Vais Tech (www.vaistech.com) replied to my email with some great news. I am waiting for Sirius Radio because I don't think there is any comparison with NFL, NHL, NBA, Howard Stern, 3 satellites to XM's 2 satellites, and music choices (XM's in bed with mostly Clear Channel signed artists). I had XM Radio first so my comparison is based on experience. The signal strength on XM used to cut out all of the time, Sirius doesn't do that. Higher in the sky and have 3 Sats.

Anyway, back to Vais Tech..

Here's my email to them:
> I would like to know if your products can work with a 3rd of 4th
> generation Navigation system in a GX470. I’d like to add Sirius
> Satellite radio to my front end unit and not through a FM
> Modulator. Also, do you offer products, or integration tools that
> can allow tuning/controlling the receiver without having a separate
> head end unit visible for control?

Here's their reply:

Our device works fine with GX470, but Sirius version of our products
is not ready yet, XM is ready. When Sirius version is complete you
won't need a FM modulator, it will be fully integrated into your
factory system, plus you will control of it through your factory radio controls,
and if your radio supports MD changer, you will have text on your
display.

Best regards,
Eugene
VAIS Technology
phone: 720-733-2348
e-mail: info@vaistech.com

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Saying (twice, even) that Sirius, because it has 3 satellites, has an edge over XM since XM has "only" 2 satellites makes about as much sense as saying Starbucks makes the best coffee since they have the most stores.

As you can see from the animation below, depending upon when you read this, that "extra" Sirius satellite is currently over the South Pole or Indian Ocean, so a fat lot of good that extra one is going to do you. At any one time, only 2 of Sirius' 3 birds is in a position to beam down to the USA, the same number as XM.

 

Thanks for the nerd check, but as you can see... There is always a higher orbiting satellite in the sky for Sirius receivers to tune to as opposed to XM's fixed very far south stellites. You could say this is because Sirius has three satellites to cover to continents and that one is always in a good position to cover us in the US.

 

Just to add..

When driving through New England most roads are surounded by trees. XM would cut out for me very frequently. While driving with a friend that had Sirius, this almost never happened.

That's the benefit.

 

I'm fully aware of how the orbits of both services work, thank you. My point is that is not a "3" versus "2" issue, as you tried so hard to emphasize (twice) in your first post.

Using that logic of yours, XM could launch another satellite and even the score. Or launch a 4th and be superior. Talk about being a nerd!

There's plenty of legitmate reasons for choosing one service over the other- you don't need to go around making things up.

 

You seem upset about my posts and for that I'm sorry. Seems like a silly thing to get all crazy about when there's people losing their lives across the world.

Funny thing about forums. There will always be users browsing the forums with a magnifying glass to point out a mistake someone has made (yes, perhaps I made a mistake). I guess it just makes those users feel better about themselves.

Nonetheless, I posted my opinion about the Sirius service on many different levels and I stand by them.

 

Vais Tech has indicated that they are unsure of the exact release date of this new product. However they are hoping for 4-6 weeks.

 

Well, if the best you can do is resort to calling me a nerd and implying that I am "crazy" "silly" and "upset" so that you can feel better about yourself, go right ahead.

But "people losing their lives across the world"? Where the hell did that come from?

(Attention students- don't expect to see this discussion in any debating texbooks.)

 

I think it is PM time guys. Let's keep the discussion on VaisTech and their Sat Radio related products. Anything else, please take it to PM. I'd really rather not have to start pruning the thread.

Thanks.

 

Looknow.....

I wonder what is the difference between XM and Sirius, as far as the signal that goes to the GX's system ??

Also, where is the best place to mount the Antenna ?? The kits that I see have a roof antenna that looks like a mouse.

~ Cap

 

Best place on the GX470 (the way I ran it) is to pull the center console panel out. I mounted mine right near the suspension setting switch. So I was able to sneak the thin Sirius antenna cable between the wood panel and the ivory one (I have an ivory interior). Run the cable back near the emergency parking brake and down under the panel under the driver seat. Once I got the cable to the doors I went straight down under the plastic foot panel, through the drivers side interior quarter panel up to the top of the tailgate door opening near the brake light. Be careful. all of the rubber water seal inserts have grease on them. I then simply laid the antenna on the very back of the roof exposing just the rubber wand enough until the wire reached that rubber door seal.

An import FYI.. I started from the back of the vehicle first.

 

Hi Looknow.....

I just don't get it. Could you or anybody else that has done something similar, post a picture.

Thanks, ~ Cap

 

Looknow.....

Is something like this what you had in mind ??


~ Cap

 

Exactly. If that's the rear tailgate in your picture, yes.