| ChiefPilot |
Some time ago, I read an announcement to the effect that an XM satellite radio option would be made available from Honda as of October 1st. This new dealer-installed option is supposed to be available for 2003 Accords and 2003 Pilots (and possibly some other models).
I recently checked a few of the Honda Accessories sites and could find no mention. :confused: Now that October 1st has come and gone, has anyone heard anything about this DIO? |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Haven't heard anything, but I do know that a lot of the accessories for the 03 Accord haven't even been released for sale yet. They have a Nov. 1st scheduled release date at this point. |
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| holstein |
Might wanna save your dough. Both satellite radio operators are having $ troubles. XM's got just 200,000 subs (they need a million fast to break even) and Sirius has under 10,000.
And now 'regular' AM/FM radio has the OK to go digital, making their sound just as good. |
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| MMM |
Looks like Honda will be re-badging Alpine's XMA-T200RF FM-modulated XM Tuner and Controller (see http://ecominet2.alpine-usa.com/pls...gory=&p_main=10). Of course it will come with all necessary brackets and connections to make it a 1000% better than what the average Circuit City boy installer will conjure up and put in your dash.
MMM |
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| SteveLuman |
| Just use the correct interface cable and you can install an XM Radio + CD Changer to your Pilot without FM Modulation.....I did. |
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| SteveLuman |
| ...and the Alpine. |
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| MMM |
Steve,
Sounds cool. I'd like to do that to our Pilot. Exactly which interface cable did you use to connect the Pioneer XM controller directly to your Pilot's head unit? Does the Pilot have an AUX input? I assume the Pioneer has RCA pre-outs that you are connecting to the radio. Also, how do you access this AUX input?
Thanks.
MMM |
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| SteveLuman |
MMM,
I purchased an Alpine CHA-S634 6-disc CD Changer and connected it to my Pilot with a Blitzsafe HONDA/XM DMX PIO.1D Adapter and an Alpine KCA-130B (Ai-Net to MBus). This Blitzsafe adapter has dual connections: 1 for the Alpine CD Changer & 1 for a Pioneer XM Tuner Connection. This eliminates the need for any FM modulations.
The interface adapter has all the necessary plugs for power and connectivity for the Pioneer 903XM unit (IP-Bus Out cable and Power supply cable) as well as a plug for an Alpine CD Changer. The only additional plugs used are the ones coming from the XM antenna (I would recommend the Sony antenna) and the controller unit supplied with the Tuner.
All plugs are included for power and function, and you can toggle between the CD and either the Changer or XM Radio using the CD/CD Changer Function. If you want to go from the CD Changer to the XM or vice versa, you press the track up then track down very quickly.
I can also play CD's, CD-RW's, CD-R's and MP3's with my Changer.
If you just want to connect just an Alpine CD Changer, I would recommend the http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_cata...alp_dmxv1.html.
If you want to buy a Pioneer 903XM tuner, I would recommend Best Buy. They sold me a $ 199 unit for $ 149.99. Just ask for the price break.
If you can't find this interface at a local car stereo installation center, Blitzsafe will sell direct to you via AMEX or Money Order COD.
Good Luck |
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| kemc |
Steve,
Can you give me a break down of price for the changer and what the adapters cost each. I have the Alpine xm system and would love to loop it through the deck and then have a changer added as well.
Thanks,
Ken |
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| SteveLuman |
Ken,
I assume that you currently have the Alpine XMA-T200RF. I just spoke with Blitzsafe a few minutes ago. The interface cable you need is the HON/ALP DMX B1D CD/XM. This dual interface will allow you to connect an Alpine CD Changer & Alpine XM Radio to your Pilot without FM Modulation. This part will cost approximately
$ 121.00. I would call Blitzsafe's technical support line @ (201) 569-5000 and order it direct from them (AMEX). You may need an Alpine KCA-130B cable for each device also. These are available from Circuit City for about $ 9.99 each (they convert the AI-Net signal to M-Bus so your head unit will recognize it). If you buy an M-Bus Alpine CD Changer, then you won't need this additional cable for it, just the XM tuner.
