Ok, I just got my roadster a few weeks ago, and am gonna get the aftermarket Sirius receiver put in this week. Since the interior is so small, i really don't know where to mount it. Can you guys suggest any place? I guess there's a small area between the nav and instrument cluster, but I just wanted to get yalls input before I do this. It's a big decision and I really want to get it right. Thanks for any input!

 

That's exactly where I have mine. Cuts out occasionally when I'm heading NW, but not so much that it makes me crazy.

 

Do you have the Sirius Sportster? By any chance, do you have a pic? I'd like to email it to the sales rep so he'll know exactly where to put it.

 

We cant give you any suggestions until you tell us which model you have or which model you are planning to get. The sizes are very different and could determine whether or not a specific location could be used.

 

I really don't know much about the Sirius models, but as far as I know, the sportster is the standard for aftermarket. Am I wrong about that? Do you have any suggestions as to other models if this one is too big?

 

Well the only problem with mounting a plug and play unit where you refered to earlier is that the steering wheel will block your view. I made a custom bracket for an XM myfi in that location and it just didnt work out. I ended up replacing the Setup with a Sat ready Avic Z-1.

If you havent purchased yet, check out the Xact visor XTR3. Its so small it will give you lots of options when you install it. It has a one line display and can be mounted right above or below your rearview mirror.



Another option would be a Starmate, it could be mounted right above or below the AC controls. The unit is relatively flat, not deep so you could stick it on the dash if you can find enough un-used space.


Both of these units are less than $100 and have rebates available.
I hope you not getting Sirius just because of Howie
Rich(doesnt like Howie.... at all)

 

Well, to be quite honest I am getting it b/c of Stern. I love the guy, but I can see that you don't. That, and that the dealer is paying for the installation and receiver. I really am clueless when it comes to things like this, so please bare w/ my stupid questions - would I have to purchase something separate to run the Sirius over a radio signal? That's the way my ipod works and was assuming this would be how I'd run it.

 

No worries man I just had to bust your stones a little. To each his own. If you already use wireless transmission from your Ipod you should be aware of the performance. Satelite plug and play receivers work the same way that an Ipod FM broadcast does. Personally I would use a hardwired antenna adapter. Its about $25.00 and it will still require you to pick a station on the oem headunit, but instead of a broadcasted signal, it taps directly into the antenna.

Any questions you have, any at all, just ask.

ONly stupid questions are the ones not asked.

 

Thanks for all your help so far! I'm really only getting it for Stern, so the quality of the broadcast really isn't a major concern. Since I have all my music on the ipod, I'm definitely aware of the loss of sound quality over the FM broadcast, but it's something I can live with. I'm trying to get an idea from my car dealer right now about what kind of price allowance I'll have, then i'll call the audio place and see if they have any of those models you specified. Do you know if the Starmate is portable?

 

Ok - I talked w/ the audio store guy and he said they have what's called the "Starbase". apparently there's a few different models but they'll be giving me the smallest one. Are you familiar w/ this brand? I'm told this place is pretty good as far as service and installation, so i'm not too worried that they'll screw me.

 

I have a Starmate on my Z and it's mounted to the right of the radio itself with a bracket just for 350z's. My installer hard-wired it through the stereo and it taps through the CD changer and gives pure digital, clear sound unlike the wireless, hollow effect you have with your IPod. It costs a little more to install this way, but is totally worth it. If you decide to it later, it will cost you even more. Better to do it the best way right off the bat and you'll be very happy.

 

if it's installed to the right of the radio, does that cause any problems when there's a passenger? Also, how is it as far as changing stations? i.e., too far to reach, etc.?

 

No problem to a passenger. If someone is 7ft tall maybe their knee would bump it, but otherwise no problem. I can change the stations with my hand but it comes with a remote for hands free. I'm thinking of changing out the radio to a Pioneer that is satellite ready and buying the Sirius tuner which is out of sight. That's your other option to purchasing a tuner which will extend outside the dash area.

 

Awesome - You all have given me some great ideas. I'm so excited! This is the last thing I'm gonna add to the car, aside from maybe getting the windows tinted. I'm getting a loaner Z for the night, so it'll be nice to take out a coupe and see how it compares to the roadster.

 

I have a Sirius Sportster. It's hardwired and mounted on a bracket just below the air vent to the right of the instrument panel. It's out of the way, does not interfere with anything and can be seen clearly.

 

Hey Quint...
I know this post is a little old, but I was wondering if you have a pic of your install. I need to move my sportster out of the cubby to make room for some other goodies and that's exactly where I was thinking of placing it.
Thanks

 

I placed my Starmate in the "glove box" just above the radio. The antenna & power come through the back of the box & I can close the door so people don't know I have sat radio.

 

All the braket mounts I have seen just don't look good, and cheapens the look of the car. I would install it in the nav compartment if you don't use it, or get a radio that controls sat radio and ipod. Costs more, but well worth it.