| XM Radio- Delphi,Roady, or New Commander
- Click HERE for Original Thread
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| Neicho |
| What do you like guys. Which one and why?? The new Commander might make a nice clean install but not sure of the FM Mod. COME on guys get to typing. Thanks 04 on the Way. |
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| alwx2 |
Roady
I got one for Christmas. Added Blitzsafe adapter for audio, while I was in the dash I spliced into the DC adapter and added another adapter, so the power for the Roady is hidden and I can still use the first one for phone, mp3 whatever.
Haven't installed the antenna yet, waiting for a second one that I ordered.
My wife had gotten me the Commander, but we returned it because I wanted the flexibility of the Roady. With the Roady, I can listen at home through my receiver and at work using pair of computer speakers (or headphones).
FM modulation is the least preferred option. #1 direct connect using blitzsafe, #2 cassette tape, #3 FM Mod.
Check out www.xmfan.com its a decent forum. Not as good as this one, to many youngsters. But there are some knowledgeable people there.
You'll love XM, they went commercial free today 2/1 |
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| jcthomas |
Neicho:
How is the '04 you have on order equipped? With or without the RES? Since you do not mention the RES, let me assume that it is without and, if so, then either the Roady or Commander can be accommodated under the "not an ashtray" and both will interface with a Blitzsafe device eliminating the FM mod. BlitzSafe has specific part numbers for the Roady and Commander so order correctly.
I would give the nod to the Roady because it is less expensive.
Regards: |
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| alwx2 |
| I got mine from LogJam Electronics part# Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.1, cost $70 |
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| jcthomas |
BlitzSafe has different part numbers for the MDX depending on the equipment to be interfaced:
HON/XM DMX DEL V.1 for the Delphi equipment
HON/XM DMX CMD V.1 for the Commander
Regards: |
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| Neicho |
Thanks guys for the response. We got the X without the RES. Cant see paying all that $$$$$$ for the RES when you can get a nice 10in screen Samsung Portable DVD for 600 bucks. ANNNDDD you can take it in Hotel or plane for kids. Can you guys give me the info where to purchase the Blitz. I kind of like the idea of the Roady or the other one that you can take them with you.
Thanks Nick |
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| jcthomas |
This is a good place to shop.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/deskre1.html
Without the RES, incorporating XM is easier because the data port on the back of your stereo head unit n your X is free for the direct connection via the "Blitz"Safe and the Roady fits in the space that would be occupied by the RES DVD.
I would recommend the Roady over the SkiFi because of the size. I have the SkiFi, but I removed the "not an astray" to make room for the install. The Roady will fit with out removing the "not an ashtray" with a special bracket.
Regards: |
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| alwx2 |
I've got an '03 Touring w/o res. As jcthomas said the Blitzsafe will use the data port on the back of the radio. Easy install, you can search this site for photos, which is what I did before I installed mine, only took 20 minutes. Neat trick using coat hanger to remove trim at the top. I ran the wires over the "not an ashtray" bracket
I got my Blitzsafe at LogJam. Its the same one I think you need
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/blitzhonauxdmxv1.html
Its $20 cheaper than xmfanstore. The service was good, had it in 3-4 days.
jcthomas: what special bracket are you using? As stated earlier I waiting for a second antenna to arrive w/ the home kit before finishing the install. Can't decide where to mount it.
Thanks |
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| jcthomas |
I have found that better performance will be obtained if the "DEL" version of the BlitzSafe is used rather than the "AUX" version if the Delphi Roady or SkiFi are installed. Use the "CDM" version of the BlitzSafe if the Commander is installed.
Or stated more fully:
HON/XM DMX DEL V.1 for the Delphi equipment (Roady or SkiFi)
HON/XM DMX CMD V.1 for the Commander
alwx2:
I fabricated the bracket for the SkiFi myself. I already had the SkiFi from another car that we traded in. If i were starting from scratch I would go with the Roady because of size, the auto-on feature, and a display that is easier to read in daylight.
