I haven't quite finished up yet.

But:

1) SNHOND3 is installed

2) Ground Loop Isolator installed (very much needed).

3) RCA plugs run from GLI under center console to just below the armrest/console power plug. Wall plate style bridges used there.

4) All parts cable tied and then insulated with closed cell foam weather stripping ($3 for 16 feet at Home Depot.)

Bottom line, sounds great. My MP3 volume had to be craked to just about max to equal the CD player volume.

 

Nav or no nav?

 

Non-Navi.

 

How long did it take you?

 

Let's put it this way. I'm still not done.

Actually I went slow. If you want to do it the quick and easy way, you can just plug it in and drape the wire outside. Overall I'd say you could do it in 30 minutes.

However, I wanted to see for sure if I needed a GLI. Then I went to buy it. Then I bought the rest of the cables, foam, etc. So I had 30 minutes of install, and 1.5 hours of shopping/driving.

Then I wanted to be real careful with the placement of the connectors. I cut a bit of extra plastic out of the bottom of the center console (underside only, not visible from the top) and drilled two holes in the power-connector panel. Since I really only get one shot at it, I did the "measure thrice, cut once".

It got dark, so I can't see to put everything back or else I'd be done.

I did take the time to inspect the seatheat switches though. I can't figure out how to get access to the bulb yet (for future blue LED conversion).

 

Thanks for the info on the Ground Loop Isolator. It works perfect.

 

Yeah, I was hoping that I didn't need it, but otherwise I got all sort of popping and clicking when the engine was on. The GLI cleaned it all up. I can still just BARELY hear some during complete silence with the volume at 35 to 40, but then...

 

hey man i did an xm roady install today using rca plugs and the SNHOND3. power provided by the cig lighter = mad static. i think i need a ground loop isolater. can you help me with the install im not that good with electronics. im assuming i can get this from radio shack. thanks in advance man!

 

Easy. The GLI can be picked up at Magnolia HiFi, CarToys, RadioShack, etc. for about $15.

They just have 2 pairs of RCA jacks. Plug your SNHOND3 in one, and your XM Roady in the other. Done.

 

Yeah, I think we should include in the SHOND3/aux-in sticky to forget about the RCA patch cord and just buy a GLI. I haven't seen one install when it wasn't needed.

 

I just the SHOND3 on my Navi as part of my Navi-dvd conversion. From what I was reading, I expected the noise like everyone had mentioned and went ahead and bought an isolator. Now here is the funny part, I hooked it up with the DVD, the SHOND3, and the isolator and still had noise. I spent forever trying to get rid of the noise, traced power and ground, moved the cables around, thought maybe is was comming back aroud via the video interface, etc etc etc. Then I finally found the source of the noise.... it was the groud loop isolator! I took it out and the sound is perfect!