I know this is an irritating issue, but I couldn’t find new threads about Sirius…

I recently gave-in and installed the Sirius Starmate (’03 Enthusiast). Is it just me or is the signal horrible? One mile is great and the next two are full of static… If the volume is too loud the words or song become distorted. Can I install something to make my Starmate stronger/better? If I purchase a new headunit w/ Sirius ready abilities, would my signal be 100% and clear? What is the best headunit kit, so the stereo edges are smooth w/ dash?

Any advice would be appreciated – I love the Sirius programming, just not the signal

 

Ricka,
How do you have the starmate signal getting to the head unit? I assume it's through an FM modulator, right? If so, here's a huge way to improve the quality. Buy a Soundgate AUX-NISS from www.discountcarstereo.com.
This will give you an auxil. input on your stock head unit. The stock head has an input on the back for an external CD changer, although it's not marketed. The AUX-NISS converts this input to rca inputs. This will give you a much better signal to your head unit.

Chad

 

Thanks Chad! This idea looks pretty-cool. You're correct; I'm using an FM modulator for my Sirius. Do you know if the '03 oem head unit has the 12-pin connector in the back (I don't have Bose or multi-CD changer) Do you have this in your Z?

Thanks for your time!
Rick

 

Rick,
Mine is on it's way to me now. Should be here tomorrow or Saturday. I printed off a thread from here months ago detailing how to take apart the dash. The person who authored the thread had an '03 base unit, and he had the connector on the back...you could see it in the pics. It makes sense b/c your base unit and my 03 Bose unit are both made by Clarion. I don't know if there's anyone w/ an 03 base unit that has done this install and posted, but I'm fairly certain it will work. Once the aux-niss is hooked up, when you hit the CD button, you can hit it again to get to the so-called 'changer.'

 

Rick,
Mine is on it's way to me now. Should be here tomorrow or Saturday. I printed off a thread from here months ago detailing how to take apart the dash. The person who authored the thread had an '03 base unit, and he had the connector on the back...you could see it in the pics. It makes sense b/c your base unit and my 03 Bose unit are both made by Clarion. I don't know if there's anyone w/ an 03 base unit that has done this install and posted, but I'm fairly certain it will work. Once the aux-niss is hooked up, when you hit the CD button, you can hit it again to get to the so-called 'changer.'

 

oops. double post

 

yeah the FM modulation sucks but I'll be getting aux input too. Interesting enough I was on the freeway during rush hour and someone hijacked my signal. I guess they had their SAT tuner set to 87.7 as well and apparantly FM transmission from was stronger than mine and I'd be listening to whatever they had on. Only way I found this out was that this person had a convertible and tuner was next to the A-pillar. Naturally the signal would get stronger the closer they got to me.

 

Well I placed my order Chad - I hope all goes well. did you purchase the rca connector?

350TX - maybe i should start hijacking signals - I would save some $$

 

Rick,
I'm using mine for my iPod, not sat. radio. So I bought the Blitzsafe universal iPod interface which connects to the rca inputs and connects at the dock connector on the ipod, which will also keep it charged.

Chad

 

FM transmitters suck. Whether they are for iPods, XM or Sirius receivers, whatever. You'll be a lot happier with the reception when you have a direct link from your receiver to your headunit.

PS.... Sorry to tell you but once you go satellite radio you will never go back to FM. I even took the antenna off of my Denali because I never listened to FM and, well, the car looks better without the antenna sticking up.

 

That is a commitment to SAT I’m hoping once the auxniss is installed I’ll be able to enjoy the music w/ the volume turned up

 

have you guys hooked it up yet? i have the non-bose non 6 disc changer head unit and was told by a stereo shop that it couldn't be done.....i don't think they know of this connector in the back for a cd changer....any updates guys?

 

I've installed mine, although I have the bose head. BUT...I've seen pics of the back of your head unit, and it has the SAME 12 pin connector that mine has which the auxniss uses. If you look at the manufacturers website, www.soundgate.com, it doesn't say it will only work on the bose. It says as long as it ISN'T sat ready, it will work. People at stereo shops, half the time, don't know jack unless it's something they carry.

 

I'm expecting mine this Tuesday and it better work. I spoke to Nissan and they weren't sure... spoke to www.discountcarstereo.com and they assured me that it would work. Once I hook it up to my Sirius on Tuesday night I'll let you know officially.

 

so this 12 pin connector isnt used for the stock nav? just making sure

 

No, it's for an external cd changer that Nissan never offered. The base head and the Bose head are both made by Clarion and both have the same connections....but the Bose has an additional plug which I guess is for the Nav.

 

Not that I'm aware of. I was told that the 12-pin is only for the multi-disk player. I don't have nav, so I didn't specifically ask.

 

wow....you guys are on the ball with this....im gonna call the shop and inform them of this.....they were planning on hardwiring the fm modulator to my antenna but this would be much better....thanks guys, i really appreciate it.

 

so this is whats needed right guys?

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=610

 

Yes and if your installing to Sirius Starmate you'll need "3.5-RCA6mm" & the "3M 952 Self-Stripping T-Tap Female Quick Slide Connector" which are listed lower on the page... This is what www.discountcarstereo.com said all I would need and it makes sence to me. My grand total w/ tax was $117.61 if that helps