[braz]

OK i have use the search button for days still cant really find what im looking for.
I have a sirius star mate that I will be mounting in the sunglass holder that I just got in the mail. My question is does anyone know where I can find a 20ft extension cable to go from my sharkfin to the starmate?

tks in advance!

[AlB]

I think the basic connector from the BMW is the same but you have to remove it from the "BMW" adaptor (Pink thingy). I'm doing the same type install so I'll let you know what I find soon

here is a 20ft cable extension, not from BMW
http://shopping.aol.com/dei-sirius-a...e-kit/23165543

[AlB]

Here is a better solution for the cable in that you can customize the length. I'm doing a Sirius INV install soon and will share experience. I have already located the ssirius hookup in my 3/06 production and it looks simple enough

http://www.techtoolsupply.com/index....OD&ProdID=1556

[braz]

AIB,

Did you get a chance to do your setup? I just got back into town and want to finish this project this week. The only piece I have yet to buy is the extension piece.

Which solution did you go with? The second post that you posted was a little confusing as to which piece I would buy.

Just curious thanks

[AlB]

Not yet Cable gets here thursday here is what i bought
Custom 50 Ohm Adapters: SMB, SMA, N, BNC, TNC, & MMCX
72" / 6''
Right Angle SMB Plug
SMB Jack
Part#: 174-90FSMB-MSMB
(Qty: 1 x $34.99)

The right angle SHOULD connect to the INV head unit the other end SHOULD fit into the Sat prep Pink plug. Hopefully I got the connections right, it is a bit confusing different than the plugs I was looking at.

I got the sunglass tray friday and the INV head unit fits perfectly, wedges right in. I am cutting a piece of semi rigid foam to hold it in place left to right and that should hide the plugs on the LHS too

[braz]

Originally Posted by AlB

Not yet Cable gets here thursday here is what i bought
Custom 50 Ohm Adapters: SMB, SMA, N, BNC, TNC, & MMCX
72" / 6''
Right Angle SMB Plug
SMB Jack
Part#: 174-90FSMB-MSMB
(Qty: 1 x $34.99)

The right angle SHOULD connect to the INV head unit the other end SHOULD fit into the Sat prep Pink plug. Hopefully I got the connections right, it is a bit confusing different than the plugs I was looking at.

I got the sunglass tray friday and the INV head unit fits perfectly, wedges right in. I am cutting a piece of semi rigid foam to hold it in place left to right and that should hide the plugs on the LHS too

I want to do this asap I'm thinking of just getting the extension cable and calling it a day. I cant wait to have my starmate in the sunglass holder. Good idea with the foam if you can take a pic for me when your done or better yet send me some

I have all my parts waiting for me I'm also doing the rear power outlets at the same time.

[AlB]

Oh and just found out the InV head unit can be home docked with remote and stand. (you can use the microdot antenna from the kit so no need to buy this

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by AlB

Not yet Cable gets here thursday here is what i bought
Custom 50 Ohm Adapters: SMB, SMA, N, BNC, TNC, & MMCX
72" / 6''
Right Angle SMB Plug
SMB Jack
Part#: 174-90FSMB-MSMB
(Qty: 1 x $34.99)

The right angle SHOULD connect to the INV head unit the other end SHOULD fit into the Sat prep Pink plug. Hopefully I got the connections right, it is a bit confusing different than the plugs I was looking at.

I got the sunglass tray friday and the INV head unit fits perfectly, wedges right in. I am cutting a piece of semi rigid foam to hold it in place left to right and that should hide the plugs on the LHS too

Does your pink plug not have threads? I could have sworn mine was an SMA.

[braz]

Mine doesnt seem to have threads although its NOT 100% smooth kind of hard to see it fully when its in that pink case.

I have no idea about all these different types of fittings.

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by braz

Mine doesnt seem to have threads although its NOT 100% smooth kind of hard to see it fully when its in that pink case.

I have no idea about all these different types of fittings.

The great thing about standards is there's so many to choose from

It makes sense that the fitting wouldn't be threaded given the fakra jacket around it, but I thought mine was. I tried to fish it out to check again but it's nice and buried and I'm not up for pulling the carpet again; it's entirely possible that it just clicked as an SMA because I'm used to seeing those.

You can find better pictures of most of the connectors on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RF_connector

I have super-ultra-universal RF connector adapter kit and it doesn't have any SMB or MMCX connectors in it; as far as I know they're mostly used for WiFi stuff.

By the way, that custom cable link is awfully handy

[AlB]

According to everything I have read the Connectors for sirius are SMB

http://www.siriusbackstage.com/forum...p/t-67600.html

SMA is threaded. the termination of the BMW connector (to the antenna) is the same as the plug on the microdot antenna that plugs into the sirius head unit.