Steve |
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| kemc |
Steve,
Thank you for the info. I am wondering how the installed your XM tuner. Mine was installed under the pass. seat. I see your CD Changer is installed under the seat, I would assume it is facing forward towards the dash. Were is the XM tuner located?
Ken |
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| SteveLuman |
Ken,
I used the OEM mounting kit for my changer, so it is under the driver's seat. The Pioneer tuner was small enough to ride below the headunit/center console section (almost on the floor). I just padded it well to prevent vibration. I can remove it easily from the driver's side floorboard if I need to in the future. I'm not sure how large the Alpine XM Tuner is, but you may be able to place it there also. I'll try to take a photo of the tuner location and post it.
Steve |
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| kemc |
Steve, I am wondering about the unit that processes the signal and then sends it out to the controller device. I have my xm controller mounted on the dvd deck.
The receiver should be mounted under a seat or mounted under the dash.
Ken |
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| SteveLuman |
Ken,
Here is where my XM Tuner is located. It is placed firmly but not mounted with screws. It does not rattle, and would be easy to remove. This is below the radio/AC Unit (picture with panel removed). |
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| airgate |
quote:
Originally posted by holstein
Might wanna save your dough. Both satellite radio operators are having $ troubles. XM's got just 200,000 subs (they need a million fast to break even) and Sirius has under 10,000.
And now 'regular' AM/FM radio has the OK to go digital, making their sound just as good.
They are struggling. They signed a deal with GM and now have XM as an available option for most (if not all) GM makes and some marques such as the Escalade have the XM included.:rolleyes:
My Alpine headunit on the S2000 is XM ready and I ahve waited to install the necessary unit because it's right arounf $200. On top of that, I need to pay XM an activation fee and of course, the monthly service fee. Just does'nt make a whole lot of sense to me right now. In addition to all of that, the antennas are absolutely hideous.:p :rolleyes: ;) |
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| livemusicfan |
I wish I would have known I could do that - my alpine unit is attached with a modulator. I wonder if the sound is better with a direct connection? Any comments from those of you with that set-up?
Jason |
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| SteveLuman |
Jason,
The music from my XM is crystal clear. Even sounds better than the local FM stations in my area.
Steve |
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| dntsne1 |
Steve how hard is the chamnger to hook up to the stock radio?
Thanks,
Pat |
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| SteveLuman |
Pat,
It was rather easy to connect the Changer. I will email you the instructions on how to install the Changer. Be careful when removing the audio panel. Once the panel is off, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the radio. Go ahead and unplug the entire head unit and remove it from the slot. I would place a small rag below the head unit to prevent scratching the dash. Plug in your interface (I used the Blitzsafe HONDA/XM DMX PIO.1D Adapter because I also installed a Pioneer 903XM Tuner) to the rear of the head unit and route it down behind the radio like the OEM instructions say. I then plugged in the Alpine KCA-130B (Ai-Net to MBus...only needed if the changer is AI-Net) cable to one side of the Blitzsafe interface. This cable then was routed around the center console as depicted on pages 4 and 5 to the changer. It is easier to plug the changer cable in before mounting the changer.
I used the CD Changer Attachment Kit (sold separately - P/N 08B26-S9V-100 from College Hills Honda) and installed the base brackets. I then installed the changer brackets to the changer and attached them to the base brackets. Secure all wires, replace the console cover and the driver's seat cover trim, and reinstall the head unit and all connections. Reconnect the negative battery cable and train the automatic feature on the driver's power window. Enjoy!!
If you just want to connect an Alpine CD Changer, buy the HON/ALP DMX V.1 from Blitzsafe or the HONIL from Peripheral Electronics as your interface. |
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| bob__smith |
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLuman
MMM,
I purchased an Alpine CHA-S634 6-disc CD Changer and connected it to my Pilot with a Blitzsafe HONDA/XM DMX PIO.1D Adapter and an Alpine KCA-130B (Ai-Net to MBus). ...
If you just want to connect just an Alpine CD Changer, I would recommend the http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_cata...alp_dmxv1.html.
...
