Satellite Radio Install " Official Thread "

[Dan J Reed]

Unsure about the whole thing, don't know XM from AM, or are you not so serious about Sirius, check out this great link - with info on a basic install and videos. HOW STUFF WORKS LINK

I also wrote up a DIY on the install in a Jetta GLS. - including making the sat rad turn on with Ign key, or an aftermarket head unit.

http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty...x.htm

Ok, with Stern jumping to satellite radio, I am planning on taking the leap with him. I get a lot of Sirius programming at home with Dish Network, and I like the content (techno, rock, jazz, etc..).

I am planning on getting TWO units, the costs of the units are about $50, I am planning on getting the SIRIUS One, Model: SV1, Type: Plug & Play - One for each MK III since I drive them both in equal times a week to work.

SO,

My questions that I'd like people to answer are:

What do you have XM/SIRIUS:
Why did you choose one over the other:
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car:
What model receiver did you get:
Do you use it at home as well as in the car:
Where did you mount the antenna:
How did you mount the unit:
Tips/Tricks:
Do you loose the signal?:
When/Where do you loose the signal:?
Do you use it at home:
Pros:
Cons:
Overall or

Pictures of units, mounting, etc....

Add anything else about mounting one in a MK III, really the issue I have is how to run the antenna or what mods you had to do to make something work.


Modified by Dan J Reed at 2:55 PM 12-11-2005

[Stealth_TDI]

Hi,

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: XM

Why did you choose one over the other: It was just a choice, most because the radio I wanted fit where I wanted it.

Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 98 Jetta TDI

What model receiver did you get: Delphi Roady2

Do you use it at home as well as in the car: Not yet. I still have just one antenna.

Where did you mount the antenna: On the leading edge of the trunk lid.

How did you mount the unit: In the sun visor.

Tips/Tricks: Buy junkyard visor to practice your cutting techniques!

Do you loose the signal?: Rarely.

When/Where do you loose the signal:? In tunnels and under dense tree coverage. Even under the trees, it only cuts out for a second or so.

Do you use it at home: No. However, I can log in and listen to XM over my network connection.

Pros: No commercials.

Cons: Some songs seem more compressed than others. Most of the time, there's just too much road/wind noise to be able to tell the difference. An A4/B5 owner might be able to hear the difference due to better insulation.

Overall

Rotating GIF showing quick hiding...

Modified by Stealth_TDI at 10:51 AM 2-1-2009

[Dan J Reed]

Visor!! Very trick, I forgot you had that nifty setup..

I myself today ordered two of these...

They come with a remote, and I plan to either mount it to the underside of the sunroof cover, or tuck it into the center console.. - so just the display shows (And use the remote to run it..)

[-DOOMED-]

Dan ,
Paying to listen to the radio , just switch to 93.3 in the morning those guys are way cooler than Stern, i cant stand that whiny turd

[Dan J Reed]

Quote, originally posted by -DOOMED- »

Dan , Paying to listen to the radio , just switch to 93.3 in the morning those guys are way cooler than Stern, i cant stand that whiny turd

Yea, yea.. - they are pretty cool... but its getting to the point where sometimes there is just nothing but crappy commercials, and then no other good radio AT ALL in Philadelphia..

I like the techno stuff on Sirius..

[-DOOMED-]

Quote, originally posted by Dan J Reed »

Yea, yea.. - they are pretty cool... but its getting to the point where sometimes there is just nothing but crappy commercials, and then no other good radio AT ALL in Philadelphia.. I like the techno stuff on Sirius..

Yeah , thats true , i just listen to cds instead

[Dan J Reed]

Fact is, it is the future of radio... just like FM crushed AM, and CableTV/HBO crushed "Network TV Drama" - Sat radio will dominate "Radio". Its the next step...

[cramerica]

Quote, originally posted by -DOOMED- »

i just listen to cds

+1

[-DOOMED-]

Quote, originally posted by Dan J Reed »

Fact is, it is the future of radio... just like FM crushed AM, and CableTV/HBO crushed "Network TV Drama" - Sat radio will dominate "Radio". Its the next step...

As much as id like to say no youre wrong , i have to agree , its where everything is going these days

[Stealth_TDI]

Hi,

Quote, originally posted by Dan J Reed »

Visor!! Very trick, I forgot you had that nifty setup...

