I selected this model direct from XM due to a promotional price. Mind you, I have been a long time subscriber of XM, but for a unit in the home on my audio system - I did not have one in the car. Well I went for it, ordered the kit and agreed to the 12 month contract at $6.95/mo. That was a mistake!
The unit installed easily for me and my vehicle, a 2000 Ford F-150. The air vent mount worked well, but the column mounted transmission selector, when in drive, made using the unit impossible - but I managed to mount it safely in another location. I used the SureConnect antenna adapter that XM included in the package. Note that the XM radio antenna connects to this adapter, which then continues to clip around your existing radio antenna feed. Slick idea, if it worked - but it does not!
Due to the lower FM transmitter power of the newest units, the signal from the unit is still so weak that I can't find a dead spot on "the dial" of the Alpine head unit I have. XM provides a web site to help you locate dead channels, but I still have poor performance when in motion as what channel is dead in one area isn't dead in another.
I have tried various options with the coax cable clip to no avail.
I sincerly feel that XM should have included a direct connect antenna adapter (which is an option just as the SureConnect is). As it is, the consumer is left twisting in the wind unless they invest more money into a direct connect cable (with Alpine, it's a special cord), a cassette tape adapter or a better FM connection.
At this point, my flaming bargain of $9.95 plus tax and shipping *and* $6.95/mo for a year's obligation is a total waste. The unit is setting on my freezer in the garage, useless. I'd use it in the house, but no remote is offered that I am aware of, and that is something I would need.
