I want to add an XM Radio on my new 2008 250CR, to the existing Sony stereo, which is satellite radio capable. I purchased the XM "home kit", that allows you to attatch a device to a FM radio antenna, along with the XM receiver. I plan to change the existing " string" antenna behind the radio, with a FM flexable rubber antenna. Before I go ahead with this, has anyone out there done this?

Duff

---

Support Our Troops
God Bless America

Bill Duffy:

I want to add an XM Radio on my new 2008 250CR, to the existing Sony stereo, which is satellite radio capable. I purchased the XM "home kit", that allows you to attatch a device to a FM radio antenna, along with the XM receiver. I plan to change the existing " string" antenna behind the radio, with a FM flexable rubber antenna. Before I go ahead with this, has anyone out there done this?

Duff

Duff:

Hey what is a home kit?  Most head units that are XM or Sirius capable have a "plug" on the back is manufacturer specific. There are also some you can plug in via  3.5MM type jack on the front plate.  I have an Alpine with an Ipod, USB and SAT connects. The USB and Ipod connects were included the SAT is optional.

I would check to see if Sony makes a kit just for your head unit OR plug in (if you have) via the 3.5 MM jack.

---

Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

Duff,

I went through all of this plus alot more because I wanted to obtain the XM radio and weather signals through my GPS antenna to start with.  I ended up with two different antennas-unfortunately!   I had the dealer install the xm radio kit on my sony head unit and this required another module to recieve the xm signal. Just because radios are xm ready that doesn mean that you are ready to go.  then I also wanted the xm radion to work correctly with the MP3 input and this required some more money and time.   Now--the final issue is that the xm radio micro antenna periodically looses the signal and I have found that it is because of antenna placement interference issues on the dash/helm.

Almost there......

---

John Cox
2008 Crownline 240 LS white w/ blue accent
350 Mag Bravo lll on a Prestige trailer
'03 Ford Expedition

You can get the Sony XM tuner for about $99.  Includes antenna.  Just plug it into the back of the Sony ready head unit and you're good to go with the best possible sound. 

---

O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Mike,

Your advise sounds like the easiest. When you pluged in the antenna and the other plug, how did you get to the back of the Sony unit? I took the electrical panel off and it looks scary back there! All kinds of wires! I'm afraid to move anything because I may disturb something. To get the Sony head unit out, I'll need special tools to do this. Right?

Duff 

---

Support Our Troops
God Bless America

Duff, there are these metal "keys" that you use.  You pop the face plate off and then slide these keys into small slots that will release the radio from the cage.  You'll need to be able to fish the RCA cables and UniLink cable up to the back of the radio.  The tuner itself can mount elsewhere and the antenna will connect to it.  Then, the XM will be one of your source choices and you're set. 

If you don't have the keys, let me know and I could mail you a set if you want.

---

O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

You can also pop the trim pieces off the sides of the radio housing (the one with the fold-down cover) and remove the 4 screws that hold the housing to the dash.  If you don't have those special keys that Mike talks about, it is about the only way to get the radio out.

---