 3rd brake light access. I now have a snug top in the way.

I've considered running along the door sill panels or under the carpet and out the back window to the roof, I would need to figure a way to "close the window" on the antenna cable.

Pictures of your antenna install would be great!

Anyone with ideas?
Thanx.

[re.ac.tor]

BTIZ....

I do not consider my antenna install permanent (yet). I eventually want to run the antenna cable through the 3rd brakelight but, it appears you have to take down the headliner to do that. My last truck (a Titan) made it very easy to remove the 3rd brakelight by having a couple of plastic buttons over the nuts to remove the 3rd brakelight). Toyota did not make it this easy. Taking down the headliner is no easy process and I haven't gotten in the mood to do it yet.

Right now I have the antenna cable tucked just under the underside of the center console and then hidden under the passenger side rear floor mat and the excess rolled up in the underseat storage tray. The cable then goes up to the sliding rear window (behind the back seat) and out onto the roof. It is possible to close the sliding rear window without crimping the antenna cable. It is not very noticeable but, I like for my installs to look more professional. Like I said - this is a "temporary" situation until I get in the mood to tear apart the interior.

re.ac.tor

[alanbmoore]

I've tried two radios, an XM and a Sirius Xpress. Both sounded terrible when I connected them to the AUX port. The sound was faint and tinny. I had to turn up the output volume on the sat radio all the way, and it still wasn't very loud. I saw on a forum somewhere that the output of the satellite radios was made for RCA connections, not 1/4" phone plug connections, and there is a different standard? Did you have this problem?

My AUX port works fine with an IPod, so I don't think the problem is in the truck...

[re.ac.tor]

Originally Posted by alanbmoore

I've tried two radios, an XM and a Sirius Xpress. Both sounded terrible when I connected them to the AUX port. The sound was faint and tinny. I had to turn up the output volume on the sat radio all the way, and it still wasn't very loud. I saw on a forum somewhere that the output of the satellite radios was made for RCA connections, not 1/4" phone plug connections, and there is a different standard? Did you have this problem?

My AUX port works fine with an IPod, so I don't think the problem is in the truck...

The InV has an adjustable output...I have mine maxed out and the sound is TOP NOTCH...better than FM. I have the opposite problem. My Sirius sounds good and loud at 33 while my iPod I have to crank up to 60.

re.ac.tor

[BTIZ]

I have a Creative Labs "Zen" MP3 player, using the aux input, I have to max out the MP3 player and crank the radio to near 60 also. This has been reported in the past.. maybe the InV is the way to go.

Thank for the input on the antenna install, I figured that's what I would do (through the back window) if it would close ok. I get "away from town" out in the middle of no FM reception... but with my MP3, do I really need Sirius or XM?

[re.ac.tor]

Originally Posted by BTIZ

...but with my MP3, do I really need Sirius or XM?

That my friend is the question. My InV was complimentary (less S&H) from Sirius when I called to cancel my subscription to the in dash radio in my last truck (Titan). The price is pretty reasonable (both initial outlay and the monthly subscription) and you would also have the NFL, NASCAR, MLB (post merger), NBA, news, talk and comedy. For me, the price was right .

re.ac.tor

[moonjim]

I ran my antena out thru the third brake light, not very easy. You can pull three pop connectors from the headliner right at the back window. then there are two nuts you unbolt to remove brake light. Caution: sheet metal is very sharp and nuts are aluminium, I broke one so now I need to undo my brake light again this Sat.

[Janga99]

On the Sirius install this way.....do you notice any whine or hiss during listening? I have tried everything and cannot get rid of either one. (btw - I have a Starmate and it's installed almost identical to yours)

[re.ac.tor]

Originally Posted by moonjim

I ran my antena out thru the third brake light, not very easy. You can pull three pop connectors from the headliner right at the back window. then there are two nuts you unbolt to remove brake light. Caution: sheet metal is very sharp and nuts are aluminium, I broke one so now I need to undo my brake light again this Sat.

Thanks for the information moonjim,

So are you saying that you were able to pull down just the rear portion of the headliner WITHOUT BENDING IT to access the 3rd brakelight nuts??? Did you have to remove any of the upper center console??

, re.ac.tor

[re.ac.tor]

Originally Posted by Janga99

On the Sirius install this way.....do you notice any whine or hiss during listening? I have tried everything and cannot get rid of either one. (btw - I have a Starmate and it's installed almost identical to yours)

Janga99,

I do not have any whine or hiss at all. The sound is fantastic. What volume level is your receiver at. Do you have the output of the Starmate maxed out??

I have the output level of the InV maxed out and I usually have my receiver turned to around 33 on the AUX input - the sound is pretty loud and there is no whine or hiss.

re.ac.tor

[Janga99]

Very strange.....the Starmate volume is about 85% and the radio volume stays around 20 (unless something good comes on). I wonder if it's the mini-stereo adapter? I'm using the one that came with the Starmate....wonder if switching that out would help.

[BTIZ]

Re.ac.tor.. I've been thinking of that install, XM has the RoadyXT $40 rebate until the end of June. With those two huge cup holders, what do you think of fashioning a fiberglass mold (think upside down drink cup) into the forward right cup holder, mount your bracket to that, run the wires up through the cup to the power outlet and aux input, and run the antenna wire out the bottom, under the pax seat, down the under the sill plate for the right rear pax door and then to the back window.

I think that would be a very clean install. I can reach that Roady in that position, and it is far enough away that I do not need my reading glasses to read the LCD display.

[alphajoe]

Just an FYI. That narrow strip that you mounted your radio to will clip into the lid of your center console when removed. I took mine out because I like the deeper tray it gives for extra storage.

[dodgenc]

I put XM in mine (the audiovox receiver) - ran the antenna wire under the dash (removed the panel with the cig lighter) and through the firewall with the A/C lines. I tied into the cig lighter power behind the panel so it's a very clean install. Mounted the radio just below the useless coin holder on the dash and just above the tow/haul button. I can reach it without moving my hand from its usual resting place on the shifter. Haven't listened to FM radio since.