I used the new small antenna installed inside on the dash. I have very few dropouts (some over-passes,etc). If I moved outside, perhaps I would pick up some performance, but increase the risk of vandalism, etc.
Regards: |
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| mcclendons |
| I just changed from an old Sony antenna to the new small one from the XM Radio store. I was forced to move it to the dash, when on the roof the new one interfered with the GPS. Just a caution---the antenna should be receive only but must send some noise |
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| jcthomas |
mcclendons: Could you expand on your experience with GPS interference with the roof location?
Regards: |
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| mcclendons |
Sure,
I originally had a Sony XM with a Sony antenna on the rear--3-5 inches from the GPS/radio antenna on the MDX. That location worked great for both the Nav and the XM, no drop outs and no Nav issues.
I changed to a "Roady" XM a few months ago. The roady uses a "single wire" antenna, with both the satellite and local augmentation coming thru one cable (probably multiple paths in the cable but....). At any rate, the Sony antenna would not work, so I purchased the newest/smallest antenna available from the XM radio fan store (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/demian.html)--it is a micro Delphi unit.
I put that antenna in the same spot as my old Sony, the drove happily for a few days (w/o using the Nav). When I did go to use the Nav, I found I was in the middle of the ocean, some 200 miles from home, with no Sat signal. I played with all options, thinking the Nav died. After days of thinking on it, I finally brought up the Nav debug screen, then turned the XM Radio on and off. When off, the system acquired quickly and got numerous Sats. When I turned the XM on, you could watch the Nav lose anywhere from 2-4 Sats, and signal strength on others dropped.
I finally moved the antenna to the dash, on the passengers side. Works fairly well, but I get occasional blocks from the roof pillar. Center of the dash would be a better location. In this spot, it looks like the roof helps shied the GPS from interference, so the Nav works as well.
Hope the above clarifies it. If not, please let me know |
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| jcthomas |
Thank you for the information on the GPS/Navi interference. I had read on the XM Fan forum that the Roady was interfering with some Navi systems, but I was not aware that it was related to the antenna. I got the impression that it was related to the Roady head unit and XM/Delphi was working on a fix to be introduced soon.
I have the SkiFi in the MDX which was installed in a Honda '01 Ody Van with Navi and a '03 Acura TL with Navi and using the small, single lead, XM antenna on the dashes. The Navi antenna in the Ody Van was in the dash and the Acura sedan had the Navi antenna located under the rear window shelf.
My guess was that the Navi antenna in the MDX was in the dash like the ODY van. Sounds like I guessed wrong.
I was considering replacing the SkiFi with the Roady because of size and features, but if there is a Navi issue I will wait. |
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| mcclendons |
John,
It may well be a problem with the Roady itself putting electrical noise into the antenna wires. Mine greatly improved when I moved the antenna inside, and away from the GPS antenna )same mast as the radio). I will have to check out the XM site for more info on any fixes, but at least I have mine working OK now. Would not with the antenna on the roof..................
Thanks for the info |
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| Neicho |
Thanks for all the responses,
So it looks like from some posts the Roady is the better way to go. I copied from Blitzsafe the below text. However quite confused as to which thig a ma jiggy I need. I will have in a few days an 04 X Touring w/o Navi or RES. So what do I need Boys??? Help me spend my money.
Text:
The Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.1 Auxiliary Input Converter converts the CD Changer port of your OEM factory radio into an auxiliary input. With this converter installed, you can connect any device that has RCA outputs directly to your Honda radio without using an FM modulator. The HON/AUX DMX V.1 is compatible with all 1998 - 2004 models with the 14-pin connector at the rear of the headunit.
You can also convert the RCA inputs to a 3.5mm input by adding the PIE 3.5-RCA6MM Sony XM Satellite Interface. This converter allows you to connect the Sony Universal XM Satellite Digital Tuner System (DRN-XM01R or DRN-XM01C) to give you XM satellite capabilities without having to use an FM modulator. This also converts the RCA inputs to a 3.5mm plug allowing you to plug in any device that has a 3.5mm jack such as a Discman, MP3 player, walkman, etc. |
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| alwx2 |
Most of the users on the XMFan site perfer the Blitzsafe to the P.I.E.
