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Hi guys, I'd like to wire my gt with xm sat radio. What unit are you guys using for this app? Do you hardwire it for power or use rechargable batts? thanks for any advice!!
What are you guys using for sattelite radio?
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Radio choices
What are the differences between the radios?
Most satellite radios don't seem to have an amplifier built in, so you are dependent on using an auto-type AM/FM radio or perhaps something like a J&M CB radio to act as a "partner" to the satellite radio. That's no problem with something like an LT with the built-in factory sound system, but obviously a real PITA with a bike without an AM/FM radio.
The MyFi is a portable satellite radio. I have the radio mounted on a RAM mount, and once again have cigarette lighter-style electrical plugs on my bikes. That way I can move the device from one bike to the other without too much trauma. I really haven't had any trouble with those plugs to be honest, although the MyFi has a battery built in and would keep playing if there were momentary lapses in the circuit. For earbuds I have discovered that Koss "Plug" earbuds work wonders to keep outside noise out and to route the radio's sound to my ear canal.
All in all the MyFi has worked very well.
Even with what seems like a zillion channels on XM you begin to find repetition and I've found that the Sirius radio is an excellent occasional alternative to XM radio, especially since Sirius has now added Radio Margaritaville (YES!). The downside to the particular Sirius radio that we have (sorry, wish that I knew the model) is that the gold-on-black display that looks so good at the store is almost impossible to see out on the road on a bright day.
Good luck!
XM MyFi portable radio on the GS's and a Sirius auto radio of some sort on the LT. I actually have cigarette lighter-style electrical outlets installed on (almost) all of my bikes, and use those outlets to run the satellite radios.PetesK1200 said:
What are the differences between the radios?
Most satellite radios don't seem to have an amplifier built in, so you are dependent on using an auto-type AM/FM radio or perhaps something like a J&M CB radio to act as a "partner" to the satellite radio. That's no problem with something like an LT with the built-in factory sound system, but obviously a real PITA with a bike without an AM/FM radio.
The MyFi is a portable satellite radio. I have the radio mounted on a RAM mount, and once again have cigarette lighter-style electrical plugs on my bikes. That way I can move the device from one bike to the other without too much trauma. I really haven't had any trouble with those plugs to be honest, although the MyFi has a battery built in and would keep playing if there were momentary lapses in the circuit. For earbuds I have discovered that Koss "Plug" earbuds work wonders to keep outside noise out and to route the radio's sound to my ear canal.
All in all the MyFi has worked very well.
Even with what seems like a zillion channels on XM you begin to find repetition and I've found that the Sirius radio is an excellent occasional alternative to XM radio, especially since Sirius has now added Radio Margaritaville (YES!). The downside to the particular Sirius radio that we have (sorry, wish that I knew the model) is that the gold-on-black display that looks so good at the store is almost impossible to see out on the road on a bright day.
Good luck!
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Thanks for the input pirate! I was looking at that exact same unit this evening here at bestbuy. I wanted to do some research however, before i bought it. I like the idea of it being portable. So far it looks like the myfi is a winner!ty!
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My pleasure Pete. If you go with the MyFi and need any suggestions feel free to email me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to help.
You can buy MyFi's on eBay at reasonable prices. You do need the car cradle for bike use and they can be (or used to be?) tough to find at a decent prices. Once upon a time I wanted a spare cradle but now I simply transfer the cradle and RAM stalk all as one unit. Otherwise, if you can get a MyFi without a lot of the household radio stuff it will work well on a bike and you can save a few $$$.
Also be aware that there's now another portable XM radio available. Sorry that I don't know offhand what it's called nor the pros and cons of the new ones, but Circuit City had some in stock the last time that I dropped by there. The one thing that I can say about the newer unit is that the form factor is more rectangular, which might make mounting a bit easier (Velcro can be your friend if done correctly!).
The only other advice that I can give you with a MyFi is that I wouldn't get any of these radios very wet. There is a $20 cover available for the MyFi somewhere out there on the 'net (plastic baggies likely work just as well) and although I haven't killed the MyFi yet
I did manage to kill off another XM radio in a thunderstorm. Water and electronics obviously don't mix well
Good luck!
You can buy MyFi's on eBay at reasonable prices. You do need the car cradle for bike use and they can be (or used to be?) tough to find at a decent prices. Once upon a time I wanted a spare cradle but now I simply transfer the cradle and RAM stalk all as one unit. Otherwise, if you can get a MyFi without a lot of the household radio stuff it will work well on a bike and you can save a few $$$.
Also be aware that there's now another portable XM radio available. Sorry that I don't know offhand what it's called nor the pros and cons of the new ones, but Circuit City had some in stock the last time that I dropped by there. The one thing that I can say about the newer unit is that the form factor is more rectangular, which might make mounting a bit easier (Velcro can be your friend if done correctly!).
