There have been a few threads started here:

http://www.mitsubishi-forums.com/t28923-pa...rius-add-on.htm

http://www.mitsubishi-forums.com/t27184-sirius-tuners.htm

http://www.mitsubishi-forums.com/t24656-xm-or-sirius.htm

The Canadian Lancers don't come equipped with Sirius even with the S&S package (we also don't have the NAVI package).
As far as I looked into it you don't need to install no universal unit or anything like that to get Sirius working. All you need is a receiver and a subscription (obviously).

So one option is to run it with the FM antenna and tune in through your radio to whatever frequency you're transmitting at:

My questions is: has anybody tried this yet?
I know for a fact there is poor reception on the Lancer radios. I've seen people talking about it, and mine for sure has poor reception. So I'm wondering if that will affect the Sirius transmission at all.

The other option is to have it hardwired into the stereo itself. And I had some shop claim that they can do/install that on any new or old vehicle for 90 bucks.

I'm thinking about getting one. I signed up online for a 3 day trial where you can tune in and listen to the stations for 72 hours. I like them! Getting sick of downloading music and having to burn CDs for the car etc.

I would for sure prefer to run it on the FM transmitter because I don't want to rewire anything, or pay 90 bucks to someone. And most of all I don't want people screwing with my brand new car and it's components. I tired asking around if there is a shop where they have a demo station with the FM transmitter that I could test in my car, but I haven't found anybody yet.

But I'd like some input from you guys first!

It sounds like crap, and you get the interference that comes with teh radio station which is 88.1 i believe. Also, when you turn teh volume up you get a loud hiss.

i have this on my charger but from the factory and sounds pretty good all the time.

I had the FM transmitter on my previous car and my brother has it on his current car. Neither have ever had problems with interference or hissing.

Now, granted, ive never tried it in the lancer, and i know some were having trouble with radio reception, but the transmitter in the aftermarket sirius radio is extremely strong.

Just my $0.02

Hmm I guess the only way for me to really find out would be to test it on my car.
I just really don't want to pay (even for the cheapest adapter) and for a months worth of something that I'm not going to use.

I will contact some of the dealers here to find out what they have to say as well. Maybe they'll have some more input or reviews from people etc.

How about the AUX iPod input? That I think might be an option as well? Although not really conveniently located, but perhaps could be a temporary solution?

Anyone?

I think most plug and play receivers have a headphone jack that you could get an aux plug and use this means instead of the fm transmitter.

i know for a fact that this one and the previous models like it have the headphone (3.5mm) plug
starmate

now this is all speculation that it would work, but it couldn't hurt to try...

hope it helps!

Well I went and looked at some of the Sirius receivers and found a store with a live demo. It was hooked up in the store so I couldn't really take it to the car, but it was still nice to play with.

From what it appears I should be able to hook it up through the AUX In.
The only thing is that I will have to either find or make a splitter for it to either get male 3.5mm to male 2/RCA, or female 3.5mm to male 2/RCA...
I've been looking and I can't find one like that!!!! So I might have to splice something.

Honestly I don't understand why they would even have an RCA input as the "iPod" plug. What iPod has an RCA output?!?!

Anyway that aside I looked at this one:
http://shop.siriuscanada.ca/edealinv/servl...6688&scId=22262

It's nice!
My plan would be to probably try to make a mounting (or somehow use the existing one) to install it right where the aux input is on the car. So with my GTS it's just behind the ash tray.
I took measurements and it seems as it could work out! If I can figure out a nice way to mount it there it would be right in the reach, the LCD screen on that unit I posted has an OK viewing angle so it would work if I had the unit in that space...
Now I just have to wait for a month to put some cash away.

I'll keep ya'll posted on what I come up with ;)

BTW. I looked at XM and I didn't like their stations or receivers, so that's my biggest reason to pick Sirius!

personally, i think the satellite radio is OK... my lancer came with serius because of the S/S package and got 6 months free... the music is good, but they replay it over and over and over, on my trip from FL to TX, i listed to the same songs over 12 times. the same with the comedy channels, they have the same performers and jokes all the times... but if you are into the talk channels and news and so on... i would say its a plus.
as for me, once the free trial is over, i dont think i will get a subscription.
my 2 cents.

Thats funny, I actually like XM way better than Sirius channels.

Just couple of comments. If you hook up Sportster 5 for example through your AUX, you will not be able to scan channels or what not through your head unit, only volume level (obviously).

Here's the cable you need to hook up through RCA AUX
http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat%...=2009&sku=03178

And I'm planning on installing my Xm unit where you described. I will drill 2 holes in the lid of the ashtray and bolt the xm unit stand right to it. THat gives me option to take out the unit itself easily , and if i ever sell the car or get a head unit with xm built it, i will just replace a $10 ashtray :) Through that ashtray, i will also drill holes to get all the cables in/out. Like I mentioned before, my writeup is coming soon :) I just need to get all the parts. Installing speakers is a ****.

Yup, I'm aware that I won't be able to switch the stations, that's perfectly fine. To wire something like that up I'd have to take the Sportster 5 apart, and frankly I don't want to mess up something that's gonna cost me nearly 200 bucks.

And :liebe011: for the cable link! Save me some playing around and soldering :)

You also have a hella of an idea about mounting the unit to the ashtray, I think I'll take you up on that and probably do that instead. Unless I come up with something universal that will slide and lock into the space behind the ashtray.
Then again, I don't smoke. I have a couple pens in the ashtray that's about all I use it for... so it's not a bad location, not bad at ALL!


