XM Skydock

[SunKing]

Has anyone tried the XM Skydock for your iPod Touch? It plugs into your cigarette lighter port and holds the iPod up on a stalk. The Skydock powers the iPod and sends the audio thru to the headunit. The satellite radio content is accessed from the XM app on the iPod.

The installation is easy, just plug the Skydock into your cigarette lighter. I figure the satellite antenna cable can be snaked under the AC panel then back up behind the dash and sit at the base of the windshield.

Audio can be hooked up three ways to the stock headunit: FM modulator, direct FM connect (optional wire needed) or connect using AUX wire connected to something like the PIE adaptor FRD-03 AUX.

I'm going to try it all three ways. Each has its advantages. FM modulator has no extra wire and is quick, but sound quality may be a problem. Direct FM connect will have the extra wire, but may improve sound quality and it will fit behind the headunit easier than the PIE. The PIE will probably provide the best sound quality, but I lose the use of the trunk CD changer and it will be a pain to get all the plugs and the box behind the radio.

Another advantage to having the Skydock/iPod setup is that I should be able to easily move it between vehicles. This will be great for my equally technology-challenged Corvette.

If this works out, I should be able to play MP3s thru the iPod, satellite radio thru the Skydock, regular FM thru the headunit and CDs thru the headunit and the changer. AND let's not forget the ever faithful Cassette Deck in the headunit.

I'll let you know how it goes when I pick the toys up tomorrow.

[SunKing]

Got the XM Skydock installed. The FM modulator worked OK, but had a hiss to it. The direct FM connection seems to be crystal clear.

I found out that you don't really need to subscribe to XM to get the iPod to work through the Skydock. So, I have another idea. I have ordered a portable wifi point. I can connect my Verizon Data Card into the wifi box, which the iPod Touch will connect to. I can then access the internet and get Sirius radio off of the internet instead of the satellite. This will save about $9 a month if it works.

The direct FM connection work very well behind the stock radio. There is not a lot of extra room behind the radio, so I snaked the extra antenna wire behind the dash and out the passenger side. There is an opening in the carpet where it meets the console. I just stuffed the extra wires there and ran the wire under the AC console to the cigarette lighter where it plugs into the Skydock.

I let you know how the internet connection works.