I've had XM satellite radio (alpine head unit, alpine tuner module, terk antenna which is INSIDE the car behind the brake light) for about 2 weeks now, just gonna give you all the heads up that it is sounds very good and works pretty much without a glitch..

seems to be like.. about 128-192kbps mp3 quality most of the time.. unless you go under a bridge or on tight backroads and it cuts out for a little bit.

somewhere between 80-100 real channels.. something for EVERY taste, and I mean EVERY.

If your FM radio sucks badly in your area, get XM. been there and done that.


David
'00 Protege DX
http://323.itgo.com

 

Thanks David,
I live in an urban area with good FM reception, but I just got a replacement head unit with XM satellite capability after my old deck was stolen. What does the antenna look like? What is the connection like if it's installed by the rear brake light?

 

there is no visible connection if it is installed cleanly, but the antenna connection is 2 wires that go to a decoder module, then the decoder module is usually (at least in alpine's case one wire) which runs straight to the head unit where everything is happy.

the only semi-thick wire is the one that goes from decoder to head unit.. the other ones are very very thin

unfortunately as far as I know all XM "ready" head units (including my alpine 7873) require an extra decoder module since all the circuitry cant fit on the PCB inside the unit.. which can be powered off the same 12v that runs your amps, you can use really thin wire, almost like the gauge of remote turn on lead wire..

pics..

http://www.motion-science.com/tradr_/xm1.jpg
antenna itself on rear decklid inside car

http://www.motion-science.com/tradr_/xm2.jpg
decoder module thats absolutely necessary (and grr.. usually around $250 extra in addition to head unit)

http://www.motion-science.com/tradr_/xm3.jpg
everything working fabulous.. dance station

good luck,
David
'00 Protege DX
'93 Elantra GLS
'02 Chinese Gas Miniscooter
http://323.itgo.com