Thanks! I forgot to mention that I have since sourced a gray wire loom to replace the painted one in the picture. As predicted, the paint began to crack and flake off. The new molding looks MUCH better and will not crack or flake. I'll update the photos eventually.

I just drove from SE VA to Louisville, KY... 622-miles without fuel stops and without dropping the XM signal! I return home on Friday.

[Basenji]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: XM

Why did you choose one over the other: XM had more music to my taste

Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 1997, VW, Jetta 3

What model receiver did you get: Roady, but I'll be using my new head unit for XM, when it gets in...

Do you use it at home as well as in the car: Oh yeah, XM online radio is great :thumbsup:

Where did you mount the antenna: Right next to my excising one. Looks fine since my XM antenna is small

How did you mount the unit: I put it in my cup holders, held in place with velcro. Nothing fancy here!

Tips/Tricks: Might as well use the cup holders for something, eh?

Do you loose the signal?: Almost never. And if I do, it comes right back.

When/Where do you loose the signal:? On this one weird road I have to take to get to my job. Trees everywhere. And of course, in my garage. Trees usually don't bother it, just this one road...

Do you use it at home: Didn't you ask that?

Pros: Wide choice of music, O&A are awesome, always something on, NO COMMERCIALS!

Cons: Price is the only bad

Overall:

*Edit*- Gave it some more space


Modified by Basenji at 9:19 PM 11-2-2005

[vdubturbo]

Stealth_TDI, sorry... I borrowed your format!

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: Sirius

Why did you choose one over the other: Howard Stern, NFL Broadcasts, Better Programming, More interactive DJ's.

Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: '96 GTI

What model receiver did you get: Kenwood EZ-500

Do you use it at home as well as in the car: I have Dish Network, so I use that for Sirius at home.

Where did you mount the antenna: Next to the stubby on the roof.

How did you mount the unit: Full head unit.

Tips/Tricks: If you want to go this route, buy the EZ-700. Sirius tuner built in instead of seperate unit in the trunk. Still cheap at ~$260

Do you loose the signal?: Sometimes, Usually under specific overpasses. Seems to work in parking garages though!

When/Where do you loose the signal:? In tunnels and under dense tree coverage. Even under the trees, it only cuts out for a second or so. (Ditto)

Do you use it at home: See a few answers above.

Pros: Exceptional sound quality. Sirius seems to be much brighter and full sounding than the XM units I've used. I love the programming. DJ's are fun and interactive, but not overwhealming (XM seemed too much like Musac). Oh yeah, awesome traffic and weather for major metro areas.

Cons: My head unit seems to take a little longer when changing channels than most, but I still love it.

Overall I love the head unit. Lots of great features hidden in there for a really cheap price. I love the knobs! Its a well integrated, good sounding unit with a lot of features.

[vdubbun]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: Sirius
Why did you choose one over the other:I liked the programming available on Sirius over XM.
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car:"99 Cabrio
What model receiver did you get:Alpine 9815 w/Sirius reciever
Do you use it at home as well as in the car:Car only
Where did you mount the antenna:Trunk
How did you mount the unit:custon install hidden in my center console
Tips/Tricks:Not really, it's pretty straight forward
Do you loose the signal?:Once and a while..
When/Where do you loose the signal:?Momentarily when going under bridges, and of course tunnels.
Pros:No commercials, no losing programming when travelling long distances
Cons:having to pay for it
Overall or ;thumbdown: :

Pictures of units, mounting, etc....

[shorty53186]

When you mounted by the stubby, did you pull down the entire headliner or just the back?

Also, when running the wire to the outside was ther modifacation involved with the roof/antenna or did the cable just slip between the antenna and the roof?

[SpeedFreak03]

My questions that I'd like people to answer are:

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: Sirius
Why did you choose one over the other: I feel Sirius has better stations but really its a toss-up.
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 95 Jetta GL
What model receiver did you get: Alpine CDA-9847 with Alpine SIRIUS tuner
Do you use it at home as well as in the car: Nope
Where did you mount the antenna: On the trunk lid
How did you mount the unit: N/A really but my tuner box is under the seat if you care
Tips/Tricks: I mounted the antenna on the trunklid vs the roof because its a lot easier to run the wire into the cabin and same signal anyway
Do you loose the signal?: Very Rarely
When/Where do you loose the signal:? Under tunnels is the ONLY time
Do you use it at home: Nope but i might invest in the boombox thing and get another subscription because FM sucks!!
Pros: Sound quality (very important to me), no commercials, EVERY type of music a button away, no more flipping through CDs really
Cons: Not free
Overall or

I couldnt be happier with Sirius, definetly the best $120 a year I spend, makes the commute much more enjoyable for me.