Sony is real proud of that RCA adapter $24. The RCA to 3.5mm adapter that you need can be found at Radio Shack or
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/6goplrcay.html for $11
it will connect to the Blitzsafe and then the Roady.
Both the one you mentioned in your note HON/AUX DMX V.1 or the ones jcthomas listed will work. |
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| DaleB |
Damn, think I screwed up. I ordered the HON/AUX DMX V.1 (not the HON/AUX CMD V.1)
but was planning to pick up the Commander unit.
Strange they would be different since both the Sat Receiver and the Blitzsafe are meant to provide and work with standard RCA aux inputs.
Think I would blow anything up using it? Not likely, but probably the audio input impedance would be different in some fashion.
I will go ahead and use the Commander and the FM mod until I get a different Blitzsafe. Or see if CC carries the right Blitzsafe and return the other. Oh well.... |
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| Greg P |
You want to use the Blitzsafe for the Commander, this way you don't have to tap into Power, Ignition and ground....It's truly plug-n-play.
BTW, Circuit City doesn't carry the Blitzsafe. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Greg P
You want to use the Blitzsafe for the Commander, this way you don't have to tap into Power, Ignition and ground....It's truly plug-n-play.
BTW, Circuit City doesn't carry the Blitzsafe.
Yes, I found this all out. I reported it on the other thread. Thanks! :) |
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| DaleB |
Apparently some Commander users have experienced slight background noise even when using an auxillary adapter like Blitzsafe.
The noise was similar to tape hiss, only really noticeable during silent periods.
By putting a 180 to 200 ohm resistor across a mono mini phone jack and inserting it into the 'FM MOD' jack, the noise disappeared.
One person had actually disassembled his receiver, and soldered a jumper between the ground of the RCA jacks, and the adjacent gnd. at the mini-jack, also rendering his warranty invalid. And before he discovered his fix could simply be plugged in!
This 'problem' might only be apparent on the early units.
Any noise tests done on the unit at the factory probably did not take the input load of the FM modulator into account, assuming that is the only way it would be installed. |
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| Greg P |
| no noise with my Commander and Blitz...I wonder if placement of the Blitz could have an affect on it?? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Greg P
no noise with my Commander and Blitz...I wonder if placement of the Blitz could have an affect on it??
It's possible, as there only seemed to be a few complaints. |
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| DaleB |
Got the correct Blitzsafe. Here is the total connect. Only thing to be plugged-in are the antenna & controller which are already installed in the MDX. Final pictures to follow.
As you can see, all grounds, returns, and power are integrated with the Blitzsafe via the optional disk changer connector. No wire tapping.
The foam at the bottom of the receiver will allow me to just set the receiver into the pocket area between the center console and the gas pedal. I am trying to avoid sticking it onto something. It should be snug in that location. |
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| Greg P |
Dale,
I see you finally got the correct Blitzsafe. Good Luck! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Greg P
Dale,
I see you finally got the correct Blitzsafe. Good Luck!
Good luck is right!! It does not work right! It powers up but I can not get the CD to switch to XM. The XM comes on whenever I power it power it up, but the CD continues to play CDs no matter what I do.
I did not activate yet until I can figure out what's going on here.
One instruction says to hit CD twice, but that does nothing. It just stays in the CD mode. The instruction in package says to toggle between the next disk and the previous disk in the CD mode and it should switch between CD and XM. It says if you do that with XM on, it will read track 1-99. That does not make much sense, what if you have CD's loaded, why would that switch to XM? What am I missing here? |
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| DaleB |
Following further discussions with Blitzsafe tech support, I am returning my unit for another from Logjam.
Tech support had me do various power resets, etc. Nothing worked.
