Best place to grab power for Satellite Radio?

[atps1234]

Hi folks,

I purchased a Sirius One (http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/CachedPage&c=ProductAsset&cid=1128803465284) radio and would like to mount it "permanently" on my LT. I saw the posts about different options for mounting the magnetic antenna (excellent discussion BTW), but I didn't see any discussion on power strategies.

The radio comes with the standard 12V plug that I would like to cut off and wire in permanently. As I am a newbie, I am not familiar with the wiring on the 2005 LT (yet!). Do folks normally just find gound and switched power leads going into the fuse panel and tap into them with 3M tap connectors?

Thanks!
OB

[Steve_R]

Bob,

You didn't tell us where you were mounting your unit, so it would be hard to give you good advice. If you are mounting it on a BMR shelf above the instrument cluster, then the most obvious place would be to tap off the power to the map light. If on a ram mount on one of the clutch resivoirs, you could run to the map light again or some other switched 12v power source. I don't even begin to have a clue where all of those points are.

Your a going to get a ton of info. A good place to check for find power, would be to do a search in the Halls of Wisdom.

Cheers

[atps1234]

Bob,

You didn't tell us where you were mounting your unit, so it would be hard to give you good advice. If you are mounting it on a BMR shelf above the instrument cluster, then the most obvious place would be to tap off the power to the map light. If on a ram mount on one of the clutch resivoirs, you could run to the map light again or some other switched 12v power source. I don't even begin to have a clue where all of those points are.

Your a going to get a ton of info. A good place to check for find power, would be to do a search in the Halls of Wisdom.

Cheers

Thanks Steve,

Sorry for the omission. I plan to mount the radio on the left top side of the tank with velcro for now, to be replaced at a later date with a RAM mount over the clutch reservoir.

Thanks,
Bob

[xrmattaz]

Does the Sirius run on twelve volts?? I know the XM cigarette lighter cord steps it down to SIX VOLTS.....same same with the Sirius??

Hard wire cords are available with the leetle black box inline. The dashboard "map" light is a good source to tap into for power. Wiring and all that extra antennae wire fits nicely under the left handlebar cover.

[atps1234]

The Sirius One power cord appears to be a plain old power plug. The manual also states that the input power requirement is 9-16VDC negative ground. So I think I will be OK with wiring direct.

I ordered a clutch reservoir RAM mount from Raffy, and plan on using the Hoon Hardware radar box for weather protection. The radar box measures 5.3" by 3.6" X 1.25", and the Sirius One radio is 4.5" x 2.8" x 0.8". Should fit perfectly, with some room on the side for the connectors.

Will send a picture when I get it set up!

OB

[atps1234]

Hi folks,

I was thinking, if I am mounting my Sirius radio on the left handlebar and there is room for the antenna in there, all I need is power in that area and I can have everything within the handlebar cover. There are switches there for the horn (probably a relay), the windshield, etc - any of these available for power? The Sirius one takes 12V so no worries about voltage.

Thanks, O knowing ones.

OB

[meese]

Without consulting my wiring diagram, I'd say probably no. Most BMW switch gear works by switching the ground wire, not the hot. Someone else may have more detailed info, or maybe I can pull out my diagram in the morning and look.

BTW, some LTs that had the BMW (by J&M) intercom fitted did have power run up the handlebar shrouds, but that wasn't a standard feature.

If needed, you can pull off some more plastic and run wires up that way though.

[atps1234]

One more question - I am planning to tap power from the map light, are the standard 3M type snap-on taps OK? Anyone seen issues with using these?

Thanks,
OB

[RaffyK]

Use piggyback connectors. One female to two male. You'll need to put female ends on the wires from the Sat radio. Much cleaner install.

Also, if your Sat radio has a lighted power button, remember to lock your handlebars or turn your key left past the R position. Otherwise it will drain your battery if left in R for a long period. DAMHIK

[brucecha]

One more question - I am planning to tap power from the map light, are the standard 3M type snap-on taps OK? Anyone seen issues with using these?

Thanks,
OB

In commercial applications these connectors sometime don't make good contact or cut thru the wires. I would stay away from them in a high vibration application like a motorcycle. Stick with a good solder and shrink tube tap connection.
Bruce C