Modified by SpeedFreak03 at 10:22 PM 11-2-2005

[wolf799]

Sirius

NFL Channel

98 MkIII Jetta

Kenwood

Yes

Trunk Lid

IN the Centre bin under the dash with the cupholders

Hard wired the power source to a switched circut so it turns off when you turn off the car

Tunnels

Pros: no comercials, can listen to the same station regardleess of the length of your trip. Can see what's on other channels before you switch to them with the channel guide, and many more

Cons: none... I LOVE mine

Modified by wolf799 at 4:23 AM 11-3-2005


Modified by wolf799 at 10:35 PM 11-10-2005

[swimmerafrank86]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: Sirius
Why did you choose one over the other: My dad has it and i only pay like 7 bucks a month
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 95 jetta
What model receiver did you get: old kenwood
Do you use it at home as well as in the car: more at home then car (I have the IPOD interface and use that now
Where did you mount the antenna: on the top of the dash on the passanger side
How did you mount the unit: just sits in the cup holder
Tips/Tricks: hard wired it to turn on when car turns on, also using the aux input on my head unit works, but i've been getting some kind of interferice from the power wire
Do you loose the signal?: never lose signal
When/Where do you loose the signal:?na
Do you use it at home:yes
Pros: price, looks, easy to use
Cons: interferance from the powerwire and the FM transmitter sucks
Overall or GOOD STUFF

[Dan J Reed]

Bump, found some good links online..

http://forums.newbeetle.org/sh...21897 - Yea I know its for the NB... but there is a pic of a SLICK install with a stock Fuba roof mount Worth the check out.. I may do this on my Golf..

http://www.frankmos.net/car/car%20pics.html - Good pics of a start - finish install in a MK III Jetta. And another slick Fuba roof/sat mount!

And here is a link to that original thread.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1971004

[GTI_UNIT]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS:XM
Why did you choose one over the other:um...i got it thru work for free, and sisius wasn't up yet,yes i've had XM since it came out
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car:jetta vr6
What model receiver did you get:pioneer rf unit
Do you use it at home as well as in the car:myfi for the house,and when i ride my mountain bike
Where did you mount the antennan the trunk lid
How did you mount the unit:under the rear seat with velcro, it's a original xm tuner box with the small display
Tips/Tricks:none really
Do you loose the signal?:yes
When/Where do you loose the signal:?palisades parkway and under really thick trees
Do you use it at home:read above
Pros:OPIE AND ANTHONY, good dance channels
Cons:none really
Overall or

[shorty53186]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: XM
Why did you choose one over the other: Like the portable player more
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 97 GTI VR6
What model receiver did you get: Pionieer AirWare... Portable XM player
Do you use it at home as well as in the car: Yes, and Some Times Walking
Where did you mount the antenna: On roof by stock antenna
How did you mount the unit: Glued Holster to Dash
Tips/Tricks: Take your time pulling down the trim pannals
Do you loose the signal?: So far only when walking around
When/Where do you loose the signal:? when Trees/Building get in the way.
Pros: Looks cool, easy to move around, and no comericals
Cons: Looses signal pretty easily when walking around
Overall:

Just installed it today... Here are the results...

Modified by shorty53186 at 6:11 PM 11-6-2005

Modified by shorty53186 at 6:12 PM 11-6-2005

Modified by shorty53186 at 6:13 PM 11-6-2005


Modified by shorty53186 at 6:58 PM 11-6-2005

[Oo0martelle0oO]

Quote »

What do you have XM/SIRIUS:

XM

Quote »

Why did you choose one over the other:

I chose XM cause at the time Sirus Was bunk, But now things have cahnged

Quote »

Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car:

98 2.0 GTI

Quote »

What model receiver did you get:

I'm running and Alpine head unit and Alpine XM receiver

Quote »

Do you use it at home as well as in the car:

Nope

Quote »

Where did you mount the antenna:

Mine is Mounted right behine the Fuba

Quote »

How did you mount the unit:

Just sits under the rear seat

Quote »

Tips/Tricks:

Take your time when installing

Quote »

Do you loose the signal?:

About the only time I loose my signal is when I'm in the mountains. They block it

Quote »

Do you use it at home:

Nope

Quote »

Pros:

I never listem to FM

Quote »

Cons:

Stern isn't on XM I guess I'am switching

[Dan J Reed]

Well since I started this thread, I thought I'd add my .02 to it since I got the units a month ago.