:liebe011: :liebe011:

So have you tried out what Satellite radio sounds like through our antenna, when using a unit with an FM transmitter? I hope the quality is decent. Especially now that I'm switching to a Perrin 2" shorty antenna. :P

I just got this Pioneer Inno systen last month which is completely wireless (XM antenna and FM transmitter built-in)

Its like a small cellphone, so I'm planning to mount it on an airvent and then just broadcast to an available FM frequency.

1) bad sound quality.
2) its not fun trying to find free fm station every 10 minutes when you drive long distances. A free frequency in ur town might not be in next town, it sucks i've had it and it just sux so bad.
I would recomend either getting the fm modular that plugs right into the head unit's antenna input or through AUX

I didn't get the S&S package so I dont have any audio inputs. :puzzled:

I got your back with that too :)

There is an AUX cable you can buy from either your local dealer or online. Its Part # MZ360136EX
That will connect to the existing harness pig-tail that plugs into the factory headunit.

Here's a thread on how to install it:

http://z3.invisionfree.com/2008_Lancers/in...hp?showtopic=96

I'll be doing the same thing myself, I bought mine online from mitsubishiparts.net and should be here tomorrow.

There is an AUX input in the back of that compartment.
But, perhaps it doesn't get installed without the S&S...
If I recall correctly someone said that you can get access to something like that through the glove compartment though?
I forgot which post it was...

Anyway double check behind the ashtray, and if in fact you don't have the input there check around (inside) your glove box.

I personally don't wan to use the FM transmitter for the reason SimmoES described. Also it could be interrupted by CB radios and other unwanted frequencies... a hard wire is hard wire :)

Update:

I bought a Sirius receiver (Speedster 5) last weekend and subscribed for a month to test it out. I have it mounted temporarily right now since I'm still testing it. If I decide to keep it I'll mount it properly and post a How To.

Here is my testimonial thus far:

BAD things:

If you're looking for great (CD) sound quality, and will not settle for anything less, don't get Sirius. The sound quality is at most radio. The lower frequencies (i.e. bass) seem to be picked up ok, but the higher frequencies (i.e. treble) lack in quality which causes the music to sound slightly distorted. A good comparison would be streaming music off a website that's running at lower kbps.

I'm also picking up engine noise (especially in higher than 2.5k RMPs). It's a high pitched sound that you can hear if there is "not much going on" on the radio. For example talk show, or music without a lot of beat/drums etc. This is not a big issue within the city but on the highway when the car is at 110km/h and engine at a steady 2.5-3k RMP the pitch might become irritating. This of course would be less of a problem with an automatic transmission since it generally keeps itself at or below 2k RMPs.

Lastly the radio has problems with connection if you're i.e. under a multiple level parking lot. Also sometimes the connection is lost when I'm parked in my garage with the door open (the door at this point is above the vehicle and seems to be causing interference). I never been underground with it, but I'm quite sure the radio will not work.

That aside...

GOOD things:

There is over 100 stations. Plenty of good rock, electronic music, hip-hop, classical, rnb, talk shows, comedy channels and so on! I'm quite happy with that and that's certainly one of the things which is steering me towards keeping the system.

The sound quality is not THAT bad. I know I just ranted about how it's not perfect, but to be realistic - it IS satellite based, and unfortunately any sound device which is not hard wired will suffer from loss of sound quality. By the looks of it not all stations transmit at the same quality either - be that a good or bad thing, some sound better than the others.

I absolutely love the Speedster 5 unit. The sheer fact that you can pick different color schemes for it to either match your dash or pick what color whatever color suites you best is absolutely amusing to me. There are a few different colors (i.e. blue, green, yellow, red, purple) for the buttons, and also different schemas for the display itself - LOVE IT!

In conclusion:

So I'm in quite a pickle right now!
I'm not sure if I'm willing to suffer the BAD things but base my decision on the GOOD things. I have a month to decide (I have the option to return the unit within 30 days of purchase).
I will certainly let you know what happens.

WoW.

Either sirius sux or something is wrong with installation. My XM produces BY FAR better sound that radio. Its very close to CD quality and I am very particular about my sound.
Did you connect through FM modular or though Aux? Cuz that causes an ocean of difference.

Secondly, i have absolutely no engine (correct terms: Alternator) noise. That could be caused in power supply. Did you plug it into the cigarette lighter, or the 12v output in the center console? I hardwired mine into the cigarette lighter and have no problems.

The garage/tunnel thing is all understandable, you need a clear view of skies to have reception. It works just like any GPS does, u cant use GPS in parking garages either. In fact, GPS wont even work in cities like Chicago, NY etc where there are big Sky Scrappers that obstruct view of clear skies. So im sure xm/sirius wont work as well there either.

In overall I am very pleased with my XM. The pop/rock seems to repeat a lot, but Trance/Electronica i have yet to hear a song twice :P

Hit me up on PM if you have questions about installation, ill try to help ya out. Worse comes to worse, you'll have to buy electric wire insulation material, and wrap ur DC power wires with it. That will prevent Alternator noise and hopefully makes the sound better. something is not right there .

I returned the Sirius unit and picked up XM.
Already the sound is MUCH better and I'm not having the engine noise issues AT ALL.

Sirius sucks and is dead to me now.