Does anyone know if we can substitute the Skyfi2 can substitute for the XM module behind the glove compartment?

Basically I'm asking if we can controll the Skyfi2 from the head unit, as we can the stock xm unit?

I've asked a couple of people, who all say "no", but don't give a good reason. I think I'm getting that answer because they've never done it before, therefore it can't be done.

I guess the next question is: What does the wire connectors look like that run from the head unit to the stock xm module? Are the connectors universal so they can they be used for the SKYFI2, or are they proprietary and specially designed for the stock XM unit?

The way I understand it, the data from the xm unit to the head unit all travels along the music stream. So, the head unit should be able to display the title, artist, etc. of the music being played.

thanks for any help

J

Nevermind, I have positive news from an XM forum. Good news, Good news! (think Roscoe P. Coltrain)

What is the news? My wife picked up a Tahoe with no XM, and I would like to add XM to the stocker for now. GM wants $350 for theirs.

Moto,

Well, as for the cash, it'll probably still cost approximately the same. However, it seems with the soundgate auxgmv3, you can control another xm unit (in my case it will be the Delphi SkyFi2) from the head-unit and the steering wheel controlls. At least that's what I think I'm reading in this other forum.

You'll have to do something about the antenna, but it seems like you can buy just the stock antenna and use that for the aftermarket system.

The Soundgate unit seems to cost about $100
The SkyFi2 costs about $120
The antenna from GM Parts Direct seems to cost about $90

So, it comes out to about $310 if you do all of the labor yourself. The biggest problem you'll have is getting the template to tell you where to drill the hole for the antenna. Either you'll have to ask someone who has installed the OEM kit if you can have it or a copy. Or you'll have to wing it. The other alternative is to route the antenna wire through the CHMSL lense and stick the antenna on the roof with some adhesive.

The benefit of this is that you can remove the SkyFi2 from the truck, put in another vehicle, without having to buy another receiver or pay more for the service on the other receiver. In my case, I would put it in my boat as well.

So, if you have more than one vehicle and you only need XM in one vehicle at a time, you can save about half of the cash for parts and service since you only need one reciever and one service contract.

Yes, I'm a cheap bastard.

terk make a piece that will go right into most of the new gm headunits

Thanks guys. I will look into those options. I already have an Alpine xm in my truck, and won't need it to be removeable...just looking for the cheapest alternative for now. I will likely redo the system someday, but I need more parts for the Duramax...like always.:rolleyes:

I was on the Terk web page and didn't see anything about a GM compatible unit. Any more info?