The XM still powers up fine, but the CD will not switch it over. Per the instructions with the BS you push + and then immediately - as you if you are changing tracks back & forth on a CD. But do it quickly, has to be less than a second. And the Blitzsafe should switch and you will see 1-99 on the CD/Radio display. No go...this one is going back.
He said they rarely fail.. .my luck I guess :rolleyes: |
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| Greg P |
| That sucks...Yes that what it's supposed to do...Hopefully the replacement will work as advertised. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Greg P
That sucks...Yes that what it's supposed to do...Hopefully the replacement will work as advertised.
Well, I kept wondering if I was doing something wrong, but with plug n play there is not much I have control over.
I have a question though. With no CD in the dash player, the audio stays on radio. It does not switch to CD when you press the CD button. Is it supposed to do that?
And if you unload CDs, you still see the tiny display in the corner showing the CD positions. But the radio just plays through if there is no CD to play.
How does the XM work under those conditions? Pressing + and - should still switch the audio to XM, right? |
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| Greg P |
I'll let you know, I've got some CD's loaded and never thought to try that.
When I get a minute I'll check and report back |
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| Greg P |
Dale,
I ejected all the CD's I had loaded and when I flip from AM to FM to CD everything works fine.
The only difference I noticed was, now that there weren't CD's installed when I press the CD button it goes directly to the Commander. Even if I push it twice, etc. it just stays on the Commander until I select AM or FM
Sounds like your Blitz was on the fritz (rimshot please ) Couldn't resist that one. :D
Hopefully the replacement one will fix all your issues. Sounds like they wired the blue molex plug up wrong to me.
Keep us posted. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Greg P
Dale,
I ejected all the CD's I had loaded and when I flip from AM to FM to CD everything works fine.
The only difference I noticed was, now that there weren't CD's installed when I press the CD button it goes directly to the Commander. Even if I push it twice, etc. it just stays on the Commander until I select AM or FM
Sounds like your Blitz was on the fritz (rimshot please ) Couldn't resist that one. :D
Hopefully the replacement one will fix all your issues. Sounds like they wired the blue molex plug up wrong to me.
Keep us posted.
Actually I think I used that before you.. in one of my curses...but you published first!
OK .. so with no CDs loaded, the CD will default to the Commander. That makes sense. It would not make sense to depress CD then toggle + and -...yes they sent me another one out today along with a return label. Besides great prices Logjam provides xlnt service, I must say. I believe it's a family business, there always seems to be someone to respond to emails very quickly.
Good luck to them, they are doing a great job! |
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| Greg P |
When you finally get the thing working properly you'll be glad you did it.
IIRC there was another guy on this board who had one dead out of the box and his friend had the same problem.
I guess Blitz' Q.C. isn't the greatest.
Good luck and keep us updated. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Greg P
When you finally get the thing working properly you'll be glad you did it.
IIRC there was another guy on this board who had one dead out of the box and his friend had the same problem.
I guess Blitz' Q.C. isn't the greatest.
Good luck and keep us updated.
Funny you should mention that. I noticed the audio cables are stenciled right and left. One cable has RRRRRRRRR on it. The other LLLLLLL. Makes sense right? Well the audio connnectors were reversed on the ends. The red marked connector was on the Left one. Go figure. |
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| Greg P |
| Like I said I think their Q.C. is crappy. My audio cables were only color coded in red and black. At least the little foil stickers that were around the RCA connectors were on the correct side. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Greg P
Like I said I think their Q.C. is crappy. My audio cables were only color coded in red and black. At least the little foil stickers that were around the RCA connectors were on the correct side.
Well coming from a QC background, I notice those things too. It's too bad when companies do not take more pride, especially when they have a basically good design. |
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| DaleB |
| It's working great with the new Blitzsafe! :29: |
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| Greg P |
| Congrats....Now you'll be able to fully appreciate the XM Xperience |
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| johnh123 |
| Is there a good solution for getting XM with an 04 with Navi and RES? |
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| rosie |
| I had the commander unit only installed for my 04 Tour/Nav. I can here XM just fine and dont have a problem with my cd player not turning off. Do I still need the Blitz adapter? What enhancement does it give me that the commander alone can not? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by rosie
I had the commander unit only installed for my 04 Tour/Nav. I can here XM just fine and dont have a problem with my cd player not turning off. Do I still need the Blitz adapter? What enhancement does it give me that the commander alone can not?
