SkyFi2 install

[rjhammetter]

I *HAD* to gripe about these... so if you're looking for info before you install, check these out...

I was incredibly excited to finally mount my XM to the LT. I bought the left side mount from cycle gadgets. I bought the vehicle kit from circuit city. I bought a 12vdc car plug from radio shack. Here we go! :D

First of all, the only way to get the power up to the XM is under the handlebar cover. Delphi decides to give you 8 quadrillion feet of antenna cord, but the power cable is about 4 feet. The 12vdc I got + XM supplied power didn't reach until I ran the cord over the stingray up to the handlebar, then back up to the mount. :rolleyes: I'm going to pick up a 10ft extender so I can run it under the tupperware next time I have it off.

The mount on the brake reservoir is great. However, the natural angle of the reservoir causes the mount to tilt slightly, thus causing the antenna to not "see" the satellites when driving east- or north-ward. I have the antenna all the way to the right side of the platform. It was cutting in and out of signal before I moved it.

Besides those, I love it! Questions for those of you who have done it already:
-Did you have this power cord issue? What did you do about it? Where did you put the plugs? Is there enough room in the handlebar for the 6vdc converter supplied with XM?
-Can the vehicle mount get wet, say, if I took the XM and mount off when riding through rain but left the power & antenna plugs out there?

[KayGee]

I can't answer all of your questions because I paid my dealer to install my SkyFi2.

I bought the left side mount from cycle gadgets. I bought the vehicle kit from circuit city. I bought a 12vdc car plug from radio shack.

I also have the left side mount from cycle gadgets and the cradle but I bought this: http://www.cyclegadgets.com/images/DEL-SA50003_thumb.jpg. It provides power as well as acts as an in-line modulator to prevent the need from hunting for a clear FM channel. All of the wires are hidden under the handlebar covers and stingray.

...the natural angle of the reservoir causes the mount to tilt slightly, thus causing the antenna to not "see" the satellites when driving east- or north-ward. I have the antenna all the way to the right side of the platform. It was cutting in and out of signal before I moved it.

That isn't a problem for me. Only once or twice has my signal dropped momentarily when riding in the mountains or in dense forest.

Can the vehicle mount get wet, say, if I took the XM and mount off when riding through rain but left the power & antenna plugs out there?

I have ridden in a driving rain for about 4 hours straight and so far haven't had any problems. I do occasionally use dielectric grease on all of the exposed plugs. I also bought a rain cover http://www.cyclegadgets.com/images/CG-XMRC_thumb.jpg

One big problem that I did have was that I hit a big pothole and the "lock" didn't hold the unit in the cradle. I ended up using one of my daughter's black hair bands to hold it down. Sorry, I can't be more help.

[km5bh]

-Can the vehicle mount get wet, say, if I took the XM and mount off when riding through rain but left the power & antenna plugs out there?

Go to the Delphi web site and look for parts. They sell a great water proof cover for marine use. It works great for me on the LT. Here is a picture. Not a great shot but the only one I can find at the moment.

Lewisfile:///Users/Lewis/Pictures/2006_09_03/IMG_0420.JPG

[wcarter]

I used the "hardwired" FM modulator on my bike to connect my SkyFi2 and it worked great.

I recently installed a Garmin Zumo with the XM receiver and moved the SkyFi into the house permanently.

I will have a modulator for sale, once I get around to removing the tupperware to un-install it. I think you can buy them new for about $40 but if you are in the market for a good used one, send me a PM.

[rjhammetter]

That's great stuff guys.

KayGee and wcarter: the FM range isn't clogged with a ton of stations in my neck of the woods. Madison and Milwaukee get a little fuzzy, but I do most of my riding on back roads. I never experienced trouble getting clear sound in my car, and so far, the LT has done the same (on 107.1) :dance: . Otherwise I'd absolutely spring for a modulator.

I figured out why my signal was choppy. I had the antenna sideways on the top of the mount. I twisted it to face forward (cord coming out towards me as seen on cars) and no more problems.

km: I picked up the weather-resistant cover as KG did, but am not too confident it will stand heavy stuff. I garner it will provide enough time to pull over and take the skifi2 off before getting into thick stuff. I GUESS whenever it's raining, I'll just switch to the 6 disc and put XM away until it stops.

I'll probably throw a rubber band on it just in case I hit a monster bump or something. I want to do the same on the other side where I have a Solo S2 and the Power Plate III. One bump and the detector is sliding down the road - no cord as a backup tether. :eek: Good idea there KG

[KayGee]

... I picked up the weather-resistant cover as KG did, but am not too confident it will stand heavy stuff... I garner it will provide enough time to pull over and take the skifi2 off before getting into thick stuff. I GUESS whenever it's raining, I'll just switch to the 6 disc and put XM away until it stops.

I don't think it will do well in hard rain. I always switch to CDs when riding in hard rain. Some people remove the CD changer to get more room in the saddlebag but I like having it as a backup.

... I'll probably throw a rubber band on it just in case I hit a monster bump or something. I want to do the same on the other side where I have a Solo S2 and the Power Plate III. One bump and the detector is sliding down the road - no cord as a backup tether. :eek: Good idea there KG

You should tether your mirrors also. The bump that dislodged my radio also knocked my mirrors off. I had the mirrors tethered but my radio took a ride down the street. A rubberband will eventually melt in the sun and you will have to replace it or use a hair band. YMMV