I'll do a test plug thursday with the cable and give a report. Hopefully I am correct both in plug and type

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by AlB

According to everything I have read the Connectors for sirius are SMB

http://www.siriusbackstage.com/forum...p/t-67600.html

Cool, cool. The more I think about it the more I can't picture how a threaded connector would even work in side the pink jacket; I'm sure I just wasn't paying close enough attention when I was picking through my wiring harnesses.

[braz]

Originally Posted by AlB

According to everything I have read the Connectors for sirius are SMB

http://www.siriusbackstage.com/forum...p/t-67600.html

SMA is threaded. the termination of the BMW connector (to the antenna) is the same as the plug on the microdot antenna that plugs into the sirius head unit.

I'll do a test plug thursday with the cable and give a report. Hopefully I am correct both in plug and type

OK im holding off until you test your cable on thrusday, i would prefer to use your custom cable as opposed to buying the 50ft cable at best buy.

[AlB]

There is a 20ft version available (with amp but no right angle plug for head unit which I need for stelath install) from websites but thats still overkill. No reports I have seen for signal loss, the main issue for me is neat and tidy install (don't like 17ft of cable stored in my trunk!)

http://directedsirius.com/products/P...ProductID=3160

[braz]

I just pulled the trigger, the suspense was killing me. I just bought the 20ft sirius extension antenna off of ebay. The extra 15 ft of cable in the trunk doesn't bother me since it will be under the lid in the trunk wont see it when the trunk is open.

After doing further research on the net I think the custom cable you bought should work without any problems. Anyhow I will post pic of my install when I start it.

[braz]

Hey guys I just wanted to give you an update. I have installed my sunglass holder as per the DIY and I have installed my Sirius unit.

As of right now I am NOT using the sharkfin antenna. I am using the stock antenna that came with my sirius. I have the dot antenna on the rear back panel and get great reception thru the glass.

The extension cable that I ordered to use with the Sharkfin does NOT have a right angle that would plug into the tuner. And I think this might throw off the way the tuner sits in the holder. I'm waiting to hear how AlB cables works out.

The install was really easy including the rear power outlets I dont think this even took me an hr.

[AlB]

NICE Hopefully the cable comes today... BTW why did you choose the starmate over the InV? InV matches orange instrument color better..

[braz]

Originally Posted by AlB

NICE Hopefully the cable comes today... BTW why did you choose the starmate over the InV? InV matches orange instrument color better..

I didnt even know what the InV was I have had this unit for like 2 yrs. FYI my extension cable came and it SUCKS no right angle just doesnt fit right. Although I did get a signal when testing it.

[AlB]

OK Extension Cable is in and it fits PERFECTLY on both ends. Solid connection to sirius head unit with minimal impact to profile and solid connection to Fakra (pink thingy) set up on the BMW end. Signal was 3 bars and solid (i think the InV has a max of 3 bars) in the parking lot of my company.

The only downside is that the 6' length may be a bit on the shy side. Hopefully I can unwrap some of the antenna cable from the BMW side and add that and take a "most direct" route under the seat

QUESTION: what is the best way to get the back panel off the console I am hoping if I do this plus pull the console trim (wood) I can snake the cable under the carpet btw the rear seat and the console. ideas experience would be helpful here.

[braz]

Originally Posted by AlB

OK Extension Cable is in and it fits PERFECTLY on both ends. Solid connection to sirius head unit with minimal impact to profile and solid connection to Fakra (pink thingy) set up on the BMW end. Signal was 3 bars and solid (i think the InV has a max of 3 bars) in the parking lot of my company.

The only downside is that the 6' length may be a bit on the shy side. Hopefully I can unwrap some of the antenna cable from the BMW side and add that and take a "most direct" route under the seat

QUESTION: what is the best way to get the back panel off the console I am hoping if I do this plus pull the console trim (wood) I can snake the cable under the carpet btw the rear seat and the console. ideas experience would be helpful here.

Ok now I need to buy the cable! HAHA. Im not sure which panel you are talking about. Do you mean where the ac vents are for the rear passengers? If so pull the top left and right corners at the same time rather hard it will snap right out.

Did you do the sunglass holder yet? If so please take a pic of your sirius tuner I would like to see how that new cable fits in there.

[AlB]

rear cosole panel where the Power outlet install would be (and the vents) read the DIY but no-one really showed how to unclip it

[AlB]

I will do pics tonight of at least the cable and the sirius unit in the sunglass holder. Hopefully the kids go down early and wifey does not need me....