I have retro fitted a few a few XM radio systems for clients and installed one in my showroom. But in the next few months, I have several new construction jobs where I will have to "pre wire" for an eventual XM system.

I know that Delphi makes a 50' antenna extension cable. The connectors look pretty proprietary. And I believe I heard someone once say that the cable/antenna is RG58 (or at least 50 ohm) NOT 75 ohm. That, coupled with that weird connector, make simply running a RG6 QS a seemingly bad idea?!?

Also, where are you guys placing the antenna? On the retro fits I have simply placed them in a south facing window sill (with great results) but that doesn't seem so elegant on a new construction job. And that little antenna isn't weather proof is it? It doesn't look like it would hold up well to the elements if installed on the south side of the house.

It sure would be nice if there were some better antenna and extension cable solutions for our industry. And some connector adaptors like "F" to whatever that kinky little connector is.

Could every body who has installed XM chime in here with their experiences. I can't be the only one with these thoughts.

Thanks!

[Link: andrew.com]

I prewire with RG6 and use the Andrew 890 Preamps, and tap points. They have a few devices that seem to be simular to the multiswitches used for DSS.

The masts and antennas that they have are for outdoors, and they are very weather proof.

We use regular F connectors, and then they provide a small ping tail for the tuner input.

I have run over 300 ft. with the Andrew setup and 6 tuners.

Good luck!

What about if I only want to drive one XM radio. Mutiple XM tuners would seem to be rare in one house (I mean who would want to pay for mutiple accounts in one house?)

Ususally we pipe one XM radio throughout the house (like through a Whole House music system).

Anyone else know of any antenna hardware options? Specifically how you pre wire for a new construction job?

We have just done it with conduit to the location a few times and then used there antenna and an extension cable


I have had my antenna attached to my dish for over 2 yrs now, and no hick-up yet