Difference between std. factory radio and one with XM

[cmeinck]

I just go my wife XM radio for Christmas. We have the car kit, but would prefer the built-in option. I'm looking into getting the factory unit that is XM ready. What's involved in getting the new unit working with my XM account? Does the XM model have an AUX out. Once I resolve my battery issues, I'd like to have my iPod hooked up again through the AUX out.

TIA

[cmeinck]

Brian-
If I'm able to get a factory radio that is XM radio, how easy is it for me to set up my XM? Is it as simple as configuring the unit or do I need some type of special wiring or antenna?

What are you guys using for iPod hookups? Not sure if you've seen my thread describing "dead in driveway syndrome".. I had my car stereo place pull out their install for fear it was draining my battery leaving my H3 dead in the driveway. If my truck continues to start, I'm going to have to look for a working solution.

Thanks.

[Hummer Guy]

We found it was pretty difficult, but possible. You need a plug-in unit in the back, and you also need to wire an antenna. I haven't seen any ipod integration that I really like -- Most people I know just use an FM modulator.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by cmeinck:
I'm guessing that the one I purchased probably has that module. They sold it as an XM capable radio and they were getting contacted from XM to activate their service. They ended up selling the radio because they upgraded to a navigation system. So my best bet would be to have the dealer swap out the radios?

I should have the new radio in a few days. I'll see if there are any XM modules attached that I can see.

Thanks for your help. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

XM module is not attached to the radio, it is a separate module that is located under the dash, and wired to the rear of the radio. There is a difference with XM capable and having XM.

[H3Eric]

Mike E, Others have swapped their standard radio to a 6 disc moonsoon radio as well and they said that the volume was considerable lower because of the whole amplifir issue. Are you experiencing the same?

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike E:
f5fstop, great info. I greatly appreciate it. That kit looks easy to install. I wonder if I could use the antenna already (onstar) on the H3 instead of mounting a new one? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I can't answer that, but maybe I'll take a look today. Since Onstar is standard on all H3s, I would have thought GM would only use one antenna that had both connections for XM and for Onstar. However, some on this site who have installed XM have stated that there is only one lead from the antenna going to Onstar. I have not verified this, but maybe I'll get around to looking this up today.

[f5fstop]

It is my understanding that all H3 radios are XM capatible; therefore, any H3 radio can be fitted with the XM receiver.
If you wanted a factory type conversion, you would need to purchase the XM receiver module from the dealer, and you may or may not require a new antenna.
The XM receiver installs in the car and then connects to the radio and vehicle power/ground. The H3 comes with an onstar antenna, which is also used for the XM radio. However, some have said that it does not come with both antenna leads unless from the factory with XM. Therefore, you would need to purchase a new antenna with both leads.
After the XM is installed and/or the radio is chaged out in an H3, the dealer has to program the system, so that the radio does not lock and the XM will operate. All H3 radios need the VIN of the vehicle they are installed in, programmed into their system. When you first turn on a radio, it looks at the VIN being supplied by the BCM, if the VIN is different, it locks the radio.
I believe there are aftermarket XM receivers that can be wired into the factory radio, and they operate exactly the same as the factory XM receiver (displaying all information on the radio head).

[DarthKarl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by westcoastchick:
what are the advantages in keeping it? TIA </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I like XM just from the fact that you can listen to any possible type of music anytime (commercial free). If you feel like top 20, bluegrass, 40's music, or anything else under the sun, it's immediately available to you. To me this is an even bigger advantage since I live in a part of the country where there just isn't much variety in radio stations. Plus you can keep up on the weather and the news 24/7.

Like f5fstop, I have the MP3 radio and a whole mess of disks I have created, but regardless I always seem to end up listening to XM. My wife, who was pretty skeptical of satellite radio at first, loved it so much that I got her a receiver for Xmas and installed it in her mini-van a week or so ago.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by cmeinck:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">XM module is not attached to the radio, it is a separate module that is located under the dash, and wired to the rear of the radio. There is a difference with XM capable and having XM. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Sorry for being dense, but are you saying there is no difference between my factory stereo and the XM capable factory stereo I just bought.

Thanks for your patience and help. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
This is hard to explain.
If you order a H3, you get get XM with any radio. Now, whether or not there is an internal difference between a radio shipped from the factory with XM from one shipped without XM, I can't say for sure. I WAS HOPING someone who has already performed this type of conversion would step in.

I can't verify it now, but I will tomorrow AM, when I have access to the GM parts system. If there are two different part numbers for the base radio, then it will be qualified as one with XM one without. However, I thought from viewing the parts system a few weeks ago, that the radios are not sub-qualified as being XM ready or not.

