jmartinace

Hi Everyone:

I have been without satellite radio for about 3 weeks and it was killing me. The latest on the availability of satellite radio kits for the new IS is anywhere between 1 and 3 months. Even if the kit was available, I really was having a problem justifying the projected $1000 between parts and installation charges.

Anyway, since I had a few Best Buy gift certificates laying around, I decided to get a Roady XT and take advantage of the AUX input available in our cars. Interestingly, a noise filter/ground loop isolator (which I got from Radio Shack) was an absolute must. As you can see, the unit fits snug inside the center console. What I need to get now the remote which is sold separately. Otherwise, I have to continue to manually change stations (which I've programmed using presets 1 through "10"). In any event, here's the final product:

jmartinace

Here's another one with the lid closed.

jmartinace

Here's a pic of the Audio Aux In screen

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Very nice! I miss my old XM setup (Pioneer HU with XM box) in my Galant. I have a SkyFi2 unit and an iPod Nano unit which I'm trying to figure out how I want to install it into the center console. How did you deal with the antenna?

Cheers,
Kermee

jmartinace

Good question. Right now, I still have not figured out where to permanently mount the antenna. Most likely, it will go behind the rear seats, against close to the rear glass. Right now, it's just laying on the rear seat. In fact, I noticed I was able to pick up certain stations Without even connecting the antenna! (It must be close to some repeater).

M-

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

that's cool.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Cool. I'm in the Seattle area so there are terrestrial repeaters all over the area (my XM in my client's windowless office even works). I'm going to try to do your set-up in the center console, but with a larger SkyFi2 unit. *Crosses Fingers*. Thanks again and nice job!

Cheers,
Kermee

Cypren

What power adapter did you wind up using? It looks like your adapter is at a right angle from the AUX socket so that you can still close the armrest with it in place. I've been looking for a DC power converter that I can use like that to run my MP3 player, but haven't found anything; all the ones I've looked at extend too high.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

He has a pivoting Radio Shack adapter that a lot of people have been using for XM and iPod's, etc:

12VDC Accessory 2-Outlet Adapter

jmartinace

yes, that's right. The Radio Shack pivoting adapter works like a charm.

vp911

Sweet install, I don't have my IS yet, but I am wondering, where you installed it, does it block the other cup holder? I can't really tell from the picture.

Thanks

jmartinace

Yes, if does block it but I have the other one (the one located on the hard surface section below the shifter).

I'm with Kermee on this one; giving the availability of a factory aux-in and cigarette lighter (both available close to each other), and with complete satellite units for as little as $30 after rebates, it makes more sense to go this route than to spend close to the anticipated $1000 for a dealer installed module.

Eventually, in a couple of years, you will be able to buy these modules for a couple hundred bucks from the usual lexus parts websites and, maybe at that point, I will switch to the factory option, if anything, to get the cool display of information on my navigation screen. Until then, I guess this is the way to go, unless you have a grand burning in your pocket

Cheers,
Martin-