I let my free subscription to XM expire because I already had Sirius. I'm using a Starmate PNP unit that I had spliced into the XM antenna for my antenna. I wasn't pleased with the reception so.... I decided to do something about it.

Here ya go!

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z1.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z3.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z4.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z5.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z6.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z8.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z9.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z10.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z11.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z13.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z14.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z16.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z17.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z18.JPG


http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/SIRIUS.JPG


Some things of note:

SOLDERING

http://www.mediacollege.com/misc/solder/tinning.html


SUPPLIES

ALLIED ELECTRONICS http://www.alliedelec.com/
jack 903-505J-51S
plug 903-285P-51s
50 ohm


INSTRUCTIONS

AMPHENOL RF PRODUCTS
http://www.amphenolrf.com/
http://www.amphenolrf.com/products/assemblyInstructions/328.pdf

I've always not been able to get good, clear, concise information on what antennas will work with each other. I know now the XM antenna WILL work with my Sirius tuner.

I now know that I can split the antenna and send a lead to an XM receiver AND a Sirius receiver at the same time. ( I can still get preview on the car's XM).

I don't always get 10 bars on the signal meter. It depends on my location in relation to the satellites, power lines, buildings, etc. The problem I was having was a lot of drop-outs with the spliced wire.

There are some other pics in my gallery that wouldn't fit in the allowed space.

jerij

That is one of the best how-to instruction sets I've ever seen! Thank you!

I don't listen to radio - let alone satellite -

BUT THAT WAS THE BEST HOW-TO EVER!!!!!

http://forums.ngemu.com/images/smilies/Funny/thewave.gif

:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

You ROCK! :one:

I don't listen to radio - let alone satellite -


Get outa here! The best $13 bucks I spend each month. (Of course, if hookers were cheaper....)

jerij

Yes very well written and good picture documentation.

:one:

Nice Job Jerij :thumb: I've got Sirius with the add on antenna. On my to do list is to add an OEM type antenna for a clean install. I will be returning to this thread for info.

One question. Do you think there is enough room where the XM box is at to replace it with an amp? Couldn't really tell how much room was back there from the pix...

Late

Ng

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/0/5/Z18.JPG


What's the Motorola box next to the XM receiver?
Do you think if these two boxes weren't there an amp would fit?

Ng

The Motorola box next to my XM receiver is my Onstar phone system. The 2nd antenna (not shown) that comes out of the Onstar/XM antenna plugs into this.

However.... my regular radio antenna ALSO plugs into this device.

jerij

Too bad the stock head unit could not be converted

yes, it did come out nice, especialy for not having the proper crimping tool. just wanted to ask, if you no longer subscribe to XM, why did you feel the need to split the signal back to the OEM XM tuner?

you can also adapt to the OEM XM SAT antenna coax lead with an adapter cable:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c344/valenciaca/3ft%20SMB%20adapter-new/PHTO0051.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c344/valenciaca/3ft%20SMB%20adapter-new/PHTO0060.jpg

or a longer version:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c344/valenciaca/SMB/PHTO0059.jpg

I split the antenna to keep the XM intact. When I sell the car all I have to do is remove my Starmate and the XM preview still works. I won't have to be pulling wires out and tearing out the back panel again to hook the XM back up. It's already done.

You are correct on the crimping tool. I used a generic from Home Depot. (But then again, I'm not selling this product, I believe that's your job....)

jerij

That's some tricky work there, but there's one problem:

The XM antenna is designed to reject Sirius signals. See, the XM and Sirius bands are right next to each other, so there is some heavy filtering going on at the antenna's end to clear out competing signals. In satellite-only areas, this isn't a problem, however, when you get near a repeater (of which XM owns a TON) it's going to crush the Sirius signal.

You might notice some cutouts going under tunnels or through downtown areas, this isn't a loss of reception but the XM repeater signal nuking the filtered Sirius signal. To double check, throw a Sirius antenna on the roof, well away from the XM antenna so it won't shadow it, and drive the same stretch during the same time of day.

It works the other way around, Sirius antennas generally make lousy XM antennas. They probably work fine in the middle of nowhere, but once you hit an urban area with repeaters, it will start to go bonkers.

Just, you know, FYI :)

looks good!

That's some tricky work there, but there's one problem:

The XM antenna is designed to reject Sirius signals. See, the XM and Sirius bands are right next to each other, so there is some heavy filtering going on at the antenna's end to clear out competing signals. In satellite-only areas, this isn't a problem, however, when you get near a repeater (of which XM owns a TON) it's going to crush the Sirius signal.

You might notice some cutouts going under tunnels or through downtown areas, this isn't a loss of reception but the XM repeater signal nuking the filtered Sirius signal. To double check, throw a Sirius antenna on the roof, well away from the XM antenna so it won't shadow it, and drive the same stretch during the same time of day.

It works the other way around, Sirius antennas generally make lousy XM antennas. They probably work fine in the middle of nowhere, but once you hit an urban area with repeaters, it will start to go bonkers.