The Blitzsafe simplifies installation, which in your case is no longer a concern since you have it installed. It also provides a 'potential' for better fidelity by connecting to the high level audio outputs used within the stock or Bose audio system, vs. using a modulator, and listening through the FM radio.
Considering SAT radio has somewhat compressed audio dynamics compared to a quality CD player, the difference is not as great as some believe it to be, in my opinion. If you were side by side with another MDX with a Blitzsafe installation, I think you would be hard-pressed to hear any significant differences. |
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| gbdesai |
| I have a 2004 MDX with NAV and RES, why can't I just use the wire that connects to my CD changer under my seat to attach a blitzsafe for use with an XM Radio and iPOD? I know I would lose the ability to use the CD Changer, but that doesn't bother me. Would that work? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by gbdesai
I have a 2004 MDX with NAV and RES, why can't I just use the wire that connects to my CD changer under my seat to attach a blitzsafe for use with an XM Radio and iPOD? I know I would lose the ability to use the CD Changer, but that doesn't bother me. Would that work?
There is a 'dual' type Blitzsafe offered which allows the use of both an auxilliary and the optional Acura changer.
Basically, it attaches to the rear of the radio and the changer plugs in on top of that.
It seems a manual RCA connector switch could be added to select between the iPOD and XM radio.
I am basing my suggestions on non-RES models. Not quite sure how it applies to you. |
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| gbdesai |
| Thanks, I'll check it out. |
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| cardingtr |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
There is a 'dual' type Blitzsafe offered which allows the use of both an auxilliary and the optional Acura changer.
Basically, it attaches to the rear of the radio and the changer plugs in on top of that.
It seems a manual RCA connector switch could be added to select between the iPOD and XM radio.
I am basing my suggestions on non-RES models. Not quite sure how it applies to you.
...manual RCA connector switch..
Where can get that? I need thiis to switch between DVD and my newly installed Roady2. |
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| 04mdxer |
Ok Guys I am really confused, for The XM Commander on a 04 MDX which Blitzsafe do you use? Also do all of the connections take place below the driver seat?
Thanks in advance for the help guys. |
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| thodgdon |
quote:
Originally posted by 04mdxer
Ok Guys I am really confused, for The XM Commander on a 04 MDX which Blitzsafe do you use? Also do all of the connections take place below the driver seat?
Thanks in advance for the help guys.
Assuming you have the 04 with Navi and no RES, you need the Blitzsafe HON/XM DMX CMD V.1 Acura/Honda-to-XM Commander Interface. It's currently $99.95 at Logjam. There is another Blitzsafe model that is a $30 cheaper. I wanted the Commander-specific interface because you don't have to dick around with wire taps (which are a terrible way to grab power or other signals - soldering and shrink wrapping is the only correct way to do it) to get your PWR and ACC connections.
As has been posted here numerous times, the Blitzsafe Commander interface connects to the open port on the back of the Navi/headunit and supplies power to the Commander's tuner box and provides the direct connection from the Commander to the head unit. Do a search on Commander and/or Blitzsafe and you'll find tons of info.
I installed the controller onto a bracket I made from a piece of metal from Home Depot. It sits under and doesn't obstruct the "not an ashtray" and doesn't obstruct the power outlet either. I cut a small slot in the rubber mat in the cubby hole so the bracket just pops up through it. The Commander controller is velcro'ed to the bracket. It's mostly hidden from prying eyes, but is easy to access. |
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| Greg P |
Hey thodgdon
Got Pix? |
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| thodgdon |
Yup. Lots of the install. I deliberately took a bunch.
I will get them together and post them all. Give me a day or two.
