What about the cable that runs from that blue connector on the Fin, to the amp? I need to purhcase that. I damaged the end that plugs into the amp, trying to remove the plastic piece. How does one get to the blue connector? Is it difficult? This is all for the purpose of trying to use the XM fin with the kit I purchased from you.

Thank you.

 

Here is another question, is there a way to see your 'signal strenght' with the lexus parts unit?

 

I don't think any of the Sirius kits (Vais or the one on lexus parts) allow you to use the sharkfin antenna, so this is the next best option. I can understand losing all station names if I lose signal, but I only lose one or two station names (and they aren't the ones playing). This leads me to believe it is a problem with the unit itself. BTW, I lost the same preset again today that I lost yesterday.

Also, there is no display for signal strength with the Vais unit. The only information is "No Signal", which is obvious when it happens since I have no audio.

 

I just sent my complaint into Lexus via the survey.

Anyone else proceed on the class action or even see if that is an option?

I need a GOOD sirius install. Not an aftermarket crappy reception POS w/ flaws like I've been reading about.

 

I've stated several times that my Sirius install has met my needs with the only shortcoming being the character limit on the text (which doens't really bother me since I'm typically on the NAV screen) and the somewhat spotty reception with the antenna mounted on the package shelf.

Yesterday, I took the car to Superior Lexus (the south store), and a wonderful gentleman by the name of Miles 'fixed' my shark fin to work with the Sirius reciever. It is now perfect. No reception problems, no cut outs, no issues what so ever.

So, considering that the character limit isn't a concern to me (I realize it is to some), I would now say the Sewel Lexus kit is fully meeting my expectations, actually, considering the issues I've read about on here, I would say it's exceeding my expectations.

My car is a 2007 IS350, LUX, ML, NAV, PA

 

I've seen several installers use XM antennas for Sirius installs. Some GM units, and some cars that switch from XM to Sirius all have the same type of connector on the antenna, which looks very similar to the shark fin shown above.

I've had some issues with trying that before (not on a Lexus), but a lot of people seem to do it without a hitch.

 

If done correctly, it should work.

Both use SMB connectors (although the shark fine requires a mod), they both use 50 ohm impedance antennas, and the bandwidth is the same.

Further, Sirius and XM both operate int he 2.3 GHz range, with XM being 2,332.50 through 2,345.00 MHz and Sirius being 2,320.00 through 2,332.50 MHz. The 12 MHz difference is small enough that an antenna designed to pick up either one of the companies should pick up the other with little to no issues.

 

Do you know how they fixed the antenna to use the XM shark fin? I would like to have this done as well, since my Sirius antenna on the package shelf isn't working too well. Thanks!

 

I have neither ML or nav. I just had a vaistech SLS unit installed at palm beach lexus on my is250. It works great. They mounted the antennae on the dash in the right hand corner of the windshield and the SLS unit is behind the radio. The antennae is really small so its hardly noticed. The complete cost of the install was about 700 bucks.

 

Miles (dealer employee) put an new connector on the end of my satellite antenna lead. This is in the right rear of the trunk, all the trunk material must be removed.

From what I understand, the plastic surrounding the antenna connection on the 2007's can be removed allowing it to work with the Sirius - they both use smb connections. Mine had to be replaced because it was damaged.

 

Mine was ~$350, plus the $100 to have the antenna repaired. That of course is a cost most wont incur. Of course it's limited to Nav/ML.

Isn't it nice to have sirius back? :-)

 

Just so I'm clear......

No additional parts are needed to connect the sharkfin antenna lead to the Sirius receiver? Only a plastic surrounding needs to be removed? This sounds like something I can do myself.

I assume then that everything connects in the trunk, hidden behind the wall? That is, the Sirius micro antenna on the package shelf connects to something in the trunk? And the sharkfin antenna lead is also located in the trunk?

Thanks, this info is very helpful.

 

That is my understanding. Removing the trunk lining is somewhat interesting, but with instructions it's not overly hard. I have the instructions that came with my sirius kit that I can turn into pdf and upload, if it would be helpful.

 

That would be infinitely helpful if you could post the instructions. Now I just need to figure out how to remove the existing antenna from the package shelf (unless it's in the manual somewhere too). Thanks a bunch!

 

I'll get the instructions, although it maybe monday before I can. As far as the antenna on the package shelf, once mine was unhooked from the reciever, it simply pulled out, it was ran in the slot for the rear window shade.

I would hesitate doing that until you had verified the shark fin works as expected.

I've attached a picture that shows the typical removal of the FAKRA housing that will then expose the SMB connection necessary for the sewel reciever.