Power for external XM radio

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 11:24 am

I've tried searching these forums, but couldn't find anything. I want a Vibe, but I won't be getting a new car for at least another few months. Anyway, I was debating between built-in XM and external XM (the Delphi SkyFi), but I'm really leaning towards the SkyFi, as I'd like to be able to access XM from my home as well.Here's what I hope to do:1) use one of these audio-in solutions for the stock radio2) install a 3 way RCA audio switcher, with some kind of switch possibly mounted near the hatch release button, left of the steering wheel.3) hook iPod and external XM up through RCA (as well as a 3rd source for later use)My questions are:1) What are some good solutions for the above (number 2)2) I would need to have power for the RCA switcher, and that would need to be in dash.3) I don't mind using the cig lighter to power the iPod, but I'd like a way to power the XM without using any of the front plugs (cig and household type).Any ideas?

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 1:04 pm

Unless you get a Nav system and the X3 PIE adapter, which accomodates three sources, you're probably looking at spending a lot of money.I believe the Auxin for the stock radio is around $150 (I think), it only has one source. I don't know of too many stereo RCA switchers that need voltage, usually they're just dumb switches.You can get a $3 cigarette lighter plug from radio shack and wire it in behind the dash, plugging the SkiFi power supply into that.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 1:34 pm

Go with the skyfi, it's the best decision i ever made!

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 2:58 pm

Is this legit? Not sure if this is a good idea or not? Could run an extension behind the dash and use this, probably have this in the compartment below the shift so it's fairly accessable. Could this cause any problems?http://www.wirelessground.com/blueminiphone.htmlI saw the X3 adapter, and it looks like what I'm looking for, except for the CD changer requirement. Having an iPod and a CD changer would be a bit redundant.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 3:00 pm

You could theoretically do that...but my advice is, if there's any way for you to hardwire, go for it, you'll get a better more reliable power source...I used a 12 V outlet at first, was getting interference in my head unit...hard wired, all went awya.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 3:11 pm

Quote, originally posted by Natron Â»Is this legit? Not sure if this is a good idea or not? Could run an extension behind the dash and use this, probably have this in the compartment below the shift so it's fairly accessable. Could this cause any problems?I saw the X3 adapter, and it looks like what I'm looking for, except for the CD changer requirement. Having an iPod and a CD changer would be a bit redundant.The 12v adapter is a little shady. I'd say get something like a wired streetglow quad-socket, cut the cig lighter adapter off the end, and wire it to switched power. The X3 works only with the Nav system. If you don't want the Nav system, don't bother with it. I, however, have had the X3 since i've had the car, and am very glad for it. It works great with both the SkiFi and Roady, and i've also used it many times with my Nomad3 and Archos Jukebox. As for being redundant, not true. I don't really listen to the CDs in the changer, unless there's something I really want. I leave some CDs in the changer that I know I can listen to anytime, and usually stay with XM, or MP3's when I have the craving.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 12:02 am

You can get a Pac-Audio AUX adapter like the AAI-GM24 to allow you to have one AUX audio input, which you can select using the AUX button on the factory radio.You'd then have to wire in your own switch box to select between iPod and XM on the AUX line. You could do this with a relay wired to a switch by your hatch button.There was a recent thread about wiring a relay to switch between the internal CD changer and an external audio source; you might want to look this up to get info on relays/switches.I've seen the PAC box go for $80, so you might get away with about $100 plus your own sweat to wire this all up. EDIT: I just relooked at info on the AAI-GM24; supposedly it has two AUX inputs already selectable by the head unit. So, you could add your third with a relay and switch on one of those two lines. Here's the thread I mentioned above: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=11735

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 12:42 am

A relay to switch an RCA input? How would that work?

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 5:10 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»A relay to switch an RCA input? How would that work?Are you sure you want this explained? It might be as painful as explaining how the H4 plug works for the headlights

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 7:09 am

Using aux inputs like I described, is that possible with OnStar. I don't know how OnStar is hooked up.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 10:24 am

OnStar is a generally frightening beast. It also works in mysterious ways... I don't know which of the options you're looking at will work with them, especially since the Vibe isn't exactly your standard GM vehicle.The Onstar usually connects through the GM12 plug that's next to the main wiring harness.