Just, you know, FYI :)

Never had that problem. (I've mixed antennas dozens of times.) I'm pretty sure that between Seattle and Tacoma there are plenty of terrestrial repeaters. It's still not recommended to mix antennas, but it's not nearly as bad as you describe. I'd compare the difference in reception similar to say, putting a stubby antenna on your HHR vs the stock FM antenna...

jbmcb,

I live in Nashville and have both repeaters almost everywhere. I've had no problem with this setup for THIS car. It may occur however, with the Pontiac I'm about to do it to, though.

jerij

Too bad the stock head unit could not be converted
I believe there is a Sirius brainbox to replace the xm unit. I`ve heard of people replacing it and still using the factory head unit. try www.sirius.com or http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/CachedPage&c=ProductAsset&cid=1152812370950

wonder what's gonna happen when XM and Sirius merge?

wonder what's gonna happen when XM and Sirius merge?

Twice the channels!

Twice the channels!

If you were joking....you're closer to the truth than you realize.

According to the analysts, the 2 providers use different technologies and are not compatible. So the service itself probably would not become the same or one would not be eliminated. The thought regarding this (merging has been a rumor for a long time...both companies are losing "gobs" of money) is that one will buy the other and keep the separate services (anyone see a monopoly here) and maybe separate identities or optional levels...XM1 or XM2 (Sirrius), for example. And then diversify the programming so there is little duplication and each would have its own identity.

Wasn't joking that time, heard the same thing Snoopy just said on MSNBC a while back.

If you were joking....you're closer to the truth than you realize.

According to the analysts, the 2 providers use different technologies and are not compatible. So the service itself probably would not become the same or one would not be eliminated. The thought regarding this (merging has been a rumor for a long time...both companies are losing "gobs" of money) is that one will buy the other and keep the separate services (anyone see a monopoly here) and maybe separate identities or optional levels...XM1 or XM2 (Sirrius), for example. And then diversify the programming so there is little duplication and each would have its own identity.
The FCC has hinted that it would not approve such a merger, using the same reasoning why they declined the merger between Dish and DirectTV.

The FFC. Why they always gotta rain on everyone's parade. I feel like going on the radio and saying f*** now.

I'd rather they not merge. If Sirius gets control of the XM programming, I'll be cancelling my subs.

I'd rather they not merge. If Sirius gets control of the XM programming, I'll be cancelling my subs.
Just offhand ,for discusion,why do you dislike Sirius?

Just offhand ,for discusion,why do you dislike Sirius?

IMHO, XM has a deeper playlist and better music offering (to me) than Sirius. Also, NHL Home Ice.

There are a couple of channels on Sirius that I would like, but not enough to get a sub to Sirius.

I prefer xm too. Love having hockey and baseball!!

I think overall they offer very similar styles of music choices. For me it really came down to the sports and the xm 2go. I love being able to listen to it even when I'm walking. sirius may have something like that too but that what got my attention for xm.

That being said this is probably best discussed in its own thread, bet there is already a thread too!

I totally understand. I`m partial to Sirius for the same reasons.

Get outa here! The best $13 bucks I spend each month.

:thumb: I've got the Stiletto 100 and a lifetime subscription. Love it!

I've also got an XM sub, but I listen to Sirius more than twice as much as XM.

I split the antenna to keep the XM intact. When I sell the car all I have to do is remove my Starmate and the XM preview still works. jerij

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DONT SELL IT, WE ALL LOVE OUR BELOVED HHR'S. :nuts:

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DONT SELL IT, WE ALL LOVE OUR BELOVED HHR'S. :nuts:

Shout it loud. :smile:

I am resurecting this thread :smile: Got some questions. I have an adapter cable that will attach directly to the factory XM antenna. I have an 08 LT with the Pioneer super system and the deck is XM ready and I have the XM/Onstar antenna on the back but I do not have an XM reciever module in the back. I also have Onstar activated. OK, so I was hooking up a SIRIUS Stratus and wanted to tap into the factory antenna because I hate those little magnetic jobbies they give you. The antenna has two leads, Violet and Blue. To my suprise both leads go down and plug into the Onstar box? Thinking that was strange I just disconnected and tapped into the Blue lead and my Stratus just says "Aquiring Signal" and one of my Onstar lights (the one on the right side of the mirror) changes from green to red? So next I decided to try the Violet lead and my Stratus says "No Antenna" so I know I had it right the first time with the blue lead. To troubleshoot further I connected the SIRIUS antenna and all worked well :D Now I know this can be done because I have done it before on my Chevy Colorado but that vehicle did not have Onstar. Furthermore this thread is about using the factory antenna and it obviously works! The only difference is that this person already had the XM module from the factory. I can't figure out what the difference would be or why both the XM lead and the Onstar lead plug into the Onstar box? Or why it messes with my Onstar when I unplug it? There is an empty/unused plug on the Onstar box (it's not an antenna plug). Does that somehow change how the antenna works and then sends the signal to the factory XM reciever? Is this just another GM ploy to screw the aftermarket consumer and make things so difficult to change that you will finally break down and buy it from them? Truth be told I would have bought it from them if they offered it but they don't, they only offer XM. Please help.

Well I have since found out that I do not have the Onstar/XM combo antenna, I have an Onstar only antenna :( There are a few different versions of the antenna. Thanks to brianrwebb for the info on this. It looks like I'll have to spend some $$$ if I want to use the factory antenna. Last time I bought one it was around $125 for just the XM antenna. I can only imagine what an Onstar/XM antenna costs :confused: Anyway, I'll find out and post it here with the part# so the rest of you can benefit.

anyone ever try to switch with one of these?

http://satellite-radio-source.ca/store//catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_35&products_id=61

i know that the hhr is not on the list, but it is still concievable that someone has tried it....


thanks!