Howdy,

Does anyone know if the ML/NAV system uses a standard antenna connector at any point? I know it has diversity tuning and I don't know if they do that with a direct connection to the all-in-wonder box or if it actually has a standard antenna connector.

I want to add the Pioneer GEX-FM903XM to receive satellite radio, but I'm sure its going to want to use a standard antenna jack setup. The Pioneer appears smaller than the Sony unit, which has the receiver and controller in one piece, rather than the Pioneer's more interior-friendly controller-with-hidden-chassis approach.

Basically that is the question. . .how to get XM Satellite Radio in a GS with ML/Nav. The only options are FM modulation or tape adapter, and tape adapter would necessitate the larger Sony unit, which would be sloppy. I want a built in solution.

 

Well, I installed XM in my IS300 about a month ago..

I purchased the modulator, it works great, I have it set to 89.1, I dont see why other Lexus models dont use a similar standard sized antenna jack?, it might work with your nav... I'm sure that whole thing just pops out as easy as mine did...it's usually just one or two modules

I also have the satellite antenna in the inside of the back window just sitting flat between the speakers, it picks up right through the window tint, Good guys wanted me to mount that big hunk of junk on the trunk, i said NO... it's been fine ever since in the back window...

performance by the way is good.. however it occasionally cuts out when i go under overpasses or through tunnels.. It buffers slightly so it only cuts out on a 2 second or longer tunnel, but is usually ok 2 or less.... Large trees that hang over streets also cause occasional fade...I cant wait for the radio wave part of the XM service to start here in LA.. cause thats supposed to fill in the gaps...

I bought it in San Diego, and live in LA.. so we dont have the service active here yet, but it works fine otherwise...

I can post a pic of my install if anyone is interested

 

I have many questions

1. What brand unit do you have?
2 Where did you mount the controller?
3. I was thinking about getting the Terk glass-through mounted antenna instead of the black shark fin or white beetle alternatives that are so common now. What kind do you have?
4. If it is satellite based, why do local cities have to come online? Will it work anywhere on the continent, but just not that well until the repeaters are up, or will it just not work at all until your home city is online?

I'm thinking about the Pioneer unit because it has a small controller and the receiver/modulator chassis can be hidden away.

I just need to make sure that the ML/Nav uses a standard antenna connection to the receiver.

 

bradsat : Post a pic of the install.
We just ordered a few units for our demo cars... I was also thinking about where to place the antenna.... on the rear deck or the glass mount style..Im leaning more towards the rear deck ...cant wait to get 'em in

 

I had the Pioneer unit installed last weekend. The control unit, which is the size of a Twix bar, is in the center console, and the chassis is mounted under the rear deck.

I am after the extremely rare and elusive Terk window mount XM antenna. . .the only alternative is sticking something to the top of the car, which is extra icky. If anyone has a line on one, I will pay $100.

 

PLease post pics guys! How much was it? What kind of stations do you get? Do you think its worth it?

 

RocketSlug: We can get those
you can email me if you like importtoys@yahoo.com
Please put atten Marcus in the subject line.

 

Im not up on the other models because we only carry the PIONEER units right now. BUT we will have that new SONY unit that is supposed to come out TODAY....its hot!!
right now satellite radio service is across the entire southern half of the United States, (major cities like Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta and Miami )
I think that XM is the way to go right now since Sirius satellite service is having a bit of legal problems.
It will plug into the Lexus head units.

 

Are you talking about the Sony DRN-XM01R?

 

I installed the Pioneer RF reciever to my 2000 GS400 with Nakamichi.
I put the control panel in the ash tray so that I could close the ash tray to hide the controller. You need to cut out some of the plastic in the ash tray, but it fits nicely. The tuner module is in the trunk mounted next to the factory sub. I used the Terk roof mount antenna because I couldn't get my hands on the glass mount. The antenna is mounted in the middle of my trunk. I'm lucky because the car is black and I have a spoiler so the antenna does not stand out.

This should be the last "mod" I do to this car. I have a hardwired Valentine One next to the rear view mirror, an Avital remote starter, and a custom modified car kit for my Nokia 8260.

I need some advice. I also have a 2000 RX200 (my winter car). Any ideas where I could put the control panel in that car?
Thanks in advance.