JST
03-22-2010, 05:48 PM
After a couple of weeks of trying to tough it out, I got sick of listening to the Splendid Table and Speaking of Faith on NPR, CSPAN radio, or the same 5 CDs that I brought out to the car when I first got it, and decided I needed to take some action.
I couldn't bring myself to spend between $500 and $1000 for the Dension or OEM solutions, and I found an old XM Sportscaster that I'd been using in the 335 in my Box of Satellite Radios. A quick test showed that the slimline display/headunit would fit almost perfectly in the cubby underneath the climate control.
With the radio in hand, I went to Hurley's car stereo shop in McLean (near Intersport, for locals), which does a heavy trade in high-end car installs. For $200, they sold and installed a wired FM modulator, installed a semi-hidden power switch for it (no cutting), and installed the XM unit (and hid the antenna up under the plastic cowl on the trunk). There's enough slack in the 3.5mm jack that I can unplug it and plug in an iPod, though obviously it doesn't charge.
I kind of feel stupid paying to get something like this done, but given the amount of free time I've had recently it seemed like a worthwhile investment. The sound is acceptable, especially in a convertible, and I am glad for the variety. For any of you guys jonesing for sat rad in your 987, I'd say this is a good way to go.
I couldn't bring myself to spend between $500 and $1000 for the Dension or OEM solutions, and I found an old XM Sportscaster that I'd been using in the 335 in my Box of Satellite Radios. A quick test showed that the slimline display/headunit would fit almost perfectly in the cubby underneath the climate control.
With the radio in hand, I went to Hurley's car stereo shop in McLean (near Intersport, for locals), which does a heavy trade in high-end car installs. For $200, they sold and installed a wired FM modulator, installed a semi-hidden power switch for it (no cutting), and installed the XM unit (and hid the antenna up under the plastic cowl on the trunk). There's enough slack in the 3.5mm jack that I can unplug it and plug in an iPod, though obviously it doesn't charge.
I kind of feel stupid paying to get something like this done, but given the amount of free time I've had recently it seemed like a worthwhile investment. The sound is acceptable, especially in a convertible, and I am glad for the variety. For any of you guys jonesing for sat rad in your 987, I'd say this is a good way to go.