Satellite radio has been available nation-wide for the better part of four years. The first systems available for mobile use were made up of a large tuner/receiver (typically the size of a stereo amplifier), a control module, and an external antenna that looked like a VW Beetle attached to your roof with dual-sided tape or screws (perish the thought of making new holes in a shaved mini-truck). Each of these components were large and bulky items that had to be hidden somewhere to maintain a clean-looking install. If you already had stereo gear installed, hiding yet more equipment was a task in itself. Installing those systems in a mini-truck was even more of a challenge due to the small space you have to start with.
Recently, we became aware of a system made by TERK Technologies called the XM Commander that uses the smallest components we've seen yet, and is a perfect match for mini-truck installations. The tiny external antenna included with the XM Commander doesn't bolt onto the roof as with antennas of the past; it's equipped with a strong magnet that keeps it where you left it, and is removable for when you wash your truck. Additionally, the XM Commander's small tuner/receiver is about the size of a small paperback book and easy to hide just about anywhere. Finally, the XM Commander comes with a user-friendly, dual-line user interface complete with a mounting plate that can be used in myriad ways. In all, the XM Commander is a satellite radio system that works effortlessly with any FM stereo on the market. Follow along to see the installation of the XM Commander with a stock head unit in a newer Toyota pickup. For more information, contact TERK.
1.First, we decided to install...
1.First, we decided to install the XM Commander's external antenna. The system boasts of having the smallest satellite antenna on the market. We simply removed the truck's third brake light cover to gain access to the inside of the cab from outside.
2.Using a razor, we cut a...
2.Using a razor, we cut a tiny notch in the sealing foam at the top of the third brake light opening to allow the XM Commander's antenna wire to pass through without making the brake light cover bulge when reinstalled.
3.Since the antenna is magnet-mounted,...
3.Since the antenna is magnet-mounted, we found exactly where we wanted it to sit and routed the wire for the antenna through the opening in the cab before reinstalling the brake light cover.
4.Next, we moved to the inside...
4.Next, we moved to the inside of the cab to gain access to the back of the radio. To do this, we needed to pull off the stereo-A/C surround.
5&6.First, pull off all the...
5&6.First, pull off all the heating and A/C knobs to gain access to the screws that hold the surround to the dash, and remove the screws.
7.There's also a screw at...
7.There's also a screw at each vent opening that must be removed.
8.With the screws removed,...
8.With the screws removed, the surround comes away from the dash with a tug, as it's still held in place by clips.
9&10.The stock stereo is held...
9&10.The stock stereo is held in place with four bolts that also serve as the stereo's ground. Remove and set them aside.
10.
11.We used a 12-volt test...
11.We used a 12-volt test light to find switched 12-volts since we'd already decided to use the power to one of the truck's accessory ports to power up the XM Commander unit.
12.We tapped into the power...
12.We tapped into the power of the accessory port and soldered the switched power lead for the XM Commander into place.