I installed the XM radio unit from Factory Interactive and could not be more pleased. I ordered on Monday, and the unit shipped on Monday, arriving three days later via Fedex Express Saver. Despite the high heat and humidity, I tackled the project and finished in about three hours. It would have gone faster, but I had to take a few breaks to towel off. The thing that sets this unit apart from the others is the included DVD which takes you through the process step by step and screw by screw. More importantly, the video shows you how to put it back together, rather than let you just imagine the reverse of the process. (Ever re-assembled something and wound up with a screw left over?) The only thing that caused me to pause in the video is the unit shown is not quite the same as the unit shipped, which is newer. The antenna hookup is different (now the mini-antenna), but easy to figure out since there's no other place the antenna wire can go. There is, however, an empty socket when you have finished. It's obviously not used for the Prius installation, so don't worry about it. I placed my antenna on the right left side of the lower roof as suggested and it performs perfectly. I went on a long drive around my city under many overpasses, etc. and there were no dropouts at all. It even works in my garage with the doors closed. Since I had seen no pictures of the 16-digit display, I took a couple to show you. (below) I think it looks a lot cleaner than the 10-digit display. There's also a scary picture during the install. Don't worry, it's not scary at all! So if you're looking to add satellite radio you might want to give Jon a call at Factory Interactive. It may come as a shock to do business with someone who answers his phone and his emails. (I went with XM radio because we have XM in our Honda and there's a significant family discount when adding a second radio.)
Must have been a great day for installations... I, too, installed my PriusXM unit from Factory Interactive today. That DVD is nothing short of a life-saver. There's NO WAY I would have tackled this project without it. I ended up running my antenna to the rear center of my rooftop, rather than to the corner. I've seen posts where one PC'er routed it into the rear spoiler. I'm going to do a little more research on that and see how the reception is with the antenna in that location before attempting it... but I really want to keep everything looking clean. Anyway... if you're considering installing an XM unit, this setup is sweet!! And the DVD gives you the acorns to take your dash apart without worrying if you are going to be able to get it back together or not.
I thought about putting it in the spoiler, but decided against it. When the antenna is on the roof metal, essentially the whole roof becomes the antenna. The spoiler isn't metal (is it?) so I'm not sure the exposure would be as good. I also thought about putting the antenna in the center of the roof but it was hot, I was tired and it looked more difficult, so I stuck it where recommended. I guess I can always change it later.
Yeah, I think I'm going to just leave the antenna behind my sharkfin and roll with it... at least until I hear from more PC'ers that have had success with it. After all, it is a micro antenna and is barely noticeable as it is. Thanks for the input. ~Tom
Wow, that certainly is a scary pic of the dash taken apart. I went with the factory directions which did not require any dash disassembly except for removing the glovebox door and vent next to it. The antenna mounts up on the left side of the dash and works great. I have no issues with dropouts at all. (The installation manual had the antenna installed on the right side of the dash and had dropout problems, on the left side there is great reception). Here is a link to the installation instructions. http://priuschat.com/forums/file-library/46772-2006-xmradio-install-instructions.html
Yeah, but you really haven't lived until you've taken everything apart except the steering wheel!! It was a scary process taking apart my baby, even with the step-by-step tutorial provided... but I'm really glad that I got in there and saw how modular everything is. I won't be as reluctant to dig into future mods.
Is there a portable XM radio that will work with this? I know with sirius you have 2 options both integrated to MFD however the radio can be removed from car to use someplace else.
I am also looking for an XM radio that will integrate with the MFD and is removable. I saw the Audiovox XM Direct 2 CNP2000UC and I wonder if this is compatible with the Prius stock radio #51824 (NOT JBL). Anyone know about this unit?
Personally, i would hold off until SiriusXM announces new dual hardware and see if there is something that will receive both SATRAD signals. That's what I'm hoping for. If they don't announce something like that then I'm likely canceling my XM service.
From what I've seen so far in the last few weeks, I'm betting they'll continue merging programming, until both networks are carrying the exact same content.