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 10:53 am

So, looking at the Pac-Audio AAI-GM24, the website says: "...the AAI-GM24 works with vehicles that do not come with factory XM, factory DVD or factory external CD changer."Then in the note section it says:"The AAI-GM24 will only work if the vehicle has either factory XM or a CD changer, but not both."Contradiction?EDIT: Info found here: http://www.pac-audio.com/products/aai.htm

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:15 pm

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa Â»I believe the Auxin for the stock radio is around $150 (I think), it only has one source.Which Aux-in would this be? Aux-Box (which looks the best to me)?Have any aux-in's been confirmed to work with single CD stock radio with moon & tunes?

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 10:26 pm

http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=12880This is all we know of thus-far. At least for the single-disc / 6 disc headunits. And also, it does have that contradiction, but I thought your main concern was OnStar at this point? That box looks like it'll leave the OnStar untouched, but if you get the factory XM, it'll have issues. If you get Factory XM, though, you might be able to use the GM12 adapter.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Sun Oct 17, 2004 7:04 am

Quote, originally posted by Natron Â»Then in the note section it says:"The AAI-GM24 will only work if the vehicle has either factory XM or a CD changer, but not both."Contradiction?In th note, it mentions that this is the case for the following vehicles:"The AAI-GM24 will not work for S10, SSR, TrailBlazer, Envoy or Bravada vehicles. The AAI-GM24 will only work if the vehicle has either factory XM or a CD changer, but not both. "I believe what they are saying is for the listed vehicles, the AAI-GM24 only works if you have XM or Changer, but not both (and doesn't work if you don't have either)"So I don't think it's a contradiction, and since those listed vehicles don't include the vibe, it's no problem for you.Also, The AAI-GM24 buys you an extra AUX input over the Aux-Box....

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Oct 17, 2004 8:27 am

Actually, it makes sense. Most likely the GM24 takes up the XM and CD changer spots in the headunit's firmware. Without seeing one up close and seeing how you switch between the two aux inputs, I would have to assume that one shows up as the changer, and one shows up as XM.

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 3:20 am

I was reading through instructions off of PAC Audio's website for the AAI-GM24:For 1st generation with 24 pin plug:http://www.pac-audio.com/instructions/a ... pdfRevised for interface with 24 pin plug:http://www.pac-audio.com/instr...4.pdfBoth seem to work the same way. On a 1CD/AM/FM radio (like I would have), you press the CD/Aux button to access the aux inputs, then press REV for Input 1, and FWD for Input 2.The AAI-GM24 also features a +12V input for an external source, so I'm assuming this would work with anything that could power off a cigarette lighter (iPod and SkyFi XM radio).A couple questions:1) Which Vibes have a 24 pin plug, and which do not?2) How does OnStar hook into the radio?I've e-mailed PAC-Audio asking how OnStar would work with the AAI-GM24.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:36 am

Quote, originally posted by Natron Â»1) Which Vibes have a 24 pin plug, and which do not?My Vibe came with the 1 CD, and I put in a 6-CD In-Dash Changer I got off Ebay from a 2004. Both have the 24-pin and the 12-pin connectors. The 24-pin is the main connector to the power/speakers/etc. The 12-pin was/is unconnected to anything.I think the original AAI-GM24 required using both 24 and 12-pin connectors, but the product was changed to only use the 12-pin. You might email them to verify this. So I don't think you need to worry about the 24-pin instructions.As for On-Star, I haven't a clue.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:11 am

Aaand..that box is only for cars who are using the Class 2 DataBus system. Which, the VIbe does not. I don't know if they changed it in 2005, but I doubt it. So, I would say that this box will NOT work with the Vibe. Either version.

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:53 am

Well, in the words of the great and wise Homestar Runner: "crapface!"

