Satellite radio antenna advice

[msubullyfan]

Hey, everyone!

I have a P5 with the 6-disc CD changer that I don't want to get rid of. I really would like to get either Sirius or XM, but I've seen some pretty gaudy equipment in other people's cars that has made me shy away to this point. I have a few questions to ask those of you who've been through this...

(edit: Pics of your install would be VERY helpful, too!)

1 -- Where did you mount the satellite antenna? The instructions of all that I've seen say to not put it on the interior of the vehicle and add it to the roof. However, I don't want the wire running along the roof. If anyone has put it in the interior, where did you put it, and how's the reception?

2 -- What equipment would you recommend to have a clean installation that doesn't look like crap?

3 -- How's the quality of the sound if you use the FM modulator?

I'm sure this has been discussed a thousand times. I've been away from the forums a while, and I couldn't find a good thread to answer my questions. Links to other threads would be fine, too.

Thanks in advance!

 

[msubullyfan]

bump

 

[memo79]

I have sirius. I had it in my Miata before, and when I traded it in, I transfered the unit to my P5. The antenna wire is long enough so that you can run it under the sills and carpet, and through the C pillar. I have my antenna mounted on the rear, right next to the factory antenna. I know, I know. but no one notices it unless I point it out first. I ran the wire as described above, and still had plenty of slack left (sirius receiver/tuner is under my seat)
When I first bought my car, I wanted to keep the cd changer, so I ran kenwood's FM modulator (model #is something like fm901 or something like that, iirc). It's not a very big unit, and the only visible part of it is the controller. I wedged it into the pocket just blow my ashtray, and it looked ok. but I could tell that there was a deterioration in the sound compared to how it sounded in the Miata (I had a Kenwood Sirius-ready head unit) So I bought a new kenwood head unit for my p5. I truly think that the loss of 5 cd's in my dash is a worthwhile trade-off for the improved sound quality.

If you're worried about the antenna placement being off-center, there's another option: I've seen other people with the antenna mounted centered just above their windshield. They ran their wire under the windshield moulding.

Hope this helps.

 

[memo79]

Darn, I just noticed you have a sunroof, so the antenna-above-the-windshield option may not be a good one for you, because there's probably not enough of a metal area there for good reception. I read somewhere, I think in the instructions, where they recommend a minimum area of 2'x2' of sheet metal for optimal reception.

 

[msubullyfan]

(bump) Anyone else with advice? (pics) are most helpful!

 

[Captain KRM P5]

i have mine mounted in the back next to the roof rack rail on the inside - but you don't have rails so thats totally worthless data to you

 

[memo79]

I saw one online over the weekend that only had a 1/2" high profile. you might wanna check into that.

 

[loccusst]

I do this atleast once a day. I also have a P5...so, here goes. The molding along the windshield can be a pain in the ass. I opted for running it through the hatch opening. The problem you will find is the crack between the hatch opening and the door itself is only big enough for the wire itself not the plug right at the top of the hatch. I mounted mine right behinde the factory antenna. just run the wire through the crack. Pull the rubber molding on the hatch opening off enough to run the wire under the moulding and then run it behinde all the panels. Don't cut the wire and becarefull not to pinch the wire. As for the actuall mounting of the unit on the dash area.....good luck. I have an after market stereo with the pocket under it so I just mounted it to the pocket. If you want to keep the factory stereo and go with a sat unit then get a bracket that you can attach behinde the dash panel. Most places sell this for about 30 bucks.

 

[msubullyfan]

loccusst,

Thanks. That's just the kind of info I was looking for!!!!

Looks like the Roady2 would fit in the area between the knobs on the factory stereo (where the tape/mini disc player would go). I may look into that. Otherwise, the pocket below the ashtray may be my best option (XM Commander).

 

[Maxx Mazda]

So what are the opinions on Sirius or XM? I'm going to get XM for my Alpine deck in the P5.

 

[memo79]

Sirius is adding video in 2006.

 

[corndogge]

Hey, about mounting that roady2... You're right it does fit between the knobs in the accesory space, but the inputs for the wiring on the Roady go into the side of the unit. This means the plugs will partially cover your power/volume knob.

I haven't figured out how I will do my permanent install yet - I'm waiting to receive an adapter that switches the tape/md input to rca because the wireless modulator sucks.

Something I just thought of right now is maybe switching to smaller knobs. I'll have to check that out.

Another thing I would reccommend is purchasing a remote. A remote will give you even more mounting flexibility and it's more convenient. Good luck.

 

[DrummerJim50]

Hey, about mounting that roady2... You're right it does fit between the knobs in the accesory space, but the inputs for the wiring on the Roady go into the side of the unit. This means the plugs will partially cover your power/volume knob.

Plus, the little knob to change channels and whatnot is on the top right corner of the unit which would also be hard to get to.

I haven't figured out how I will do my permanent install yet - I'm waiting to receive an adapter that switches the tape/md input to rca because the wireless modulator sucks.

Corndogge, I've been looking for an auxilliary input just like that.....what one are you using (or waiting for)?

 

[DrummerJim50]

If you want to keep the factory stereo and go with a sat unit then get a bracket that you can attach behinde the dash panel. Most places sell this for about 30 bucks.

Do you know where I could get one of these for my car? I haven't been able to find one.

 

[corndogge]

"Plus, the little knob to change channels and whatnot is on the top right corner of the unit which would also be hard to get to."

That's why the remote is helpful.

 

[loccusst]

Sorry for the late reply....I work at Best Buy and we sell the bracket. You can cut it and it is extreemly flexable.

 

[msubullyfan]

Corndogge, I've been looking for an auxilliary input just like that.....what one are you using (or waiting for)?

If you're looking for one for the stock P5 head unit, I think that there's only one available. Here are the parts you'll need...

http://www.myradiostore.us/auxadapters/pie/factory/no-external-changer/maz-pc-alp.html

You'll also need the ALP/M-RCA adapter for the RCA inputs.

I installed this on my P5 head unit with my XM Commander, and it works wonderfully.

 

[VFR pilot]

i have a P5 and a older camry both w/ Sirius

i have this antenna mounted on the dash of the P5

yes, it does loose signal more then the camry w/ the standard antenna on the trunk lid, BUT IMO for the invisibilty off it, it's well worth it, having had the camry broken into and H/U stolen. i'd put this placement @ 90-95% no problems , whre the camry is like 97-98% no problems....

it's on the drivers side, just left of the vent

 

[glyph]

i have XM, just don't put it on a painted surface outside, it WILL scratch over time. I have mine in my rear window now, perfect reception, and no more scratching. Some people put in front window.

at circuit city they attached mine to the side of the stereo with a little metal bracket. The vibration from my AWR mounts makes it vibrate though, and it was free.

 

[Blacky_03]

If you're looking for one for the stock P5 head unit, I think that there's only one available. Here are the parts you'll need...

http://www.myradiostore.us/auxadapters/pie/factory/no-external-changer/maz-pc-alp.html

You'll also need the ALP/M-RCA adapter for the RCA inputs.

I installed this on my P5 head unit with my XM Commander, and it works wonderfully.

So your saying that I can keep my factory radio/cd player and still have satelite radio? I hate the look of those big cumbersome xm/sirius recievers and thought I could never have satellite radio unless I replaced the factory stereo which I rather not do.