gadgeTT

Hi All,

I just bought the Delphi SkyFi XM radio with a home kit and am about to purchase the car kit, too. I have a few questions regarding installation for those of you with the unit.

1. Did you use the included magnetic antenna? If so, where specifically on the roof did you mount it? I have the TTQC with the nav system so I also have the stubby for the GPS.
2. Would I be better off buying a glass-mount antenna instad? If so, where would be the best mounting location; side window or rear glass (hatch)?
3. What locations have you seen/used to mount the SkyFi headunit/cradle? The dash area appears to have very little real estate for something like this.

I'm considering mounting the headunit/cradle on the headliner above the center console (coupe) and near the lights/motion sensor opening. The back of the unit would be flush with the headliner. That way, I can easily glance upward to see/control the unit, and not clutter the dash area. Thoughts? Would this adversely affect the use of the ultrasonic motion sensors or would it just look "around" the SkyFi?

Thanks in advance!

-Scott

TTinGables

The antenna sits on my dashboard, nestled in between the center channel speaker humps. I used a small square of velcro to hold it down, and ran the antenna wire in the groove where the windshield meets the dash, all the way around to where the fuse box is. I get great reception even under trees.

As for mounting the unit (insert your own joke here) itself, yes it's difficult. I found that locking velcro would hold the receiver, but the textured dash wouldn't let the adhesive hold properly, so I pulled the a/c vent sleeve out of the dash, cut a groove in the rubber with a knife, and fashioned a gimble-type support out of extruded aluminum grounding wire I had lying around. If you look on the cradle that holds the receiver, there is a piece on the back that is held on by two screws. I took a 1/8" bit and drilled two holes straight down through the top of that piece. I then disassembled it to thread the wire through the holes. I then bent the wire so that I got 2 parallel wires, which I then laid into the groove I had cut, hooked the ends around the back of the dash material (it's only 2-3" deep, and hollow), then slid the a/c sleeve back in. It holds the receiver perfectly and I use the velcro behind to keep it from swaying, although the support by itself would probably be enough.

<img src="http://www.tr-international.com/ttingables/delphi1.jpg">

<img src="http://www.tr-international.com/ttingables/delphi2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.tr-international.com/ttingables/delphi3.jpg">

<img src="http://www.tr-international.com/ttingables/delphi4.jpg">

Good luck, I love mine, especially the boom-box that allows you to take it out of the car.

gadgeTT

Thanks for the info!

BTW, does your installation location block the headlight switch (and the pull-for-fogs function)?

What are your thoughts on my headliner idea?

I mount my radar detector with suction cups to the windshield right where you have your antenna so that's why I was thinking of the roof or window mounting.

-S

TTinGables

I have it, which is almost in line of sight. I think the unit+ cradle are too bulky for that spot too.

Just my opinion of course. :-)

gadgeTT

Cool. I'll try out your location when I get the car cradle (mail ordered) and will see for myself how it looks. As always, thanks for sharing your info with the TT community!

-Scott

XLR8NTT

something about your nuts mutating!!!

gadgeTT

Beware of deformed cashews!!!! runaway!

TTinGables

Well, I'm done having kids anyway. :-)

speedytt

YGM