Vais SLX & Terk or FactoryInteractive PriusXM

[abjrjrm]

Well, since my dealer doesn't know the difference between a 2005 Prius and the moon, I'm going to buy a kit and install it myself. I understand that these two options will work on my Package 1, NON JBL, NON NAV system radio. Anyone have a reason of preference over one or the other? There is a group by going on for the SLX, so with that group buy I can purchase the SLX and Terk XMDirect for about the same price as the Prius XM.
Is there a difference in the way the two different systems connect to the radio? I assume the power is through the head unit, since I see no power wires on their schematics. Is this correct?
Anyone else install either of these XM radios in a non-JBL, non-nav, package 1?
Thanks!

[BobR]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(abjrjrm @ Jun 8 2006, 05:32 PM) [snapback]268261[/snapback]</div>

Well, since my dealer doesn't know the difference between a 2005 Prius and the moon, I'm going to buy a kit and install it myself. I understand that these two options will work on my Package 1, NON JBL, NON NAV system radio. Anyone have a reason of preference over one or the other? There is a group by going on for the SLX, so with that group buy I can purchase the SLX and Terk XMDirect for about the same price as the Prius XM.
Is there a difference in the way the two different systems connect to the radio? I assume the power is through the head unit, since I see no power wires on their schematics. Is this correct?
Anyone else install either of these XM radios in a non-JBL, non-nav, package 1?
Thanks!
[/b]

I have a 2005 Package 4, which has the same radio as yours. Originally I had the Coastal E Tech XM Radio. This is the Toyota Solara XM Radio; the exact same thing PriusXM is selling.

It worked great and no complaints, except for the 10-character limitation. I upgraded to the SLX and XMDirect. They work exactly the same except the SLX has a limit of 16 characters, much smaller antenna with better reception and an Aux-in instead of a third screen of presets.

Shop around for the XMDirect. The prices vary wildly. You should be able to find one for $25.00.

Both units connect the exact same way and there is no power external power needed. The cable for the antenna that comes with the XMDirect is very thin and long. I was able to run it all the way along the passenger side of the car to behind the radio. Vais is always upgrading the firmware of their products. Soon they will have a USB Cable so users can install the firmware updates.

I'm happy with the upgrade to the SLX.

[Steve Zettel]

BobR,

I thought I understood what was going on with the VAIS SLI and SLX, but now I'm really confused -- you have *both* an SLI and an SLX connected simultaneously in your Prius?

I currently have the Coastaletech XM unit installed and controlled by the steering wheel and display controls in my 2005 Pkg #6 Nav/JBL 6 CD changer. I'd like to add integrated iPod control without loosing the XM integration (or buying another unit), but I'm suspicious that the XM radio is using the same plug on the Prius that the SLI or SLX wants.

I've got a tech assist e-mail in with VAIS, but was wondering if you can shed some light.

TIA,

Steve Zettel
Libby, Montana USA

[BobR]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Steve Zettel @ Jun 11 2006, 06:19 PM) [snapback]269662[/snapback]</div>

BobR,

I thought I understood what was going on with the VAIS SLI and SLX, but now I'm really confused -- you have *both* an SLI and an SLX connected simultaneously in your Prius?

I currently have the Coastaletech XM unit installed and controlled by the steering wheel and display controls in my 2005 Pkg #6 Nav/JBL 6 CD changer. I'd like to add integrated iPod control without loosing the XM integration (or buying another unit), but I'm suspicious that the XM radio is using the same plug on the Prius that the SLI or SLX wants.

I've got a tech assist e-mail in with VAIS, but was wondering if you can shed some light.

TIA,

Steve Zettel
Libby, Montana USA
[/b]

That's correct, I have both the SLX and SLI connected at the same time. Both the XM and SLI share the same connection on the back of the radio. The SLI and SLX both have a Y adapter cable so additional devices can be added.
I had the SLI connected with the Coastal XM and can assure you they work together perfectly.

[Steve Zettel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ Jun 11 2006, 05:39 PM) [snapback]269671[/snapback]</div>

That's correct, I have both the SLX and SLI connected at the same time. Both the XM and SLI share the same connection on the back of the radio. The SLI and SLX both have a Y adapter cable so additional devices can be added.
I had the SLI connected with the Coastal XM and can assure you they work together perfectly.
[/b]

Beautiful, Bob -- that is what I was hoping you'd say. I believe I will take advantage of VAIS' group buy sale that is going on and reserve an SLI.

Thanks very much for the speedy reply.

Best regards,

Steve Z