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FEA25
FM Extender Antenna
Installation Guide
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[ Copyrights & Trademarks ]
2
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COPYRIGHTS & TRADEMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
WARNING AND SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PACKAGE CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
APPENDIX A: TIPS FOR IDENTIFYING THE FM ANTENNA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Copyrights & Trademarks
© 2007 Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved.
® “SIRIUS”, the SIRIUS dog logo, channel names and logos are registered trademarks of
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. OnStar is a registered trademark of OnStar
Corporation.
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[ Warning and Safety Information ]
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Warning and Safety Information
Safety Precautions
Be sure to observe the following warnings. Failure to follow these safety instructions and
warnings may result in a serious accident and/or personal injury.
Installation must be performed according to this installation guide. SIRIUS® is not responsible for issues arising from installations not performed according to the procedures in this
guide.
Do not install the FM Extender Antenna where it will hinder or block your view. In some
states it may be illegal to mount it on the windshield of your vehicle. Check applicable law
for any restrictions or limitations before installing the extender cable on your windshield.
Do not install the FM Extender Antenna where it may hinder the function of safety devices
such as an airbag. Doing so may prevent the airbag from functioning properly in the event
of an accident.
The installation and use suggestions contained in this manual are subject to any restrictions or limitations that may be imposed by applicable law. The purchaser should check
applicable law for any restrictions or limitations before installing the extender cable.
Warning
Notice To Drivers In California and Minnesota
State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their
windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other dashboard or friction mounting options
should be used. SIRIUS does not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages
that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)
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[ Package Contents ]
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Package Contents
The following items are included with the SIRIUS FM Extender Antenna (FEA) package that
came with your SIRIUS radio or SIRIUS vehicle kit. Unpack carefully and make sure that
everything shown is present. If anything is missing or damaged, or if the antenna fails to
operate properly, notify your dealer immediately. It is recommended that you retain the original
carton and packing materials in case you need to ship your FEA in the future.
Alcohol
Prep Pad
Suction Cups (2)Suction Cups (2)FM Extender AntennaFM Extender Antenna
Self Adhesive
Cable Guides (3)
Self Adhesive
Cable Guides (3)
Alcohol SwabAlcohol Swab
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[ Overview ]
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Overview
The FM Extender Antenna brings the FM signal transmitted from your SIRIUS radio into close
proximity with your vehicle’s FM antenna to provide a strong FM signal for good reception.
(Figure 1) If you are using a FM wireless connection to transmit the audio from your SIRIUS
radio to your vehicle’s FM radio, using the FEA will provide an stronger FM signal with better
audio quality from your SIRIUS radio. If you will be using any other connection method, such
as a Direct Connection or Cassette Adapter, please refer to the manual which accompanied
your SIRIUS plug and play radio or vehicle dock.
Vehicle Radio
SIRIUS Radio
FM Extender AntennaVehicle FM Antenna
Match Channels
90.1
Important Note
The FM Extender Antenna is placed inside your vehicle in close proximity to the vehicle’s FM
antenna. In order for it to provide a strong FM signal for good reception, it MUST be mounted
in the correct location and orientation, as described in this manual. The correct mounting location and orientation is determined by the type and location of the vehicle’s FM antenna.
Figure 1Figure 1
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[ Installation ]
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B.
A.
Installation
The FEA should be installed inside the vehicle, as close as possible to the vehicle’s FM antenna. A test mounting should be done first using the included suction cup mounts to test the
installation. Once an acceptable location has been found, you will remove the suction cups
and permanently adhere the FEA using the adhesive mounts.
Step 1: Determine the type and location of your vehicle’s
FM antenna
Being able to determine the type and location of your vehicle’s FM antenna is the key to properly installing the FEA in your vehicle. The type and location of the FM antenna in your vehicle
should be one of the following:
A. Whip/aerial mounted on the front fender or hood: A fixed or retractable aerial antenna
located on the front fender or hood of the vehicle.
B. Whip/aerial mounted in the A-pillar of car frame: A fixed or retractable aerial antenna
located in the A-pillar of the vehicle’s frame.
