DIY On Porsche OEM Satellite Radio Install
#46
10-30-2012, 08:38 AM
Sirshwag,
Thanks for the answers! A few more questions though! Have you had any problems with yours freezing or channels being updated etc? i read the entire 32 page SAT DIY thread over at Rennlist and a few people had issues with some glitches. Either way, I'm diving in. I ordered the XM receiver, harness, factory antenna and antenna cable today from Henry at Sonnen. Who knows, I may end up using an aftermarket antenna after all. I am really trying to avoid the splitter/adaptor thingy though. Also, I didn't order the Cayenne kit because it seemed to be somewhat more expensive and appeared to include things I wouldn't need. Honestly, 500+ bucks is a bunch of money for satellite radio considering all the cheap aftermarket options presently available. I just hate suction cups, double sided tape as mounting methods and minimal integration with factory equipment.
Thanks for the answers! A few more questions though! Have you had any problems with yours freezing or channels being updated etc? i read the entire 32 page SAT DIY thread over at Rennlist and a few people had issues with some glitches. Either way, I'm diving in. I ordered the XM receiver, harness, factory antenna and antenna cable today from Henry at Sonnen. Who knows, I may end up using an aftermarket antenna after all. I am really trying to avoid the splitter/adaptor thingy though. Also, I didn't order the Cayenne kit because it seemed to be somewhat more expensive and appeared to include things I wouldn't need. Honestly, 500+ bucks is a bunch of money for satellite radio considering all the cheap aftermarket options presently available. I just hate suction cups, double sided tape as mounting methods and minimal integration with factory equipment.
Last edited by Z00mie; 07-12-2014 at 07:57 PM.
#47
10-30-2012, 06:53 PM
No problem... Only issues I had was losing reception occasionally when driving on heavily tree-lined streets. Moving the antenna more towards the center of the cowl seemed to help a little. As far as freezing, a few times when I start the car the Satellite plays, but I can't change the channel, when I look at the radio on PCM, the message says to "call to activate subscription"., I called Sirius after it happened the 1st two times- at first they said it lost signal and they re-sent the signal and it worked. The 2nd time, the tech just had me turn the radio off, turn ignition off, then wait 5 seconds, turned radio on and that fixed the problem. It's happened one more time since then, and this resolves the issue. For me, and for the price, to be fully integrated into the PCM I'm satisfied. Sound quality is good and nothing looks aftermarket or added on. I'm sure you'll be happy. I just didn't want to initially pay for the oem antenna and antenna cable as those 2 items increased the cost a good bit, figured I'd try the cheaper way first. The splitter isn't a big deal as all it does it combine the dual antenna leads on the porsche module into the 1 standard satellite antenna lead, which most all have just the 1... From what I read, the 2nd antenna was an option at one point to allow am radio broadcast to be repeated from the Satelitte signal in major cities with a lot of buildings, etc., to allow better reception....not sure that feature is active anymore and doubt we have it here in Pittsburgh. What I'd like to look into is adding the 997.2 OEM satellite antenna which I swore I saw on a convertable. Perhaps that gets the best reception since it sits externally! Good luck
#48
11-08-2012, 03:29 PM
At the moment I have the front bumper skin removed from my car for a third radiator install. I am considering making a mounting point for the Sat antenna in the plasitic bumper skin cavity.
#49
11-08-2012, 10:46 PM
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N. Texas
Posts: 163
Rep Power: 33 
Musclehedz101,
First and foremost, thank you for this DIY! I have some questions though. I checked and found that the Porsche part no. for the XM/Sirius antenna are the same as the GPS (one does all 3). Why did you choose not to use the factory GPS antenna in your install? Also, you used an adaptor for the aftermarket antenna. Was it required because it is an afermarket antenna or does Porsche XM/Sirius use a different type plug to interface with the receiver? I really would like to forego the adaptor use and swap out my GPS antenna for the multi function one and have a closer to OEM install. Your thoughts? And, again thanks for the top notch DIY instructions!
First and foremost, thank you for this DIY! I have some questions though. I checked and found that the Porsche part no. for the XM/Sirius antenna are the same as the GPS (one does all 3). Why did you choose not to use the factory GPS antenna in your install? Also, you used an adaptor for the aftermarket antenna. Was it required because it is an afermarket antenna or does Porsche XM/Sirius use a different type plug to interface with the receiver? I really would like to forego the adaptor use and swap out my GPS antenna for the multi function one and have a closer to OEM install. Your thoughts? And, again thanks for the top notch DIY instructions!
