| GoldenNoel |
OK, please bear with me here. I have been looking high and low with no definitive answer and my husband is in the busiest time of his work, so it is all up to me to find out. Not to mention, this vehicle is my baby... this is my 2nd MDX and I love her! Base model (premium) I have no clue what the brand of the OEM radio is.
I want to have my Terk Commander XM satellite radio (got for Christmas) installed, but I want it connected directly, i.e. no fm modulator or cassette. What do I need to buy so that the folks that do my installation don't goof up my baby? I've been reading that the Blitzsafe is the way to go, but before I order it, I want to make sure.
One more thing, When the XM radio is in use, how will I let the unit know not to play regular FM radio? There is not an AUX button to press??? Does the XM automatically override the regular when it is powered on?
Also, can some of you that have this post some pics or direct me to where some are that show what it looks like upon completion? I want to see what it will look like. I thought that of all the XM receivers out there, this one looked the prettiest and matched the lights of the MDX interior the best. If you want to email me directly it is michelelwilson@hotmail.com
I know that you all are so busy, but I implore you to help out this old woman...my birthday is in 10 days and I'll be turning the dreaded 31!!! Serenity now!
Thanks in advance for any and all information. I look forward to posting some pics of my girl when she is completed. |
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| seapuppy |
:D Blitsafe is the way to go. I installed it as a Christmas present and it works great. It uses the auxiliary inputs which you toggle to with alternate pushes on the CD button. When the Aux input is active, the display shows CD1 Track 99. Do a search for Blitsafe on this board and you'll find really great instructions with pictures on how to install it.
I'm using it with a Pocket PC which I keep in the top tray of the center console. The only thing that you see different is a pigtail wire with a mini jack coming from the bottom of the console CD tray.
Seapuppy |
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| Tispco |
I used the Blitzsafe adaptor specifically for the XM Commander. The part number was HON/XM DMX CMD V.1. Also, if you want to use the XM Commander AND an Alpine cd changer, the part number is HON/XM DMX CMD V.1D (I bought this one). The difference between these adaptors and the standard Blitzsafe HON / AUX adaptor is, in addition to the RCA input plugs, it also incorporates the power leads so you do not need to slice into the MDX's factory wiring. When you use the Blitzsafe XM Commander adaptors listed above, you do not use the power wires or FM modulator that come with the XM Commander.
Attached is a picture of my install. |
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| GoldenNoel |
Wow that install looks NICE! That's where I am going to have mine installed!!! I taking that pic to my guy when I take her in. How is it attached there? adhesive, velcro, rigged??? Where is your antenna?
OK, You all have been so much help already, but I have another question...
If at some other time I decide to add a blue tooth phone for handsfree use, will I need another RCA jack? I guess what I am trying to ask is if at some other time I want to add another device, should I go ahead and get the dual cable so that it is already there waiting?
Thanks for your plethora of knowledge! |
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| DaleB |
Nice job, tipsco! I have done the same installation as you. Works beautifully!
I am using my rack to support the antenna. It has survived the elements just fine. Strong magnet!
On associated threads you can see how the lead can be run inside the rack and under the roof trim, and into the cabin fairly easily.
In fact a friend installed the larger skyfi unit in his KIA commuter vehicle. He had to loosen part of the fender to feed the ant. wire and lower his regular antenna so as not to override the FM modulator in some locales.
We are fortunate to have something like the Blitzsafe we can use. My first BS was broke, but the 2nd one worked just fine. I'll never go back! But I did have to tune into a local AM station to pick up the Green Bay game Sunday. Normally, I would have watched it on the tube, but had to run an errand. It was frustrating not having a channel I could select with ease. The disappointments are far and few between. |
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| MDX189 |
I just ordered an XM Commander and plan to install it in my '04 with NAV & RES.
When I contacted Logjam several months ago (before I decided on the Commander) about which adapter I needed, they told me that I couldn't use a Blitzsafe, but I could use the Soundgate Docking Station.
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundsds1.html
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundockhond1.html
Once I decided on the Commander, I contacted them again and asked what I should use. I know there's a Blitzsafe unit that's specific to the Commander, but didn't think it would work for me...but I wanted to be sure.
This time they responded by saying that there was no adapter I could use on an MDX with NAV. I pointed out the Soundgate Docking Station that they had recommended before, but this person told me that wouldn't work on a navigation-equipped radio.
So now I'm not sure what to do. I've searched other threads on here and not found anyone else who's used this...although it's possible that I just missed it.
It seems that there's a lot of expertise in this area on this board, so I thought I'd ask... Any suggestions??
aTdHvAaNnKcSe |
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| Tispco |
I can't clearly remember the details on the radio / Nav systems, but I think the port you would need to plug the Blitzsafe into it either used or doesn't exist.
On the Premium (base) models, the radio has an optional CD changer. If you do not get the CD changer, the port it plugs into on the back of the radio is open. The Blitzsafe plugs into this port and the radio thinks the Blitzsafe is a CD changer.
With the Commander, you should be able to use the FM modulator that comes with it. The sound quality will not be as good, but it will work. Also, the MDX has a mini radio antenna plug and the Commander FM modulator has a regular antenna plug. Hopefully, the Commanders include both regular and mini plugs now (mine only had regular plugs). Otherwise, you would have to buy adaptors to make the modulator work. |
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