I put the antenna about halfway between the radio antenna and the rear edge of the roof, then ran the wire across to the rubber sheath that protects the wires going to the rear camera and lights. I used an Exacto knife to make a tiny slit in the rubber. I spread the rubber sheath and slipped the wire in, then through the hole in the pillar and into the interior. I sealed up the slit (even though it conforms to the wire perfectly) with a small dab of black silicone (leak paranoia).
I'm not sure people realize that on the Commander antenna connector, you can remove the tiny round metal end from the pink plastic block. This makes running the wire a LOT easier, but it's easily the hardest part of the install.
And I am beginning to think that it is impossible to remove the plood and headunit without causing some damage. As careful as I was (you'll see in the photos), I still put a *tiny* nick in the edge of the plood.
I'll post the pix ASAP. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by thodgdon
And I am beginning to think that it is impossible to remove the plood and headunit without causing some damage. As careful as I was (you'll see in the photos), I still put a *tiny* nick in the edge of the plood.
I'll post the pix ASAP.
Not sure how you are remvoing the plood trim. The 2 best ways to avoid damage to the surface are (1) to remove it from the bottom first. Using a flat blade covered with cloth to give you enough clearance for your fingertips to pull the rest of it slowly off, then working your fingers slowly up the sides towards the top.
Using a 'hook' (2) through the right or left side vent at the top avoids touching the plood at all. But use a flashlight to ensure you are not yanking against the vent directional vanes. I snapped a few off the 2nd time I removed mine. Surprisingly, nothing was broken; I was able to remove the vent and reposition all the vanes, and it was like new again. |
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| thodgdon |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Not sure how you are remvoing the plood trim. The 2 best ways to avoid damage to the surface are (1) to remove it from the bottom first. Using a flat blade covered with cloth to give you enough clearance for your fingertips to pull the rest of it slowly off, then working your fingers slowly up the sides towards the top.
That's how I was doing it. Unfortunately in the effort to be ultra careful, the screwdriver slipped... I think if I dabbed a tiny bit of reddish-brown modelling paint in the nick with a toothpick, it would probably be invisble. Might have to let a couple of coats dry to raise it up the level of the surface... Luckily it's on the very edge of the plood on the lower passenger side. |
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| thodgdon |
| Pulling off the weatherstrip and removing the rear seatbelt |
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| thodgdon |
| Removing the pillar trim. I ran the antenna wire next to the black conduit and in the same anchors |
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| thodgdon |
| Removing the round antenna connector from the pink plastic plug. I used a jeweler's screwdriver to press down on the white strain relief while pulling. |
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| thodgdon |
| Inserting the antenna connector into the slit in the rubber sheath. |
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| thodgdon |
| Another shot of the antenna wire entering the sheath. The connector end then is routed into the body through the hole, and into the interior. Once the wire is pulled through (leave enough slack for the opening and closing of the hatch), the sheath is plugged back into the body and it's watertight. |
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| thodgdon |
| I pulled the interior panel and ran the wire along the side of the car. Then, pulling the weatherstrip off the rear door, I got the panel loose and fished the wire down and into the OEM wire runs that go under the door sill plate and protector (the white plastic part). |
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| thodgdon |
Dash disassembled. I removed the trim around the shifter to get better access to the cubby hole, where the Commander bracket is going to mount.
