Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Here are some pictures of my SkyFi2 install in my IS 250 AWD. Yes, I'm also aware that if the passenger side airbag ever decides to deploy...

BTW- Thanks to "jmartinace" for his post here on showing his setup and giving me the idea to do this. Check out his post if you wanna do a Roady XT!

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

A different view on the interior...

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

And yes... I know the coiled power-cord for the V1 is ugly. That's my next project.

This is the antenna.

Skulinex

LOL I like your 'pre-loaded answers' , looking nice btw

Bichon

Just curious why you opted for an external solution rather than buying the built-in XM module?

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Excellent question. AFAIK, the XM option isn't available until Spring '06. Even then, I've seen prices ranging from $600 to over $1K as a dealer-installed option. That's a large chunk of change when I can just use my SkyFi2 in the car. How the SkyFi2 is installed in my vehicle doesn't bother me at all. I can control it with the remote and I used a splitter so I can hook up my iPod into the AUX also. With the ground-loop isolator, the audio-quality rivals the same quality I got with my Pioneer Premier DEH-P760 and GEX tuner for XM in my old car.

Cheers,
Kermee

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. I knew those questions would pop-up with those pictures.

Cheers,
Kermee

darrelld

Looks like a good solution, can you post daytime pics?

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Aye. I'll take better pictures once Home Depot opens so I can get some adhesive zip ties to do a better job on the cable-management. The antenna wire is completely hidden within the vehicle. I just need to zip tie and route the cables from the center console to the unit.

Now I'm trying to figure out where to put my Archos AV 700 100GB unit within the car.

Cheers,
Kermee

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Alrighty, more pictures. I was able to completely hide the antenna wire by going down the left side of the glove compartment. Opening and closing the glove compartment doesn't disturb the wire at all.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Another picture. I swear, I'll take one when it's light outside. It gets dark pretty quick here in Seattle. By the time I finished, it was already dark outside.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Alright, here's the UGLY part. I used the flash so you can see how bad it is. However, it's something I'm willing to live with. Those are black zip ties with adhesive zip tie bases. I only used two bases. And since I can't see it while I'm driving... who cares how ugly it is on the right hand-side.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Here's what the center console looks like. It's a mess, but it works. A ground-loop isolator is a must with XM if you're powering it off of the car's 12VDC or you're going to get engine whine like a pig in heat. I used the one from Radio Shack and it works perfectly fine. I also split the 1/8" stereo input so I can either input from the SkyFi2 or the iPod Nano.

OH! And the cup-holder inside the console isn't blocked in anyway in this configuration.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Oh. Finally got rid of the stupid power-coil on my Valentine One. Thanks goes to "kensteele" for his instructions at his post. Took me about 30 minutes to get it all wired up.

Yes, I know my V1 is FAT and OLD. It's an older model and I haven't felt the need to upgrade yet. I turned off X-Band and the K-Band, Ka-Band and Lidar performance on this is more than plenty in dealing with the WSP, local county sheriffs and Native-American Reservations (they love spraying Ka-band).

Bichon

No offense to your DIY skills intended -- that install would be great in a 10 year old beater car, but not in a brand new Lexus. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a good car stereo installer to conceal the wiring. In addition to getting rid of the wire by the passenger seat, they ought to be able to tie in audio and power from behind the dash, so you won't have that rats nest of cable and adapters in your center console. I know you said you could live with it the way it is now, but why should you have to?