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: Sirius

Why did you choose one over the other: Stern

Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 1995 Golf Gti, 98 Jetta GLS

What model receiver did you get: SV1 (Both cars)

Do you use it at home as well as in the car: I listen at work online, as well as at home (Dish Network), my the units stay in the cars

Where did you mount the antenna: Jetta - Rear roof, Golf out of the back of the Fuba mount. Both units re-broadcast on 88.1 fm (you can choose any station), the Golf setup is hard wired as an AUX input to my aftermarket head unit. Uses amp-turn on wire to power up Sirius unit (w/relay). The Jetta uses the stock head unit and FM option.

How did you mount the unit: Jetta - Center console - Golf modded into ash tray

Tips/Tricks: I made some DIYs on both installs.

Do you loose the signal?: I didn't know this, but in most major cities both XM and Siruis broadcast a land based signal, so it works in parking garages, underpasses etc..

When/Where do you loose the signal:? On a recent 5 hour trip I lost the signal for about 1 second under a long overpass out in NY state.

Do you use it at home: Dish Network.

Pros: NO COMMERCIALS!, More music choices than FM.

Cons: Price,, but they are comming down (units and bulk pricing for a year etc..), wish the sound quality was a *little* better. Music stations sound about as good as FM, the talk stations are very compressed.

Overall:

DIY - Golf http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty...x.htm

DIY - Jetta - http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty...x.htm

Golf Roof Mount -

Ash Tray Install

Jetta Roof Mount -

[dankvwguy]

my dads gettin me serius for christmas...ill prolly spend most of my time listening to stern

[FrameSparks]

Did someone take a dump on your console?

Also why wouldn't you hose the turd off before you re-installed.

[Banzai KG]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: SIRIUS (2 years subscribed now - LOVE IT!!!)
Why did you choose one over the other: Music format - First Wave (80s New Wave station)
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 1996 Jetta
What model receiver did you get: Kenwood Here2Anywhere
Do you use it at home as well as in the car: Yes, both home and my other VW: 1964 Karmann Ghia coupe
Where did you mount the antenna: On the roof (pic of antenna location is old), I now have a thinner/smaller antenna (Kenwood SR-40) mounted on the roof in the rear.
How did you mount the unit: In the cubby hole in front of the cupholders
Tips/Tricks: N/A
Do you loose the signal?: Sometimes
When/Where do you loose the signal:? Overpasses, tunnels, dense trees like the others said.
Do you use it at home: Only in the garage when I'm working on projects, in the house I listen to LIVE 365 internet radio or Sirius Online music.
Pros: I rarely listen to CDs or the FM radio stations, mainly satellite radio now - COMMERCIAL FREE and UNCENSORED!!!!
Cons: N/A

Old pic of the satellite radio antenna on the roof, new location mounted in the rear above the rear window. Same location as Dan J. Reed's Jetta mount.

The cigarette lighter plug to power the Kenwood H2A will be rewired soon to a switch.

The round switch below the Kenwood H2A is to turn on/off the FM modulator.




Modified by Banzai KG at 10:40 AM 12-11-2005

[MaSeDoGG]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS:
Why did you choose one over the other:
Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 94 jetta gl
What model receiver did you get: Roady (first one) Delphi
Do you use it at home as well as in the car:sometimes
Where did you mount the antenna: above rear glass
How did you mount the unit:in the consolel. but not permanantly, that way i could hold it in my had to switch it around (like i do with my ipod now)
Tips/Tricks:
Do you loose the signal?: yes,]
When/Where do you loose the signal:? near tall buildings
Do you use it at home: already answered
Pros: xm radio is cool
Cons: i cancelled b/c my car sits for weeks at a time (college) and didn't want to waste $10 a month
Overall or

i went with xm b/c i liked the stations better than serious. and, xm uses a different compression, so the sound quality is technically a little bit better (or least it was at the time when i had this ish).
sat. radio is great, BUT
unless you have a pretty much permanent instal, you'll need to move it around if you go to an automated touch car wash.
i worked at a touch-wash, and we had to take off antennae all the time. i saw some really crafty instals, but none in mark3s.... still haven't found or seen the "best" position. all are mediocre.