Steve,
You seem to be a expert on Alpine CHA-S634 installation. Crutchfield sells this unit and KCA-130B adapter for it. Will this be enough to install the unit into the Pilot or I will also need HON/ALP DMXV.1 adapter as well?
Thanks in advance,
Bob. |
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| SteveLuman |
bob_smith,
The Alpine KCA-130B is necessary for the Changer to convert the signal from the changer from AI-Net to M-Bus. An interface like the Blitzsafe HON/ALP DMX V.1, the PIE HON/PC-ALP or the Peripheral Electronics HONIL is necessary to convert the Alpine M-Bus to the Honda 14-pin Molex connector on the back of th Head Unit.
If you chose one the dual interfaces (XM or RCA plugs) then the dual interface will take the place of the HONIL or HON/ALP DMX V.1.
Attached is an installation diagram for the PIE HON/PC-ALP. Keep in mind that all three of these interfaces do the same thing. |
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| silverex |
| Tried ordering my adapter from Blitz, those guys are a joke. All the retailers they have on their site are made up, at least in the Kansas City area. Called all 6 of them and they haven't ever sold Blitz products. So I called Blitz directly to order the part and they only except AMEX, screw them I'm gonna do FM modulation. I'm tired of messing with these guys. |
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| SteveLuman |
silverex,
I got my Blitzsafe from Pro-Tech Concepts . It is easier to call Lance Bamburg @ (318) 387-6054. He is easy to work with, and will have the adapter mailed to you. He also accepts all major credit cards. |
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| silverex |
Steve,
Where did you mount your antenna? I'm thinking I'm going to put mine at the end of the pilot some how. Can you give me some details on how you ran the cable? Thanks. |
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| SteveLuman |
| I mounted my Sony XM Radio antenna at the rear central top of my Pilot. I used the magnetic portion of the antenna vs. the adhesive tape. I ran the wiring through the hatch wiring access and routed it to the front along the edge of the driver's side headliner and pillars to the dash. It took a little while, but you can't see where the wires are. I guess you could also run them under the headliner to the drivers front pillar. |
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| SteveLuman |
| Here's another photo! |
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| silverex |
| That is about what I was thinking, actually I didn't think about the headliner, I was going to run it on the floor. Now that I think about it the headliner would be a better way to go probably. I had a heck of a time getting that plastic trim piece off the dash, scratched my vent a little but not that badly. I'll take pics and let you know how it turns out. Thanks for your help! -silverex |
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| SteveLuman |
| This is a picture of the wiring running to this interior of the Pilot through the rear hatch. You can see the wire coming from the roof in the background. |
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| silverex |
| Did you actually remove the headliner? I just went out and looked at the headliner and it looks like that's probably not the way I'm going to do it. Pretty tight spaces. My best bet looks like some how getting the cable inside and then getting it to the floor of the vehicle. If you have any suggestions I'm all ears. |
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| SteveLuman |
| No, I did not remove the headliner. After I routed the wires through the rear hatch, I ran the wires along the edge of the headliner and doors along the driver's side. I then routed the wires down the driver's side window pillar to the base of the center console. |
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| silverex |
| I ran the calbe through the hatch nd then along the floor but i ran out of cable at the driver seat. Man, hehe the challenges. I have the new magnet terk slim antenna. I'm going by bestbuy to see if they have an extension or something, if they do that'll be cool, if not I will probably try the headliner way. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know what I come up with. |
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| silverex |
Wooohooo! Alright finally got my xm installed all neat looking. I ran out of cable for the antenna so I ended up mounting the pioneer box in the rear of the pilot and ran the cables under the floor too the front console. I have enclosed pics of the antenna mount, display, and pioneer mount. Thanks again!
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| 11psiGSR |
Just a quick heads up.
For those of you who dislike the idea of having to use an outboard controller to add your XM tuner....
There is a company called Ventura Technologies that claims to be shipping an adapter that will allow the Pioneer tuner to be controlled directly from the factory head unit. No FM modulator, no external controller. Everything will be controlled from the stock H/U.
The adapter retails for around $120, and will work with both the '03 Accord and Pilot.
The company's website is www.venturatechnology.com, although the new adapter IS NOT listed on the site as of yet. Only the aux in piece shows up.
