XM radio on my factory head unit [Archive]

View Full Version : XM radio on my factory head unit

MeanMike

08-29-2006, 10:32 PM

I'm fed up with the local rock stations or local radio in general. I don't want to listen to some dj run his mouth for hours on end or the shane co. comercials.

I've decided on XM, but I don't like the little controllers that use fm modulators to tie into the factory stuff. Sirius is optional on most all dodge trucks now, but I want XM.

I found this http://www.myradiostore.us/xm-radio-receivers/xm-direct-chrysler-rvr-d-001-chy100.html

But in the list of supported radios it doesn't list my RBK. Does anybody have any experience with dodge factory head units and know whether mine will work on not. If the sirius will work on my head unit, I'm sure the XM setup should also. I've posted on the diesel websites, but maybe, by chance somebody here will know if it will work.

eric96ser

08-30-2006, 09:56 AM

The nice thing about the external units, is you can move them from vehicle to vehicle. I use the XM Rhoady with the wired in modulator, and it sounds great, with no radio interference.

pjs97talon

08-30-2006, 01:05 PM

i have ordered from there in the past. I had good luck with them and got everything very quickly. Call them and ask them. I think it uses a harness that fools the OEM radio into thinking it's actually connected to an OEM Sirius unit. You could order it and pulg it in to see if it works. If not- just send it back. :shrug:

BSeery

08-30-2006, 02:18 PM

I had a 1998 Dodge Ram and had the same problem, there were no aftermarket MP3 / XM adapters made for that radio. Basically you had to have a 6 disc external changer to be able to tie into that lead to make it work.

My wife's 2003 Toyota Matrix - same problem.

However, I just successfully installed an adapter for my 2003 GMC 2500HD with the in-dash 6 CD unit and OnStar. I got the adapter from LogJam Electronics logjamelectronics.com

You may also try PAC Audio. pac-audio.com

What I did with my Dodge was to remove the external radio antenna, just unscrew it from the mount and leave it off. Then when you use the FM modulator in your XM you won't have anywhere near the interferance from FM stations when you drive around. Give it a try, it works pretty well.

MeanMike

09-01-2006, 01:11 PM

I ordered the kit yesterday. From what I have gathered, it will work, but I will only get the channel # on the display and not the station ID or song/artist. That's fine with me. Also, I won't be able to tune in channel 0 when I order, so I have to get some ID# off of the reciever.

When I order the XM subscription is there anything I should know? Are there any discounts or any extra "must have" channels?

BSeery

09-02-2006, 08:07 AM

As far as the subscriptions go, nothing really important to know. The only discounts they give is if you have more than 1 radio, then you go on a "family plan". Remember you can also listen on-line with any computer anytime you are on the internet too, it's free with the subscription.

It will take you weeks to listen to each channel - have fun sorting through them all. I like the comedy channels and channel 202 (Opie and Anthony / Ron and Fez shows).

Let us know how the install goes.

pjs97talon

09-03-2006, 03:16 PM

You might want to search for a free activation code. If you don't find one- sign up online and you'll save $5.00 ($14.99 vs. $9.99) I think they might still offer a discount if you pay for a few years at a time. I dunno about that though.
If you need some help installing it- let me know.

MeanMike

09-06-2006, 10:38 PM

Got it today and hooked it up. Everything works just fine. Now I have to figure out what stations to program in to the presets.

The only thing I find odd is that there is a 1 second lapse when going to the next channel. It's just delayed a littel from the time I hit the button to the time the music comes up.

pjs97talon

09-07-2006, 09:43 AM