need clarification for satellite radio

I have a 2007 Base and looking to put XM in same. I assume that the radio unit (non navigation) is not compatable with the plug and play version. If it is, let me know, thanks

 

You can plug anything including a satellite tuner into the AUX in. Pros are that you can use all the features of the radio including replay, song seek, etc. Con is that you have to use the radio and its display -- it does not integrate with the Prius' screen.

For an integrated solution, there are three options. First is the factory unit which has been on sale for a year or two. Pro is that it works with the MFD. Cons are that it doesn't have good reception and cuts artists and titles off at 10 characters.

Second is the SCC1/TOYSC1 combo which just came out. Pros are that it's cheaper than the factory unit, and can display 16 characters and can scroll items longer than that. Con is that it doesn't have any fancy features (replay, song seek).

The third option is to use the TOYSC1 with an SCVDOC1 dock for your existing Sirius radio (if it's supported). This works identically to the above option; you control the radio through the MFD and can't use any special features of the radio while it's docked. Pro is that you don't have to buy the SCC1 if you already have a dockable radio, and you don't need a second subscription to listen in another car or inside. You do have to take the radio with you.

The only downside of the TOYSC1 vs. the factory tuner is that on the TOYSC1, the up/down buttons on the steering wheel bump the channel up or down by one. On the factory unit, they switch between presets which I think is more convenient.

 

I am curious as to why the TOYSC1 does this and doesn't copy the factory style Sat tuner.

 

As far as I can tell yes, the factory unit doesn't have the buffer but the SCC1 does. That's why I settled on it -- I drive a freeway with overpasses every 1/2 mile, which meant a 1-2 second dropout every 30 seconds. With the SCC1/TOYSC1, I rarely have a dropout.

 

The Directed Electronics solution (TOY/SCC1) works great, and is more solid and reliable than others that I have tried in Toyotas. I had a VAIS in my 2008 Highlander, which is almost twice as expensive, and it did not work as well. I have never had to reset the system I put in the Prius, but I would have the VAIS system lock up on me about once a month. I have also added the Silverline iPod interface along with the TOY/SCC1, and they work together perfectly. I have a base model, by the way. The Sirius interface should work will all Prii, but I have heard of some issues with the iPod interface for some packages.

One note, I suggest disabling "scroll mode," as it makes for a very "blinky" display. 16 characters is enough for most scenarios, and it works great.

Good luck, and enjoy.

 

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With your sat ready Prii, if you have a portable Sirius receiver already, or have not chosen whether to buy a portable vs static receiver, I'm in favor of portable + TOYSC1/SCC, which gives you Sirius in your car(OEM style) + the portable option to take your Sirius out of the car to any other player/docking station.
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I just had the dealer install Sirius...in my 2008 PK#2 it is really slick.. when you hit the mod button it changes to Sat1, Sat2 and Sat3 24 presets in all... interesting you have to set the audio setting - they do not remain from the FM or AM settings. It sounds great ..

 

I noticed the audio waits to be set for every different mode function too!
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If anyone is having an problem with the TOY-SC1 being of lower VOLUME than am/fm try this:
1.Turn stock radio system on,switch to SAT operation
2.Rapidly enter on the stock radio presets buttons the following code: 1-6-2-5-3-4.
3. The audio level will toggle to the new setting, which you will hear immediately if enter correctly
4.If no audio change repeat step 2
5.check the audio level on similar channels from SIRIUS to FM, then CD

Default from factory setting for TOY-SC1 is LOW volume setting.

I hope this helps.