Delphi XM FM Modulator

[Wess]

Anyone ever use one of these?:

http://delphi.com/pdf/consumer/SKYFi_fm_mod_guide.pdf

I'd prefer using an FM modulator to fumbling with the mess of wires and the cassette adapter. I've never tinkered w/ the stereo in these cars, will it work?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

FM modulators in general do an OK job. They're not as "pure" sounding as a direct AUX connection, but I suspect about 95% of the people in the world wouldn't be able to perceive a difference.

Although I've never used the XM version, and have never used any FM modulated add-ons in a V8 SHO, there should be no reason why it wouldn't work reasonably well. Presuming it has an intercept for the factory antenna, it will probably work quite well. Just think of selecting the appropriate FM station as you would pressing the CD or (gasp) Tape button.

I've actually been thinking about geting an XM or Sirius setup next spring, so I'd be curious to hear how everything works out for you if you go ahead with it.

 

[ricky]

Works quite well, though not full cd quality its better than any FM station's signal. Just pick the antenna adaptors from Best BUY, Crutchfield or whereever. The Delphi FM modulator also serves as the XM unit's power source, so when you power up the XM, it powers up the modulator and sends XM signal to the radio. After it's installed, just push one button to play. Volume, bass. treble are all controled by the radio controls.

 

[Wess]

Works quite well, though not full cd quality its better than any FM station's signal. Just pick the antenna adaptors from Best BUY, Crutchfield or whereever. The Delphi FM modulator also serves as the XM unit's power source, so when you power up the XM, it powers up the modulator and sends XM signal to the radio. After it's installed, just push one button to play. Volume, bass. treble are all controled by the radio controls.

Nice. You wouldn't happen to know what type of adapters I need, would you? Also, where did you install you modulator?

 

[ricky]

You need to pick up the adaptors that convert the Ford antenna feed to the standard motorola feeds. Do a search online for Ford antenna adaptors you will find the ones you need. I also got two 12 foot extensions for the two antenna connectors [one from antenna adaptor, one back to rear radio adaptor], ran these wires to the modulator mounted behind the glove box. Modulator's power feed is tapped into the radio power feed up front. Lines to the skyfi unit are feed behind the dash, come out at the bottom right 'corner' of the oval next to delphi mount along with XM antenna feed. The only exposed wires now are three [about 3" each] tucked in behind/side of the car cradle.

 

[Mac98SHO]

If anyone is interested, I have figured out a way to wire the XM reciever into the Ford Radio. I have successfully wire my XM, though I must admit it is crude until I have time to clean it up. I could explain how I did it to those who are interested. It works great and sounds a whole lot better than the FM modulator. The only down fall is the Tape deck will be disabled kinda sorta ... though this is not a problem for me since I use the Radio and the CD changer only. Actually not only can you use the XM radio, but also an MP3 player.

 

[Wess]

Interested

If anyone is interested, I have figured out a way to wire the XM reciever into the Ford Radio. I have successfully wire my XM, though I must admit it is crude until I have time to clean it up. I could explain how I did it to those who are interested. It works great and sounds a whole lot better than the FM modulator. The only down fall is the Tape deck will be disabled kinda sorta ... though this is not a problem for me since I use the Radio and the CD changer only. Actually not only can you use the XM radio, but also an MP3 player.

Ok, I'm interested. How'd ya do it?

 

[Mac98SHO]

The Ford Radio is kinda set up like component system. Here how I accomplished this feat.

Lines run from the ICP (Intergrated Control Panel) unit to the RCU(rear Control Unit). The Am/FM radio is intergrated in the RCU but the Cassette deck and CD Changer is seprate and has line inputs into the RCU.

Ok basically what I did was replace the Cassette inputs with the line out from the XM reciever..... now the problem was getting the ICP to think the cassette deck was in use. I just used my torn apart cassette adapter without it guts and and just insert that in the cassette deck. Since there is no tape no audio is sent to the RCU. (Also the line inputs are disconnected). Now all you do is turn on the XM radio and wham.... XM radio come thru the RCU and sounds awesome and CD change and radio still functional. The tape deck will work but no audio will be sent to the ICP, due to the line inputs are disconnected.

 

[Mac98SHO]

I guess if I would have read this post on the IPOD two days ago it owuld have saved me about hour of reading schematics.. lol.... here hows to do what I did, the differance being my connection point was at the RCU in the truck. I did not want to make a mistake and take out my Electronic Climate control (my choice, both will work)..... have fun.

http://sio.midco.net/skyeg/Taurus Line-in html/Line-in instructions.html

found this on the IPOD thread.

 

[Vroom]

I guess if I would have read this post It would have save me about hour of reading schmatics.. lol.... here hows to do what I did, the differance being connected in at the RCU in the truck. I did not want to make a mistake and take out my Electronic Climate control (my choice, both will work)..... have fun.

http://sio.midco.net/skyeg/Taurus Line-in html/Line-in instructions.html

found this on the IPOD thread.

Easy as pie. Hit me up for any questions.

 

[Mac98SHO]

You know with a relay set up you could wire in both, and a switch to go from IPOD to Cassette deck. I was working on doing this, but I am really happy with the set up and sound, so its not a priority, since I rarely used the tape deck anyway.

 

[Vroom]

Yeah, I NEVER use the tape deck, so I was happy to put it to good use.

I really want to just have a switch to get into tape mode without an actual tape.

 

[BodylessSHO]

Yeah, there's gotta be a way to do that. Maybe take out the tape deck completely (bondo and paint over the hole), and figure it out from there..