Sirius with 05 Forester XT?

[forester]

I know using an FM transmitter is a bad idea, both because the antenna's in the
rear and because the FCC has made them reduce the transmitting power. Since the
stock head unit doesn't have an input jack, what's the best way to connect?

One thought was a car tuner, but I think that's pretty much permanently attached
to the car. Which one would the Forester require? What brand of radio is the
Forester's?

What about a wired FM modulator like this one?
http://satellite-radio-source.ca/store//catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30_31&products_id=186
I think it goes between the antenna and the head unit. Do they work well? How
hard would it be to install in the Forester?

Thanks!

 

[nobody >]

I know using an FM transmitter is a bad idea, both because the antenna's in the
rear and because the FCC has made them reduce the transmitting power. Since the
stock head unit doesn't have an input jack, what's the best way to connect?

One thought was a car tuner, but I think that's pretty much permanently attached
to the car. Which one would the Forester require? What brand of radio is the
Forester's?

What about a wired FM modulator like this one?
http://satellite-radio-source.ca/store//catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30_31&products_id=186
I think it goes between the antenna and the head unit. Do they work well? How
hard would it be to install in the Forester?

Thanks!

They work quite well, at least the units I've installed. The sound
quality is limited to the audio capabilities of the FM radio, but that's
better than what the FM transmitter units give under all but ideal
conditions.

I don't know what the dashboard in your Forester is like, but you will
have to pull the radio out to plug the unit in. Power should be
available off the cigarette lighter wire.

 

[Bob's Backfire Burrito]

I know using an FM transmitter is a bad idea, both because the antenna's in
the
rear and because the FCC has made them reduce the transmitting power.
Since the
stock head unit doesn't have an input jack, what's the best way to
connect?

One thought was a car tuner, but I think that's pretty much permanently
attached
to the car. Which one would the Forester require? What brand of radio is
the
Forester's?

What about a wired FM modulator like this one?
http://satellite-radio-source.ca/store//catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30_31&products_id=186
I think it goes between the antenna and the head unit. Do they work well?
How
hard would it be to install in the Forester?

Thanks!

Let www.crutchfield.com be your friend......

 

[forester]

Let www.crutchfield.com be your friend......

I've dealt with Crutchfield before, with good results. Can you be any more
specific though?

Thanks!

 

[forester]

They work quite well, at least the units I've installed. The sound
quality is limited to the audio capabilities of the FM radio, but that's
better than what the FM transmitter units give under all but ideal
conditions.

I don't know what the dashboard in your Forester is like, but you will
have to pull the radio out to plug the unit in. Power should be
available off the cigarette lighter wire.

Thanks for the info, I guess it's a question of how hard it is to pull out the
dash. Also, does using the cigarette lighter wire require soldering, or is it
just a matter of plugging it in?

As an alternate solution, I wondered about switching out the head unit for
something that plays mp3s on CD and has an AUX input jack. I looked on
Crutchfield and found many, starting with a Dual XDM6820 at $79.99 (3.5mm jack
sounds like an afterthought though) and a lot at $99.99 with AUX jack on the
faceplate.

Would something like that allow me to play mp3s (makes up for loss of 6-CD
changer), and hook up mp3 player (not iPod) through 3.5mm headset jack, and use
a Sirius receiver through the jack? Obviously it's more expensive than a wired
FM modulator but might be more flexible. Though perhaps the FM modulator might
work with an mp3 player too?

And does replacing the head unit imply soldering a bunch of cables? I'd prefer
not to be doing that kind of thing to my vehicle at this point.

Thanks!

 

[nobody >]

Thanks for the info, I guess it's a question of how hard it is to pull out the
dash. Also, does using the cigarette lighter wire require soldering, or is it
just a matter of plugging it in?

You could solder it if you want to ;} I would use a squeeze-on tap made
by 3M and usually available at better auto stores. If that source
doesn't work, try a trailer and/or RV place. Use the 'red' size. These
are done with just a pair of pliers.

As an alternate solution, I wondered about switching out the head unit for
something that plays mp3s on CD and has an AUX input jack. I looked on
Crutchfield and found many, starting with a Dual XDM6820 at $79.99 (3.5mm jack
sounds like an afterthought though) and a lot at $99.99 with AUX jack on the
faceplate.

Would something like that allow me to play mp3s (makes up for loss of 6-CD
changer), and hook up mp3 player (not iPod) through 3.5mm headset jack, and use
a Sirius receiver through the jack? Obviously it's more expensive than a wired
FM modulator but might be more flexible. Though perhaps the FM modulator might
work with an mp3 player too?

Going up a few dollars can get you more features. You can buy a Sirius
tuner that integrates to (is controlled by) the head unit if you choose
properly. Just about every current model over $100 does CD-MP3 now.
Kenwood *did* make a completely integrated Sirius/HD radio/ MP3-WMA CD
head unit, the EZ900, but the keyword is *did*. Start browsing and
decide what you want. Some units are coming with USB ports to plug in a
flashdrive full of MP3s.Many units have an "aux" input but it needs to
be brought out to the dash front with a custom cable.

And does replacing the head unit imply soldering a bunch of cables? I'd prefer
not to be doing that kind of thing to my vehicle at this point.

If you buy from Crutchfield, they throw in an adapter pigtail that plugs
into the factory radio connector. You splice *that* to the head unit's
cable. You could solder those if you want;} Butt splices are easier for
most folks.

They also provide instructions for taking the dash apart, BTW.

Thanks!

You're welcome.

Ahh yes.. solder.. I'm just being facetious about it. I've gone thru
about 15 pounds of rosin-core and 5 pounds of acid-core and bar solder
so far in life. *Now* they tell me how bad lead fumes are....