I took the advise of those who had gone before me and used 3M Painter's Glass Tape (won't leave residue) to protect around the edge of the console. It worked great. |
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| thodgdon |
| Closeup of the bracket screwed into the bottom of the cubbyhole. The bracket is a piece of steel from Home Depot. It can be found in the section near lumber, where the tie brackets are. About $0.80 each. I got a few and played with the angles. I bent it on my workbench vise. |
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| thodgdon |
| This picture is looking straight down from directly over the head unit / navi opening. You can see the bracket is slightly angled to the driver's side for ease of viewing. I removed a lot of other brackets including the not-an-ashtray to make sure I had good vertical access to tighten the bracket screws properly |
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| thodgdon |
| In this shot you can see the Blitzsafe HON/XM DMX CMD V.1 Acura/Honda-to-XM Commander Interface. The blue plug attached to the thick yellow wire running to the Blitzsafe, plugs into the back of the head unit where the RES would otherwise attach. You can see my wires running over to the driver's footwell where I will make the final connections. |
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| thodgdon |
| Here is the XM tuner, the power wires coming from the Blitzsafe (no splicing into factory harness) and the audio cables, all about to be connected. After it was all working, I anchored the tuner under the dash with velcro. |
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| thodgdon |
| Everything back together. I used a lot of thick towels to cover and protect the shifter and center console trim. The navi/headunit is heavy and I was paranoid about it slipping. If that thing fell an inch, it would put a big hole in whatever it hit. I suggest taking extraordinary measures to protect your interior parts... |
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| thodgdon |
The dash back together with the Commander velcro'd to the bracket.
Very carefully, I measured where the bracket came up through the rubber mat that sits in the cubbyhole bottom. Then I cut a slit just large enough to allow the bracket to fit. The mat lays flat and I am pretty happy with the results. |
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| thodgdon |
Here is the location of the XM antenna. I like this spot because it's not visible from ground level (unless you are over 6'3"), and the rear deflector hides it from rear view.
Am I paranoid about vandalism? Maybe. But I also don't want to have to run that antenna wire again. It was a pain in the ASS. I could have put it on the dash, but I tried it there and I wasn't statisfied with the look. |
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| thodgdon |
My X
Yes, the BSM is the same color as the car. The angle of the wide side of the BSM is towards the ground, so the wide edge looks slightly darker than the car at some angles and lighting conditions...
Other than the suggestions in my posts above, make sure you go to HondaAcuraWorld's Installation Instructions Page and download these guides:
CD Changer Instructions
Cigarette Ligher
They have great diagrams of the screws and other information about removing panels.
Good luck! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by thodgdon
My X
Excellent photos! :29: |
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| thodgdon |
Thanks! I had to do a lot of reducing, sharpening, and compressing to get them to fit in the 102K limit, but PS6 works great...
If I was going to do this again, I would probably spend more time on the removal of the plood and take more time. It was over 110 degrees in my garage when I was doing this and after running the antenna, I think I was loosing patience. I think that's why the screwdriver slipped and nicked the edge of the plood. It would have been better to stop and cool off before taking apart the dash. |
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| topgun_tb |
I like how you mounted your XM antenna...seems to blend in nicely. Can you comment on how long the antenna wire needs to be in order to mount it back there? Perhaps the antenna model # would be good such that I can buy the same one. Also, can you comment on the routing of the antenna wire through the rear cargo/passenger compartment and points forward to the XM Commander??
Thanks,
Ed aka 'topgun' |
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| thodgdon |
quote:
Originally posted by topgun_tb
I like how you mounted your XM antenna...seems to blend in nicely. Can you comment on how long the antenna wire needs to be in order to mount it back there? Perhaps the antenna model # would be good such that I can buy the same one. Also, can you comment on the routing of the antenna wire through the rear cargo/passenger compartment and points forward to the XM Commander??
Thanks,
Ed aka 'topgun'
It's just the standard one that comes with the XM Commander. I was actually surprised that I had as much left over at the front as I did. The wire doesn't look that long, but it reached all the way easily, and I consider the route that the wire too as nearly optimum (I really didn't want to mess with the headliner...)
Basically it runs from the mounting location, above the hatch weather strip, to the rubber sheath, into the sheath, into the body, follows the OEM conduit routing down to the right rear speaker area, then behind the panel to the back door area, down to and under the door sill plate, under the carpet to the front door sill plate, inside the passenger's kick panel, under the carpet to the center console area.