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[ Installation ]
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C. In-glass, in the rear windshield: Several strands of wires in the rear windshield glass, usu-
ally near the top of the window. There is a difference between the rear window defroster wires
found in many vehicles and the FM antenna. The rear window defroster wires have uniform spacing and all wires run from edge to edge in the glass while the FM antenna wires have uneven
spacing, breaks in the wires, and some of the wires do not run from edge to edge in the glass.
D. Whip/aerial mounted on rear part of roof: A whip or aerial antenna mounted on the rear part of
the roof (often just above the back windshield glass). The whip or aerial should be 7 inches or longer.
E. Whip/aerial mounted on the rear fender or trunk: A fixed or retractable whip or aerial
antenna located on the rear fender or trunk of the vehicle.
F. Whip/aerial mounted on front part of roof: A whip or aerial antenna mounted on the front part of
the roof (often just above the front windshield glass). The whip or aerial should be 7 inches or longer.
G. In-glass, in the front windshield: One or more strands of wire in the front windshield, usu-
ally near the top of the windshield.
H. In-glass, in a rear side window: Several strands of wires in a rear side window, especially
in some SUV, mini-vans and station wagons.
E.
D.
F.
C.
H.
G.
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[ Installation ]
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Step 2: Prepare the FEA for temporary installation
Attach the suction cups to the antenna portion of the FEA in the positions shown in Figure
2. The antenna portion of the FEA is the relatively thinner section of the cable in between the
bead and the arrow, and transmits the FM signal to your vehicle’s FM antenna.
ATTACH SUCTION CUPS AS SHOWN
ON BOTH ENDS OF THE THIN WIRE
THIS THINNER PORTION OF THE FEA IS
WHAT TRANSMITS THE FM SIGNAL TO
YOUR VEHICLE’S FM ANTENNA
DURING THE FINAL INSTALLATION USE THE CABLE
GUIDES TO HOLD THE CABLE IN POSITION UNTIL
IT REACHES THE INNER TRIM OR MOULDING
CONNECTS TO THE FM OUT
CONNECTOR OF YOUR
SIRIUS RADIO OR DOCK
ANTENNA CABLE
BEADARROW
Step 3: Temporarily install the FEA using the suction cups
for your vehicle’s antenna type
On the next several pages you will find the FEA mounting location for your type of FM antenna
(A, B, C, etc.). Before attaching the FEA, clean the area where the suction cups will be mounted with the supplied alcohol swab. The antenna wire between the two suction cups should be
pulled taut and as straight as possible, and should not obstruct the driver’s view.
Figure 2Figure 2
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[ Installation ]
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For vehicles with A and B type FM antennas:
Whip/aerial mounted on the front fender or hood
Whip/aerial mounted in the A-pillar of car frame
Alternate Mounting
Location on Adjacent
A-Pillar
Mount the FEA vertically on the front windshield at the edge of the glass, on the same side as
the antenna (i.e. nearest to the antenna). (Figure 3) Clean the suction cup mounting areas with
the alcohol swab. The antenna wire between the two suction cups should be pulled taut, and as
straight as possible, and should not obstruct the driver’s view.
Caution: In some states it may not be legal to put the FEA on the windshield glass. In this
case, the FEA should be mounted on the A-Pillar adjacent to the vehicle’s FM antenna.
•
•
Figure 3Figure 3
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[ Installation ]
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For vehicles with C and D type FM antennas:
In-glass, in the rear windshield
Whip/aerial mounted on rear part of roof
FM ANTENNA
DEFROSTER WIRES
Mount the FEA horizontally along the top edge of the rear windshield. (Figure 4) For vehicles with
the roof top antenna, center the FEA below the antenna whip. For vehicles with the in-glass antenna,
the FEA should be directly over one of the FM antenna’s wires. Note: Do not install the FEA over
the defroster wires (see Figure 4). Be sure to locate it over one of the FM antenna wires. Clean
the suction cup mounting areas with the alcohol swab. The antenna wire between the two suction
cups should be pulled taut, and as straight as possible, and should not obstruct the driver’s view.
•
•
Figure 4Figure 4
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[ Installation ]
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For vehicles with an E type FM antenna:
Whip/aerial mounted on the rear fender or trunk
Mount the FEA vertically on the rear windshield at the edge of the glass, on the same side as
the antenna (i.e. nearest to the antenna). (Figure 5) Clean the suction cup mounting areas with
the alcohol swab. The antenna wire between the two suction cups should be pulled taut, and as
straight as possible, and should not obstruct the driver’s view.
