GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011) Discussion about the 2006+ model GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450H and GS460

Using Shark Fin Antenna - Adding XM or Sirius

Old 01-14-08, 07:00 PM
  #16  
jameswh0
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Sewell has discontinued the XM kit... anyone else know where to get one? Or someone selling a used one?
Old 02-03-08, 09:07 PM
  #17  
silver2000
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Added sirius to my 08 - working on getting it working with the shark fin since the factory hockey puck antenna doesnt offer great reception

some pictures I took
this box is in the trunk up on the pass wall near the front
the foam covered cable in the forground is the UNUSED sharkfin connector
I have ordered the vais connector to see if it will work/help
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1154
Attached Thumbnails Using Shark Fin Antenna - Adding XM or Sirius-sirius-boxdsc_6408.jpg  
Old 02-04-08, 02:41 PM
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benji69
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What is the model of that Sirrus receiver? Looks good. Do they make it for XM too?
Old 02-05-08, 09:49 AM
  #19  
silver2000
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Originally Posted by benji69
What is the model of that Sirrus receiver? Looks good. Do they make it for XM too?
Its the factory Sirius unit for an 08 - I know they offer XM
Ill know more when I get the cable - Ill try to remember to get more pictures, part numbers etc
Old 02-15-08, 06:25 PM
  #20  
moolman
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Does the Vaistech cable allow you to hook up the factory Sirius to the sharkfin? Someone a couple of posts previously talks about a XM decoder chip that needs bypassing.

I was forced to get Sirius since it was already installed in the car. The antenna is that disc next to the rearview mirror. The reception is okay but it does cut out when next to tall objects. I was reading posts about people getting the receiver or disc antenna replaced by the dealer but I think the problem is the placement of the antenna not the equipment.

So did the Vaistech cable work? Does it allow you to use the shark fin?
Old 02-16-08, 05:51 AM
  #21  
silver2000
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Originally Posted by moolman
Does the Vaistech cable allow you to hook up the factory Sirius to the sharkfin? Someone a couple of posts previously talks about a XM decoder chip that needs bypassing.

I was forced to get Sirius since it was already installed in the car. The antenna is that disc next to the rearview mirror. The reception is okay but it does cut out when next to tall objects. I was reading posts about people getting the receiver or disc antenna replaced by the dealer but I think the problem is the placement of the antenna not the equipment.

So did the Vaistech cable work? Does it allow you to use the shark fin?
Im going to install the Cable for the sharkfin and the Nav plug and play box today - so Ill report back in a few hours
Old 02-17-08, 08:30 AM
  #22  
silver2000
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I changed from the dealer installed windshield mounted hockeypuck for Sirius to the sharkfin yesterday - the vais cable works great - its a 10 min install and while there is no signal strength meter on the radio - the quick test on the way home showed that the radio never cut out going under overpasses

With the hockey puck EVERY highway overpass would cause a drop in audio

With the sharkfin I had zero dropouts when going under overpasses. Not scientific BUT so far so good

I dont understand why the OEM sirius requires the work to take apart the car to route the antenna cable to the windshield.
Old 02-17-08, 11:07 AM
  #23  
Portdogmc
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just to be sure before i order it.. this is the correct item for XM on an '07 GS with ML and shark fin?? http://www.lexus-parts.com/parts_det...id=90059&all=Y
Old 02-17-08, 05:42 PM
  #24  
The Godfather
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yep looks like this is it.
Old 02-17-08, 10:04 PM
  #25  
moolman
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So basically that Vaistech cable allows you to disconnect the antenna cable going to the hockey puck and you connect the Sirius reciever into the Shark Fin cable.

Only the XM cable had the correct plug to fit into the Shark Fin antenna. I don't know why they made life so difficult for Sirius. I only got Sirius because it was already installed and I was forced to get it but that hockey puck looks very difficult to install. They have to take apart the lining on the roof and sides and get it all the way to the trunk. All that taking apart can't be great for rattles and creaks.
Old 02-18-08, 08:57 PM
  #26  
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Hey Guys,

How much is Sirius radio nowadays? I am referring to the monthly/yearly subscription cost.
Old 02-23-08, 02:14 PM
  #27  
Portdogmc
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I got the kit installed and everything went back together. But i cant get anything to show up on the screen that has to do with XM. I thought pressing the AM/SAT button below the screen would bring it up.. but no such luck. Any help?
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