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:58 am

According to the PAC Audio site, all RDS radios are Class II. And all the Vibe radios, since introduction, have RDS (Radio Data System).What makes you believe the factory radios aren't Class II? I understand that the Vibe systems may not be, but the radio isn't hooked into them. Even though the Vibe may not use this bus for most systems, I think the audio components do. Seems like a call/email to PAC Audio to make sure the unit is compatible is a good idea, Natron. I'll be sending one as well.I've been planning the put the AAI-GM24 in my Vibe, just haven't gotten the funds and time yet. If PAC says it's not compatible, please post.Cheers EDIT: I'm contacting them myself, so I'll post what they say too!

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:02 am

Looking at the AAI-GM24 PDF's, they say it works on "Vehicles with Class-2 Data-bus radios a.k.a. RDS Radios"Pontiac's website says the radio has RDS. What's the difference?EDIT: Looks like GMJAP said it first.

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:05 am

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP Â»According to the PAC Audio site, all RDS radios are Class II. And all the Vibe radios, since introduction, have RDS (Radio Data System).What makes you believe the factory radios aren't Class II? I understand that the Vibe systems may not be, but the radio isn't hooked into them. Even though the Vibe may not use this bus for most systems, I think the audio components do. Seems like a call/email to PAC Audio to make sure the unit is compatible is a good idea, Natron. I'll be sending one as well.I've been planning the put the AAI-GM24 in my Vibe, just haven't gotten the funds and time yet. If PAC says it's not compatible, please post.CheersI will post any PAC Audio reply when I get it.

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 7:21 am

I found the following on Logjam Electronics website:http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pacaaigm24.htmlQuote Â»IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES: 1. The AAI-GM24 is fully compatible with OnStarÃ‚Â®, Standard BOSEÃ‚Â®, or Premium BOSEÃ‚Â® sound systems. 2. The AAI-GM24 works with vehicles that do NOT come with factory XM, factory DVD or factory external CD changer 3. The AAI-GM24 will work in vehicles with the factory 6 disc in-dash head units. 4. The AAI-GM24 works with radios that have a "Band" button 5. The AAI-GM24 will NOT work with a "CD/Aux" button 6. The AAI-GM24 will NOT work in the S10, SSR, TrailBlazer, Envoy or Bravada vehiclesThe AAI-GM24 instructions from PAC Audio's website says to use either the CD/Aux or Band buttons to select the AAI-GM24, this would contradict number 5 above.Also, the list of compatible vehicles on LogJams website is mainly SUV's, Trucks, and Vans, as well as the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix (the last one seeming a little out of place in the list).

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:26 am

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP Â»What makes you believe the factory radios aren't Class II? I understand that the Vibe systems may not be, but the radio isn't hooked into them. Even though the Vibe may not use this bus for most systems, I think the audio components do. It may have RDS, because the radio is built by Delphi. They also put the same radio systems into the newere Hyundai Santa Fe's. The connector is the same, yes, but the radio circuitry is not. The Databus radios operate completely different, told by the lack of switched power in the radio harness, because class 2 radio's switch on and off with data on the DataBus system. You can tell which ones are true Class 2 by looking at any newer GM Truck, the dials are completely different from the non Class-2 radios..Now, granted, i'm not saying it won't work for sure. I'm just saying don't get your hopes up..

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 8:26 am

I just got a reply from PAC Audio:On a 2005 Pontiac Vibe (stock single CD/AM/FM, moon & tunes, no factory XM, and no external CD changer, OnStar), I am wondering how the AAI-GM24 would affect OnStar?Reply:Quote Â»The AAI-GM24 will not affect the OnStar in any way.Thank you,Joe RiggsTech SupportPacific Accessory Corp.So, he kind of inferred that it will work with the Vibe, but since he didn't say it directly, it still leaves me questioning.EDIT: I have fired off another e-mail in an attempt to clarify. I will post any response here.

