XM RADIO ADD?

[DDWH]

I wanted to add XM Radio to my rig(03 H2). I have read though all the old posts about adding XM, but for the most part the threads are 2 years old. I found a product made by Terk that seems to be the nice clean factory way for an install with a realistic price. Product number is XMDGMK. Does anyone have experience with this?

thanks!

[DDWH]

Sweet deal...can't wait to see and hear how it turns out!

[kodiakz]

Use the Terk kit. It works great and is easy to install. Does all that the oem kit does. DO NOT drill a hole in your roof--absolutely no need for that!

[Dewi2005]

The antenna in the window is not exactly optimum, but it does work pretty good. Since I have a roof rack thre is not a real good location on the roof without running the cable all over the place to get to a good spot, so I opted for the windshield.. In the mountains it seems to have some issues, but in the city and out on the flats it works great. Good luck on yours.

[DDWH]

Looks great Dewi and thanks for all the info and pics! How is the reception with where you mounted your antena?

[Dewi2005]

I contacted Beach Audio today and confirmed that the incorrect item was shipped to me. They are sending me a replacement (correct item hopefully) of the XDMGMK which includes everything needed to install XM using the stock GM Radio. This is the part # I originally ordered, but somehow they sent me the XDM1000 which is a universal XM adapter that does require additional components.

Long story short they sent me the wrong item and will replace with the correct item.. I should have this by early next week and will try to get the install done shortly after that.

Thanks!

[DDWH]

Klaus, I looked at that one. The Terk seemed to do the same for half the price. The other thing that had me leary about the factory kit was drilling into the roof for the xm roof pod. Did you have to drill your roof or is there an alternative place or way to mount it?

[DDWH]

Looks to be complete, maybe something got left out? Klaus and kodiakz are the radio experts, through a PM at them, I am sure they can help. Also call the place you purchased from and make sure the kits complete.

[Dewi2005]

BTW.. This is the url for Beach Audio XMDGMK part#

http://www.beachaudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=...GTKW=xmdgmk&ref=tr ue

If I can get this mess straigtened out with them and get the correct components, Ill let you know so if you are interested in purchasing this for $159.00 from them you will know they stand behind it... that is if they resolve their mess up.

[Dewi2005]

I went to the http://www.beachaudio.com website where I ordered mine from, and it does appear that the kit should contain everything needed to install into a Factory radio. So, Ill be contacting Beach Audio tomorrow to see what the deal is.. I think they may have shipped the incorrect item because on the box there is no designation of the XMDGMK part #. Ill update the post tomorrow.

[DDWH]

Okay, I will wait then for the rest of your project details and pictures!

[Dewi2005]

OK.. I ordered the Terk XMDGMK and it arrived today. Only problem I see is it appears I will also need an intreface cable to connect to my Stereo Head Unit.

Anyone have recommendations on where to get this cable and a part # if possible.

Another thing that I have not found doing a search is a good location to install the Terk box?? any ideas??

Thanks

[Dewi2005]

OK... Got warm enough to finish this thing.. I did take the dash etc apart more than needed, but I wanted to make sure I could see everything possible. If you do this install you will only need to swing the glove box door open. This is accomplished by depressing the stop on the righ side of the glove box and allow it to fall down.

Steps taken to complete install.

<LI>Follow instructions for removing center console found here
<LI>Remove two allen head bolts near the top of the center stack facia. This will allow you to give the center stack facia a good tug and expose the radio mounting bolts etc.
<LI>Remove the radio and install the wire harness provided with the Terk XMDGMK kit.
<LI>Route the extra piece on the new harness around the rear of the radio cavity under the right vent tube. Then pull this harness down by reaching up inside the left opening of the glove box cavity.
<LI>Re-install the radio by re-connecting the wire harness to the rear of the stereo and gently pushing the stereo back into position checking to ensure no wires are being pinched. Bolt radio into place.
<LI>Using double sided tape, install the XM universal tuner box up inside the glove box cavity on the plastic frame next to the right side of the radio. Make sure all the connection points are accessable for later attachment of antenna etc.
<LI>Install antenna in a location best suited for your vehicle/radio. I used a piece of sheet metal glued to the underside of the top center of the center stack so the antenna could stick magnetically to the sheet metal through the plastic, and sit in the window instead of outside.
<LI>Route antenna wire back to the XM Universal tuner box and ensure proper connection.
<LI>Install the left and right (red and white) RCA cables into the XM universal tuner box.
<LI>Install the data control cable into the XM Universal tuner box.. allow the wires to hang down out of the glove box opening.
<LI>Using double sided tape install the GM interface box onto the XM universal tuner box. Make sure the RCA and Data connections are pointing down, and that the wire harness from the stereo is plugged into the interface box prior to sticking the interface box to the universal tuner.
<LI>Plug the RCA and Data cables into the GM interface box.
<LI>Tie all excess cable together below the universal tuner box and GM interface to make a clean install and avoid any rattles etc down the road.
<LI>Re-install the center stack facia
<LI>Re-install the center console

Now it is time to call XM and have them enable your radio. The control of the XM is now done through the radio and the steering wheel controls..

[Dewi2005]

That would be real cool if Kodiakz and/or Klaus would be willing to post some suggestions on this subject.. Sure would speed my project up significantly..

[Dewi2005]

Just wanted to add an update...

I have run this now for a little while and have noticed that the antenna inside is quite a bit less effecient than when mounted outside.

Next project will be to install the CB and move the XM antenna outside to the roof rack rail.

[Klaus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DDWH:
Klaus, I looked at that one. The Terk seemed to do the same for half the price. The other thing that had me leary about the factory kit was drilling into the roof for the xm roof pod. Did you have to drill your roof or is there an alternative place or way to mount it? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You can mod the factory kit's tuner so that an aftermarket XM antenna can be used (an extra rib on the tuner's plastic antenna connector needs to be trimed).

I try to use factory GM parts, as they were designed to work together. The Terk kit may work fine, but I know that other aftermarket XM adapters had a lot of problems (battery draining, slow channel changes, 8 character displays, radio would lock up until the battery was disconnected).

[DDWH]

Klaus & kodiakz thanks for the info! One last question, is this a DIY project or should I take it to a shop to have it done?

[Klaus]

I used the GM XM Radio kit.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/9.../680106248#680106248

[DDWH]

Cool deal, sounded like they had messed up something. Are you going to do the install yourself or have it done?

[DDWH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dewi2005:
BTW.. This is the url for Beach Audio XMDGMK part#

http://www.beachaudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=...GTKW=xmdgmk&ref=tr ue

If I can get this mess straigtened out with them and get the correct components, Ill let you know so if you are interested in purchasing this for $159.00 from them you will know they stand behind it... that is if they resolve their mess up. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dewi, what did you find out on your kit?