Mine is on backorder currently... I should have it by April 19th. Will keep you updated. |
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| SteveLuman |
quote:
Originally posted by 11psiGSR
Just a quick heads up.
For those of you who dislike the idea of having to use an outboard controller to add your XM tuner....
There is a company called Ventura Technologies that claims to be shipping an adapter that will allow the Pioneer tuner to be controlled directly from the factory head unit. No FM modulator, no external controller. Everything will be controlled from the stock H/U.
The adapter retails for around $120, and will work with both the '03 Accord and Pilot.
The company's website is www.venturatechnology.com, although the new adapter IS NOT listed on the site as of yet. Only the aux in piece shows up.
Mine is on backorder currently... I should have it by April 19th. Will keep you updated.
I spoke to Rob with soundgate (a distributor for Ventura Technology) today regarding this possible interface. He told me that he checked with Ventura today, and that the interface would be similar to the Blitzsafe dual interface. It would be ready later in the spring, and that it would NOT allow text across the Honda Pilot Head Unit. It seems to be associated with a limitation of the Head Unit and not the interface. |
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| gksmith |
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLuman
Just use the correct interface cable and you can install an XM Radio + CD Changer to your Pilot without FM Modulation.....I did.
How did you mount your control unit to your "not an ashtray"? I'd like to see a better close up of that area and read any tips you have for that installation.
For the rest of it I plan to do something similar to Honda's XM installation. |
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| gshoemaker1 |
Steve, How well does the Alpine CHA-S634 work with your Pilot's head unit? Are there any problems with putting too many songs on an MP3 CD and how well/easy is it to select songs. I presume that you also can't see any of the ID3 tags for the mp3s on the head unit display? I've got this same unit my my Taurus SHO hooked up to an older (1998) Alpine head unit and it works pretty well. Was just wondering how well it would work in the Pilot. Thanks.
- Gil
'03 RedRock Pearl EX |
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| SteveLuman |
quote:
Originally posted by gshoemaker1
Steve, How well does the Alpine CHA-S634 work with your Pilot's head unit? Are there any problems with putting too many songs on an MP3 CD and how well/easy is it to select songs. I presume that you also can't see any of the ID3 tags for the mp3s on the head unit display? I've got this same unit my my Taurus SHO hooked up to an older (1998) Alpine head unit and it works pretty well. Was just wondering how well it would work in the Pilot. Thanks.
- Gil
'03 RedRock Pearl EX
The Alpine CHA-S634 works well with the Pilot's Head Unit. I haven't had any problems with it. You just have to try and remember where your favorite songs are on the CD's. You can also changer songs by toggling up with the steering wheel controls. |
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| SnakeMan |
In Reply to SteveLuman's earlier Recommendation on a Blitzsafe:
Merchant
silverex,
I got my Blitzsafe from Pro-Tech Concepts . It is easier to call Lance Bamburg @ (318) 387-6054. He is easy to work with, and will have the adapter mailed to you. He also accepts all major credit cards.
I just got off the phone with them, and found them to be the absolute worst ..
They wouldn't even talk to me unless I sent a cashier's check in advance ..
If anyone has another recommended source, I'd love to hear it.
Thanks
:3: |
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| SteveLuman |
quote:
Originally posted by SnakeMan
In Reply to SteveLuman's earlier Recommendation on a Blitzsafe:
Merchant
silverex,
I got my Blitzsafe from Pro-Tech Concepts . It is easier to call Lance Bamburg @ (318) 387-6054. He is easy to work with, and will have the adapter mailed to you. He also accepts all major credit cards.
I just got off the phone with them, and found them to be the absolute worst ..
They wouldn't even talk to me unless I sent a cashier's check in advance ..
If anyone has another recommended source, I'd love to hear it.
Thanks
:3:
Snakeman,
Sorry to hear that Pro-Tech concepts were @$$Holes. I won't recommend them again.
Here is a link to buy the interface online.
I hope that it works better for you. |
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| SnakeMan |
Thanks Steve -
It really floored me because you gave them such a good recommendation ..
I appreciate the help.
Al |
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