[bskouby]

Here are a few pics of the Commander in my Sable. I really like it, just need to get a PIE or Blitzsafe adapter in order to use my CD changer controls instead of the FM modulator. The FM modulator sounds good, but it would be even better using the Aux input.

The Commander has two main parts, the control panel and the receiver module. I placed the receiver module in the trunk next to the tuner. That way I didn't have to run a 20 foot antenna cable to the rear of the car for the FM modulator.

 

[joe5.0]

Thats a pretty clean install. One thing I would worry about hoever is the visibility of it. Does it de-tach easily so you can hide it somewhere in the car when parked in public places. I have the antennae in my rear deck because I think hat even attracts some attention that I dont want or need.

And btw, wtf are you listening to Pat Benatar??

 

[dant98]

It looks like it's velcroed onto the ash tray (good use of the ash tray). Also, you mentioned hooking it into an auxilarry input, but it looks like you have the factory stereo. I didn't think it had an aux input?

-Dan

 

[Guest]

Yeah, I'd like to know about the aux input if there's one on the stock HU.

 

[MarkZ]

The AUX input is also known as the CD changer audio input. The only problem is, you need to trick the radio into thinking you have a CD changer present to allow use of that input. You could purchase an aftermarket changer, then install relays to splice into the left and right lines running into the RCU in the trunk. I've helped many of my friends do this on vehicles with changers to install XM.

 

[dant98]

What if you already have the factory changer installed?

-Dan

 

[bskouby]

1. I DO NOT regularly listen to Pat Benetar, just happened to be playing on the 80's channel (dating myself here).

2. It is not very visible from outside of the car at all. Since the dash curves down, it sits somewhat in, and the gearshift hides it as well when it is in park. Truthfully it doesn't really matter much since the antenna on the car screams steal me anyway. But, I need it outside for the reception (haven't suffered from a drop out yet), it doesn't work nearly as well inside of the car. Personally I don't care it is really visible. First of all it was cheaper than most head units are. Secondly it is only the control panel, the receiver is in the trunk. The CD receiver in my truck is much more visible than this XM is, I have never had a problem.

3. I have the Mach stereo with the CD changer input. I also have the factory changer installed. I am going to order an aux adapter that will allow me to access the CD input with the XM radio as well as the CD changer. There are two adapters, one made by PIE and one made by Blitzsafe. The PIE adapter allows you to attach THREE devices and uses a toggle switch located in the cabin to switch between devices. The Blitzsafe (the dual mode one) allows you to toggle between TWO devices using the facory CD button on the radio. I want to get the Blitzsafe one, it is the consensus of many it is of better quality, and I also like to be able to use the factory controls and not have to put another control device in the cabin. But the dual mode Blitzsafe isn't available for our cars yet.

4. I tried to velcro it onto the ash tray, but it wouldn't stay since I actually use the control panel. I used double sided stickey tape to secure it.

 

[joe5.0]

Is this your first XM unit? The reason I ask is because right now I have a Roady and am considering just using that as my portable unit and getting a Commander for a permanent install in my Acura. I was just curious how well you are pleased with sound quality, ease of operation, and quality in general of the Commander.

 

[bskouby]

Originally posted by jtkz13@Jan 8 2004, 02:44 AM
Is this your first XM unit? The reason I ask is because right now I have a Roady and am considering just using that as my portable unit and getting a Commander for a permanent install in my Acura. I was just curious how well you are pleased with sound quality, ease of operation, and quality in general of the Commander. 

Yes, this is my first XM unit. I really like the commander, I really didn't care about portability at all. I am currently using the FM modulator and it sounds really good. But, I want to use a direct input for better sound eventually. But on the whole, the FM modulator sounds just as good if not better than the strongest FM station in my area. The Commander FM modulator is better than the FM modulator available for the Sky-FI or the Roady apparently. But it is my understanding that this is changing.

As for ease of use, it is a breeze to use. You can set up to 30 presets, you can scan through and select the stations by turning the knob and pressing the XM button in the middle. You can also use the remote and scan much the same way. It also lets you scan by category and select direct entry mode to punch in the station number you want. Easy as pie.

 

[12Volt_rep]

My company has sold over 1000 of the Commanders in the last month, wholesale not retail. It is the hottest unit out there, and kills anything Delphi is making, which we also sell all the Delphi stuff. A lot of my dealers seem to think the Terk FM Mod is being made by Pioneer. If so it is the best FM Mod out there.