What I can definitely state is that the XM receiver, is a separate module, that is normally located just above the glove box. The XM receiver is NOT built into the radio. The XM receiver communicates with the radio via via a class 2 comm circuit, and sends low level audio signals to the radio.

I also believe that there are aftermarket receivers that can be used in place of the factory XM receiver, and these receivers interface almost identically to the factory XM receiver.

I'll get back tomorrow with the parts information, unless someone else can step and and give a definite answer.

[cmeinck]

I was able to get a factory XM capable radio. Now, I just have to figure out how I go about getting it installed. Anyone go this route?

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by westcoastchick:
XM came standard with my 6 disc changer. My question, good folks, XM is free for however long then I have to pay for the sevice. I never use it since I listen to CD's, what are the advantages in keeping it? TIA </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I had three months standard, believe that was the same for all H3s. Advantages of XM for me was freedom from having to listen to disc jockeys who were funny only in their own minds. Access to almost any type of music from heavy rock to classical, access to FOX news and other news services plus weather while driving, and driving anywhere in the US and now Canada.
It is all personal. Since I have the MP3 radio, I have also made up some MP3 discs for long trips, but for me, I will always use XM.
But, it may not be right for you, as it is not right for everyone.

[H3Eric]

Mike E, just to make sure, is your new radio the moonsoon version. I actually don't know if there is a 6 CD/w XM without moonsoon. I have the same one here at the house ready to install mine is a GM PN: 15261537.

Thanks,
Eric

[Mike E]

no problem. I definately would want to use just that antenna. I talked to the dealer, they unlocked the radio and when I asked him (just for the heck of it) about adding the XM module, etc, he said I would be much better off going aftermarket than the dealer. Costs are way to high. At least he was honest.

[f5fstop]

Base stock radio, cannot be equipped with a Monsoon amplifier, but can be equipped with XM, and since there is only one part number available via GM service parts, I have to assume, the base radio, will display XM information and play XM if an XM receiver is installed.

MP3 radio can only be obtained with a Monsoon amplifier, and can be equipped with XM. Since there is only one service part number, I have to assume if it is shipped from the plant without XM, if an XM module is installed it will play XM.

6-Disc radio is hard to say. It appears that all 6-disc radios come only with Monsoon, and are all XM compatible. However, there are two different service part numbers, but the descriptions are identical. Therefore, I can’t assume anything on the 6-disc radio.
I would take a wild guess, but I would prefer someone (partsguy ) to help define the information on the 6-disc system.

It does appear there are two different antennas, so I have to assume one is for Onstar only, while the other is for Onstar and XM.

[cmeinck]

Just a quick question, was it worth getting a radio that had XM? Is there a worthwhile difference between my current factory radio and the XM one I just bought? I was able to get it for $90 shipped which is good if it's actually got the required module.

[f5fstop]

The XM signal is received by the radio head via two wires that go into the back of the smaller of the two radio connectors.
This is the black 12-pin connector, and in terminal H of that connector the right audio signal from the XM receiver is received, terminal J is the left audio signal from the XM receiver, and terminal K is the audio common signal from the XM receiver.
So, if you looked at the back of this connector and there were three wires coming out of these three terminals (D/GN-WH-Terminal H, BN/WH-Terminal J, BK/WH-Terminal K) then somewhere, just above the glove box, is a 16 pin, black connector that will connect to the XM receiver.
The XM signal from the antenna is NOT received by the radio, it is received by the XM receiver module, located above the glove box, and this receiver module sends a low signal to the radio head and the radio head interprets this signal, and then plays XM radio.
The factory systems work only with the XM receiver module.

[Mike E]

I might be able to help a little. I am currently in the process of installing the better radio (6 disc w/xm) in place of my standard stock radio. I physically installed the radio yesterday. The connections from the base radio vs. the upgraded 6 disc radio are the same. The install took about 5 mins. However, as f5fstop stated, the radio did in fact lock on me. So, it will be at the dealer tomorrow to be unlocked. I've been told, and am HOPING, that once unlocked, I will have XM radio and not have to add any other hardware, I'll just need to subscribe. I'll keep you posted. f5fstop, do you think I'm going down the right path here?

[Mike E]

H3Eric, I tested it out last night. I don't notice any difference in the volume output with the new radio from the old. Sounds the same for me. They did not install anything else. Just swapped out the radio. I kind of like the 6 disc changer, the cd's sound great! even with the standard speakers! Originally, I thought just by putting in this stereo that it would allow me to have XM but after f5fstops help on this thread it turns out I need to buy the kit with the XM module and attach it in the dash in order to add XM to the stock radio. I plan on purchasing the Terk XM kit in the near future and adding it to the stock stereo. My only challenge is that I want to use the OnStar/XM antenna already on the vehicle and not add another one. But I'm sure it can be done.