SatRad & Navi

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (XTR1 XACT Stream Jockey) -

(First Radio) I originally slapped on my Sirius antenna on the top/front part of the roof and even used the rubber strip to cover the antenna wire which was quite visible from the front. I thought it looked good at first, but had second thoughts immediately after I finished. I finally made some time to move it to the top/rear part of the roof. I had to remove the part which houses the rear brake light on the roof as well as the right-rear seat plastic pillar cover (below the curtain air bag). I taped the antenna wire to the tip of a hangar and shoved it into the hole where the wiring connects to the brake light. Then I took another hangar (with hook tip) and shoved it in the hole where the right-rear seat pillar is located, and after several attempts, I finally hooked the antenna wire and pulled it through the right-rear seat pillar. I routed the rest of the antenna wire down the door jab from the rear to the front passenger side, then back behind the dashboard. I tucked the rest of the antenna wire under the center dashboard console at the bottom and finally connects to my XTR1 Stream Jockey PNP system. The photo of my Sirius PNP is outdated since I now have it plugged into the adapter on the back of the center console.

I used my Stream Jockey's built-in FM transmitter for awhile but I had some minor RF interference as I drove into work everyday, plus the volume level was too low (about 20dB lower than the volume when set to CD or AM/FM). I decided to go with a hardwire install and found the HON03/PC-SON P.I.E. Digital (Sony to Honda) Protocol Converter for my radio at DiscountAvenue.net for $79.99 with no shipping charge. This connector allows me to access my satellite radio using the AUX/XM button on the factory radio (displays as CDC (CD Changer) on my radio display). I also installed a Ground-Loop Isolator from Radio Shack priced at $16.99 which eliminated the alternator whine.

I'm currently using an Arkon SR097 Lighter Socket Pedestal with Power Outlet from Rocket Electronics for $16.95 + $8.47 S&H. I had to modify my Stream Jockey's base in order to mount it onto the SR097. It isn't the cleanest install but the location puts it within arms reach and in better view so that I can concentrate on the road when driving.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (XTR8CK XACT Replay) -

I decided to upgrade my satellite receiver and chose XACT's Replay XTR8CK Plug & Play. It has a sleek appearance with many enhanced features: Pause, Rewind, Fast-Forward, Replay (up to 44 minutes of content), SIRIUS-Seek, One-Touch Jump, My Game Zone, and Game Alert. It also has a 30 channel preset, 5 FM frequency presets, and 5 line wide-screen display.

I purchased my receiver from Target for $99.99 and installed it on the 20th of November, 2005. I attached the mount between the 12volt receptacles, using the right-side for my receiver's adapter. The left-side is used for my Garmin iQue M5 (Pocket PC & GPS). The mount is attached with double-sided tape, so it isn't permanently fastened to the console in case I decide to move it. I will eventually re-route all of the wiring so that A) the 12volt receptacle is not used, and B) the antenna and auxiliary audio cable are hidden. Once I figure that out I'll post an updated photo.

UPDATE: 22 Nov 05

I purchased a dual 12volt power outlet adapter from Advance Auto Parts for $4.98 and wire tap-in squeeze connectors (7 pack) from Radio Shack for $1.99 to do a little wiring modification. I wanted to tap into the 12volt wiring behind the console to eliminate some of the visible wiring and free up a receptacle. I clipped off one of the 12volt outlets, saving the other in case I want to add another to the existing truck receptacle, and removed the console to get to the wiring. I used the tap-in connectors, made the connection to the left-side receptacle, then wrapped everything up using electrical tape.

Once tested to confirm everything worked, I routed the audio wire from the radio headunit and satellite radio antenna through the console. I had to remove the unused center switch plug first, then pushed the wires through a hole on the radio mount. I used an anchor screw to secure the mount then replaced the console cover and now I have a clean install!

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Garmin iQue M5 (Pocket PC with GPS Navigation) -

My Ridgeline RTS did not come with a navigation system which is a component I wish I had, so I had to find something that would fill this void. I looked at a TomTom which is looked very nice, but I wanted something a little smaller and had more functionality such as a Pocket PC. I was looking at a Palm OS Pocket PC and new I would have to buy a separate GPS system in order to complete the package.

I finally found the Garmin iQue M5 with integrated GPS receiver and knew this was the one. I purchased the iQue M5 from CompUSA, priced at $699.00 + $40.00 tax on 10 November, 2005.

The iQue M5 accessories include: Protective flip cover, Metal stylus, USB ActiveSync® cradle, Automotive windshield mount with integrated charger and speaker, A/C power/charging adapter, Installation/Application CD-ROM with manual, and MapSource® City Select® North America data CD-ROM w/ full coverage, full unlock.

I currently use the windshield mount on the center of the windshield and powered by the 12volt adapter/speaker. There's no way to hide the power cord so I have it wrapped around the right side of the radio with the excess stuffed into the "not an ashtray" compartment. The iQue is an excellent GPS unit and I really enjoy using my pocket PC when I'm not on the road.

The following information extracted from Garmin's website:

Mobile Office
The iQue M5 is perfect for today's mobile professional who wants to get from the boardroom to the hotel without asking for directions. Featuring the latest Microsoft® Pocket PC software, Windows Mobile™ 2003 Second Edition, the iQue M5 supports portrait/landscape screen orientation for easy viewing of documents, videos, and web content. It's powered by a 416-MHz Intel® PXA 272 microprocessor, and it also provides the user with 64 MB of RAM, 64 MB of ROM and data back-up protection. The embedded Bluetooth® transceiver allows the user to establish a personal-area network with computer systems and Bluetooth-enabled devices such as mobile phones, other PDAs, and printers. Check e-mail and view documents—then sync seamlessly with your laptop.

GPS Navigation
The GPS antenna on the iQue M5 folds flush with the back of the unit. Press the antenna release switch, and it simultaneously powers up the iQue M5, acquires satellites, and defaults to the QueMap™ interface. Once the antenna switch is triggered, the M5 prepares to navigate. The antenna can be adjusted for optimal GPS signal reception in any vehicle or rental car. The unit comes with a sturdy windshield mount with integrated charger and speaker.

Detailed Mapping
Featuring a built-in basemap of North and South America and Puerto Rico, the iQue M5 shows major highways, thoroughfares, railways, lakes, rivers, and borders. MapSource City Select CD-ROM is a standard accessory, so users can download detailed street-level map data, look up more than five million points of interest (POIs), and navigate to an address in the U.S. and Canada. World travelers can also add a European or Pacific Rim basemap from the installation CD. International versions of the iQue M5 will feature respective basemaps, mapping software, and language support.

Que™ Technology
The integrated Que applications enable consumers to see where they are on an electronic map, look up a point of interest (POI), and route to it—all the while following voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions. If they miss a turn, the iQue M5 automatically recalculates a new route to get them back on track. Advanced routing features include the ability to specify roadways to avoid and find POIs near the current route. The iQue M5 even offers intuitive POI searches that are based on user habits. Another distinct benefit of Garmin’s PDA/GPS integration is the patent-pending capability to attach a “location stamp” to a profile in the user’s contact database or appointment calendar and navigate directly to these important business addresses.