•
Figure 5Figure 5
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[ Installation ]
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For vehicles with F or G type FM antennas:
Whip/aerial mounted on the front part of roof
In-glass, in the front windshield
Alternate Mounting
Location Tucked
Behind Headliner
Mount the FEA horizontally along the top edge of the front windshield or install it into the
headliner of the vehicle just above the front windshield. (Figure 6) For vehicles with the roof top
antenna, center the FEA below the antenna whip. For vehicles with the in-glass antenna, the
FEA should be directly over the antenna wire itself. Clean the suction cup mounting areas with
the alcohol swab. The antenna wire between the two suction cups should be pulled taut, and as
straight as possible, and should not obstruct the driver’s view.
Caution: In some states it may not be legal to put the FEA on the windshield so the FEA
should be installed into the headliner. Remove the suction cups and tuck the wire into the
headliner, stretched taut and straight.
•
•
Figure 6Figure 6
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[ Installation ]
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For vehicles with an H type FM antenna:
In-glass, in a rear side window
If the in-glass antenna wires are vertical, mount the FEA vertically on the glass, directly over the
FM radio antenna. If the in-glass antenna wires are horizontal, mount the FEA horizontally on the
glass, directly over the FM radio antenna. (Figure 7) Clean the suction cup mounting areas with
the alcohol swab. The antenna wire between the two suction cups should be pulled taut, and as
straight as possible, and should not obstruct the driver’s view.
•
Figure 7Figure 7
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[ Installation ]
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Step 4: Connect the other end of the FEA into the FM
OUT connector of your SIRIUS radio or vehicle dock
For SIRIUS plug and play radios which use a vehicle dock, plug the FM Extender Antenna into
the FM OUT connector of the vehicle dock. Figure 8 A shows an example of the FM OUT connector on a vehicle dock, however, your vehicle dock may look different depending upon your
particular model of radio and dock.
For SIRIUS plug and play radios which do not use a vehicle dock, plug the FM Extender Antenna into the FM OUT connector of the radio. Figure 8 B shows an example of the FM OUT
plug on a radio, however, your radio may look different depending upon your particular model
of radio.
FM OUT
From FM Extender Antenna
FM OUT
From FM Extender Antenna
Step 5: Find an FM channel which is not broadcasting in
your area
Turn off your SIRIUS radio. Turn on your vehicle’s FM radio and tune through the FM channels
on your vehicle’s radio to locate an FM channel that is not broadcasting in your area. (Figure
9) You should only hear static or silence on this channel. Use the tune function of your radio
rather than the scan function to search for a channel. If you’re not sure which FM channels are
not broadcasting in your home or travel cities, you can also go to http://sirius.com/fmchannel
and search for a suggested FM channel based on your zip code.
Figure 8Figure 8
A. B.
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[ Installation ]
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OR
SILENC
E
ST
A
TIC
If you use an FM channel that is being used by a local broadcaster, it will interfere with the performance of your SIRIUS radio. Once you have located an FM channel that is not broadcasting
in your area, save it as a preset on your vehicle radio. This will become your SIRIUS preset.
Step 6: Tune your SIRIUS radio to the same FM channel
Turn on your SIRIUS radio. For plug and play radios, press and hold the Menu button until
the FM Frequency screen is displayed. For Stiletto radios, select Settings then Dock then
FM Transmit. For S50 radios, select Settings then Device Settings then FM Frequencies.
Set the channel number on your SIRIUS radio to match the SIRIUS preset on your vehicle’s
radio. (Figure 10) You should now hear the audio from your SIRIUS radio over your vehicle’s
FM radio. (Refer to the user guide which accompanied your SIRIUS radio for more detailed
instructions on how to set the FM frequency for your radio.)
90.1
MATCH CHANNELS
Note: The FM transmitter in your SIRIUS radio is automatically set to FM channel 88.1. This
may not be the best channel in your area. If you’re not sure which FM channels are not
Figure 9Figure 9
Figure 10Figure 10
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[ Installation ]
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broadcasting in your home or travel cities, you can also go to http://sirius.com/fmchannel and
search for a suggested FM channel based on your zip code.
