I'm posting this message because I feel like my brain is going to explode. So much researching and I feel like I'm close, but want to verify that I'm not missing something. I'm building a carputer and I want to have the ability to preview/control the XM channels via my carputer.

What I'm thinking is the way to do this is take the signal from the TL XM unit in the trunk, build a cable like: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=41001 and bring it into my carputer's serial port and line in. From there, I send music out via line out, and with the PIEx3 (or something else if someone has a better suggestion) connect it to the OEM headunit.

I guess the 2 real questions I have are:
1) Is it possible to do this with the OEM TL XM reciever box, or do I have to purchase the XM direct unit?
2) Do I need a complete AUX unit like the PIEx3 if I'm going to be doing all of my audio via the carputer? Is there a simpler interface to plug straight into the XM of the OEM HU?

 

tokyojoe,
Did you ever figure out how to do this?
I'm also putting a computer in my car and would like to be able to control the XM through it.
I would prefer not to buy any extra hardware to do this. I'd just like to tap into the existing XM signal.

 

Unfortunately I'm STILL working on building my carputer. Just not enough hours in the day, plus I'm kind of holding out to figure out an easy way to extend the wires on the OEM HVAC display LCDs. I ended up buying the XMdirect as it's not that expensive and doesn't damage any of the OEM stuff, so if I ever needed to revert wouldn't be no 'thang.