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:51 am

I e-mailed PAC-Audio the other day:Quote Â»So the AAI-GM24 WILL work with a 2005 Vibe? There has been some question as to weather it will work on a Vibe without Factory XM or a CD changer. The question came from the Vibe radio not being a Class II GM Radio. However, the documentation for the AAI-GM24 says it works with Class II GM Radios AKA RDS Radios. The Vibe radios have RDS, so we are unsure of the difference.Mainly I need a way to hook up 2 auxiliary inputs without needing factory XM or a CD changer.Also, with the AAI-GM24 not affecting OnStar, would that require the 12-pin only version, or the version with both 12-pin and 24-pin slots. If OnStar has nothing to do with the stock radio, is the AAI-GM24 compatible with a 2005 Pontiac Vibe (Moon & Tunes, single CD stock radio, OnStar)?I recieved this reply:Quote Â»Nathan,Yep, the AAI-GM24 will work in the Ã¢Â€Â™05 Vibe with single CD.Ã‚Â If the Vibe had the indash 6 disc changer the AAI-GM24 will not work.Thank you,Joe RiggsTech SupportPacific Accessory Corp.So, that answers my question. Still not sure if the 12-pin and 24-pin version or the 12-pin only version is needed, but that can be left for another time.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:01 am

Thanks for posting your correspondence. Good to get that cleared up.On the 24/12pin issue - I believe the 24/12-pin was obsoleted by the 12-pin only version. If the guy said the AAI-GM24 would work, I think you can safely assume he's talking about the latest version of it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:50 am

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP Â»Thanks for posting your correspondence. Good to get that cleared up.On the 24/12pin issue - I believe the 24/12-pin was obsoleted by the 12-pin only version. If the guy said the AAI-GM24 would work, I think you can safely assume he's talking about the latest version of it.Actually, on the 03/04 models (and likely on the 05), there are both 12 and 24 pin connectors. The 24 pin is the primary harness, with the 12 pin being used only for mute control.12/24 pin should be the proper one. But then again, they could've changed something for 05...doubtful...but nevertheless possible.

Natron · Post by **Natron** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:23 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»Actually, on the 03/04 models (and likely on the 05), there are both 12 and 24 pin connectors. The 24 pin is the primary harness, with the 12 pin being used only for mute control.12/24 pin should be the proper one. But then again, they could've changed something for 05...doubtful...but nevertheless possible.What exactly is mute control?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:33 am

Quote, originally posted by Natron Â»What exactly is mute control?Has something to do with permanantly installed cellular phones...aka "car phones."

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 11:36 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»12/24 pin should be the proper one.I completely disagree. The 12-pin only is the current product, the 24/12 is an older generation that is no longer sold. You'll be best with the latest product.(also, the connectors are the same for all model years. I have an 04 6-disc unit in my 05)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:47 am

When I pull out my radio, there's a 24 pin connector back there...In addition, here's the pin diagram from the service manual:

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Fri Oct 22, 2004 3:12 am

Right. You'll notice on the pin diagram you posted there are no AUX or audio inputs of any kind, nor are there any databus pins.That's because all of these are on the 12-pin. Hence that's all that's really needed. I suspect they used to use the 24-pin with the 12 to get better power & grounding, but have since figured out how to work it with just the battery power output on the 12pin.Thanks for posting the pic, though. I'm getting so impatient waiting for the 2005 service manual to come out!Also, I've been sending some emails back and forth with Brett and Joe at PAC-Audio, since there is conflicting information on whether or not anything (including the AAI-GM24) will work with the Vibe 6-disc in-dash.My original question wasQuote Â»Do you have any AUX interface products that work with the Pontiac Vibe 6-disc in-dash CD/Radio? Your product page says the AAI-GM24 may, but didn't give vehicle details.Thanks,The final response isQuote Â»I think we were both a little confused, but we have both confirmed that theAAI-GM24 or the Aux-Box (AB-GM12 cable) will both work for an aux input aslong as the vehicle doesn't have factory XM radio. If you do have XM radioyou can still use the unit but you will lose the XM.Thank you,Joe RiggsTech SupportPacific Accessory Corp. So, it's possible to connect up either factory radio to an AUX, as long as you don't have both 6CD and XM, with the PAC Audio AAI-GM24 or AUX-BOX.It seems to me that from a cost standpoint, if one has the 6-CD in dash, the AUX-BOX is a better choice since it's less and you can only use 1 of the AAI-GM24's 2 inputs anyway.

GetawayMatrix · Post by **GetawayMatrix** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:59 am

This is how i did minehttp://www.matrixowners.com/mo...32053

Power for external XM radio

Power for external XM radio

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