sirius FM Module Relay
sirius FM Module Relay Was wondering if the sirius fm module relay could be used on an 02 camaro. ive read where people convert the cd changer into an rca and go that route. But from what i see the gma cable is like $70. the fm module is around $20 and says it connects to the antenna directly. Anybody try this or know if it will work on the elite monsoon system. IF i had any money i would rip the whole system out and put a new one in.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I assume you're refering to the FM modulator. There are two types of FM modulators - wired and wireless. The wireless type is included with almost every satellite radio receiver and will work with any radio but sounds horrible and is subject to frequent interference.
The wired type will also work with any radio (as long as you get the right connectors) and takes care of most of the problems that wireless modulators have. It plugs into the antenna cable and feeds signal to the radio directly. The good ones also electronically cut off the connection from the AM/FM antenna when the satellite radio is in use to prevent interference. The quality of sound is not great but much better than the wireless type. Expect it to sound much like a strong local FM station. On GM vehicles you will have to get the modulator plus two adapter cables (about $10 each). This is because GM antennas use a different size connector than everybody else. So you need an adapter to plug the original antenna cable into the modulator and another adapter to plug the modulator into the radio.
The next step up in sound quality is the cassette adapter. Of course they only work if you have a cassette player in your radio but the sound quality is excellent. The problem is that cassettes were never designed with the frequency range capabilities necessary for real quality sound so there is some loss at both the high and low ends of the music.
Finally, there is direct connection - the CD changer adapter you mentioned. These give the best quality sound because the input essentially goes directly to the amp without any other processing. For satellite radio this is still not CD level quality because the satellite feed is compressed (like an MP3) so some loss of quality occurs before you even receive the signal.
The wired type will also work with any radio (as long as you get the right connectors) and takes care of most of the problems that wireless modulators have. It plugs into the antenna cable and feeds signal to the radio directly. The good ones also electronically cut off the connection from the AM/FM antenna when the satellite radio is in use to prevent interference. The quality of sound is not great but much better than the wireless type. Expect it to sound much like a strong local FM station. On GM vehicles you will have to get the modulator plus two adapter cables (about $10 each). This is because GM antennas use a different size connector than everybody else. So you need an adapter to plug the original antenna cable into the modulator and another adapter to plug the modulator into the radio.
The next step up in sound quality is the cassette adapter. Of course they only work if you have a cassette player in your radio but the sound quality is excellent. The problem is that cassettes were never designed with the frequency range capabilities necessary for real quality sound so there is some loss at both the high and low ends of the music.
Finally, there is direct connection - the CD changer adapter you mentioned. These give the best quality sound because the input essentially goes directly to the amp without any other processing. For satellite radio this is still not CD level quality because the satellite feed is compressed (like an MP3) so some loss of quality occurs before you even receive the signal.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
You dont need any adapters to connect the wired FM modulator if you connect it directly to the antenna behind the spare tire. The Antenna connects to an extension cable that runs to the radio. That connection uses the standard aftermarket connections. BTW, I used to have a wired FM modulator connected there and local stations still kept cutting in depending on where I drove and I had to change frequencies often. The best route is to convert the CD-Changer port to RCA or get an aftermarket headunit that either has RCA/headphone-jack input or can control your satellite radio unit.
http://www.fadingarrow.com/XMSatelliteRadio.htm
http://www.fadingarrow.com/XMSatelliteRadio.htm
