I finally tried my new Sirius Starmate satellite radio receiver. The good news is that it works perfectly with the antenna inside the car (not even close to a window). Now here are the bad news. The mounting clips provided cannot be used adequately anywhere in the cabin (unless the suction pad is stuck to the windscreen which is a definite no-no as far as I am concerned). Also, the antenna cannot stick to anything inside the car. I don't want to do any permanent installation but I don't want to be bothered by the power cord and the antenna wire either. Any tips?
[:D] Factory system is best. Aren't all 2005 & 2006 SLKs pre-wired for Sirius radio? Is it possible to add the factory Sirius system. I was told it's not possible. I had the same problem with an XM aftermarket system in my wife's CTS. I believe the Starmate has a docking station. I would permanently wire the docking station with DC power and double tape the antenna to a suitable location. I have three vehicles with XM and all three have the antenna mounted inside. One with the XM antenna taped to the dash, and two with the antenna mounted on the rear window shelf. They work great with virtually NO drop outs. I would used the center storage compartment if feasible, or the vertical storage compartment with enough wiring to lay the Starmate on the seat or console while using. Easily stored away and all wiring concealed out of sight when not using. Although this is not an ideal installation, it will work with minimal effort, until a better system becomes available.
__________________ ----------------1----------------- --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK
The 12V Accessory socket on the passenger side can be a convient power tap. The antenna wire can go up the passenger side and placed on the dash. The passenger side dash end cover can be removed easily. Just open the cover at the rear edge (towards the seats) with a plastic wedge (or with a screw drive carefully). Some placed the antenna under the cabin air intake grill on the hood. There are wire pass-thrus on the firewall in the battery box. It comes out the passenger side (LHD car) near the A/C blower housing.
If your Sirius has line output and you have Command, you can connect it to the AUX jack in the glovebox. If it have Mute out, the Mute bus connector is on the A/C blower housing.
CalifSLK - 1/17/2006 9:47 PM
The 12V Accessory socket on the passenger side can be a convient power tap. The antenna wire can go up the passenger side and placed on the dash. The passenger side dash end cover can be removed easily. Just open the cover at the rear edge (towards the seats) with a plastic wedge (or with a screw drive carefully). Some placed the antenna under the cabin air intake grill on the hood. There are wire pass-thrus on the firewall in the battery box. It comes out the passenger side (LHD car) near the A/C blower housing. If your Sirius has line output and you have Command, you can connect it to the AUX jack in the glovebox. If it have Mute out, the Mute bus connector is on the A/C blower housing.
Thank you very much for all this info. The photos have been very useful. I'll probably install the antenna in the air intake grill as you explained. I haven't decided yet what I'll do with the power cord. I am not too savvy when it comes to electrics! And although I have Comand, I should prefer not to use the AUX jack. The FM transmitter works quite efficiently and will spare me the extra connection. At this point, my main concern is securing the receiver in a practical and functional way. Unfortunately, the Kuda mounting base shown in the website you suggested will not do (unless they have one fit for receivers similar to mine). Anyway, you have been a great help and I truly appreciate it. [:D][:D][:D]
The 12V Accessory jack is an easy place to tap the 12V and GND. It is mounted on the Under Dash Cover. The connector comes off the jack assembly sideways.
Just use those insulation displacement tap connectors (blue color). When you crimp the 12V with pliers, be careful not to touch any surrounding metal area that may be grounded. I use a small pair of channel lock pliers with insulated handles to do this job. When you remove these connectors later, it just leave small "bit' marks on the wire jacket. The one on the right is non-removable and made for smaller gage wires and for weather proof application. The one on the left is best for car interior and made for many different wire gage sizes (color coded).
The 12V Accessory jack is on a 10 or 15amp fuse. The SDAR radio likely draw less than 1amp. So you will need an inline fuse which may be in the Sirius kit.
The 12V Accessory jack is an easy place to tap the 12V and GND. It is mounted on the Under Dash Cover. The connector comes off the jack assembly sideways.
Just use those insulation displacement tap connectors (blue color). When you crimp the 12V with pliers, be careful not to touch any surrounding metal area that may be grounded. I use a small pair of channel lock pliers with insulated handles to do this job. When you remove these connectors later, it just leave small "bit' marks on the wire jacket. The one on the right is non-removable and made for smaller gage wires and for weather proof application. The one on the left is best for car interior and made for many different wire gage sizes (color coded).
The 12V Accessory jack is on a 10 or 15amp fuse. The SDAR radio likely draw less than 1amp. So you will need an inline fuse which may be in the Sirius kit.
Hmm, sounds a little too risky for me... I'll have a friend over next weekend and I'll let him try it. No doubt he'll be able to follow your instructions. I am afraid I might do something wrong. I am not the most mechanical guy in town! [B)]
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