The only other advice that I can give you with a MyFi is that I wouldn't get any of these radios very wet. There is a $20 cover available for the MyFi somewhere out there on the 'net (plastic baggies likely work just as well) and although I haven't killed the MyFi yet
I did manage to kill off another XM radio in a thunderstorm. Water and electronics obviously don't mix well
Good luck!
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I have the Sirius Streamer GT. Nice compact unit about the size of a cigarette pack. I use Etymotic ER6 earplug/earbuds plugged directly into the unit. I can operate all the controls with my summer gloves on. Works great and I like the new Sirius lineup of stations. Don
I use the Roady 2, mounted on a Hoon Hardware reservoir mount. Short antenna and hardwire from myradiostore.com. It plays through a Mixit amp and in ear monitors from a guy that hangs around here ;-)).
With this setup I can readily move the Roady from bike to car.
With this setup I can readily move the Roady from bike to car.
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48 Posts
I just put XM on my KGT. I hard wired it and hooked it up to my Autocom. I bought most of the stuff you need from Cyclegadgets.com and a few parts from Autocom. I did have to purchase an extension as the piece from Autocom is to short to put on the left clutch side and run all the way back to the under seat Autocom
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713 Posts
Good info - thanks very muh. I can't be bothered with mouting devices and downloading
mp3's.
I powered my tank bag using powerlet products, so I'm getting a portable xm device(not sure which one yet?) with some of those neat earphones and then I can shift it between bike/truck/home/gym....sweeet!
mp3's.
I powered my tank bag using powerlet products, so I'm getting a portable xm device(not sure which one yet?) with some of those neat earphones and then I can shift it between bike/truck/home/gym....sweeet!
Just to be clear, most of the XM gear is not 12v powered, but is 5v or 6v power input, dependent on model. Your options are to install a cigarette lighter on the bike and plug in the supplied adapter which drops the voltage, or better yet, visit cyclegadgets and others to get the XM power leads (as others have mentioned here). It fits nicely with the Powerlet products.
I find the audio output direct out of the Roady to be acceptable with the Etymotic ER-6's, but a real pain to change volume if you need to. Pirate mentioned other options.
I find the audio output direct out of the Roady to be acceptable with the Etymotic ER-6's, but a real pain to change volume if you need to. Pirate mentioned other options.
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70 Posts
Satellite Radio
Here is a write-up I did on my original Roady install. Some of it may be dated as the components have been upgraded, but I think all the url's work.
That's the Roady sitting under the map cover on the tank bag. No need to worry about rain, but I also have a clear rain cover for the Big Mak.
Here is a write-up I did on my original Roady install. Some of it may be dated as the components have been upgraded, but I think all the url's work.
That's the Roady sitting under the map cover on the tank bag. No need to worry about rain, but I also have a clear rain cover for the Big Mak.
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I just bought a MyFi on ebay with the home/car kit and then someone tells me that their are issues with it cutting in/out due to the built in antenna - said it was fine if you use the supplied car antenna.
Anyone found this to be true?
Anyone found this to be true?
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14 Posts
Yes the built in ant is very unreliable, the external ant must be used to get a good signal. I wish I had known this before, since the very reason I purchased this unit was the fact that it has a built in antenna.
XM works great on my 1200 rt
Hi there,
I just finished putting the 500th mile on my new bike.
I did the research and decided to go with the Zumo. Although I originally wanted Sirius,
I realized that XM has some terrific channels as well as some Sirius channels, since the merger of the 2 companies.
The BMW mount and wires were pricey, but I figured "what the hell" just do it right.
And it works great. The ant. is mounted behind the windscreen and is hardly visible.
I am using the nolan headset and am waiting delivery of the bluetooth dongle so I don't have to use the hard wire, which precludes me from using the phone.
The Zumo btw works great for navigation and it's pretty user friendly.
The weather here in Charlotte is getting a little brisk, so I can't wait to go riding today
Ride safe
Steve
Hi there,
I just finished putting the 500th mile on my new bike.
I did the research and decided to go with the Zumo. Although I originally wanted Sirius,
I realized that XM has some terrific channels as well as some Sirius channels, since the merger of the 2 companies.
The BMW mount and wires were pricey, but I figured "what the hell" just do it right.
And it works great. The ant. is mounted behind the windscreen and is hardly visible.
I am using the nolan headset and am waiting delivery of the bluetooth dongle so I don't have to use the hard wire, which precludes me from using the phone.
The Zumo btw works great for navigation and it's pretty user friendly.
The weather here in Charlotte is getting a little brisk, so I can't wait to go riding today
Ride safe
Steve
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