Step 7: Optimize the placement of the FEA
1. Mute the volume of your SIRIUS radio. The easiest way to do this is to use the MUTE
button on the remote control. For most SIRIUS radios you can also press the Menu button and select Settings and then Audio Level and turn the volume down to zero. (Refer
to the user guide which accompanied your SIRIUS radio for more detailed instructions.)
Note, your SIRIUS radio is still on.
2. Turn up the volume of your vehicle’s FM radio. If you hear static or interference adjust
the position of the FEA until the static or interference is eliminated or minimized. (Figure
11)
3. If the level of static or interference is still high, please select another FM channel by
repeating Step 6.
Step 8: Permanently install the FEA
If you are mounting the FEA in the headliner of the vehicle, skip this step. When you are satisfied with the mounting location, remove the suction cup mounts and peel the backing off the
bead and arrow adhesive mounts. Clean the area where the FEA will be attached with the alcohol
swab. Permanently adhere the FEA in the same position on the glass (or A-pillar), making certain
the wire is taut and is as straight as possible. Use the cable guides if necessary to hold the
cable (Figure 12)
Figure 11Figure 11
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[ Installation ]
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REMOVE BOTH SUCTION CUPS
REMOVE
ADHESIVE BACKING
FROM BEAD
THIS THINNER PORTION OF THE FEA SHOULD BE
TAUT WHEN THE FEA IS PERMANENTLY ADHERED
USE THE CABLE GUIDES TO HOLD THE CABLE IN POSITION
UNTIL IT REACHES THE INNER TRIM OR MOULDING
REMOVE
ADHESIVE BACKING
FROM ARROW
Step 9: Route and hide the cable through the vehicle to
your SIRIUS radio
Hide most of the cable by properly routing the antenna cable to your SIRIUS radio. (Figure
13) Use the cable guides to hold the cable in place until it reaches the inner trim or moulding
at the edge of the window. Take advantage of any existing cable channel or wiring conduit
and route the cable around the passenger compartment to the vehicle dock. Take care not
pull the cable across sharp edges that could damage it, and keep it away from areas where it
might entangle feet. Coil and secure any excess antenna cable in a location where it can be
hidden and secured (such as under the carpet or floor mat). Make sure the FEA is plugged
into the FM OUT connector of the radio or vehicle dock.
This completes the FEA installation.
Figure 12Figure 12
Figure 13Figure 13
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[ Appendix A: Tips for Identifying the FM Antenna ]
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Appendix A: Tips for Identifying the FM Antenna
Correct identification of your vehicle’s FM antenna is a key to a successful installation. The
preceding installation section already showed you the differing kinds of FM antennas found
on vehicles, however, there are several types of antennas found on vehicles which you may
at first believe to be the FM antenna but in reality they are not. Instead they may actually be
GPS, OnStar®, cell phone, factory installed satellite radio antennas, or other type of antennas.
Please be aware of the following when identifying your vehicle’s FM antenna:
1. Puck type antennas and shark-fin type antennas are never the FM antenna. Figure 14
shows several types of these antennas which should not be mistaken for an FM antenna.
If you have located one of these types of antennas on your vehicle you can be certain
that it’s not the FM antenna. Continue your search to find the actual FM antenna.
Figure 14Figure 14
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[ Appendix A: Tips for Identifying the FM Antenna ]
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2. Greater confusion may arise with whip type antennas. Figure 15 shows some whip type
antennas which can be found on a vehicle’s front or rear roof, or on the rear windshield.
Some of these antennas could be the FM antenna and some are not the FM antenna.
Antennas with a short 2-4 inch stubby whip or protrusion are not FM antennas, while
antennas with a whip length of 7 inches or longer are likely to be the FM antenna. If your vehicle has a short stubby antenna, you should continue searching your vehicle’s FM antenna.
If after searching your vehicle you’re still uncertain as to where your FM antenna is located in
your vehicle then SIRIUS recommends professional installation of the FM Extender Antenna.
Ask your SIRIUS retailer if they provide professional installation services, or can recommend a
professional installer.
If the FM antenna is not correctly identified, the installation of the FEA will result in poor performance and unsatisfactory results.
Figure 15Figure 15
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SIRIUS Customer Service: 1-888-539-7474
customercare@sirius-radio.com
SIRIUS FM Extender Antenna v2 (07 1707a)
SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc.
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(800) 869-5590
http://sirius.com
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