XM Radio from Factory Interactive w/pics

Must have been a great day for installations... I, too, installed my PriusXM unit from Factory Interactive today. That DVD is nothing short of a life-saver. There's NO WAY I would have tackled this project without it.

I ended up running my antenna to the rear center of my rooftop, rather than to the corner. I've seen posts where one PC'er routed it into the rear spoiler. I'm going to do a little more research on that and see how the reception is with the antenna in that location before attempting it... but I really want to keep everything looking clean.

Anyway... if you're considering installing an XM unit, this setup is sweet!! And the DVD gives you the acorns to take your dash apart without worrying if you are going to be able to get it back together or not.

 

Yeah, I think I'm going to just leave the antenna behind my sharkfin and roll with it... at least until I hear from more PC'ers that have had success with it. After all, it is a micro antenna and is barely noticeable as it is. Thanks for the input. ~Tom

 

Wow, that certainly is a scary pic of the dash taken apart. I went with the factory directions which did not require any dash disassembly except for removing the glovebox door and vent next to it. The antenna mounts up on the left side of the dash and works great. I have no issues with dropouts at all. (The installation manual had the antenna installed on the right side of the dash and had dropout problems, on the left side there is great reception).

Here is a link to the installation instructions.

http://priuschat.com/forums/file-library/46772-2006-xmradio-install-instructions.html

 

Yeah, but you really haven't lived until you've taken everything apart except the steering wheel!! It was a scary process taking apart my baby, even with the step-by-step tutorial provided... but I'm really glad that I got in there and saw how modular everything is. I won't be as reluctant to dig into future mods.

 

Is there a portable XM radio that will work with this? I know with sirius you have 2 options both integrated to MFD however the radio can be removed from car to use someplace else.

 

I am also looking for an XM radio that will integrate with the MFD and is removable. I saw the Audiovox XM Direct 2 CNP2000UC and I wonder if this is compatible with the Prius stock radio #51824 (NOT JBL). Anyone know about this unit?

 

Personally, i would hold off until SiriusXM announces new dual hardware and see if there is something that will receive both SATRAD signals.

That's what I'm hoping for. If they don't announce something like that then I'm likely canceling my XM service.

 

From what I've seen so far in the last few weeks, I'm betting they'll continue merging programming, until both networks are carrying the exact same content.