Pics of my XM Pioneer Inno and Scangauge install

Hey everyone, here are some pics of my XM Inno install. I have a Vais SLI in my glove box that I have hooked to the rear of the Head Unit. I have my iPod connected to it and store it in the lower glove box. I hooked my Inno to the Aux In jacks on the Vais SLI. I installed the XM antenna on the driver side front dash. I tested my reception numerous times by placing antenna temporarily on the outside roof near the FM antenna then to the drivers side then the passenger side. I didn't notice any reception difference from where I decided to put it. The scangauge was installed in the lower compartment below the HU. I drilled a small hole and ran the wires for it behind the plastic piece beneath the radio. As for the audio and antenna wires, I fished them behind the plastic piece beneath the radio and then fished them under the carpet. I removed the center console in order to fish the wire. It was really super easy to do. I have an XM home dock and one in my office too, so I can transport my Inno and have XM wherever I go, with just one subscription! Oh and XM ROCKS! Here are the pics:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ May 6 2007, 04:38 PM) [snapback]436483[/snapback]</div>

I suppose i could do that with the inno wire. As it stands now there is nothing to snag, it is pretty well tucked but I will consider it. As for the antenna wire, after much thought, I don't want it on the outside roof, my reception is no better or worse from where it is now, believe me I tested placing it in various locations outside and inside over a period of a week. I finally decided I don't want any chance to have some punk kid come up and clip my antenna wire for laughs. Plus I don't want any chance of water leaks or scratchs to the paint. The antenna stays where it is.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimboK @ May 6 2007, 06:32 PM) [snapback]436514[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, I found for the best reception, as i said i tested this for like a week, was to turn so the tail was facing me and the face of the antenna towards the windshield. I tried the other way, which would have been a cleaner install, but the reception was poorer compared to the way i have it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ May 6 2007, 09:54 PM) [snapback]436603[/snapback]</div>

What is soooo great about this Inno is that if you are listening to a song that you like, you can record it! Even if you are at a max of 10mins into the song, and hit record, the song will still record from the beginning!
Absolutely amazing! I am sooo pleased with this Inno. I barely ever even use my iPod anymore lol.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darken @ May 7 2007, 01:48 PM) [snapback]436952[/snapback]</div>

Hi Darken!

As I said in my orginal post, I just could not justify purchasing a subscription for the car only, since I typically am only in it 1 hour per day on average, so this solution works PERFECTLY for me. Plus, if I hear a song in the car (or anywhere for that matter as I have recorded many so far)... I can easily record it or even schedule a recording. Here is a typical day : I take my Inno from my home and plug it into the docking bay in the car, and turn it on. I now have XM in my car, DIRECTLY thru my car speakers. Drive to work, remove Inno from car and go to my office. Plug it into the dock i have setup in my office. Turn on my computer, I now have XM in my office. When I leave, I take the Inno with me, plug into car, then back to the dock at home, where I have a few of them in different rooms. I also purchased a boombox that the Inno plugs into other rooms where there is no dock setup. It works out PERFECTLY for me, and I am very happy and that is what counts, lol.

To answer your questions:

1) Yes I purchased the car and 3 home kits ( 1 for work, 2 for home). For the car kit I did not use the cassette adapter, since I am going directly aux in on my Vais SLI. You could however plug it into your aux in jack in your rear console. EXCELLENT SOUND QUALITY sounds like I am playing a CD. I LOVE XM!!!

2) Yes you can simply use the aux in jack. If you do use that and hook up the power cord (also supplied in the car kit) you may notice humming. Simply purchase a ground loop isolator at radio shack and that should clear things up. That is why I used my Vais SLI unit, cause it has the isolator built in to the unit.

3) The iPod in connection on the SLI is ONLY for iPod, as far as I know and will ONLY control a qualifying iPod. The aux in on the SLI is for any other type of unit that can use Aux In, such as other mp3 players or satellite radios etc.

By the way I can use my steering wheel controls to go between iPod and my Inno without disconnecting anything. I have my iPod in my lower glove box which is where my Vais SLI is too. The steering wheel control will control the iPod, but not the Aux In jack, it will control the volume however.

OH btw, I wanted to add, XM shop throws in earphones with satellite antenna in the loop that goes over your head. I use them when I cut my lawn on my tractor, and dock the Inno in my cup holder on my tractor. Works great!! Hey would you say I'm addicted to XM? lol ;-0

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darken @ May 7 2007, 04:15 PM) [snapback]437059[/snapback]</div>

Well you'll want to use an antenna in the car for sure. Inside my home I have an antenna near my computer which is about 30 ft away from a southern window upstairs and i get 100% reception, but that is in my dock at home. If I am at home inside it is tough to get a reception unless I set up camp with a dock and antenna. If I leave the Inno near a southern window I also get 100% reception. If you live in a city where there are repeaters, I read people having no problem walking around with it in there home. I however don't live in a city so my reception is not as good. I could get a repeater for the home, but I chose not to, since I basically camp the Inno somewhere in a dock with antenna and play it through my stereo system. Lets put it this way, I get more use out of this, then any factory installed satellite raidio for my car alone. I am completely satisfied with my Inno performance.

Here you go, read this link for a review of the Inno: http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=60804...ght=inno+review

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Skwyre7 @ May 8 2007, 12:49 PM) [snapback]437562[/snapback]</div>

Well I'm about to eat crow. Where before I said the antenna stays on the dash, I am now mounting it on the roof. I found a spot where I get much better reception, and it is just near the AM/FM antenna.

I am thinking of mounting it there, running the wire either under the boot of the wiring in the hatch, or around the weather seal into the rear cargo area, under the rear seat and then into the center console.

I have seen pics of other antenna with what appears to be a channel to house the wiring on the roof. Does anyone know where I can pick something like that up? I have searched the internet in vain infact I even called XM directly.


Oh, btw to Skywre7, thank you for the link.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darken @ May 8 2007, 02:53 PM) [snapback]437654[/snapback]</div>

Hi Darken

Yes they give you 21ft wire with the car kit.

Yes that is a good price the rebates with Inno and car kit purchase i think totaled $125. Also, when you subscribe, google XM promo code, you might be able to use it and get 3 month sub free.

Oh and test your locations of the atenna first before deciding on a permanent location.