I think every installation would be a little different, but that's the routing I used for the wire and it seems to have worked great. |
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| jcthomas |
Here is another tip: If you follow the instructions to remove the "not an ash tray", you can reach up and plug in the Blitsafe from the under side WITHOUT removing the radio/plood etc. You are working blind, but it is quite easy to reach up and feel for the input port and then plug in the Blitsafe. Saves a lot of time and aggravation.
Regards:
John C Thomas |
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| topgun_tb |
Thanks for the tips! I especially like the idea of being able to plug-in the Blitzsafe without having to take the trim off...great tip.
Just wondering about the location of the Commander unit...being down in the console area....is it easily readable while driving or do you find yourself looking down a lot (and takiing eyes off the road).
I'm curious if anyone has used the 'bracketron' bracket supposedly intended for the MDX (see link below)
http://www.bracketron.com/xmain/manuals/ACU-200-01.pdf
It would get the XM head unit higher up in the driver field of vision.
Comments anyone?
Thanks,
Ed aka 'topgun' |
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| jcthomas |
I really do not like the brackets that place the XM radio off to the side because these brackets stick into the passenger area and look bad and are a safety hazard. With the XM radio controller installed in the area under the "not an ashtray" and using the remote, after a little experience there is no need to look down.
In addition, if one uses a bracket to the side, then the trim must come off increasing the risk of damage.
Also, the under the radio location may be somewhat less visible to thieves.
Regards:
John C Thomas |
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| thodgdon |
quote:
Originally posted by jcthomas
I really do not like the brackets that place the XM radio off to the side because these brackets stick into the passenger area and look bad and are a safety hazard. With the XM radio controller installed in the area under the "not an ashtray" and using the remote, after a little experience there is no need to look down.
In addition, if one uses a bracket to the side, then the trim must come off increasing the risk of damage.
Also, the under the radio location may be somewhat less visible to thieves.
Regards:
John C Thomas
I totally agree. I really would have preferred the satellite radio be integrated into the navi (like on the Accord and TL), but that will have to wait until '06 I guess.
Anyway, mounting the Commander in the cubbyhole angled slightly towards the driver was the cleanest looking install I could come up with. Also, consider this:
1.) I don't change channels on XM much, since there aren't any commercials, so glances down to the unit are rare anyway. And if I don't like the song that is on, I just hit the steering wheel controls and check the FM stations, with my eyes on the road.
2.) I don't think a glance down to the cubby hole area is significantly more distracting than a glance to the side of the plood. Either way, stuff happening in the windshield is going to get picked up in your peripheral vision (hopefully). |
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| jcthomas |
I do change channels from time to time, but I use the remote by touch and do not have to look down after a little learning curve.
Regards:
John C Thomas |
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| hockeyplayer |
Hey guys...I think I am ready to try this xm thing out. I am sick of the morning shows here. I have a question. Do you need an external antenna to work the Delphi Roady? The ad says it is car ready and does not show an external antenna.
Thanks
Hock |
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| DaleB |
The brackets like referenced and Panavise are good for devices that are often removed, primarily cell phones or PDAs. Plus the bracket is not attached to a decorative surface that would need to be cleaned once it is removed permanently.
While you could have the SkiFi convertible XM tuner, on such a bracket it would become inconvenient to remove it everytime you parked, even when you don't need it. But it is rare that you would leave your vehicle for any length of time and not need your cell phone with you. |
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| thodgdon |
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
Hey guys...I think I am ready to try this xm thing out. I am sick of the morning shows here. I have a question. Do you need an external antenna to work the Delphi Roady? The ad says it is car ready and does not show an external antenna.
Thanks
Hock
The new Roady2 has an antenna similar to the Commander, although by the looks of the picture, it's not exactly the same.
But either way, it's pretty small...... |
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| DaleB |
| I think the very smallest one is the micro made by Blitzsafe. But the one with the Commander seems small enough for most purposes. |
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| topgun_tb |
Quick question...jcthomas gave the good tip on accessing the radio port from the removed 'not an ashtray'. He mentioned instructions for removing the NAA....I would be appreciative for the link to these instructions.
Thanks,
Ed aka 'topgun' |
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