MandC:

I recently got a Sirius system. I didn't do it myself, but I watched portions of the installation and I can pass on a couple of (hopefully useful) tips.

First, what I got. My first decision in choosing the hardware was whether I wanted a portable or in-dash model. I opted for a portable receiver because I own two vehicles and wanted to be able to switch the unit between them and also bring it inside. The in-dash models were also a LOT more expensive. Of course I need to buy some additional hardware for the other vehicle and inside, but that's still a lot cheaper than buying two decks and a home receiver. Plus, I'm pretty sure you need an account for each receiver serial number. I won't get into specs, but the unit is a Kenwood. I don't have the model number in front of me but they call it "here to anywhere". It cost about $120 at the store (a little markup due to buying retail vs buying it online). The mounting hardware and antenna was about $40 and they charged me about $40 to put it in. All together the hardware/installation was around $200 and the subscription was $159 for 15 months.

Receiver Installation. First, keep in mind the in-dash style is a lot "cleaner" installation. It simply takes the spot of the factory radio. The portable, by contrast, slides in, mates with internal connectors and locks into a bracket which needs to be mounted in an accessible spot. It has that "fm converterish" look when it's mounted. If you are old enough to remember FM converters that is. If not ask and I will explain. I had them install the bracket right above the cup holder where the dash slopes down and towards the engine. It's a little inconvienent, but I can still fit a sixteen ounce dunkin donuts coffee in there. I thought this was the handiest spot, although I suppose you could also put it on top of the dash. From the backside of the bracket connectors, wires (antenna/signal and Power) run out to a power source and to my factory radio. The signal connection was made through the optional cd-changer input on the factory radio/cd player. All I do to listen to the satellite radio is push the CD button twice. I can of course still utilize the stock AM/FM radio and single CD player. I'm not sure where he grabbed the power from. An alternative method of getting the satellite signals to your sound system is to take the output from the satellite receiver and feed it into a decoder/transmitter which then takes the modified signal and transmits it directly to your FM radio which you have tuned to a specific frequncy. This just sounded too bulky to me. Plus the tech said the sound was better the other way. Of course if you get the in-dash style this whole (overly long) paragraph goes away.

Antenna. The antenna looks like a computer mouse and is has a flat magnet on the bottom. I had him mount it on the trunk deck. He took the cable and ran it around and under the middle of the back edge of the trunk lid (It's a small wire and any deformation of the seal is minimal), over to the left on the underside of the trunk deck, down the hinge, behind the left trunk panel, to the left and bottom of the rear seat (he took both the seat and backrest out), under the moldings of the F and R door thresholds, behind the panel to the left of the left foot rest and up over the column to the middle accesory panel. Alternatively you could mount it on the roof behind the existing antenna, but I think this would involve removing or cutting the inside roof panel. The trunk deck is definiteley the easier way to go.

Misc. Whichever way you go, I suggest you get a unit with a large, bright display. My display is only about 1- 1.5 inches high and about 5 inches long and I have trouble seeing it during the day with sunglasses on. Also the in-dash models are usually MP3 ready, which of course the stock CD player isn't.

Over all I am satisfied with the system. Reception is good with the exception of the signal cutting out sporadically some days, due I suppose to satellite positioning and/or solar activity, among other factors. But it's never more than a couple seconds and it hasen't annoyed me too much. I am also very happy with the programming. 60 some odd stations and no more commercials. YEEAH- HAH!!!!. (except on the stations they "re-broadcast" like Air America, which by the way is carried 24/7 on Sirius. XM doesn't carry the totality of their programming).

Hope this helped.

MC