Ok, to your questions...
As sirschwag already mentioned, the Porsche OEM "combined Ant. solution isn't an exact fit and it was cheaper to go the aftermarket route I chose using adapter. To date, the install is still going strong and love it. I do have same periodic "quirks" that sirschwag mentioned but they are temporary and infrequent. I have found that as long as I turn PCM off before shutting off ignition, that mitigates these infrequent quirks. As for placement, many factors come into play. Such as what part of country you love in will put you in (or out of) alignment with particular Sats. Also, if you live in a city area with high buildings interfering with sky line of site or if you are in an "open" area. For me I live in a Suburb of Dallas, TX so RARELY have issue unless I drive under a structure that obscures the sky view, which is to be expected. Also, it is recommended the ANT be placed on the "highest" spot on the exterior of the vehicle so it can have as much line of sight exposure to the sky; installing under the skin of the front bumper might not yield the best results but the good news is...you can always relocate it later.
Best wishes with your install and how you enjoy it as much as I have.
Last edited by Musclehedz101; 11-08-2012 at 10:58 PM.
#50
12-27-2012, 12:14 PM
Sat Radio install instructions
The link for the installation instruction for the Sat Radio install is active, but Rapid Share says the file is no longer available. I tried to PM you my email addy, however since I am a new user I am unable to send a PM. I am attempting to install the Sat Radio into a 07 C4S. Thanks
#51
12-27-2012, 02:45 PM
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N. Texas
Posts: 163
Rep Power: 33 The link for the installation instruction for the Sat Radio install is active, but Rapid Share says the file is no longer available. I tried to PM you my email addy, however since I am a new user I am unable to send a PM. I am attempting to install the Sat Radio into a 07 C4S. Thanks
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/82906075/DI...io_Install.pdf
#52
12-27-2012, 02:59 PM
RE: Drop Box
Got it Thank you very much. You seem to be the only person who has done such a complete document with photos. I appreciate the time you put into it. Thank you again
#53
12-27-2012, 03:49 PM
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: N. Texas
Posts: 163
Rep Power: 33 My "R&D" cost went over budget while figuring out the right solution but...I was committed (aka obsessed) so kept on going till I figured it out!
#54
12-30-2012, 07:35 PM
I recently completed my install and had similar questions. I chose the aftermarket antenna & adapter (which is needed to go from 2 connectors on Sirius module to the 1 lead on the aftermarket antenna) mostly due to cost and ease of install. The oem GPS/Satellite combo retails for $180, the aftermarket & adapter is much cheaper. As far as install, the thin single cable of aftermarket antenna was much easier to pass through the rubber grommet from the fronk to the battery area (this was the most difficult part of the install IMO). It also allowed easier placement of antenna under the window cowl which I recently re-positioned more towards the center for better reception (see above posts). Since the oem GPS/Satellite combo antenna is a Cayenne part, it doesn't fit precisely as the existing (smaller) GPS antenna does. I am curious however if this antenna gets better reception vs aftermarket. There are a couple of DIY's for this on Renntech as well using all oem.
#55
12-30-2012, 08:08 PM
I installed the module and used the aftermarket antenna option as discussed in this thread. I did not use the oem GPS/NAV combo...
#56
03-01-2013, 03:29 PM
Hi
I have a 07 TT with Bose/Nav but no CD changer, wondering if i got the harness that would accomodate the CD changer that i could add the Dension product down the line after i install the satellite radio module?
thanks
G
I have a 07 TT with Bose/Nav but no CD changer, wondering if i got the harness that would accomodate the CD changer that i could add the Dension product down the line after i install the satellite radio module?
thanks
G
#57
03-01-2013, 07:31 PM
Don't know, but Eric at Bumperplugs.com I imagine might have your answer.
One warning: Any connection between the passenger compartment and the trunk should be done by a professional installer. I've run through grommets myself on 3 cars and my 997 was the third (thought I knew how to avoid trouble) and I very nearly destroyed the harness. Quote from the dealer: over $16,000.00.
I managed to get it working again with an endoscope and some surgical tools.
You might not be so lucky.
Love the Dension.
One warning: Any connection between the passenger compartment and the trunk should be done by a professional installer. I've run through grommets myself on 3 cars and my 997 was the third (thought I knew how to avoid trouble) and I very nearly destroyed the harness. Quote from the dealer: over $16,000.00.
I managed to get it working again with an endoscope and some surgical tools.
You might not be so lucky.
Love the Dension.