['dubber]

Well they do suck on paper but the market seems to be tolerating them anyway at the moment

They still need approx 2million subscribers to begin making money though, and we'll see how long $12.95 and no fcc interference lasts .

Whoops I wanted to say that my buddy has it and I do think that it is pretty cool, he has the unit with the color screen that you can load mp3's onto and it has a remote, he is getting it installed soon so we'll see what he ends up with.

Modified by 'dubber at 8:06 PM 12-11-2005

[Dan J Reed]

Quote, originally posted by jblfitness1971 »

Sirius sucks and so does Car Toys!!

Thanks for sh!++ing up the thread jerk.

[Talus]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: XM

Why did you choose one over the other: Partly because of content/partly because of price- get the online trials from both before you choose

Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car: 97 Jetta

What model receiver did you get: Roady2

Do you use it at home as well as in the car: I got a radio shack AC/DC converter and used to bring the unit inside, but since I move into my house I just use the onlind version.

Where did you mount the antenna: Roof outside the rear driver side door. It just goes inside the door and traces the b-pillar to under the driver seat.

How did you mount the unit: double-sided tape to the ash tray on a swivel mount.

Tips/Tricks: With the antenna out the door I can pull the whole thing out within seconds and put it in any other vehicle. I pull it out and put it in the trucks at work when I have a long trip.

Do you loose the signal?: Rarely.

When/Where do you loose the signal:? Right next to certain tall buildings and in very steep canyons it cuts out here and there. At the bank drive-up window too. Keeps the singnall in my garage, though.

Do you use it at home: Yes

Pros: Good music, good variety

Cons: Sound quality through the FM transmitter is not the best, Some stations have better sound quality than others. Placement of the reciever is limited in mkIII's

Overall:

[Banzai KG]

Quote, originally posted by Dan J Reed »

Thanks for sh!++ing up the thread jerk.

I second that.

[oopseyesharted]

What do you have XM/SIRIUS: XM

Why did you choose one over the otherpie and anthony

Year, VW, Golf/Jetta (others) of car:1996 jetta

What model receiver did you get: pioneer i-pbus add-on box

Do you use it at home as well as in the car: no

Where did you mount the antenna: on the trunk of my 96 jetta

How did you mount the unit: under my rear seat integrated pioneer unit

Tips/Tricks: do not try putting it inside your jetta on the rear deck. reception is terrible.

Do you loose the signal?: yes

When/Where do you loose the signal:? when goin into toll booths

Do you use it at home: no

Pros:sweet sound, 80's, 90's, and comedy channels are awesome

Cons: crappy internet listening

[jaysvw]

Quote, originally posted by FrameSparks »

Did someone take a dump on your console? Also why wouldn't you hose the turd off before you re-installed.

Seriously, gross.

[oopseyesharted]

damn thats nasty

[tjm0852]

Removable Center Console Mount For My Sirius Starmate Replay
The car is a 97 jetta:
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Quote, originally posted by The Blue Blur »

How did you wrap the openning with vinyl/leather like that? Did you put padding too? I'd like to know what sort of adhesive you suggest working with that material.

I used lots and lots of staples:
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The screws are to hold the different wood panels in place securely.

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This small piece serves two purposes. One it keeps the unit from falling back into the console and two it gives it a cleaner look when the unit is not in the car.
SC01055" TARGET="_blank">
You can also see some of the rips in the fabric from the first wrapping.

I didn't use any padding just some whisper black marine vinyl from Joanne Fabric. I didn't use any adhesive either I was afraid it would be a b!tch to get off if I screwed up, which I did the first time around:

The top is the first cut for the center hole panel, I stretched the fabric too much and it ripped. The bottom or clean cut one is a practice cut to get the fabric to cover but not tear.
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[Ghetto-8v]

I have XM in the Van. Did the whole fan duct install thing. Took 5 mins. Including running the antenna to the center off the roof. Dunno if I'll bother with the Jetta. The only thing I listen to is the electronic channels and the comedy channel.