Hey all, after browsing a few forums looking for info on sattelite radio installs and the TCH, I would like to pass along my previous experiences dealing with sirius in two cars and now the TCH.

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Hey in reference to antennae mounting locations:


I have had 2 other vehicles with Sirius installed 2 ways, 1 hardwired to the stereo, the other Fm modulated.


The hardwired stereo was a 2000 New Beetle GLS, the head unit was a kenwood, the receiver was also a kenwood box. The antenna was on the middle of the front dash. Reception was fine. I didn't need the antennae mounted on the roof. Reception was never an issue.


The second car I had sirius installed in was a 2005 Altima. I didn't want to lose my steering wheel controls so I went the Fm modulation route and used a kenwood home/car unit with a cradle. The Reception was mediocre at best, always had to switch the station on the fm, I had no sattelite reception issues whatsoever, placing the antennae in the back window shelf area. The antennae just sort of freely sat there, I never had a single problem with it.


My current car which I just received today, the TCH, I transfered the kenwood unit and cradle to the TCH from the Altima. Again I ran the wires to the back along the panels and under the seat, and again, no interference or reception issues. I placed the antennae on the back window shelf unattached to anything. It sounds just as good as the hardwired unit I have at home, and had in the beetle. I am using the aux input in the cubby hole, the kenwood unit has fm modulation turned off.



I mention all of this in case anyone is wondering if they really have to have the antennae on the outside of the vehicle, through a window seal. From my experience, this is totally unnecessary, and might make for easier installation.