I currently have the Alpine CDA-7893 and am thinking about adding XM to it. What all do I need to buy to make this work, the unit has an XM logo on the faceplate already? Will i be able to control the channels with my regular preset buttons on the head unit or do i need one of those piggy back things?? Also, how does it connect to the head unit? is it through AiNet? or the antenna port? this is going to play a big role in my decision because i definitely want to be able to use the iPod AiNet adapter (Which by the way, is due out the end of hte summer according to alpine this morning.)

 

Ok.....If you have an Alpine headunit, you can seamlessly add XM. You need
one of these.





This particular one, is actually made by Alpine, but no longer exists. So you need to find a Ai-Net compatible XM tuner and an antenna. THats it. Ill try to find you the piece you need.

 

Thanks! Will i be able to use the ipod thing as well as the xm?

 

Its not certain yet on how the Ipod will interface with the headunits
....if through ainet, then yes....if Alpine creates a new special IPOD input, then no. There really is no answer to the question at this time.

 

i was able to use nav with my pioneer x/m and x/m head unit - all i had to do was switch on the aux function of my head unit - sure alpine is the same way - just check if you have that option

BUT you wont need use your ipod when you have x/m

 

Alpine is different.....

Alpines have AUX in electronically, but you have to purchase an AUX adapter for it to work.

For the seamless install and control of everything, you have to use Ai-Net.

 

I could have sworn they said it would be AiNet, if that is the case would plugging the ipod interface into the input port of the xm tuner work?

 

Plugging an adapter (AI-net to RCA) into the xm tuner will work - That's how my system is set up...

 

That's an ok solution for now, but eventually i want full integration with the head unit like alpine is promising in the near future

 

This should NOT be the way to do it....

It should be Ai-Net -----> Ai-Net....no RCAs should be involved with ANY Alpine components.