Satellite Radio

Tom Kubatz · Jan 4, 2006

What is the easiest way to have satellite radio installed in my 2001 Trac?

Do I need a completely new radio or does the satellite radio hook into my stock radio?

Any idea how much I will spend?

Any one recommend a Sirius model radio?

Any recommendation of an installer?

I don't know a whole lot about the subject but would appreciate any help.

Morris County NJ

Gary DiPietroSr · Jan 4, 2006

Our local BestBuy has very good installers, not true everywhere though. You can get a sirius for $50 or go hog wild and change the whole thing to something like mine, a Pioneer AVIC N2. Nav, DVD, AM, FM, CD with a separate sirius tuner that works through the head unit. Less money to just get one that works through an unused FM channel. Do a search, lots out there. Gary D. in CT

Patrick Wilson · Jan 5, 2006

Sport Trac member A1cntrler me this information wrt an earlier post on satellite radio:

The best thing you can get is a harness that plugs into the back of your factory radio and lets the sound in via RCA cables. This was will be the best sounding. Check the link below for an adaptor. My XM in my ST goes through my pioneer HU (Pioneer XM to Pioneer HU) directly. My wife's Chrysler has a Sirius ready factory Nav radio, and I bought harness to connect the XM unit to it. All the controls are handled by the HU in her car. Sound is great as well.

http://www.myradiostore.us

FYI, I have the XM radio MyFi portable radio for my 2001 truck. There is a part listed for an adapter for the factory radio on the above website. Hope this helps

OFF TRAC · Jan 5, 2006

I used to have XM, now I'm with Sirius........ When I had XM I had the Sony model that plug into the the factory HU via a RF/RCA module. It was cool,not complicated at all to hard wire the system in but I couldn't remove it and take it to another car because it didn't have a FM transmitter. Now that Howard Stern has moved to Sirius, I elected to try Sirius.

I now have the XACT VISOR, about the size of a radar detector, can be mounted like a radar detector (windshield, dash) or anywhere else you get creative. I picked it up for about $45 bucks. It has a built in FM trans so it's a plug and play system that lets you move it from one car to another and remove it completly and take it with you when you leave your ST parked somewhere. I like it, has wireless remote control, scrolling display and about 35 presets you can set to control from the wireless remote.

Tabjo · Jan 5, 2006

Easiest and cheapest way is as Gary mentioned, go purchase an FM modulator capable Sirius radio. You can do the install yourself in a manner of minutes without tearing into your dash or running wires.

If you are more concerned about sound quality, nice clean look etc. and don't feel comfortable pulling out your headunit and running wires, places like Circuit City or Best Buy will do the job, but expect to pay a minimum of $70 for installation.