Sirius SC-FM1 Starbase Satellite Radio FM Modulated Tuner System
By: Directed Electronics Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 4
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 On: 2008-06-07
I had a professional shop hardwire the SC-FM1 into the inobtrusive drop-down eyeglass case in the roof of my 2004 Lexus ES330. This model Lexus was not designed to be able to swap out the factory stereo for a Sirius unit, so requires custom hardwiring of several components to ensure quality sound. This install resulted in impeccable sound. The SC-FM1 was chosen because its small size allows for mounting in the eyeglass case instead of having a larger unit sticking out of the dash or taking space in the console.
On: 2008-04-28
I am very pleased with Amazon service ( I bought new Starbase satellite radio) and will use Amazon again.Alex Levit
On: 2006-10-10
The 05 VW New Beetle, came with an excellent Bose-designed "Monsoon" sound system, equipped with an Auxilliary Input jack. So, to have SIRIUS Satellite Radio in this vehicle on that system, I did some research, where I learned that VWs factory optional satellite receiver systems utilizes a remotely mounted tuner unit, almost dimensionally identical to this systems tuner.
The Display/Control Panel looks and works beautifully fastened up along the center of the front edge of the cars sunroof opening, just aft of the sunroof control dial. There the displays blue backlight can even be set to its lowest brightness setting, and still be easily read, day or night.
The tuners main unit (metal box) fit nicely where the OEM optional satellite tuner wouldve been mounted, under the carpet and fastened to the vertical (firewall) sheet metal ahead of the front passengers foot well.
Wired into the same power circuits the factory radio uses for "Battery" (memory backup power) and the "Ignition/Accessory" voltage supply, its been working flawlessly since it was installed over 6 months ago. I almost never turn off the SIRIUS tuner at its control panel, leaving the deactivation of the tuner to the ignition/accessory switch "control" supply voltage.
Perhaps thats why mine has never given me any problems. I suspect the click-type button switches ("Power On/Off" included) in the control panel, might not have a very high expected cycle count. Membrane switches, like those found on typical remote control keypads, probably wouldve been a better choice for the sake of durability.
Long-term exposure to the sun could also severely shorten the display/control panels life expectancy. So, I nearly always close the sunroof shade when the cars parked out in the sun.
Most notably, if your cars sound system has a stereo line-level input, its well worth the trouble obtaining the the audio patch cable with the application-appropriate end connectors (purchased separately) through which to hook up this tuner! Even though this tuners FM interface is far better than those relying on an airwave connection, I recommend only using the FM modulator interface, when no direct audio hookup can be made.
For me, the hardest and most time consuming part of the installation was partially removing the headliner so the supplied SIRIUS antenna lead could be routed between it and the roof, over to and down the "A" pillar to the tuner box. The antenna was secured to the roof, using the grey double-sided foam door guard-moulding tape available at most auto parts stores, just ahead of the factory roof AM/FM stubby antennas base. Its possible to purchase an OEM optional AM/FM/SIRIUS satellite radio combo-antenna usually included along with a factory satellite radio. But, I wasnt fond of paying the $250~$300 for it, not to mention having to fuss with adapting the dissimilar coaxial connectors, in this case.
So, with a little "creative engineering", I was able to more-than-adequately retrofit the SIRIUS-supplied antenna, resulting in an installation that imitates the factory design. Its one of those jobs thats really rewarding in more ways than one, as long as the one doing the installation is careful and takes the time needed to do it right the first time.
 On: 2006-02-08
I purchased an SC-FM1 radion in September 2005, it worked for about two months, than I could not get a siganl. I logged a defect ticket with Sirius radio assuring me that I would receive a replacement radio within 30 days. Well, its been over two months and counting. Sirius customer care says it may be several more months before I get a replacement radio. The product is bad, and the Sirius customer service is worse.
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