Sirius using the stock (not fm mod)

[dntsne1]

I am Dying with out my Sirius, I have the XM demo currently and I think it really sucks. I am going to contact a shop around here or even Alpine themselves becasue you can now get XM or Sirius on all Alpine radios and Alpine makes (or designs) the radios in most Hondas.

I do nto want to put in the Kenwood I have currently becasue I do not want to tear into my new car. I would like to use the stock head unit to contol it all.

Now another thing is.. what is the difference in the XM antenna and the sirius antena? Is the pin outs different? I have not had a chance to look.

Well got to go because my wife is being induced at 6 am tomorrow :banana:

So when I get a chance I will tell you all what I find out.

Later,
Pat

[greggdogg]

XM and Sirius antennas while technically similar, do not work too well with each other. Plus, the Honda tuner may or may not use a proprietary connector for the plug.

I have not heard of anyone being able to use the stock head unit with Sirius, but this thread (http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2541) details how I installed a Sirius Starbase using 3 wire taps and a 3/4" hole in the storage compartment. With the door closed, it "looks" stock. :)

Why would you want to use the stock radio with Sirius anyway? You'd lose features like S-seek and category browsing.

[dntsne1]

Thanks for the info Gregg !

I want to use the stock unit so I can control everything and not have to add an additional unit (like the starbase). That is just my thought.

Now my questions for you are...

How is the quality of the starbase?

With the FM modulator how is the sound quality?(I am use to the old school fm modulators and they were a big disappointment).

I did see your install and I have to say that looks GREAT and I am interested in looking at this setup if it is good.

Also is the starbase the only way to change the channel?

Thanks,
Pat

Well got to go the nurse is here.. (the induction is going sllllloooooowwww)

[greggdogg]

The Starbase is EXCELLENT, I am really very pleased with it. Everything is put together nicely.

I don't use the FM Modulator, I figured if I was hardwiring power I had might as well hardwire the sound too. To do that, I bought a Soundgate SN-HOND3 adapter ($100).

The unit can also be hardwired to a FM modulator box (a passthrough for the vehicle antenna). I understand that's a great option.

The main gripe I have about the unit is the remote. It's too small. But, I just cycle through my presets using the ch+/- buttons (P-scan). Plus, I recently found out that it fits PERFECTLY between the cupholder pegs.

Congrats on the kid, by the way!

[thoots]

I am Dying with out my Sirius, I have the XM demo currently and I think it really sucks.

Pat,

So what is it that you prefer Sirius over XM? I'm of course familar with XM, but not with Sirius at all.....

[Tink]

I'm with dntsne1. Mainly, I like the NBA and NFL on Sirius. NFL has both calls - e.g., Cowboys against Redskins, you can hear the Dallas OR the Washington call. Secondly, and I can't put my finger on it, but I like the music selections better.

The music I CAN put my finger on is the Elvis channel, and now the Jimmy Buffet channel....

[dntsne1]

Pat,

So what is it that you prefer Sirius over XM? I'm of course familar with XM, but not with Sirius at all.....

The music selection is better, for example, I listen to a ton off different types of music, in the country music there are 2 good channels on sirius and only 1 ok channel on XM. I like rock and there are like 3 good channels on Sirius and this includes Faction, this channel has shows from tony hawk, BAM, and Lance Armstrong. I also like rap and there are 4 good stations on Sirius and that includes Shade 45 (Eminems') station.
Lastley the kids station is good on Sirius, the 2 on XM do not play any real childrens music.

ALSO there are ALOT more unsensored channels on Siruis, heck if I am paying for it I do not want to hear the edited versions.

Just my opinion


I also talked to Alpine, Direct electronics and Sirius, and I was told that the Sirius setup does not work with anythin but the aftermarket installations of Apline radios.

Got to run,
Pat

[greggdogg]

Even if I had XM, I'd replace the factory tuner with a better one...

[dntsne1]

Well I have broken down, I order parts to put my kenwood and sirius into the accord. They shoudl be here tomorrow so as soo as I get it all in I will post some pics up.

Later,
Pat